Distance MBA from UCCS vs Traditional MBA from UH?

I've been accepted to the distance-based University of Colorado at Colorado Springs MBA program and am awaiting decision on a traditional MBA program here at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Both are AACSB accredited. On one hand, the UCCS program offers Healthcare Administration and Information Systems concentrations that would complement my six years of experience as a Registered Nurse, but I don't necessarily plan on entering Healthcare Administration. I'm open to other possibilities. On the other hand, the UH Manoa program has a solid local reputation, would offer good local networking opportunities, would not have the potential stigma associated with online degrees, but does not offer concentrations.

Which MBA program sounds like the stronger option? Thanks in advance for the replies and advice.

 

Go with the local program. Manoa is the flagship campus of the UH system, its b-school is recognized as a hotspot for international business students, and you live and work in Hawaii. I'm sure UCCS is a fine school, but it's a commuter school (over 94% of its students are Colorado residents), and it's not even the most well-recognized school in its own city.

If having a concentration to go with your MBA becomes important to you later, there are lots of schools who will let you into their graduate certificate programs (for example, East Carolina, where I am pursuing a graduate certificate in finance).

Best of luck with your decision!

 

I would prform a trade study - list all the pro and con (but then I'm an engineer).
Consider the following (among others):
*One MBA require 36-51 units depending on your preparation and the other 48 units.
*The Colorado MBA looks like it has more finance type classes
*Is a classroom setting better than a DL setting for you?
*How do the tuition compare (is any travel to Colorado involved)?
*Do you have library priviledges where you live (to support the CO option)?
*Are the majority of classes offered interesting to you?
*A classroom setting offers immediate feedback from fellow students (plus you make contacts).
I hope this helps.