Looking for a new program-- No cost restrictions

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by JBjunior, Nov 5, 2010.

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  1. JBjunior

    JBjunior Active Member

    I am currently enrolled in Liberty University's Master of Arts in Management and Leadership program. I thoroughly enjoy the school and one of the biggest reasons I chose them was for their military support. They offer tuition at $250/credit hour which has allowed me not to touch my GI Bill and only use tuition assistance.

    The issue with the program is that I am completely not interested in accounting, finance, or other courses that aren't related to leadership specifically. I have been dealing with budgets and finances for the last 7 years and don't feel the need to take courses to further it. I enjoyed my first two courses with them because they were leadership courses but don't look forward to the other courses coming up.

    I enjoy education and often contemplate whether I want to stay in the military or move on but am ultimately continuing my education for my own benefit. I want a program that will be both challenging in research but also enjoyable for the areas that I want to learn.

    I have a list of MA/MS in Leadership degrees that range in tuition from $375 to $905+. I enjoy anything psychology based and think I have found an area I enjoy in leadership. My search has turned very unique because I am contemplating using my GI Bill to fund whatever program I choose.

    With the post-911 GI Bill, there is no limit on the cost of the program for Active Duty personnel, so the cost of the program isn't a question. With that criteria, what programs would you feel would be the most beneficial to me?

    I have written down Bellevue, Northeastern, Capella, Southwestern, Marquette, Mountainstate, and Gonzaga so far with Marquette being the most expensive.

    I just started looking tonight for the most part so I know there are many other options out there. The limiting factors are:

    - Active Duty
    - Alaska on a small island (currently, that will change within the next 8 months)
    - I haven't taken any entrance exam but would be willing to for the right program



    I know this will turn the discussion in a different direction, but the reason I was saving my GI Bill was for either a doctorate or for law school. I am 26, married with a 3 year old, and refuse to take on debt for anything including education. Law school isn't totally out of the question but there are many factors in the way currently and there are other ways I can complete law school if I get the burning desire.

    Anyway, are there any programs out there that are outside of the scope I am looking for that are outrageously expensive but that are worth looking at?
     
  2. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

  3. airtorn

    airtorn Moderator

    Duquesne University is a nice small private college in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a good selection of graduate leadership programs. It offers a very nice tuition discount for military members and veterans.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 5, 2010
  4. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    It's not a Masters, but UVA offers a nice graduate cert in leadership available online. $700 per credit hour for out-of-state, 18 credit hours to complete the program. Not that it matters, but the UVA certs are really good looking, written in Latin with a raised gold foil UVA seal.
     
  5. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    UPenn, Harvard, SUNY, UMass, CUNY

    Take your pick!

    Grand Canyon University has a dual MBA/MSL program that you might like. It is expensive and requires a ton of credits to complete.
     
  6. JBjunior

    JBjunior Active Member

    I was not aware of their great military discounts, I will add it to my list.

    StefanM, I had not considered that program and will take a closer look.

    AUTiger00, thanks for the recommendation.

    Maniac, I definitely like getting the biggest bang for my buck although I am not interested in an MBA.
     
  7. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    You are very wise to avoid taking on debt. Kudos to you for that wisdom. I was in a business management doctorate for awhile too, and decided I was not interested in it enough to continue. So I know how you feel. However, there should be only a couple of finance and accounting classes, if you are interested in the rest of the curriculum, you could just tough those out.

    If not, look at some of the psyche programs at Capella that you were talking about. Some of those look fascinating.
     
  8. JBjunior

    JBjunior Active Member

    That is definitely an option but pending my stay in the military, leadership is applied everyday. I would do a psychology program in a heartbeat but I couldn't practice in my home state, which makes all the work not worth my effort. Leadership seems to fill that void and deals with a practical area that is utilized regularly.

    I may very well tough it out at LU, I don't even think that is the issue. Since I am completing this degree for self-fulfillment I have a hard time investing time and energy into something I am not passionate about, I had to do that for a BA. The MAML was definitely appealing for what it is when I didn't have such a strong desire to concentrate specifically on leadership.
     
  9. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    Also, if you have taken leadership courses not included in the four listed, having a course substitution approved is a very easy process.

    I recommend the program because it is a balance between social sciences and your concentration. You wouldn't have to lose credits, and you could save your GI Bill for a later degree.

    Also, you may want to check out the seminary's leadership degree:

    http://www.luonline.com/media/1270/MA%20Christian%20Leadership%20Studies%202010.pdf
     
  10. JBjunior

    JBjunior Active Member

    I hadn't thought about a course substitution. I will check into that before I decide to change to a different school. Thanks for the help.
     
  11. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    CUNY School of Professional Studies has a Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership. Interesting degree, in my opinion, and a great price, too.
     

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