All: I'm a Dallas, TX-based Director of IT for a leading consumer electronics retailer. I'm 33, originally from the UK [been in the 'States for 10 years] and have worked in numerous industries - finance, telecom, consulting and, now, retail. Salary-wise I'm doing OK [$125K+] but the current recession has me just a tad nervous what with layoffs either due to poor economic fortunes or - especially with IT these days - the outsourcing of work to lower cost regions of the world. In short, I need a hedge of sorts. Frankly, I ain't too bad at what I do but most of my experience has been gained on-the-job and it's fair to say that my academic history is somewhat underwhelming. In short, 5 'O' levels, 3 'A' Levels and my UK-earned BA(Hons) from Wolverhampton Poly [sorry, "The University of Wolverhampton", ahem] in "American Studies with History" ain't sufficient if I'm going to continue my climb up the olde corporate ladder. So, I'm looking at an MBA. However, due to my family, work and other commitments I'm looking at the part-time/online/ distance learning model. I've scoured these boards and read countless articles but methinks that I'm suffering from information overload and I need y'all's assistance. Here are my requirements: 1. The school must offer on-line MBAs 2. Must be accredited - and a good one an' all 3. Residency should NOT be mandatory 4. Can be international - i.e. US, UK, Australia, Canada 5. Preferably an existing B&M school with a DL component 6. Something of a reputation [er, good, that is] 7. Must not be a Diploma Mill or even carry the faintest hint of being one 8. On the final transcripts, makes no distinction between online/DL MBA and "regular" ones [I've ruled out Uni. of Texas 'cos of this. They say, "University of Texas Consortium Online MBA" - what's up with that???]. So, if you kind souls could help me with the above, I'd be truly in your debt. Many thanks, Parkesy
You probably have lots of options that are very good. Since you are from the UK, the first thought would be the Edinburgh Business School MBA (Heriot-Watt). It will probably fit your needs and few would question a UK MBA on your resume. Why not consider Texas? Are you planning to hang your diploma on a wall? At your level you will not be asked to supply transcripts to any of your future employers. If you list the degree on your cv, I personally do not think anyone will look down upon a Consortium degree. I do not think you would be faulted for dropping Online when describing the degree. I also believe this program has a base campus. That is probably what you would list. Since you live in Texas, it again fits with your situation and few would question it. You should reconsider your thinking here. You might also consider the University of Colorado and the Cal State University - DH programs. For the MBA I would stick with State schools unless you find a top notch private like Duke/Fuqua. A bit pricy though. Do you plan to become a general manager (the person who runs the company)? If not, then why the MBA. Why not a MS in Technology Management? If your company is willing to pay, I would go for the University of Pennsylvania program run by Joel Adler. http://www.seas.upenn.edu/penntech/1998fall/emtm.html You can finish it in a couple of years by traveling there on weekends, it is very prestigious, and you will make good connections. Just some thoughts. Good luck, John (a fellow I/T person)
OU Why look any further thjan the UK's Open University?!?! The OU has the largest business school in Europe! 'telfax'
Phoenix Strayer National Amberton Nova Southeastern Bellevue Charles Sturt UNISA Heriot-Watt Glasgow And many others. Try Johnnie's Distance Learning Page .
Parkesy - as you sort through the choices, you may want to consider whether a school has professional accredreditation from AACSB or ACBSP. Such accreditiation speaks to the schools quality, and possibly its reputation. Both are recognized by CHEA. AACSB is a serious plus and ACBSP is definitely a positive. If a school has neither, you might wonder, why not? Of course, among U.S. schools you only want to consider regionally accredited ones - assuming you want to avoid even the hint of a negative reputation. Regards - Andy