What to do, TUI or Bellevue University for MBA?

Hello,

I recently finished my BSBA from Touro University International and am currently taking the first two classes for my MBA at TUI. I am also enrolled at The College for Financial Planning in the Certified Financial Planner Certification Professional Education Program.

My experience at TUI has been outstanding. The faculty is always there to help and they respond quickly to any questions or problems. I also am enjoying the cost of the program since it's completely covered by military tuition assistance and the MGIB. The best part about TUI is the flexibility it allows to complete the program on my schedule. I can work on it when it is convenient for me and it never interferes with work or family events that I must attend.

I would like to continue on with TUI, however, I feel I need to diversify my educational background.

I have been accepted into Bellevue University's MBA program and am considering it even thought it is not a flexible and will have out of pocket costs for me (books).

My concern lies in the fact that if anything ever happens to TUI (financial issues, accreditation issues, etc.), having all my education credentials from the same institution would not be a good thing. Also, broadening my education background with a different institution would be a plus.

TUI is a perfect match for me in every way other then "having all my eggs in one basket". I'm interested to hear what others think and what you might recommend.

Bellevue's program would interfere with work and family more as their program is not as flexible which is a big concern for me.

I would appreciate any comments, views or advice on the two options. If it helps, I'm in the military and plan on retiring in two years and going into financial planning.

Thanks,

 

There are allot of options out there for you, and many schools...I cannot comment on TUI or Bellevue, but I did not continue studies at the same University I received my BS from (Upper Iowa University), but only because for my MBA I wanted to pursue a degree in a program that was AACSB accredited, otherwise I would have stayed with UIU. I am current enrolled with Morehead State University, which is AACSB and my tuition assistance and GI Bill (Top Up) pay all of my tuition costs, except for books. I did have to take the GMAT, but I was already applying to other schools that required it anyway. I was also accepted to UMASS's program but I am happy with MSU and will stay with them. As for you, it all depends if your are looking for a specific program content or AACSB, ACBSP, etc, accreditation, otheriwse I do not see an issue with you pursuing an undergrad and graduate degree from the same school, though you may want to go through a different school just for a different experience. Good luck...3 years 8 months to retirement, lol.

SFC William Parker
US Army

 

SFC Parker,

Thanks for the response. At this point in my life having the education is the most important thing for me. I could care less if it's from the best business school or what kind of accreditation the school holds as long as I'm learning the material. I just want to be able to tell my children that I went to college and be able to list my education on a resume.

Anyway, have you decided what you're going to do once you "grow up"? I'd be interested in hearing your plans after retirement.

Thanks again,

CPO Ray Trautman
USN

 

I have the 150 hour requirement completed to sit for the CPA exam, so in conjunction with finishing my MBA, which is a personal goal, and a goal I want to attain as an example for my children also, I will also sit for, and pass the CPA exam. From there I will likely find my way into the accounting field, though I do have other interests e.g. operations, but as a licensed CPA I can enter into many diverse areas.

It is difficult to serve for 20 years and retire without at least having a Bachelors degree, and I am glad the military does push education, but in my field (Scout/Reconnaisance) it has been difficult to pursue, but I decided it was an important goal and one that I could not ignore, especially since other than leadership/managerial experience, the civilian outlook for my job is very limited, unless I want to do basically the same or similar job on the outside, which I do not, I had to pursue an education to make myself more marketable. That said, I have enjoyed my career to date and it has given me quite a bit of international exposure, lol. I am currently in the middle of a PCS move to Hawaii, so I will have to work my butt off to finish my MBA and sit for the CPA exam while serving as a Platoon Sergeant in a reconnaisance platoon in a light infantry division, but a goal that is worth it. Good luck to you.

William

 

I can't speak to Bellevue's MBA program but can speak about Bellevue Univ since I went there for my BSc. They are very responsive and accomodating as a school. I left UofP after a few classes for I coudn't stand UofP's system. I was really concerned that I would run into another bad experience at Bellevue. Fortunately, it was a major difference. Literally night and day! The professor was responsive and cared that the class learned the material. The school wasn't in just for the money like UofP. I think you'd have a good experience if you chose Bellevue.

 

I have no first hand experience with Bellevue but I have always understood that it is a very solid online MBA program, and have considered it for myself. So I would be very curious in what way it is less flexibile than TUI, because that would definitely be a concern for me (course offerings, exams, along those lines?).

My personal opinion is that if Touro is a good fit for you in every way you should stick with it. I understand why you'd like to diversify your educational background, but you sound thrilled with the program and that's worth a lot.

 

I have not had experience with the MBA at Bellevue, but I am enrolled as a student in the BIS program. My experience has been very pleasant so far. The administration is top-drawer, the instructors knowledgeable. I agree that they are not in it for the money. I cannot comment of the rigor, since I have so many years of experience in my field that my program has not been rigorous for me at all. But the other people in my cohort say that to them it is very challenging. I am also looking at graduate school options and Bellevue is high on my list. Since I'm not a business major, I suspect that the MBA would be quite challenging for me. I don't think choosing Bellevue would disappoint you.

 

I guess I should have said the Bellevue MBA doesn't appear to be as flexible as TUI. I've not attended class there so I don't have any first hand experience with the flexibility of the program.

Speaking to the admissions counselor is what caused me to think it's not as flexible. He said there are 2 proctored tests each class, online group meetings for group projects along with requiring you to post 4 times a week to the online discussion.

TUI allows me to go online and do the reading/research for each module and contribute to the group discussion. I can then work on the assignments without needing access to the internet until it is time to submit the assignments and make follow up posts to the online discussions.

I travel a lot with my job and I can be without internet access for a couple days at a time and it does not slow me down with TUI. He made it sound like I had to spend a lot more time "online" with the Bellevue program.

I do have to complete a ton of writing at TUI, however, I can do it when it is convenient for me and I don't have ANY set times that I am required to be online.

Thanks for all the input so far,

 

CSU

In your search for an MBA program, did you look at Colorado State University’s MBA program?

Straight from their Web site (http://www.biz.colostate.edu/mba/distance/distance.htm):

“For 30 years, CSU has provided a distance MBA program that offers students:

AACSB Accreditation

No Residency Requirement

Flexibility and Convenience

The CSU MBA program is designed to deliver a quality education while providing distance learners with the flexibility they need to earn their degree. Each class is recorded on-campus in a specially designed, state-of-the-art multimedia classroom. Students are sent a DVD of each class once a week. Distance learners view DVDs of the course exactly the way the class progressed on campus, benefiting from the questions asked by the on-campus students.

The program can be completed in two years or four years. There are two 16-week semesters per year plus 4-week sessions in the summer. Each 16-week semester is divided into two 8-week sessions. Professors assign projects and coursework that must be completed within a specified time period.

Each student in the program is required to have access to a computer and to the Internet to complete course requirements.

Serving students in the United States, Canada and around the world as well as those with APO & FPO addresses (US. military personnel serving abroad). The distance MBA program welcomes students from around the globe.

There is no difference in tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.”

 

Thanks for the feedback. 2 proctored exams for each course would certainly be a pain. I had corresponded with Bellevue probably almost 2 years ago, and at that time the line was that the requirement for proctored exams was variable by course.

I can understand why that would be a concern for you. Speaking for myself, 2 exams per course assuming 5 courses per year is going to add up to a lot of inconvenience.

My wife would be pissed if I used all my vacation running downtown writing exams.

 

novemberdude,

I had planned on taking 8 courses per year (2 in each of the four sessions) so that would be 16 proctored tests which would be a lot of time away from work.

When I recently spoke to the admissions counselor he also said it was up to the professor in each course with regards to testing, however, he said I should figure on 2 proctored tests per course. I also spoke to someone in the Bellevue MBA program and he said he's half way through the program and has had 2 proctored exams in each course so far.