Choosing MBA Program

[jadechow]

I apologize if this question is even more stupid typed out than it sounds in my head but -- how did those of you in MBA programs chose which MBA program you enrolled in? I know there is a big difference between RA and NA (but I don't really know what it is).

I guess I am wondering why there seem to be only a few choices (the Big 3, Univ of Pheonix, etc.) for an undergrad degree but so many more for an MBA. I know there is an outstanding B&M MBA program here locally (Carlson - Hi Irgaul!) but I just can't afford the hefty tuition as a single-mom. I was just curious because this seems like such a big decision compared to the whole undergrad one.

Thanks for any help. I love this forum and everyone on it. And, I miss my man Marshall so much!

[skyfall123]

I'm over 50 :eek: have been in business 20 years, have an established network, and deal primarily with the DoD/Government as a civilian contractor. My choice for an MBA is and should be far different than someone just starting out. I wasn't even really considering an MBA, until I read about the "free tuition" program at AJU. They had a specialization in Marketing which appealed to me and I figure I can't go wrong for the price. If things go well, I'll earn an NA MBA for less than $2500. I like the format, it is self-paced, and requires a good deal of writing. So far I am happy with the program. For me it works, for others it wouldn't.

A very important aspect of an MBA for those just starting out is the networking aspect. I have business associates who after 25 years, still network with alumni from their alma mater. The value of this is important when deciding between a weekend MBA at the local B&M school or an online program. If you are just starting out, a local B&M school should be given strong consideration.

As far as utility, an AACSB MBA is the gold standard. If you have any aspirations of teaching, that is your ticket. The least expensive online program is from Jacksonville State.Jacksonville State University: College of Commerce and Business Administration

Next is ACBSP accreditation. The least expensive online program is Chadron State Chadron State College - MBA Master of Business Administration

Then comes RA with no accreditation, followed by NA.

The federal government and most states recognize NA degrees, so as a move up the ladder, the utility of an MBA from a NA university, is fine for the vast majority of people working within state and federal government.

Again it depends on your experience, your current network, what you plan on doing with your degree etc...

[bmills072200]

[QUOTE=Geezer]
As far as utility, an AACSB MBA is the gold standard. If you have any aspirations of teaching, that is your ticket. The least expensive online program is from Jacksonville State.Jacksonville State University: College of Commerce and Business Administration

Next is ACBSP accreditation. The least expensive online program is Chadron State Chadron State College - MBA Master of Business Administration
QUOTE]

JSU is a great online program and it is only 30 credit hours, 10 classes, if you have all of the business prereqs that a bachelors business degree gives you. I am currently enrolled in the program...Let me know if you have any questions, the entire MBA program costs around $10,000.

[jadechow]

in fact I could be Geezer2. I am 43 and just now finishing the bachelors degree that I started more years ago then I care to count. My primary motivation for getting an MBA is to show something for "lost" employment years.

To explain, I used to be a senior vice president at a credit card bank before I left my job to care for a sick child. I only got as far as I did without a degree due to a combo of "right place at right time" and so many people "just assumed" that I had it and very few bothered to ask.

However, now that I am newly divorced, I need to go back to work in the next year or two. While having a bachelors will at least keep me from getting "weeded out" during the interview selection process -- it's not like the old days where a bachelors meant something. Heck, now everybody has one. Except us on this forum and we're all on our way!! Yeaaaaaa for us.

Anyway, I was thinking that at least if I could achieve a master's degree I would have something to show for not working the last 6 years. I know it's not the best, most idealistic reason out there for wanting to do it but it's the truth.

But, wow -- I never imagined how many choices there are out there for an MBA. I just assumed that there were only a handful since that's about how many distance learning bachelor programs there are.

So, thanks Geezer and Bmills for your responses. Bmills, I will probably take you up on your offer for info. Any one else who wants to jump in and join the fray is welcome. Thanks to you all!

[ShotoJuku]

[COLOR="Navy"]That being the case, I would look into the AJU (or CCU) programs.

Good Luck![/COLOR]

[bmills072200]

[COLOR="Navy"]That being the case, I would look into the AJU (or CCU) programs.

Good Luck![/COLOR]

AJU is a great option if you don't care about an NA MBA and for your purposes, it looks like an NA MBA will be great for you. AJU is around $2000 for the entire program and it can be done very quickly depending on how motivated you are.

I chose JSU because I want to teach one day and it is more difficult to teach with NA accreditation versus RA and AACSB accreditation...

Let me know if you have any specific questions about either program. My wife is in the MBA program at AJU and I am at JSU...

Good luck...

[Blitzstudie]

I dont have an MBA but everything I have learned when looking into it backs up what has been said above.

Just a few FYIs...

Many of the 'executive',weekend etc programs require that you are in a corporate job or have extensive experience

If you dont have a business degree already you will have to take the core classes for that so you arent behind. One thing to consider is if they will let you CLEP those, I couldnt tell for JSU but you can for Chadron.

Alot of people get an MBA cause they dont know what else to do...Make sure it will advance you. Talk to people and recruiters in the area you want to get into,they are the best ones to tell you how to get there. I would def recommend getting a job in your intended field at whatever level if possible. As the old saying goes its not what you know its who you know. If you are a known positive quantity they will hire you WAY before they pull someone with similar qualifications off the street.

Unless you can get into a top 25 school, other than certifications I wouldnt sweat it. One thing to check is if a school has a reputation for being really good in one field or maybe if it is a B&M the local companies hire from there. If you ask around you should find out, you can also ask the school about who hires,how many get hired etc.

If you are going to do government work, then someplace like AJU is fine. All any of these degrees serve to do is tell the employer your ticket is punched for a certain level of education..that lets you get a foot in the door. Except for some limited instances, once you have a body of work, that is what will be looked at,not where you got your degree.

(Please excuse that which is OBE, there were several posts whilst I typed)

[ShotoJuku]

I chose JSU because I want to teach one day and it is more difficult to teach with NA accreditation versus RA and AACSB accreditation...

[COLOR="Navy"]True to a point....

I have both RA and NA degrees and teach in an NA College which works perfectly fine.....for me.[/COLOR]

[skyfall123]

Just to throw out a couple of more ideas. If you would also consider going to work for a non-profit or the government then you could go for an MPA.

AJU offers an MPA as well as an MBA.

Valdosta State has a regionally accredited Online MPA that charges online students the instate tuition of only $156 per credit.

MPA Program Requirements

[MISin08]

BMills --

Is the Jacksonville MBA a distance program? I'm having trouble finding the info on their site.

Phillip