MSM vs MBA vs other

[Pats20]

Yes if you want to stack to an MBA then the UIUC is definitely the route to take.

Similar but also different. The MBA focuses on managing “business”. MAOL is focused on managing the “people” inside of a business. In a nut shell.

[Hotdogman1]

The only advantages UMPI has over UIUC is price and speed. If you need a master's immediately, UMPI hands down. Only have less than 5k too? UMPI. However, I haven't even seen another UMPI grad in person before. I would be surprised if a recruiter hasn't dealt with a UIUC grad before.

However, since you have such great work experience and success even without a bachelor's, do you even need a masters? I understand the need of having any Bachelor's, especially with all the HR resume filtering nowadays, but would any online masters really change things so drastically at this point? Why are you in such a rush? Worst case scenario, you could do the ASU freebie grad cert if you really want something on your resume while you decide.

Have you tried to contact some of the hiring managers? What types of candidates were they looking for? Were they looking for a fresh grad or someone with actual experience?
Have you reached out to Fortune 100 company recruiters? What did they think about UIUC or UMPI? Did they require a masters?
Did you reach out to people with your target title/position? Did they have a masters? Did they actually need it for their current position? If you weren't able to speak to them, look at their LinkedIn, what types of experience and education did they have?
When has the last time you got feedback for your resume? If you haven't received anything recently, maybe visit your Public Library and ask a couple librarians if they could give any advice on your resume. Maybe you could reach out to a UMPI English professor or contact the writing center?
Do you have a website? Maybe look into creating a simple wordpress or wix website.
When was the last time you went to a Job fair? Look into whether your city/library is holding any. This is an amazing opportunity to talk with recruiters and figure out what types of candidates they are searching for.
How are your interview skills? If they are lacking, maybe look into a interview prep company or see if your local library offers anything.

[Kjnova]

I'm unemployed right now. I got a pretty nice severance package, so I haven't really rushed to find a new job. I took the opportunity to get the BBA. I rushed to complete that because I felt every day without it was a day I could potentially miss out on an opportunity. Master's is a little different, I think, not one I feel like I'm at a severe disadvantage without, more of a plus once I get it - although, there is some appeal to knocking MAOL out and being done with it. By the way, if it seems like I'm building a case for MAOL, let me clarify that I'm leaning toward UIUC MSM, I'm just making sure I think it through before committing.

[Pats20]

Another angle: MAOL gets some flak but how many companies need you to have that marketing course in your mba program If you’re not in the marketing department ? Or that finance course if you’re not working in the finance department? But I bet every company can reap the benefits of you knowing how to handle change or adversity. Or knowing how to handle conflict , and how to motivate “teams”. I think the MAOL is up and coming more. The MBA is great if your desire is CEO, CFO, COO, or the likes, or possibly an entrepreneur. Also it probably needs to be from a top school like UIUC. The rest from president and vp on down can benefit a lot from the MAOL. . I may be wrong. It’s just my opinion.

[LevelUP]

The only advantages UMPI has over UIUC is price and speed. 

WGU is hard to beat for speed. Some have completed the MBA in as little as two weeks, while someone here on DF finished it in two months, which is reasonable if you're working on it full-time.

Most people can secure a scholarship, reducing the cost by $500 or more.

It's difficult to predict whether an MBA or a similar degree will pay off for someone. A hiring manager might offer a higher salary, you could get a raise, or even a promotion. With so many graduates holding business degrees, an MBA can help you stand out and stay competitive in the job market.

[Pats20]

Yes. If you’d like a brick and mortar institution then UIUC or UMPI are the best options. I think the price is negligible between the two cause most are probably gonna be in for around $10k for the MAOL. It comes down to learning style and personal goals.

[sanantone]

Leadership degrees are watered-down I/O psychology programs. Might as well major in I/O psychology and learn some skills, such as testing and validation. The curriculum for the MSM looks better.

[Pats20]

Yes , I’m intrigued by the MSM, although I can see the attraction of the competency based and your own pace of the MAOL. To each his/ her own.

[bjcheung77]

IMSM is the best option if you get the 70% off scholarship... I wouldn't go for the IMBA, the IMSM is a Masters degree already with the AACSB, you are going to be proficient in "management". Not everyone has to get the MBA, it's too much of a generalist degree, I would go for the UMPI MAOL or MBA at HAU though if you really wanted one and don't need the extra programmatic/secondary accreditation...

[sanantone]

The iMSM is a shorter version of the iMBA, and the iMBA has areas of specialization to choose from.