Online MBA- potential student

[allvia]

Welcome to the board, that's a concise, short/sweet introduction post.  You may want to fill us in with extra details if possible... Your best bet is to review this thread and also check/search the grad sub forum for anything that interests you, I would look up the AACSB first and ACSBP options afterwards...  https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...der-1-Year

This is helpful.  I never heard of ACSBP so I didn't know there was anything other than AACSB.  I worry that being on the older spectrum, having a full time job and not being in school for a very long time is something I want to address up front.  No need for a top-tier school, don't need to network, and not looking for a ton of interaction with others.  I was considering a certificate course but it seems like online MBA would fit better.  Since my employer is willing to pay since I brought it up, I don't want to dive in and get overwhelmed.

I wouldn't worry about being older, when it comes to MBAs traditionally older (adult) people do better. Why? Because you have the work/life experience that is needed for the large majority of the subject matter. I can only imagine how some younger direct from bachelor MBA students struggle without real life experiences to draw upon. I agree an MBA would be better than (any) certificate. Now if you were looking for a specific field certification that is a different subject. Find a program that has courses that appeal to you, and that you have the prerequisites for. Some MBA programs prefer those with a business bachelor, or at least certain existing business courses, others a solid work history and any (accredited) bachelor is all you need. I don't recall you stating what your existing bachelor is in.

It should also be known that none of the programs/schools we recommend here are 'degree mills' (the moderators would be all over that). Also, a legitimate and valuable education doesn't have to cost a great deal.  I understand that you said your employer might question the low cost of the HAU MBA (for example), but not all quality MBAs need to cost six figures (as shown in the list linked by Jonathan Whatley).  If you're truly concerned about perception, I would suggest you look at the state school options first over just AACSB vs. ACBSP.  I'm not saying limit it to your state, just that state schools are generally perceived as 'legitmate' by inherent right.