Patten MBA Feedback

[Andrew670]

Looking to get some feedback from Patten Graduates. (MBA or UG are fine, recent experience appreciated)

Without breaking any Academic Integrity Rules, does anyone have any recommendation on how to most effectively pass a course with them without sifting through the unnecessary information?

Specifically, are the Quizzes helpful or are there more effective study habits? Any feedback is much appreciated!

[derek12538]

As I go through the Patten MBA (I am currently on my fourth class), one consistent thought continuously pops into my head.... you get what you pay for in life.
I chose Patten for its seemingly quicker path to completion and its option to "challenge" each course with a test and project, instead of a traditional college class format. I also chose Patten for its cost, as it would be cheaper to finish this program in 18 months than any other online RA MBA I could find. The bottom line is that I chose poorly.
The teachers aren't even teachers... they send canned and pre-written messages to you "encouraging" you, but have no vested interest in your learning or success.
Your "advisor" does the same, sending out a once a month message and a phone call. They have little invested in you and your success.
The curriculum is just swindled pieces from other widely known MBA programs and the lack of applicability of the "taught" material is astounding. As a manager for a fortune 500 company, I have learned nothing that is actually helping me succeed in the real world.
Overall, I give my experience at Patten a c+ at best.

[jsd]

Yes, my exact experience in the undergrad program. All but one of my mentors served no purpose, and the final exams had almost nothing to do with the material learned through the class. Very frustrating experience. Just another subpar for-profit, even if it is such an affordable one.

[bjcheung77]

Yes, my exact experience in the undergrad program. All but one of my mentors served no purpose, and the final exams had almost nothing to do with the material learned through the class. Very frustrating experience. Just another subpar for-profit, even if it is such an affordable one.

Oh dang, that's not good. Oh well, I'm going to still have them on my radar as it's basically what I'm looking for in a program.
Furthermore, I'm more of a research/self study type of person, and that's what the other courses I've been taking are for.
The main benefit is the price and the option of getting the degree at a faster pace than most RA MBA IT programs.

[jsd]

WGU's price is comparable (more per term, but terms are longer), the school has been around longer and has an actual alumni (Patten only had 9 successful online undergrads as of July 2015), and everyone seems pretty happy with them and their reputation is solid, and no for-profit baggage. Same self pace model as you know. My personal opinion would say go that route.

Plus, unlike Patten, WGU tuition is a tax write-off like normal school tuition

That being said, there are other Patten students on this forum who are happy with their Patten experiences

[sanantone]

WGU might be the better choice since they're more established in competency-based education, but their MBA IT program is very light on IT.

[jsd]

Can't be much lighter than the three Patten MBA IT courses, which appear to be pretty entry level subjects

MBA680 System Analysis and Design 3
MBA685 Database Management 3
MBA690 Computer and Network Security 3

[jsd]

I just looked at WGU, if I'm reading it right, I guess it can get lighter, haha

[chorizo]

I also took the first two courses in the MBA - Health Care at Patten. This really is spot on for my experience with them.
At some point I hope to do an MBA as I am interested in the business and management side of health care, but it will be at a different program.
At least one of the courses transferred, which is a plus.

[Andrew670]

I've started the MBA foundations and did fairly decent on the project, just kind of sweating the final. Did you go through every unit thoroughly?