Trying to pick a grad school

[redheadguy03]

Let me give you some background info. I recently finished my Bachelor's in Criminal Justice at Central State University (paid for by my union). I am now looking into grad schools and was considering some of the management degrees, as I don't see any criminal justice options really. I don't think I like WGU based on the proctored exam horror stories that I have read and UMPI seems like it may be a good option. I also prefer writing over exams. Any other good options? FYI, I had a 3.95 on my undergrad work, so I am a very hard worker when it comes to my studying.

[carrythenothing]

No need to post in multiple places.

What is your goal in getting the master's degree?

[redheadguy03]

No need to post in multiple places.

What is your goal in getting the master's degree?

I realized I had it in the wrong spot, so I put it over here. 

I work in law enforcement currently, but really I guess I want to check the box, so to speak. I also am the local president of my union and am very involved statewide with it as well. I would love an actual paying union job as well. So, trying to branch off from criminal justice in respect to my education seems like a smart move.

[Ideas]

A management degree sounds right for you. Possibly an MBA from LSU Shreveport Online or Purdue University Global.

[Alpha]

Maybe something like this?
Online Professional Master's in Labor and Employment Relations (MLER) | Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations

[bjcheung77]

@redheadguy03, you're one of the first from the forum to get a degree with the "Free College Benefit" provided by the unions partnership... egccfreecollege.org  Anyways, you may want to provide us more details by filling in the template and last post addendum.  Having more details will allow us to see the bigger picture.  You may fit the UMPI MAOL option best, but there are other options including a MS CJ at Walden... https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

[allvia]

Let me give you some background info. I recently finished my Bachelor's in Criminal Justice at Central State University (paid for by my union). I am now looking into grad schools and was considering some of the management degrees, as I don't see any criminal justice options really. I don't think I like WGU based on the proctored exam horror stories that I have read and UMPI seems like it may be a good option. I also prefer writing over exams. Any other good options? FYI, I had a 3.95 on my undergrad work, so I am a very hard worker when it comes to my studying.

Do you want something competency based (work fast to keep cost down - eg: WGU finish in 6 months, do nothing but school outside of work for the term and just get it done!) OR do you want something more traditional (one/two courses at a time, 1 to 2 years completion).  What is your budget for the degree? Do you have tuition assistance for the master's, or are you paying completely out of pocket?

[redheadguy03]

Do you want something competency based (work fast to keep cost down - eg: WGU finish in 6 months, do nothing but school outside of work for the term and just get it done!) OR do you want something more traditional (one/two courses at a time, 1 to 2 years completion).  What is your budget for the degree? Do you have tuition assistance for the master's, or are you paying completely out of pocket?

I'll be paying out of pocket. I would prefer something I can do more quickly and budget is around 6 Ish grand, but cheaper is always better of course. I looked into Wgu, but my issue with them is the proctored exam horror stories, that and my internet isn't too fast, I'm in a very rural area. 

I looked into some schools like walden but they are a bit too pricey.

[bjcheung77]

@redheadguy03, An example I mentioned above - Walden MS CJ, $2900/3 months, finish in 6 months for $5800.  There are extra fees, but it'll still be just a tad over $6K.  I think you were not looking at the Tempo Learning platform but the regular platform, it'll be expensive as those are not self-paced competency based, you must look at the "Tempo" option.

A member of the forum by the alias of Supermind wanted to complete a Bachelors under a year, and a Masters under 6 months, by following through with my steps, he was able to do the TESU BALS-Psych concentration in 9 months, he did the Walden MS Psych in 4.5 months.  He did so cheap, easy, fast and now a member of the PSY CHI Society because Walden has access to that, TESU does not.  

Anyways, it's up to you to provide us more details so we can help you further or just linger on "looking and stuck at stalling and not starting".  As per my post above, it has a link to the New User template and addendum, the more details you provide us, the easier it'll be for us to help you.  The ball is in your court, how you play it determines the outcome.

[allvia]

Do you want something competency based (work fast to keep cost down - eg: WGU finish in 6 months, do nothing but school outside of work for the term and just get it done!) OR do you want something more traditional (one/two courses at a time, 1 to 2 years completion).  What is your budget for the degree? Do you have tuition assistance for the master's, or are you paying completely out of pocket?

I'll be paying out of pocket. I would prefer something I can do more quickly and budget is around 6 Ish grand, but cheaper is always better of course. I looked into Wgu, but my issue with them is the proctored exam horror stories, that and my internet isn't too fast, I'm in a very rural area. 

I looked into some schools like walden but they are a bit too pricey.

If you're interested in a MBA then it is really tough to beat the $3k deal at HAU for those in the US (& rumored Canada too) https://mba.hauniv.edu, and yes - they are a RA school (in NH). I have a family member who is enrolled, and are pleased with their decision (they're now halfway complete); their bachelor's wasn't in business but they're in a management role now. Here are some of the threads related to the program -
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...ersity-HAU
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...-3K-RA-MBA