Online MBA- potential student

[Love2LearnAlways]

At that company contribution you can pick between quite a few public AACSB institutions, which if the frequently mentioned online schools are starting to be “noticeable” internally might be worth considering. To pick a 12k$ program, “University of Louisiana at Lafayette” just sort of doesn’t attract that notice.

I’ll note I did Emporia State’s M.Acc without a lick of group work.  (Noting because it shares some courses/electives with the MBA).

Based on your note, I started to look at the public state schools with AACSBs, and I wasn't aware of the sheer number of them (Pick Your State, then add North, South, East, West, Northwest, etc.) I guess the harder part is finding which ones can fit my needs (lighter lift, no thesis, low group work, etc.)

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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.

These points are great- they make a lot of sense.  I did take some business courses before I switched my major many years ago.  I did not think about prereqs, so maybe it would be worth it to see how I can leverage them, if at all.  Also, they were many years ago, so I don't know if that would help or hurt if I can get exemptions.  It would be disappointing if I had to take lots of prereq courses before I get started.  I do have a solid business history, which should help.  

State schools look like a "safe" bet for an apparent legitimacy, and AACSB is a bonus.  I would welcome any feedback if you or anyone else has any idea on schools that may be an easier track for someone like me who wants the degree but is worried about school workload and graduating. Appreciate your feedback.