Hellenic American University MBA: Overview of $3K RA MBA

[PrettyFlyforaChiGuy]

Hi everyone, I know that HAU's $3K MBA offer has been discussed in a scattering of posts here and here as well, but I'm curious if anyone has any specific insights regarding the program, its curriculum, rigor, accreditation, and/or the offer itself. It seems like it might be a very strong fit for users on this forum.

The offer can be viewed here, while the MBA section of the course catalog starts on page 126 in this PDF; that's the last link, I promise.

I've reached out to the dean, who helpfully responded to my questions. Here's a quick recap of highlights from my and other users' messages to the dean:

• The total cost for the entire program excluding textbooks is $3K. This fee can be broken down and spread across multiple payments throughout the program (i.e., some when starting the first class, and some later).
  
• You must maintain a 3.25 GPA to continue receiving this discounted scholarship price.
  
• HAU as a whole is RA, but the MBA program itself is neither AACSB-accredited nor ACBSP-accredited. The dean has noted their "expectations are high" regarding AACSB, for what it's worth.
  
• HAU is B&M, founded in the early 2000s in New Hampshire.
  
• Application packages require a resume, short 150-word goals and fit essay, completed application form, two reference letters, and sealed transcripts. Fortunately, unofficial copies are accepted as preliminary place-holders.
  
• The coursework follows a trail of 9 core courses in a set series, plus 2 electives (which also grant a certificate specialization upon graduation), all wrapped up in 1 capstone/thesis.
  
• The certificate specializations include: People Management, Digital Marketing, Operational Excellence, Management Information Systems, Stress Health Management, Aviation, and Shipping. Oddly, there are a few international-business-oriented courses, but no IB certificate path.
  
• If you prefer to forego a certificate specialization, one of the electives can even be chosen from ANY of the grad-level courses at HAU. There are several other business department electives to choose from as well, like crisis management.
  
• Up to 9 credits can transfer into the program, which don't count toward GPA nor lower the fee, but would accelerate progress.
  
• Americans abroad are also eligible.
  

A few points remain unclear:

• The course catalog mentions that 5 years of relevant experiences could also equate to credit. Possible?
  
• The actual course structure: Online, synchronous, 7-week cohort-based sessions that meet for 6 hours per week?
  
• Confusingly, some of the certificate options are only listed in either the course catalog or on the website.
  

Anyone have any insights or experiences? The deal is still ongoing, and there seems to be a cohort start date of March 29, 2021 for the second spring term.

[collegechick]

I submitted my "placeholder" application yesterday (2/23/2021) for this program. Dean Martin seems really helpful, allowing ACE transfer credits as well. I'll update you all when I hear back.

[PrettyFlyforaChiGuy]

I submitted my "placeholder" application yesterday (2/23/2021) for this program.  Dean Martin seems really helpful, allowing ACE transfer credits as well.  I'll update you all when I hear back.

Hi, ACE transfer credits for the MBA program? What kind of courses are you hoping to transfer in?

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Update: Sent in an application package in the afternoon, received acceptance letter 4 hours and 44 minutes later. Definitely need to do more due diligence, but I'd say bonus points for accessibility--so many of my students are still waiting for admissions decisions from applications they sent back in November.

[bjcheung77]

Just a reminder that this is a 2 year program and there is no option for "acceleration" really, you can just shorten it slightly with transfer credits, the cost of the program remains $3K. I believe it's best to just complete the one or two courses per term, so that would be 6 courses a year, 12 total. I forget how many courses they have now, he sent me two pdf files and I just skimmed through it... one was the application and the other was the program info...

[PrettyFlyforaChiGuy]

Just a reminder that this is a 2 year program and there is no option for "acceleration" really, you can just shorten it slightly with transfer credits, the cost of the program remains $3K.  I believe it's best to just complete the one or two courses per term, so that would be 6 courses a year, 12 total.  

Just curious, I've seen figures on their websites ranging from 18 months to completion, then two years, all the way up to three years for part-time students. Guessing that your pace is healthiest for most people. And I'm not even entirely sure that the rolling cohort plan is online, since some pages mention "seven-week residential required courses." Any ideas on that?

[cerich67]

Just a reminder that this is a 2 year program and there is no option for "acceleration" really, you can just shorten it slightly with transfer credits, the cost of the program remains $3K.  I believe it's best to just complete the one or two courses per term, so that would be 6 courses a year, 12 total.  I forget how many courses they have now, he sent me two pdf files and I just skimmed through it... one was the application and the other was the program info...

They have 7 week courses, and may add additional courses off the catalogue schedule depending on demand, like a second summer session  they are looking at now. You can take more than one course at a time if you wish. Doing so will certainly allow you to complete the program quicker. Doing it a course at a time with extra sessions, doing two now and then  or IS, if is very possible to complete in 18 months, and doing in a year is doable if you take 2-3 courses at the same time if you so desire and have the bandwidth. They will also consider requests to do courses as "independent study" if life doesn't make the normal weekly zoom sessions (once or twice a week depending on course, 6-9 pm) possible. 

They will consider work experience and/or other grad courses for up to 9 CH of the 36 needed. I will be looking at that as I have a fair amount of experience in business in some of the courses offered. Then again, I may not if I enjoy the courses and style at the school because I am doing this for learning more than a check box degree, and you can always learn something, especially with an open mind on subjects you think you know.

Their responsiveness is astounding and I am really looking forward to the program, I am starting the second spring semester on March 29th.

On another note, everyone keeps using "he" for Dean Martin, she isn't a he.. just saying.

[PrettyFlyforaChiGuy]

They will also consider requests to do courses as "independent study" if life doesn't make the normal weekly zoom sessions (once or twice a week depending on course, 6-9 pm) possible. 

They will consider work experience and/or other grad courses for up to 9 CH of the 36 needed...

On another note, everyone keeps using "he" for Dean Martin, she isn't a he.. just saying.

Thanks for your responses.

1. That first point means their MBA could conceivably turn into a kind of flexible CBE-style program, just not at an accelerated pace. Were you told that course times are live sessions scheduled for 6-9 PM EST on specific days of the week? If asynchronous learning is possible, it's going to be even more accessible to more students.

2. Good to hear, since this matches info in their course catalog. Curious about actual results of that. Another user mentioned the potential for ACE credits factoring in, but I think there haven't been any updates on that yet.

3. I think people might just be unfortunately associating her position title and last name with the famous Rat Pack crooner.

[cerich67]

I know my first class is meeting Tuesday evenings, and maybe some Thursday evenings depending. I actually had my meeting with advisor yesterday and truthfully I did not have a long meeting nor ask as many questions as I would have liked. I am on the fire department dive team and we were searching for a gun that was deposited in a lake by a dude fleeing from the police...

One thing that was stressed is they are flexible and understanding that the MBA students have a full schedule, so just keep open communication about such and all is good.

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the meetings are Synchronous

[collegechick]

I submitted my "placeholder" application yesterday (2/23/2021) for this program.  Dean Martin seems really helpful, allowing ACE transfer credits as well.  I'll update you all when I hear back.

Hi, ACE transfer credits for the MBA program? What kind of courses are you hoping to transfer in?

---

Update: Sent in an application package in the afternoon, received acceptance letter 4 hours and 44 minutes later. Definitely need to do more due diligence, but I'd say bonus points for accessibility--so many of my students are still waiting for admissions decisions from applications they sent back in November.

Dean Martin is willing to waive one of my previous statistics courses once she reviewed my transcripts.  I probably need to take everything for this degree.  Haven't heard anything back from admissions.  Does anyone know how long this process takes?  Submitted my application this Tuesday morning.

Just a reminder that this is a 2 year program and there is no option for "acceleration" really, you can just shorten it slightly with transfer credits, the cost of the program remains $3K.  I believe it's best to just complete the one or two courses per term, so that would be 6 courses a year, 12 total.  

Just curious, I've seen figures on their websites ranging from 18 months to completion, then two years, all the way up to three years for part-time students. Guessing that your pace is healthiest for most people. And I'm not even entirely sure that the rolling cohort plan is online, since some pages mention "seven-week residential required courses." Any ideas on that?

She confirmed it's 100% online and no need for any NH or Greece residency.

---

I know my first class is meeting Tuesday evenings, and maybe some Thursday evenings depending. I actually had my meeting with advisor yesterday and truthfully I did not have a long meeting nor ask as many questions as I would have liked. I am on the fire department dive team and we were searching for a gun that was deposited in a lake by a dude fleeing from the police...

One thing that was stressed is they are flexible and understanding that the MBA students have a full schedule, so just keep open communication about such and all is good.

---

the meetings are Synchronous

How many classes are you going to start with?

[cerich67]

I submitted my "placeholder" application yesterday (2/23/2021) for this program.  Dean Martin seems really helpful, allowing ACE transfer credits as well.  I'll update you all when I hear back.

Hi, ACE transfer credits for the MBA program? What kind of courses are you hoping to transfer in?

---

Update: Sent in an application package in the afternoon, received acceptance letter 4 hours and 44 minutes later. Definitely need to do more due diligence, but I'd say bonus points for accessibility--so many of my students are still waiting for admissions decisions from applications they sent back in November.

Dean Martin is willing to waive one of my previous statistics courses once she reviewed my transcripts.  I probably need to take everything for this degree.  Haven't heard anything back from admissions.  Does anyone know how long this process takes?  Submitted my application this Tuesday morning.

---

I know my first class is meeting Tuesday evenings, and maybe some Thursday evenings depending. I actually had my meeting with advisor yesterday and truthfully I did not have a long meeting nor ask as many questions as I would have liked. I am on the fire department dive team and we were searching for a gun that was deposited in a lake by a dude fleeing from the police...

One thing that was stressed is they are flexible and understanding that the MBA students have a full schedule, so just keep open communication about such and all is good.

---

the meetings are Synchronous

How many classes are you going to start with?

What stats did you show to get the waiver?.. frankly after stats and then UL Marketing Research, missing stats would bother me not.. LOL

My plan was to start with one just to get a toe in while getting a feel for the ebb, flow and vibe of HAU. They use blackboard which i have never used before etc.