Does anyone here have an MBA from an online program?

[lillygator]

Any info you could give would be very helpful...although of course, I am tending to lean to the UF's new online MBA.....but would love to hear others experience's. I know that Regis for example does not require the GMAT.....etc....

 

[mcnuss]

Any info you could give would be very helpful...although of course, I am tending to lean to the UF's new online MBA.....but would love to hear others experience's. I know that Regis for example does not require the GMAT.....etc....

I would think twice about any online program if your goal is career advancement. Most employers, myself included - and I do hire MBA's - would not consider this to be a "real" degree. If, however, you're doing it out of personal interest or enrichment, then it probably doesn't matter which program you choose.

 

[lillygator]

An online MBA from University of Florida would show nothing about being "online". You have to go to the campus 8 times in a year I believe for exams, presentations, etc....


I do realize people view some online institutions as "less than" - I mean I think some people just pay $30k for an MBA......that is one main reason why I am asking. Regis has NO exams/tests??? I can't even imagine??!!!

 

[dmslush]

I would think twice about any online program if your goal is career advancement. Most employers, myself included - and I do hire MBA's - would not consider this to be a "real" degree. If, however, you're doing it out of personal interest or enrichment, then it probably doesn't matter which program you choose.

Many, many university's are now offering dual programs, where you can get your degree in face to face classrooms or online. The online student is expected to complete the exact same coursework as the classroom student. My BA is from Austin Peay State University and is the exact same degree that a student on campus would get upon graduation. IF I don't tell you that I took my classes online, then you honestly wouldn't know it.

 

[lfeikert]

I would think twice about any online program if your goal is career advancement. Most employers, myself included - and I do hire MBA's - would not consider this to be a "real" degree. If, however, you're doing it out of personal interest or enrichment, then it probably doesn't matter which program you choose.

I beg to differ with this statement. I received my Masters in Education through the University of Phoenix's online program. It was the best decision for me because I have two small children and the closest university is at least a 45 minute drive. I would have never seen my family if I'd gone to a university for my classes. This way I did most of my work in the evenings after the kids were in bed and on the weekends. I have several colleagues who are currently enrolled in a typical university Master's program and I know I worked twice as hard if not harder to earn my degree. They agree with me actually. They were constantly saying things like "we never have to do anything like that" or "we just sit in class and take notes." I wrote at least a five page paper once a week, plus participated in online discussions and did a ton of reading. Maybe it's not the same with MBA's, but for me, I firmly believe that I went through an excellent Master's program and I definitely have a "real" degree. My administrators had to approve the program before I started and they were hesitant at first, but after seeing what I did, they are encouraging other teachers to do the same program. I am confident that in the future, my online degree will lead to career advancement. Please don't ever tell me (or my poor husband who bore the brunt of my frustrations and picked up the slack as I sat in front of the computer for hours) that I don't have a "REAL" degree

 

[lillygator]

anyone else?

 

[bananiem]

My dh is doing his through University of Phoenix. He works for The Mayo Clinic and they pay for it. The closest 4 year university with a decent MBA program is 1.5 hours from here. (Although he could take a few of the classes here.) If they take it online they don't lose as much of the employee's time due to travelling.
They do not require GMAT's.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

well, after those answers I'm hesitant to answer because I truly don't want to offend anybody.

Several years ago I was asked to sit on a task force from the University I got my MBA from to explore the opportunities of offerring an MBA diploma online. Of the 5 students that were appointed, not a single one of us felt this was a good idea -- that the diploma would come to viewed as an "easy route" and not valued by most employers. In addition, since as somebody pointed out, the diplomas do not indicate Online or On Campus, the stigma of becoming known as an "Online University" would effect the value of everybody's diploma. I think however, that some Universities do make that distinction on the actual transcripts. This was several years ago, but there was a significant amount of data research to support our feelings.

After a couple of meetings, it became very obvious to us all that the University was interested in revenue -- online classes are very cheap to offer and students jump at them. We were ignored.

 

[mzspaz]

I received my MBA from an online program this past June. I have to say that I learned more from that program than I did in my undergrad studies.

I understand where the "stigma" comes from concerning online degrees. But I can say this.....instead of sitting in a classroom and daydreaming my time away while I doodled on my notes, I was interacting with the lesson plans, involved in the online discussions, and doing very well. In a classroom setting, I usually just sat in the back row and watched the class go on. With the online classes, I actively participated as I felt more comfortable.

I think employers who feel that online degrees are not "real" are missing out on some excellent employees! It is, as with any degree, dependent on what YOU want to make out of it.

 

[lillygator]

mzspaz - where did you receive it from and would you recommend that school?

 

[mzspaz]

Sent you a PM!

 

[FSUGrad97]

Check out this link...I was looking at online programs in the state of FL, and this was one of the links listed.

http://www.electroniccampus.org/AdultLearner/

Hope that helps!

 

[lillygator]

awesome site! Thanks!

 

[drakethib]

Thought I would reply here.

I completed my degree from University Of Phoenix.

Early in academic career I went to several traditional universities (I even took a few classes from Rice University in Houston, Texas). My work schedule fluctuated so much that having a "set time" to go to class was next to impossible. I really didn't want to give up my salary for a full year to finish.

UOP was structured in such a way where it required me to be much more disciplined in my studies. There were many nights of no sleep and sacrifice to finish. Heck, we put starting a family until I was done.

Out of all my educational experiences, I feel that I gained more from UOP then any other college I attended. YMMV

As far as what employers think of it, I was recently hired by a company that in 2005 was voted No. 3 on FORTUNE magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” so I guess they can't be that bad.


There are many who bash UOP as they are a "for profit" University. I think it is all what you put in it.

More Traditional colleges are heading toward online classes as a standard for those who need the fit.

I plan on going for my MBA in the near future and will probably chose the online structure as well.