Online Universities... Anyone?

[weegegirl 2]

Thinking about going for my MBA. Does anyone have experience with the online programs? If so, which program? What are the benefits and drawbacks?

Thanks.

[NWFlyer 2]

I went to the full-time on-campus MBA program at Duke just when they were starting up their online programs. They've got a lot of experience in this type of education, and are generally pretty thoughtful about online education. It's a school with a reputation for a quality education whether it's their traditional on-campus programs or their newer online programs.

That said, I have some concerns with how much energy they're putting into the online programs and executive education programs; I think it's been to the detriment of their flagship program, which is still the traditional 2-year resident MBA program. But that's the viewpoint of a griping alumna who has watched the rankings drop a bit since I graduated.

Edited to add: I think whether an online program is the right type of program for you will partly depend on what your goals are from the program. I can't underestimate the value of the network that I created by being in residence for two years and getting to know my classmates both in and outside the classroom. Some of that will be missing in an online program.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[weegegirl 2]

I agree that being on a campus and networking would provide a much more substantial experience. Unfortunately, I am too deep in my career to be taking two years off. I really need the flexibility at this point, but really want the education and experience. Plus, I think the online program would be interesting considering I develop online training myself. I bet Duke does run a really tight program.

[wingnut 0]

forget online programs.... you know you want to go back full time............... i'm trying to go this fall... but then again i'll have 4 years not 2 for a degree.....and my job sucks now so i don't mind not doing it for a while...

______________________________________
"i have no reader's digest version"

[NWFlyer 2]

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I agree that being on a campus and networking would provide a much more substantial experience. Unfortunately, I am too deep in my career to be taking two years off. I really need the flexibility at this point, but really want the education and experience. Plus, I think the online program would be interesting considering I develop online training myself. I bet Duke does run a really tight program.

Your other option is an executive program, though they usually want 10-15 years experience and I don't know if you are at that point in your career (and it would *seriously* limit your skydiving, as they tend to be every other weekend for 15-18 months).

[pilotdave 0]

I just got my MBA recently taking classes at night 2 days a week. Thought about online programs but decided there was no way I was gonna motivate myself to sit at my computer and take classess. I needed to have to be in class. My program was held in a hotel near work, and dinner was included in tuition. Books were brought to us before each new course too. Couldn't have been more painless... except for a few of the professors. And since my company paid for it, and I'll be getting a big stock award for graduating, it was definitely worth doing.

I've never been to the campus... don't even know how to get there. It's a small school in new haven, CT. You mighta heard of it...








Yeah, that's right, the university of new haven. That's what you were thinking, right?
And as a university of maryland graduate, let me add: DUKE SUCKS.

Dave

[NWFlyer 2]

Quote

And as a university of maryland graduate, let me add: DUKE SUCKS.

This thread is not about basketball. Or lacrosse.

[pilotdave 0]

Hehe I hear the students suck too but I've never met one. J/k

Dave

[tso-d_chris 0]

I have yet to take an online course that compared favorably to its brick and mortar counterpart. I've taken a few, at different schools. While some were better than others, none were great.

The biggest problem I have found was the user interface. Often navigating the course is more difficult than the course work, in my experience.

OTOH, online classes do make it easier to work around an existing schedule, and save driving time and expenses.

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[BIGUN 1,488]

Please choose a university's online program with the same diligence you would if you were to attend the campus. Getting a graduate degree from 'any" university to have a graduate degree is not the same as having a graduate degree from the right university - online or not.

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