I’ve been researching online degrees for a couple of years now. The objective has been to find a degree program that lets me study on my own time (DVD or online video), from a university that I’ve heard of, that wouldn’t get me ridiculed as having a ‘Sally Strothers Degree’, and that didn’t cost an absolute fortune. Well, that eliminates most programs. I had considered forgoing the ‘doesn’t cost a fortune requirement’ and decided maybe I could spread it over 8 years to make it affordable… but then again, I’d like to graduate before I retire.
I looked a programs from:
Syracuse – I’d have to take vacation for 2 weeks for ‘orientation’ at the beginning of the program. I’ll pass. That, and it costs a bunch.
Stanford – Aww, nothing but M.S. engineering degrees. DISSAPOINT!
Kansas State – I would definitely go this route… but no MBA! I emailed them and said some harsh (but justified) things. Do you think that will help my chances of seeing an online MBA program come from KSU anytime soon? University of Kansas has no online MBA program now either.
Colorado State – One of the premier party schools. The fact is, engineers don’t overindulge in cheap beer, neither do artists (they indulge in boxed wines), or professors (hard liquor). So they must have a big business department to earn their ‘Best Party School’ fame. Downside: cost. Also, I’m not sure if partying actually does make a better business school. I assume not.
OkState – I almost decided on this one. Then the cost was disappointing being an out-of-stater (like all of these). A solid school if your company will pay for it. Otherwise, maybe a local college isn’t so bad.
University of Texas, Dallas (UTD) – I was almost convinced to go this route too. But, the fact that the University of Texas system dilutes its own brand by having a billion or so UTexas schools or varying quality (and different mascots), I couldn’t be sure whether I would get any cred out of the degree. UTexas (Austin) people will make fun of you, because you won’t be a Texas Longhorn… you’ll be a UTX Beagle or something. And, you’ll feel inferior to your UTexas Longhorns peers.
Nebraska (UNL.com) – This was a terrific surprise. A great school, and you actually get to be a Cornhusker, which is respectable. Everyone has heard of Nebraska, and best of all, a 3-credit hour online course in the MBA program is only $1080. That’s darn cheap, and up to 50% cheaper than other online degree programs from the same school. They must subsidize it or something to keep the cost down.
UNL works for me because
1) Its online
2) Its a respectable school
3) My own employer caps tuition reimbursement at a rate that would take me 6 years to finish at another school if I didn’t want to go out of pocket. UNL, with the current tuition rate, I can finish in 4 years.
Good luck on your own online MBA program search!
