How to Earn Your Online MBA


How to Earn Your Online MBA

Sep 13, 2010 Sarah Savage

A Master of Business Administration, or MBA, is a degree geared toward people in the field of business who are seeking credentials to advance their career. Many people with the desire to go back to school in order to earn their MBA are mid-career, and more often than not, they have families and obligations that prevent them from returning to school full-time. In light of this dilemma, online universities have emerged and are bridging the gap to provide the opportunity for these professionals to go back to school without compromising their workload.

What is an online MBA program like?

The MBA program generally lasts two years, or four semesters. However, you can complete the degree in as little as 18 months by taking a full course load. Online MBA programs typically introduce students to many different subjects in the field of business during their first year, and students generally choose a concentration in one of these areas during their second year of the program. These subjects may include – but are not limited to – finance, international business studies, marketing, organizational management, accounting, and economics.

Is my online MBA program legitimate?

To make sure potential employers will take your MBA seriously after you graduate, it is best to check out the accreditation status of your online university to make sure you are enrolled in an accredited online MBA program. If it is accredited, find out what entity issues the accreditation.

The oldest and most highly regarded accrediting body is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). An article on GetEducated.com, “Do I Need an AACSB-Accredited Online MBA?” can help you decide if you need your degree to have their stamp of approval. If the online university you choose is not accredited by the AACSB, your best bet is to look for a school that is accredited by a regional board that is approved by the federal government.

According to Vicky Phillips, CEO of GetEducated.com, “There is no federal requirement that a school be accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. or a state government… It’s a very easy scam to perpetrate a fake college.” GetEducated.com also has a database on its website called the Diploma Mill Police, a feature that lists hundreds of illegitimate online colleges posing as the real thing.

What can I do with my MBA once I graduate?

Once you earn your online MBA, your job prospects and earning potential is exponentially greater. For instance, the finance courses in an MBA program are a great way to get top jobs in financial planning and strategy firms. The marketing skills learned while earning your MBA degree will enable you to go for a position as high as a product manager responsible for company marketing. Government agencies are changing their rules and increasingly on the lookout for people with MBA degrees for managerial positions in bureaucratic agencies.

Sources:

Phillips, Vicky. “Do I Need an AACSB-Accredited Online MBA?” GetEducated.com. January 19, 2009. Accessed September 13, 2010.

Copyright Sarah Savage. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.


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Top Online MBA Accredited Programs From High Ranking B Schools


Top Online MBA Accredited Programs From High Ranking B Schools

Sep 16, 2010 Rahul Dutta Gupta

Online MBA courses made their first appearance over a decade ago. Despite their continued proliferation, prominent publications like BusinessWeek have failed to devise a competent method of ranking them on the basis of merit.

Measuring the worth of an online MBA degree is fraught with complications. The data used to tabulate regular MBA programs does not apply to online courses. Furthermore, many schools gloss over critical statistics like the percentage of dropouts. Complications also stem from the fact that students are motivated to pursue MBA programs online for reasons which are different from those for traditional degrees.

Regular yardsticks like reputation have to be brushed aside in favor of more relevant concerns like cost and convenience. The following factors should be taken into account before choosing an online MBA course.

Accreditation by AACSB

The oldest and most preferred accreditation board is the AACSB. Recruiters favour courses recognized by this board because of its stringent criteria. For online MBA courses, the AACSB insists on a high caliber curricular structure which is taught by the institute's regular faculty, frequent student-teacher interaction and a strict admission process (generally involving the GMAT). MBA-Options.com lists most of the AACSB-accredited online MBA programs.

The second-best option is to apply for an online program recognized by a regional board and approved by the federal government. Examples include the Higher Learning Commission and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – both of which are utilized by most midwestern universities.

The market is flooded with illegitimate accreditation agencies and there is no no federal requirement which insists on a school being recognized by the US or the state government. Hence a candidate should peruse the Department of Education's database to determine whether the online course they have chosen is affiliated to a recognized board.

These are of some of the universities offering accredited online MBA degrees.

University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell

Accredited by AACSB, the Umass online MBA is highly coveted degree and is considered at par with MBAs from regular institutes. A number of companies encourage their employees to get their MBA degrees from UMass and according to Geteducated.com degrees offered by the University are the best in the online education industry.

West Texas A&M University

Accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, West Texas A&M University offers a comprehensive 2 year MBA program, which is somewhat more affordable than online MBA programs offered by other universities.

Western Kentucky University

The MBA program of Western Kentucky University has been accredited Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCC). According to the US News and World report, the university’s online MBA program ranks as one of the top programs in the South.

Do Recruiters Value Online MBA Programs

Not all top-notch companies hire candidates with an online MBA degree. It is advisable to consult the HR department of specific companies or executive search firms allied with important companies in this regard. Such research also throws light on the most favored online MBA programs. Most recruiters seem to prefer online courses from Indiana University, Pennsylvania State University, Arizona State University and the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Affordability

Contrary to popular belief, not all online MBA programs are cheap. On an average, the cost of an online MBA degree is $20,000 – an AACSB-accredited degree is usually priced higher at around $32,000. Online courses typically cost more than their residential counterparts because they place greater demands on technology and the instructors involved.

Copyright Rahul Dutta Gupta. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.


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Chemistry educators worldwide to attend UNT conference

July 22, 2010 printable version

   Printable version

 

Chemistry educators worldwide to attend UNT conference

DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The use of technology in chemistry education, how food and cooking relate to chemistry and the emerging field of green chemistry are among the topics that will be discussed at the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education Aug. 1-5 (Sunday-Thursday) at the University of North Texas.

About 1,200 chemistry educators from around the world will discuss ways to improve chemistry education at all levels.

As the number of science and mathematics teachers in the United States continues to dwindle, conferences like this are crucial to developing and retaining strong educators.

"There's nothing in the world that's not chemistry. It affects us all of the time, but it's not always the easiest thing to understand," said Dr. Diana Mason, UNT associate professor of chemical education and conference coordinator. "Chemistry education is so important for these reasons."

Backgrounds in chemistry prepare students for careers in medicine, pharmacology, dentistry and engineering, among others, Mason said. In addition, many non-science majors enroll in chemistry to fulfill science requirements.

"Chemistry is a central science," Mason said. "Universities benefit from strong chemistry programs."

In its 21st year, the conference is co-sponsored by UNT and the American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Education. UNT's strong reputations in chemistry and education made it a strong candidate to host this year's conference.

The conference has accepted about 800 papers and over 70 posters from chemists in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Ireland, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Sudan, Turkey, Venezuela and the UK.

UNT students will be on hand as conference volunteers, and Dr. James Marshall, UNT professor of chemistry, will discuss the periodic table in the opening ceremonies speech.

UNT News Service Phone Number: (940) 565-2108
Contact: Sarah Bahari (940) 565-4835
Email: sarah.bahari@unt.edu

Latest News

UNT welcomes record number of graduate students, overall enrollment increases to more than 36,000 students
The fall 2010 enrollment includes a 6 percent increase in graduate students, bringing graduate enrollment to an all-time high of 7,794.

UNT recognized as among top schools for minority students
Two national magazines have once again named UNT among the top colleges and universities in the United States based on the number of undergraduate degrees conferred to minority student.

UNT to present events related to novel by American Indian writer
Three events will focus on Sherman Alexie's novel Flight as part of UNT's One Book, One Community annual reading program.

UNT opens theatre season with "The Little Foxes"
The power-hungry Hubbards come to the stage in Lillian Hellman's psychological thriller, Sept. 30 - Oct. 10.

UNT institute to host conference aimed at helping transfer students succeed in STEM fields, Sept. 19-21
"Creating Pathways for STEM Transfer Student Success" will discuss the evolving needs of transfer students and funding trends in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

UNT psychology professor Amy Murrell given Faculty Mentoring Award
Murrell received the award during the Summer 2010 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.

Zuill Bailey

Cellist Zuill Bailey to perform with UNT Symphony Orchestra Sept. 29
Bailey will also share his expertise with UNT College of Music students in a master class that is open to the public.

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What is the Purpose of Formal Education?

What is the Purpose of Formal Education?

February 9, 2010

By: Online MBA

There are historically three main reasons to attend school. This applies from the oldest of trades to grade school to the ivory tower itself.

  • Personal Development
  • Professional Training
  • Credentialing

Classical learning was aimed at the development of the person. As is most general scholarship and liberal arts. The idea being that we could lift ourselves to a higher state of character and general value as a citizen by gaining a broad education and then delving deeply into a particular field.

Trade schools, engineering schools, and, presumably, business schools, on the other hand, are intended to confer a set of skills to the student that they can then go apply in the marketplace.

Fields such as journalism, education, or psychology can straddle these lines as there are career paths that require training, but a large portion of the curriculum is often academic, historical, and theoretical. Similarly, many graduates in these fields go on to do something unrelated as their profession.

And then there’s the motivation of going to school chiefly to earn the credential with any other benefits being incidental. This is common with masters-level degrees in industries that offer a predictable pay raise to employees who have them (this is very common in public education, for example).

Being Honest and Self-Aware About Your Motivation for Education

It’s important to be real with yourself about why you are in school or thinking about going to school and, subsequently, to be consistent in your actions.

If your course of study is aimed at getting a job…
What else are you doing to get a job?

If it’s about the pursuit of knowledge, awareness, and personal development…
Are you making the most of it? Maybe you should study abroad or volunteer or learn a new hobby while you’re at it. And in your classes, are you measuring success by what you’re absorbing or just by your grades and progress on paper?

And if you really just want the credential…
Is getting that raise or improving your resume really worth the time, money, and effort it will take to get there? If it doesn’t necessarily make sense on paper, maybe that’s not really your motivation. How much of it is ego? Or boredom? Maybe what you’re really after is personal or professional development after all.

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Baker College Online MBA Review


Baker College Online MBA Review

Apr 26, 2010 Mark Butler

Amongst all the traditional online degree programs, Baker College Online should be considered one of the most successful. The college offers online degree programs from the Associate degree level to the Doctorate. Baker College has been particularly successful in the business degree arena and their Associate, Bachelor and Master degree programs have been accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). This review covers the Baker College Online MBA program offered via distance learning via the internet.

Requirements for Online MBA Degree

Baker College’s online MBA program is very similar to many other traditional and online MBA programs. Even so, one key difference is that the college operates on a quarter hour system whereas many colleges utilize the semester hour system. Baker College’s online MBA requires 49 quarter hours in order to complete the degree and of these, 20 quarter hours will be in a specialization except for the accounting track that requires 53 quarter hours.

This MBA program has a core set of 9 courses and each is 4 quarter hours long except for BUS 609 Graduate Seminar which is 1 quarter hour. The other courses are: Human Resource Management, Human Behavior Management of Organizations, The Financial Environment, The Economic Environment, The Marketing Environment, Management Information Systems, Research and Statistics for Managers, Strategy in a Global Environment.

The various specializations that a student can earn at Baker College in the MBA program are: Accounting, Finance, Health Care Management, Human Resources Management, Information Management, Leadership and Marketing. Much like Kaplan University, Baker utilizes the 6 week term.

Tuition, Military Discount, Other Costs and Benefits

Tuition at Baker college compares favorably to Kaplan's. While Kaplan University’s tuition is slightly less per hour than a number of other online to most online programs. The credit hour cost is $345 and for the 49 quarter credit hour program the cost of the MBA is $16,905. For the 53 quarter hour Accounting MBA, the cost is $18,285. The school also has a number of other fees, such as application and graduation fees, but these are very modest and should not adversely impact any student from getting their degree.

With Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reporting that the average expected starting annual salary for new professional hires from MBA programs to be in the $80K range in 2006, the price of the MBA can be a good return on investment (ROI). Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average earnings for a person holding a graduate degree and between the ages of 45 and 54, is about $94,000. It should be noted that these are averages and that major metropolitan areas the amounts are generally higher.

Baker College does not offer a military discount for any of its programs but the college does qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Distance learning students will not be entitled to the housing allowance of the Post 9/11 GI Bill because the MBA program is attended online only. For veterans using the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post 9/11 GI Bill, taking one course per six week term enables the veteran to meet the requirement for full time attendance.

Overall Assessment of Baker College Online MBA Degree

This MBA program is reasonably diverse, but the 6 week terms may not allow material to be covered in depth, much like a similar assessment of Kaplan’s program. Even so, the school will appeal to working adults who become online students in order to obtain the necessary academic credentials to advance their career. In many cases, these are accomplished professionals who need a “check in the box” to get the next promotion, or have the desire to add something to their resume.

Copyright Mark Butler. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.


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Five Reasons Why Continuing Education is a Positive Career Step


Five Reasons Why Continuing Education is a Positive Career Step

Jun 22, 2010 David R. Wetzel

Many people make a decision about jobs and careers after leaving high school or college, some based on clear goals and others on need. However, there are many varied and often uncontrollable reasons why these initial occupations do not last. This leads to five reasons why continuing education must be considered as a positive investment for achieving success in a chosen occupation.

Changing Jobs: An Unstable Future for Everyone

Job instability is the first of five reasons why everyone needs to pursue continuing education. Additional education helps remain current within a career field, because changing jobs numerous times in one’s lifetime is inevitable.

According to a news release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics ("Number of Jobs Held – A Longitudinal Study," June 27, 2008) the average person changes jobs 10.8 times during the ages of 18 and 42. This study also found earnings were higher for college graduates as compared with those who had less education.

The following are additional specifics regarding changing jobs provided by the study:

  • Adults changed jobs the most before age 27.

  • On average, men held 11.0 jobs and women held 10.6 jobs from age 18 to age 42.
  • Of the adults who began new jobs between the ages 18 to 22, 72 percent of those jobs ended in less than a year and 94 percent ended in fewer than 5 years.

  • For adults who began new jobs between the ages 38 to 42, 31 percent ended in less than a year and 65 percent ended in fewer than 5 years.
Because of the number of jobs adults are expected have by the time they turn 42, these findings make it clear continuing education is essential for everyone to remain employable in the job market.

Investing in a Career: Preparing for the Future

Career investment is the second of five reasons why continuing education is critical. A job is the most valuable asset someone has in their life. This is why it is so important to invest in additional education. Academic success leads to increased job retention and improves this invaluable asset.

Many people will not hesitate to invest in the latest technology gadget or other extravagant items. However, they must also view continuing education as an investment in life and a support for providing the money they need to maintain their lifestyle. Although it takes time and money up front to complete courses and obtain a degree, the return on investment is well worth benefits expected throughout a lifetime.

Improving Job Skills: Continual Development is Essential

The third reason for continuing education is to ensure knowledge and skills are up-to-date with the latest trends affecting a person’s career field. The benefit for a person continuing their education in this manner is their employer is more likely to view them as a valuable asset during downsizing or layoffs.

Earning a higher degree, certification, or completing continuing education units are worth the time and financial investment. By selecting the right continuing education degree related to a chosen career, jobs skills and specializations are enhanced which make a person a versatile employee. It also increases their value in the job market when the time comes to seek other employment or a new career.

Finding a Dream Job: Value of Continuing Education When Changing Careers

Finding the dream job is the fourth reason continuing education is important for those considering switching careers. The benefit of adult education is learning about prospective career fields which may lead to a dream job. The reality and requirements for these potential jobs is better understood through enrollment in related courses.

When an adult continues their education, they are more likely to discover a job which matches their passion and talents. This is not only accomplished through course work, it is also realized through internships. These opportunities allow someone to “test the waters” before jumping into a new career. This is a critical step many people do not use or do not use effectively when coming out of high school or college.

Career Earning Potential: Achieving a Higher Income as a Result of Additional Education

The final reason for using continuing education as a positive career step is the all important potential increase in earning potential. As stated in the changing jobs section, adults who earn a college degree tend to earn more over their lifetime than those who do not seek additional education. Education pays and is worth the investment in time and money.

Do not settle for any job, career, or a lower income. An investment in continuing education can increase marketability through improved jobs skills and potentially a dream job. Also, leads to greater job stability and greater lifetime income which is further incentive for taking a positive career step through additional adult education.

Copyright David R. Wetzel. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.


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Comments

Jul 6, 2010 9:37 AM
Guest :
Mr. Wetzel has clearly and accurately defined the reasons for continuing education. Through personal experience I can attest to much of what Mr. Wetzel promotes.

After high school, I went to college for a short period. While there I was offered a job running a restaurant. Since I had worked in the foodservice field during high school, and because I planned to make it my life's work, I exited school and began working full-time, leaving a degree as unfinished business. I reasoned that foodservice was a profession that did not require a degree, and that experience was far more crucial.

After a reasonably successful career, and at the age of 48, I still had not reentered school. By then I was working at a university as the Assistant Director of Foodservice in the university dining program

The Director's position opened up, and I applied. I believed that I had the requisite experience to easily be appointed to the job. Another candidate was picked to fill the position. I was stunned. I asked the HR department why I did not receive the promotion. I was informed that the successful candidate, while not possessing my wide array of experience, did possess a BA degree, which I did not.

Shortly thereafter I entered community college with the goal in mind of obtaining an AA degree. I found that school was a comfortable fit for me and I continued through the AA, a BA, 2 Masters, and I am currently working on an EdD. In addition I took classes that allowed me to receive 3 teaching credentials and an administrative credential. During the course of my schooling, I found that I no longer wanted to be in foodservice. I have been part of the public school system in Southern California for 14 years, teaching at all levels from elementary to community college. This, it turns out, is my dream job.

I highly recommend that people continue to seek education throughout their lives. The reasons are too numerous to mention here, but Mr. Wetzel did a fine job of outlining the benefits. Good article and good job!

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The Pros and Cons of Distance Learning


The Pros and Cons of Distance Learning

Jun 13, 2010 Dannielle Brathwaite

Many academic institutions offer distance learning courses. These courses can range from as a little as a few hours to a few years. There are several pros and cons of studying via distance learning versus the more traditional classroom setting.

One of the more popular distance learning organisations is Resource Development International (RDI), which provides UK university qualifications. They boast of the many benefits of distance learning. On the other hand, there may be some drawbacks to distance learning. Online College Network which is a guide to online college courses lists some of the drawbacks of studying via distance learning.

Distance Learning Is Budget Friendly

For those who are financially strapped but still looking to further their education, distance learning can be a great option. There are no room and board fees, health insurance costs and other small incidentals. Additionally, books are sometimes included in the fee.

For example, with RDI, a two year Master in Business Administration can be completed for about nine thousand dollars. This is a great fee when compared to other universities which quote tuition fees of twelve thousand dollars per year for a two year programme. Additionally, students can be fully employed and not take any time off to attend classes.

Distance Studies Allow for Self Paced Learning

Although there is a usually a time limit to complete a programme, distance learning can be done as slowly or quickly as needed. Participants can set their own schedules and avoid missing key aspects of the learning process.

Distance Learning Allows for Flexibility

There is no need to hurry from work to class to home. Distance learning programmes are designed to fit into your schedule. One can study on the bus or train on the way home. The internet has made a remarkable contribution to these programmes. Laptops and notebooks can go anywhere which makes studying via distance learning a convenience for all.

Distance Learning May Require Costly Technology

Distance learning via the Internet (online learning) requires reliable access to a computer and the Internet. Some courses might also require costly computer programmes which may not be familiar to students. This can be a bother to those who are not competent with computers and software.

All Courses are not Offered

There are only some courses of study that can be taken via distance learning. Courses requiring both theoretical and practical study can not be fully completed in this manner. It might be easy to complete a business course online, but not so practical to complete a course in car repairs. In such cases, classroom attendance might be required.

Self-Motivation is a Must

Students have to be disciplined enough to stay focused on their studies. They need to develop good organisational skills and be dedicated to their work. Because there is no formal classroom setting, students are not required to make their presence known in class. However, there are still assignments and exams to be completed.

There are several pros and cons of studying via distance learning versus the more traditional classroom setting. Distance learning offers many people the opportunity to enjoy higher education. It is very convenient and requires dedication and some compromise. And, although there are some cons to this mode of studying, they can be overcome easily.

Copyright Dannielle Brathwaite. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.


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