The last time I submitted a post, it was in order to distinguish between several types of online MBA programs.
This time I’m trying to decide between the ROI found in completing an MBA 100% online or one that has virtual and residency components.
Babson MBA Fast-Track: 21 months | Residency every 7-weeks for 3-days | $75k base program cost
Northeastern University: 24 months | 100% online | $65k program cost
I know what I’m getting with Northeastern. However, I’m finding that if I’m going to dedicate the next 2-years of my life to an MBA program, inclusive of the costs invested, I want to get the most out of it as possible. Therefore, an online MBA from Northeastern, although good, would limit me to different classmates every 5-weeks (not cohort based), and 100% virtual.
Babson has the entrepreneurial spirit and ranking, residency requirements, and cohort. Therefore, I get to play with innovation and creativity while establishing a solid network and experiencing the face-to-face interaction with professors and fellow classmates. I’m just concerned the added costs in traveling: airfare to and from, rental cars and hotel stay will increase the program cost to an approximate $85k or so.
My perspective is this: I want a FUN program. My goal is to get into leadership, strategy or technology consulting with a big firm like PWC, Deloitte, Booz Allen, where using innovation and creativity goes a long way. So, I’d like a program that has some form of entrepreneurship coursework via specialization or built-in. However, I’m not too interested in all the finance-related material of most MBA programs. I find that I like curriculum of Leadership programs, i.e. Purdue University Hybrid MS Leadership. It has more people-oriented content as well as a little bit of Finance, which is great for me.
Also, I came across University of Texas Austin MS Technology Commercialization, which is entrepreneurial-minded, but more focused on getting technology to market. Therefore, it would work best with Product Development, Business Development, etc.; however, I’m worried it may limit my options. As I’m not too certain what I’d like to do with my career, I enjoy the flexibility an MBA brings with me. And I’m not sure how employers view an MBA vs MS Leadership.
Am I all over the place here? : )
You are really good at summing up the pros and cons when comparing different online masters. Very nice comparison! It is of course a big decision and I am always surprised when people spend little time weighing the pros and cons on such an expensive item — plus it does make a difference in your career positioning long term, which affects your earning potential. I can’t add anything else accept to agree is option A worth $40 more than option B? There is no right answer other than which one “buys” you the most of what you what from a… Read more »
Vicky, thanks for the feedback! I had heard of the MSTC program through UT Austin some time ago; however, at that time it was only available on-campus, but is now available online with 1-2 residency requirements including an international trip. I was smitten with the program emphasis of technology entrepreneurship, but felt it was more focused on bringing technology to market rather than Babson’s focus on being able to do anything! So, I didn’t want to be stuck to technology-related entrepreneurship, but having the know-how to take any idea irrespective of what it is and creating value out of it.… Read more »
Hi Vicky! First and foremost, I do look forward to your responses with great anticipation, so thank you! After digesting your response, I must say I have to agree with everything you said. I’ve always enjoyed the curriculum found in Leadership programs. To echo your thoughts, they are more focused on the human capital side of things, and are genuinely more fun if you enjoy people over hardcore business, which I do. However, my only fear with pursuing a Leadership program is although I would be learning a great a deal of how to manage and motivate people (as most… Read more »
Hi Raven, Welcome back. Still puzzling out which online masters is best for you, I see. I can throw in my two cents. See also our great article: [url=http://www.geteducated.com/expert-advice/online-mbas/350-best-online-business-degree-masters-degree-in-leadership-versus-online-mba]Online MBA vs. Online Masters Leadership [/url] The question of Online MBA vs. Online Masters Leadership is a great one and one we hear quite a bit about for the very reasons you mention. Leadership degrees did not even exist a decade ago but have become very popular as Non-MBAs for those who really want to focus on the people aspects of the corporation — what motivates people, what makes a good… Read more »
Hi Raven 350,
You do appear to be all over the place. Geteducated has a wide selection of MBA courses. At $75k for a MBA, the ROI is hideous. There many cheaper. Again Geteduacted can help.
Have you looked at Califonia InterContinental University? It is DETC (nationally and internationally accepted accreditation) – if you move your career overseas. It is also under $20K. The faculty is a terrific bunch of business and academics. They have just want you want and the courses are demanding with cohorts per class. All online. Good luck!