It was pretty tough. The degree I received was an MBA. Some of the courses required a significant amount of writing. Many courses had a lot of math including calculus. As expected there were good professors and a few bad ones. The cost was outstanding with AACSB accreditation. If you are serious about getting an MBA this is probably one of the best schools you can find.
TAMU-C offers a MBA program catered to the busy individual with experience in management. Initially, I thought the classes were moderate in relation to the work load; however, professors at this in university challenge your willingness to suceed at times. While the reward will become of use when relating to real corporate issues, in many cases two classes is all a working adult can handle in one session. I obtained my BSIT from University of Phoenix and the expectations at TAMU-C are definitely above UOP's standards. Additionally, TAMU-C is affordable; on the other hand, the professor will not hold your hand throughout a course. Self-motivation, organization, and willpower will assist a student in reaching their diploma. In one of my four classes in a semester I had to write nearly 60 pages consisting of cases, research papers, journals, DQ's, in addition to class on Video and team meetings. Again I warn you, while learning will take place, be prepared to WORK for your grade.
Texas A&M has a great reputation. It's known for being one of the better schools in Texas, and they have very flexible yet challenging programs. They also offer live classes at multiple locations that can be great if you're in the area!
I looked for good online MBA program which was AACSB-accredited, had a good reputation, and was affordable. I really planned to put an MBA school to the test because I was going to do my studies from the Western Europe (The Netherlands). I needed a well-run program which I could study from another continent and time zone.
I ended up choosing Texas A&M-Commerce, really enjoyed their program, and have no complaints. All of my instructors were good and required a lot of hard work to earn a good grade. The exams were challenging but the courses just required regular study habits. Most of the exams were open book but you have a time limit so you need to have studied for the exam.
The program is flexible since the school offers 16-week courses in Spring and Fall, 4-week courses in the Summer (Summer I and Summer II), and 2-week mini courses in the Winter, August, and in May. For instance, in my last year, I was able to take 2 courses in the Spring (16 weeks), 1 course in May-mini (2 weeks), 1 course in Summer I (4 weeks), 1 course in Summer II (4 weeks), and my last course in Spring (16 weeks). That helped me to finish the program in 3 years.
Choosing Texas A&M-Commerce for an online MBA is a good decision because the school delivers an affordable AACSB-accredited MBA.
I am not a student of this college but my husband is and I am VERY familiar with them.
What I really like:
Web based courses: My husband has taken several courses and found them to be flexible, easy to use and quite convenient.
What I really dislike:
1. Inadequate professional knowledge. Sometimes, I question how this college stays afloat. If you attempt to glean information from department heads or supervisors, most appear to have no answer, even in fields they are presented as "experts" in as their title denotes. Half the time no one knows what classes are required or what track you should pursue to achieve the desired goal. Also, they are NOT helpful in pointing out required formats. As an example, my husband took a class for his masters which was also to serve as a dual credit in his second subsequent masters. The course he took was web-based because it fit better into our schedule. Well, come to find out, now that he is nearing graduation of his first masters and trying to coordinate class schedules for his second masters, the department informs him that he cannot transfer his class because it was web-based. Why? Apparently the web based does not cover a pertinent aspect of the course which his licensing test will require. Lovely. Since this course is required (with his accompanying classroom portion) he either must 1) retake the course as a classroom credit OR 2) convince an instructor to offer a 1 hour class specifically covering the missed portion. Either way, we will have to PAY for their lack of concise and organized course plans. Nowhere on any degree plan does it state that the class must be a classroom credit for it to qualify for the license test. And, the whole point of obtaining these classes is to attain the licensure! Ridiculous, that not one of the advisors mentioned this when he went in a year or so ago to work out his dual masters plan! And they are the ones in the position of giving advice! So, I advise anyone to check and doublecheck that all courses will adhere to your particular track and goals, because you may find you get someone who has no idea what they are doing and you will end up paying the price. They have no accountability whatsoever. Their response to my husband was basically, oh well....
2) This campus is NOT family friendly. If you have kids don't expect the campus to involve your spouse or family. It is strictly a single, traditional student type atmosphere and that is what they promote. Oh, now there are activities or opportunities you can take advantage of...they have many to choose from, but your family is excluded unless you want to shell out money. One of the issues that has irritated me is the rec center. My husband gets free access with his enrollment. However, if I or my son want to visit, we have to pay. I think this is ridiculous, especially considering the price of tuition and "fees" they tack on. We already pay $1000 (and roughly $400 or so is listed as misc fees)a class and they can't throw in a few cards for our family? Not like we would be up there all the time. My son has wanted to go with his dad to play on the courts, but not only does he have a fee but they limit the days he can visit. And if my husband is in class or at work, I can't take my son because then it would require TWO extra fees. So, yay, my husband gets to go play but can't enjoy it with his family. The other functions that are free for students are nice, but again, we have to pay to go. My husband ends up not going and hasn't been to any activities because he doesn't want to go alone. They have effectively excluded a large portion of their clients simply because they make it a financial burden to include families. I know we are NOT the only ones who are on a tight budget! Also, I have not seen any family oriented type activities geared for families specifically. I find this hypocritical since my husband took a course over non traditional college student enrollment and how it is on the rise, with almost as many older adults enrolling as their younger counterparts. The class stressed ways to welcome, involve and retain these students, yet the campus falls pitifully short in implementing any such thing. (They teach it but don't follow..hmm talking the talk without walking the walk.Sad because they are ignoring a huge opportunity to offer something competitive to a rising population and therefore potential customers!)I wonder, do they think my husband has his own separate job and account with which he pays his tuition? Because as far as I see it, I am a co-student because I am paying right along with him--that money could go elsewhere in our budget. All I'm asking for is some consideration--you reward singles...why not families? I think this single fact could push the campus over the top in terms of unique aspects. Even from a business sense it makes sense...if they promoted such opportunities I believe they would capture more students from the older, more stable population.
3)Classes offered miles off campus. Again, what is the point of offering degree plans here if you don't adequately make the class needed to complete said degree plans available to the students HERE? I don't understand this. Required courses will be offered off in the metroplex somewhere but not on campus concurrently. So, you either wait for a class to be offered close by, or you have to drive to Mesquite, ect to obtain a class that should be hosted by the parent campus. I'm not saying they can't have satellite classes, but there needs to be classes here at campus first and foremost..if they want to offer the same classes concurrently at another location, then so be it. I am not paying a hefty tuition only to have to drive an hour+ and spend gas on a class I signed up here in town. That is ridiculous. My husband attends this college, he has every right to expect his classes to be here. We have decided to only take classes here in the area and forget the rest. He will wait until they offer them here, even though that means he will have to postpone his graduation probably another year--because many class are pre reqs that he has to have before moving on to others.
4) Lack of response. I don't know if people just don't have the answers and think it is professional to ignore questions they can't answer or if they are just unprofessional. I have emailed a couple of departments asking where to direct suggestions, etc. Not one ever replied. Perhaps they are not even interested in feedback and care little for any change they might make to better benefit their student population. I have no respect for those who are in a position of "power" or knowledge and can't be bothered to answer to those whom they are supposedly serving. Funny thing, they keep sending us alumni packets and asking for membership into the alumni club..yadda yadda. Yeah, after the way they treat us? I think not. I've given them enough money as it is, I am not donating anything. You can't ignore, and offer sub service then expect a person to feel all warm and gooey at the offer of alumni status...
My overall opinion of the college is mixed, but at the moment, I am definitely leaning towards the negative. If you are a traditional student then it will probably work for you. They have many activities for you to immerse yourself. The grounds are nice. You can go feed the ducks (which is FREE by the way--one of the few perks I have enjoyed). They have new dorms and plan for more.
But, if your are a non traditional student, meaning you are older, perhaps married with a family, work, etc I would suggest attending if only if one of the following applies: You live in the area or don't care about being included in anything, because this school practically ignores the non traditional set. But for family types who are considering moving to attend this school--save yourself some hassle. I would NOT move to attend this college. The reason we still persevere is simple: we live in the town and it saves us gas money. lol If you have a chance with a competing campus which offers better service, I wouldn't hesitate to take the opportunity. If you are deadset on obtaining a degree here, I would suggest checking into the online courses. They do offer complete degree online, although the scope is limited. I can honestly say I have NO loyalty whatsoever to the campus.
TAMU-Commerce has a great online MBA program, with professors that have real world experience and encourage interaction and participation, but understand that students often have full-time jobs and family commitments outside of school.
However, the financial aid office is an absolute joke! They underestimate the cost of attendance, meaning the Stafford Loan amount you qualify for is nowhere close to the maximum amount allowed. Also, it's been over a month since class started and I still haven't received my loan money! I've sent messages telling them that I had anticipated receiving that money to help with living expenses and books, and was told that I should expect to receive it sometime before the end of the semester! Absolutely ridiculous! Do not choose this school unless you do not need any sort of financial aid.
If you have an undergraduate degree in business with an 3.0 GPA or better, this is the program for you. GMAT is waived. You typically only end up having to take 10 classes which is great for getting through the program quickly and you can end up spending less than $20k from a AACSB Accredited school. Highly recommend it.
I returned to the university in 2007 to complete my BA in general business. I was encouraged by instructors and leaders within the university to continue and complete my MBA (concentration in economics and management). I did so, and was again encouraged to continue working on a PhD. I am currently at Texas A&M University-Commerce working on my doctoral degree in educational psychology. I am pleased with my decision to remain with TAMUC, and am grateful for the opportunity to participate in both online and face-to-face courses. My instructors have been caring and encouraging, and most have presented the course material in a highly professional and relevant manner. I highly recommend the online MBA program to anyone who is willing to put forth the effort required to obtain a valuable degree!
