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I attend the University of Phoenix for the MBA program and it is an accredited university. I participate in flexnet, where you show up for 1 1/2 hours to get the class introduction, then communicate and turn in homework online for 6 weeks, then return to the classroom for presentations to end the class. Then same day you end a class, you start the next class, and so on. I am in version 20 which focuses on problem-based learning where each class revolves around trying to solve issues facing corporations. I will be graduating with an MBA in Technology Management. Without a specialization you will take between 10 -13 classes.(You can waive up to three courses: accounting, ecomonics, and a technology business class if you have already taken it in undergrad within the past 10 years) Most specializations requires only 2 additional classes. This was no cake walk, you really work hard for the degree and you also work hard to put up with the run around they give you on various issues.
Pros:
No GMAT required
Each course is only 6 weeks long.
Have the option to attend class by ground (4 hours once a week), flexnet
(meet every 6 weeks and the rest online), or completely online.
Excelerated learning
Graduate in less than two years. (I started in May 2005, I graduate next
month) Depending on your location, graduation may be only once a year.
They let you participate in Commencement if you are within 9 hours of
completetion. During Commencement I will be in the last week of my last
class of the regular MBA. Since Specializing was only two classes more I
decided to go for that. So I will return for 12 additional weeks after
commencement, insteading of waiting almost another year to walk across
the stage.
Homework due at 12 midnight. Depending on your time zone, some teachers are nice enough to let you turn it in based on Arizona's Mountain Time. In Texas (Central time) we may get an extra hour or 2, depending on if we are in daylight savings time or not.
Cons:
Time comsuming , must devote time to studying chapters and references and
be prepared to discuss topics within a day or 2. Online discussion postings must be 100 - 300 words and have substance to get full participation credit. Online participation requires multiple postings for several days within one week for the entire 6 weeks.
Paper due every week.
Expensive (tuition) approx. $1600/ class and (electronic textbook and
resources fee) approx. $100/class
Administrative Staff (not faculty) can be unorganized, lazy, and have
communication problems. They are quick to fast talk you into enrolling
first, then they worry about correcting problems later. (If you are not a
self motivator or proactive in making sure your paperwork, financial aid ,
overall standing, and other affairs are being taken care of, instead of relying
on the staff, this is not the school
for you.) You have to stay on top of everyone to get things done, in
addition to concentrating on your classes.This was my major complaint
about this school.
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