Online Universities

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Ha, I was just about to ask if you were still in Chicago, as I'd be able to give more specific advice in that case.

I think the decision depends on so many things, but I tend to lean towards the in-person MBA.

Are you planning to stay in the same area for a while? Some schools are "no-name" nationally, but well-known locally. You will also network with people in your area in a way that you wouldn't at an online school, both classmates and instructors.

Are you planning to be IN business, or are you planning to be in another field, but move into management? I think school name matters far less in the latter.

Personally, when I review resumes, I don't think that much of the online degree, because a ton of the stuff I did in my MBA could not have been done online, and I think the online courses I've taken have been far less valuable.

Also, the schools on the list you linked aren't even that big name. I think "big name," I want to see Wharton, Harvard, Booth, etc.

[lovespink88]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Ha, I was just about to ask if you were still in Chicago, as I'd be able to give more specific advice in that case.

I complain about the moving away so much on here I thought everyone knew about the move! Ha!

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Are you planning to stay in the same area for a while? Some schools are "no-name" nationally, but well-known locally. You will also network with people in your area in a way that you wouldn't at an online school, both classmates and instructors.

Nope, I plan on returning to Chicago within 5 years.

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Are you planning to be IN business, or are you planning to be in another field, but move into management? I think school name matters far less in the latter.

I like my field, I suppose it would just be for advancement purposes (which I'm actually researching if that's even necessary--I've also sent out a couple emails to trusted mentors in the industry to get their opinions).

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Personally, when I review resumes, I don't think that much of the online degree, because a ton of the stuff I did in my MBA could not have been done online, and I think the online courses I've taken have been far less valuable.

My best friend has an MBA and I was getting her input. She encouraged in person as well for that reason.

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Also, the schools on the list you linked aren't even that big name. I think "big name," I want to see Wharton, Harvard, Booth, etc.

Oh for sure! I guess what I meant by showing that list is that, in my opinion, I tend to think more highly of a school of it's their main campus. The only in person option near me is University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. I was curious to know if an online degree from, say, Indiana (#3 on that list) would be more valuable than UCCS (which, ironically was all the way up at #37 on that list--I would not have expected that to be that high!). Not to knock smaller schools/satellite campuses...just my two cents.

If I was in Chicago and I decided to apply, I would be applying to Northwestern and UChicago.