Part 9 (2/2)

CHAPTER 18.

What You Can Expect.

The concept of getting an education outside a traditional school setting is hardly new. The evolution of communication across long distances allowed innovative educators to teach without a physical cla.s.sroom. One of the first methods for reaching students was, of course, through the mail. Once it became a sophisticated and dependable service in the 19th century, correspondence courses began to appear all over the world. Later, radio and television also served to educate eager learners across long distances. As expected, the computer and the Internet have changed the face of education in countless ways.

As you have seen throughout this book, many of the issues that are critical to your M.B.A. education are the same for both traditional ”brick-and-mortar” or onground options and virtual options like online programs-from selecting the right school and program to fit your goals and schedule, to applying to your school of choice and financing your education. Therefore, this chapter will briefly touch on these issues, but will concentrate on issues specific to online degree programs, such as perceptions of online learning, as well as how the online study experience differs from what you are familiar with in a traditional onground education.

M.B.A.S AND THE VIRTUAL WORLD.

Whether you're moving into a new career, or moving upward in your current path, there are many valuable reasons for pursuing a graduate degree. But for many people, getting an M.B.A. was a goal that remained out of reach-and not because they lacked the drive or dedication. It was because they could not fit a traditional, full-time program in an onground school into their lives. The issues that might have previously kept hard-working adults from reaching their educational goals are no longer impediments to getting an M.B.A. because of the growth and development of online programs.

In this new and exciting frontier, a large part of the population is made up of members of society who previously could not find a place in traditional higher-level education settings. For the high percentage of women enrolled in online degree programs, the flexibility that these programs offer give them their first opportunity to advance their education while continuing to manage the household and often working full-time as well. Online programs also give opportunities to people with disabilities, since they no longer have to be concerned about accessibility or mobility issues involved in visiting a campus.

Perceptions of Online Degrees As with all things that are new and unfamiliar, there has been hesitation in embracing the true value of online degrees. Many employers have previously shown skepticism about the quality of the education that could be imparted outside of traditional settings and programs. Luckily, negative perceptions of online degrees are disappearing very quickly. Today, online degrees are being appreciated and respect more and more by companies and employers.

Accreditation As discussed in chapter 5 (Evaluating Business Schools), accreditation is an important part of selecting a school or program. Should you choose to get your M.B.A. online, it is advantageous to obtain a degree from an inst.i.tution that has been recognized by a regional or national accreditation organization. Even Ivy League schools, with their exceptional reputations, acquire and maintain accreditation. And while accreditation is not a requirement for online universities (or any school for that matter), it adds to the value and prestige of your degree.

In addition, the national and regional organizations that impart accreditation status use the same criteria for online and onground schools. They do not differentiate or discriminate between inst.i.tutions, and require all the schools to maintain the same standards or risk losing their status. It is also important to note that national accreditation may sound more impressive than a regional one, in reality, regional accreditation is more highly regarded. There are also a variety of accrediting bodies, and some more reputable than others! Again, refer to chapter 5 for details on accreditation organizations.

M.B.A. Programs In addition to the traditional master's in business administration, the majority of online universities that offer graduate business degrees have a comprehensive variety of programs available, including specializations in finance (or accounting), marketing, human resources management, information technology, and public administration, among others. The time frames for completing a degree program are much the same for online programs as for onground schools. Many programs typically take about two years to complete. It is also possible to take intensive, accelerated courses that allow you to get your M.B.A. in a year's time. But again, there are many factors at place in deciding on what program to enroll in. Consult chapters 5 and 6 for step-by-step guidance on choosing an M.B.A. program that suits your goals and needs.

Admissions and Financing The admissions process and financing options for online graduate school programs do not vary greatly from those of onground schools. Obviously, there is an application process with forms and fees. Additional admissions requirements will vary from school to school, but the general rules for most graduate programs apply, such as having an undergraduate degree, supplying an official undergraduate transcript, and having maintained a certain minimum grade point average. The main difference between online and onground schools, though, is that online M.B.A. programs do not require GMAT test scores.

In addition to the flexibility that online degrees offer, another exceedingly attractive characteristic of online degree programs is that they provide the same quality education as traditional onground schools, but often at a fraction of the cost. In the past, there were restrictions on financing online degrees, but today, many of the same financing options that apply to onground schools pertain to those online schools. Also, students interested in financial aid will find that federal grants, as well as federal, state, and private lending programs, including military financial aid, are available to them. And many employers will also reimburse, in full or in part, employees who go into online M.B.A. programs. Of course, you should check with your human resources department to confirm your company's policies and options.

THE ONLINE STUDY EXPERIENCE.

Many students are attracted to online education because it provides unprecedented freedom in terms of when and where they ”attend” cla.s.s. While there are time parameters around most online M.B.A. courses, there are tremendous convenience, flexibility, efficiency, and time-saving benefits to online study. Being able to schedule course work and activities to fit their personal and professional lives is enormously appealing to many full- and part-time graduate students. Travel time to and from campuses is frequently an obstacle students cannot meet, and online learning removes this issue. No babysitter needs to be hired, and the cla.s.sroom is always open.

Online Teaching Tools Online learning not only requires self-motivation and dedication, it also requires some familiarity and comfort with technological tools. Before enrolling, students will need to be accustomed to using email in order to correspond with faculty and fellow students. Fluency with the Web is also a must. For example, it is imperative that you know how to download and install common programs and plug-ins, and how to configure common browser options. Other crucial skills include being able to get into, create, amend, and save doc.u.ments in Microsoft Office formats, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as being able to configure and run other applications. For example, being able to install and run an antivirus application is a common requirement for online schools. With files being posted to message boards or sent to faculty and fellow students, security is an issue that online schools take very seriously.

In terms of equipment, having current hardware and software is always preferred. Some common hardware requirements include a computer that runs Windows 2000, XP, or Vista, or Mac OS X and has at least 256 MB RAM or greater; 3 GB of free hard-drive s.p.a.ce, a monitor with a video card of at least 16 bits; and a DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive. You will also need access to the Internet, and the faster, the better (e.g., using a DSL or cable modem). For software, you'll need common applications like Microsoft Office (2000 or higher); antivirus software; the latest version of an Internet browser (like Explorer, Firefox, or Safari); Adobe Acrobat Reader; Adobe Flash Player; and an instant messaging program like AOL or MSN.

The Cla.s.sroom Experience With so many different communication tools and techniques at our disposal in the 21st century, online programs can vary in format, and they continue to adapt and improve with the latest technology. One format issue to investigate is whether the online school you've chosen uses a synchronous or asynchronous format. A synchronous format means that students and professors meet on a predetermined schedule and interact in real-time; chat rooms and videoconferencing are often used. Conversely, with asynchronous programs, students and professors are not required to convene at specified times. Common tools used for this format are email programs (like Microsoft Outlook), message/discussion boards, and streaming video.

Some programs also include (or require) the use of telephone, on-campus attendance, or even good old-fas.h.i.+oned mail correspondence. You will want to investigate the full details of what tools and technology are being used by the university, to ensure that you understand what's required and that it is practical for your schedule and goals.

Cla.s.sroom Discussion and Lectures Despite the technology-heavy nature of online programs, the innovative, dynamic environment of online learning is not an isolated or lonely experience. A great deal of personal attention and academic support is at your disposal. Many schools have features that provide instant feedback, such as quizzes to test your knowledge and discussion boards, so you can initiate discussion and get advice from professors and fellow students. Instant messaging allows real-time discussions with them as well. And in some programs, interactive seminars take place, which provide an enriching exchange between students and faculty.

Because students read the postings from others and have the opportunity to reflect and carefully construct their responses, online course discussions are often rich and thought provoking. Furthermore, the discussion takes place in a written format that provides an archived record of the exchange. Online students do not have to hastily jot down notes during a lecture or transcribe a recording!

Online students also get the benefit of taking cla.s.ses with students who reside across the country as well as outside of the United States. This provides them with a broad student perspective, which enhances the online learning experience. This broad student perspective also extends to the peer-to-peer learning model that marks online learning. Because students come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, they bring a complex set of values and observations to the cla.s.sroom. This is a valuable source of engagement for students in distance learning.

Regardless of the format, online study experience is largely student directed, as opposed to professor directed, and a large number of cla.s.s a.s.signments and projects are done in teams. Students who are successful and satisfied with online programs are self-motivated and comfortable initiating the learning process through discussion and partic.i.p.ation.

Faculty and Guest Lecturers With online M.B.A. programs, the faculty members are not limited to a small geographic area. These universities have the benefit of being able to recruit faculty not only across the country, but international faculty as well.

Also, the technology used in the ”cla.s.sroom” allows for more distinguished guest speakers to partic.i.p.ate in online M.B.A. programs. Guest speakers are often supervisors, managers, business owners, and other professionals, including successful corporate executives and leaders in the industry. With the online study format, they have the flexibility to offer their expertise and insight in a manner that is suitable to their schedule. This may include live online chats and question-and-answer sessions via the Internet. Some courses also have guest lecturers who partic.i.p.ate weekly and share their input.

Libraries and Other Resources Most online universities pride themselves on offering the most informative, up-to-date textbooks to their students, as well as a full array of library services, with both electronic and physical resources. Exhaustive online library catalogs are common to most schools. In some cases, articles and excerpts can be ordered online, and then scanned and delivered electronically, while at other schools, you can order a book online and have it delivered to your door.

In addition, online schools are active in the educational and professional futures of their students. Candidates often have access to comprehensive career services resources, as well as career advisors. Additionally, degree candidates work with academic advisors and faculty mentors to explore and discuss professional opportunities.

APPENDIX A.

For Your Information

APPENDIX A: PART 1.

Frequently Asked Questions When it comes to an endeavor as significant as your education, there is no such thing as too much information, no question too foolish to ask. Indeed, in my discussions with students, administrators, educators, and employers, the same issues kept cropping up over and over again. The following is my attempt to answer some of the more frequently asked questions about the M.B.A., and, in the next section, to lead you to some resources I found very helpful in researching this book.

Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in business to pursue an M.B.A.?

The initial answer to this question is no. In fact, many schools appreciate candidates with a diverse background; it makes the cla.s.sroom more interesting. However, some schools or programs may require their students to have some previous coursework in fundamental business courses such as mathematics, statistics, economics, and financial accounting. If this is the case, and you have not yet fulfilled the requirements, do not give up. If the program is right for you, consider taking the prerequisites before applying. Just be sure that the credits can be transferred.

Why doesn't work experience count towards coursework?

According to admissions officers, work experience in itself does not necessarily represent a structured, thorough understanding of business principles and concepts. Business schools provide a product to their students as well as to the corporations that hire the M.B.A. degree. Keep in mind, though, that prior work experience is vital to cla.s.sroom discussion and eases the transition of theory to practice.

Are the standardized tests (GMAT/TOEFL) really necessary to gain admission?

If the program you are interested in identifies that a GMAT or TOEFL are necessary, that means they are. If you are applying to graduate school on a part-time basis and have been out of school for many years, you may be quite unaccustomed to taking standardized tests. You should realize that many other people are in the same situation. Take a preparatory course and practice for the exam-Kaplan, for one, offers cla.s.ses throughout the United States as well as retail books such as Kaplan GMAT GMAT and Kaplan and Kaplan GMAT 800. GMAT 800. Apply yourself and you'll do fine. Apply yourself and you'll do fine.

Once in a part-time program, can I transfer to a full-time program?

This is an important question that needs to be addressed when you decide which programs and schools to apply to. Some schools consider the full- and part-time programs as separate and distinct programs, whereas others treat both as one and the same. In the first instance, if you wish to expedite the completion of your degree, you must realize there is a separate admissions process for the day program.

As a part-time student, am I eligible for financial aid?

The answer will vary from school to school, so you should broach this topic with the admissions department. Although you may not be eligible for financial aid, U.S. students are ent.i.tled to student loans. As soon as possible, consult with the financial aid professional at the school of your choice and they will indicate which aid, loans, or scholars.h.i.+ps you may be qualified to receive.

When do I find out about waived coursework and credit requirements to graduate?

Usually this is a process that is determined after admission, although some schools may notify you with your admission letter if you can be ”placed out of” a cla.s.s as a result of previous credit in college. If you are required to take a placement exam, your school will notify you of its testing dates.

Do not be confused between ”waived” courses and those courses which you can be ”placed out of.” For example, some schools will require a certain number of credits in order to graduate, and being ”placed out of” a cla.s.s will not reduce the total number of credits required to graduate.

Is there a maximum number of cla.s.ses that can be waived?

This answer will vary from school to school. Most schools will allow you to waive only prerequisite courses such as calculus, marketing, business law, economics, statistics, or accounting. There is usually a maximum number of credits/courses that you can waive or be placed out of; it can range from two to five courses.

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