re: LSUS online MBA.. Waste of time?

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Well law and business is a lot different. Right now I have a bachelors in cardiopulmonary science, I work trauma. I plan on moving up in the hospital system or taking a completely different route and getting out of healthcare in general. That's why I'm leaning towards MBA over MHA Bc a MBA is obviously more diverse. The reason I am very interested in LSUS is Bc of the price. I believe an online program is an online program, I don't think one is that much better than another to add on tens of thousands of dollars. UF is pretty expensive, I've looked in Florida, it was my first search.

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True and from what the other poster posted looks like this is a really strong online MBA.

As for my firm, frankly, the only reason they looked at me was because of my work experience which included a dozen years in the Big 4 along with several years of specialization in International Tax, some of the largest PE funds in the world as clients, and another very specific skill set. The degree always matters, but after a while, it is about your experience, who you have worked for and your career progression. My AU degree and masters got me started and its a great degree, but it took my experience and a strong interview to get my current position.

Sounds like a good value for an MBA.

Good luck with it.

No, If you have a certain GPA you can be excluded from taking the GMAT.

For the price of $12,632*, make note that its based on last fall tuition prices, Fall 2014, for the LSUS campus, I think its a pretty good program for the price.

The stigma of online learning for the few that compare it to University of Phoenix or whatever, has not done the research enough to have an opinion on the matter. Online Learning is the future. Especially for those that have real jobs, regardless if its full or part time. If its too good to be true, research it. It could be but research it.

I'm looking into the LSUS MBA program mainly because its somewhat local, affordable, and accredited by a major association that most firms believe is a good indicator of having a thorough, rigorous education. I wish I could do LSU Online Flores MBA program, but at $1,046 per credit hour, I don't think I put that much money in a program due to my resources. Sure I'll probably get a good ROI but I'm not considering getting loans of any type to fund myself going for my MBA.

The catch here is that these are accelerated classes at 7 weeks each. Trust me, I done online classes for a whole semester but 7 weeks is very different to maintain. So take that into account when looking into these programs.

I am 90% complete with my online MBA and very satisfied with the program.

Overall, the LSUS Online MBA program has been excellent. I have learned many valuable skills which I am able to incorporate into my current career. In addition, the discussions have allowed me to grow my network to include other leaders from various disciples.

If you have a full time job, like I did, then you probably should try to talk to another student before taking more than 1 class per semester. Some classes (MADM, MKT) require more than 20 hours a week each. Other classes are very straightforward (BADM) and can be accomplished in 10 hours a week. Previous students can help you create your schedule so that it will work best for you. Obviously, these requirements are all professor dependent and subject to change, but it should help you gauge your time.

Pros:
1) Accreditation (My employer covered 25% of the cost because of this)
2) Challenging (Topics are current and relevant)
3) Similar curriculum/textbooks as most other US MBA programs
4) Availability of concentrations, if preferred
5) 100% online
6) Very affordable (One of the cheapest in the US)
a. Note: When calculating costs, factor in textbook costs of $150-200/class on average
7) Online forums to allow discussion. Generally, each class requires 1-2 discussions each week.

Cons:
8) MADM classes require a LOT of writing (20 pg papers in some classes)
9) Group projects in 50% of classes
10) Exams can be very tricky at times (ex: A + B, but not C type questions; essay questions)
11) Grading takes forever. Many profs were about 2-3 weeks behind on grading
12) ProctorU (Many online university classes have this now… It is very intrusive. Only 2 classes had this, but I think it will increase. Google it)
13) LSUS is in a growth stage. There are some classes that have had enrollment increase 30% and LSUS is having a challenge trying to keep up. It has caused some class-scheduling difficulty, tardiness in receiving grades, and lengthy discussions. However, I know they are working to correct these issues, and I think we will see a good change over the next year when things start to level out.
14) The recruiters and staffing office have NOT taken the LSUS MBA and do not know the actual time/money requirements; do not trust them.
15) It is NOT completely flexible; most professors will introduce a topic on Sunday and require a discussion reply on Tuesday with a followup discussion on Thursday. Quizzes are typically open Thursday - Sunday.

Any other questions? Just ask.

Other:
I had to take the BADM pre-requisite courses, and they were really easy. I had an undergrad 3.9 and did not need to take the GMAT. 7-week courses are tough and my personal life was on hold as well; but I was able to complete the program in less than a year, so it was fine for me. I graduated Undergrad in 2000, but bouncing back was easy. The degree should state "LSU - Shreveport". Most of the employers/VPs I spoke with state that they dont really know the difference between LSU/LSUS. I think the LA people may know, but I doubt it is nationwide. Most assume it is the same school.

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Overall, the LSUS Online MBA program has been excellent. I have learned many valuable skills which I am able to incorporate into my current career. In addition, the discussions have allowed me to grow my network to include other leaders from various disciples.

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I am often surprised at the number of people that will discourage doing a online MBA because of the perception that there is no networking with classmates, nothing could be more incorrect. It is 2015, having business meetings online with associates all over the globe is commonplace, a online degree program is a excellent way to practice working in that environment.

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Scbiogirl

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I can’t say enough good things about the program and going back was the best decision I’ve ever made. My career started to really take off before I graduated, but I’ve been promoted, recruited, and earn nearly twice as much as when I enrolled.

I was working around 50 hours/week through a chaotic merger, so virtual setting was ideal for me as well. Face to face networking is mentioned frequently by detractors, but collaborating virtually more closely resembled my personal work environment. The accelerated program required some sacrifice but I was so glad to be done that quickly (I had 2 courses most sessions). I’d absolutely choose LSU-S again if I had it to do over. It’s changed my life.

Stop thinking about it. Do it. Give it your all. It’s over before you even realize. I honestly miss it and I was not at all the type to miss school prior to the program. UCF may carry more weight in your area/profession, so consideration is necessary. My experience has been that people see Master’s and it’s left at that. When someone is curious about my experience in the program, they are more impressed with my having graduated an accelerated program on my own time and on top of work responsibilities.

Send your application and get the ball rolling. Good luck.

I am about to start the MBA program and would like to reach out to former students. Do you mind if I reach out and get some input/advice about the program. Thanks