Making MBA Choice in Next Few Weeks. Advice Needed

Sounds like you have a plan to couple the MBA and your current work experience for continued professional growth in that industry. Which is using the mba the exact way it should be used. Go tear that program up!

I was a headhunter for years and the mba is basically useless without solid work experience/growth in levels of responsibilty within a specific industry.

Have you explored any "executive mba" program's? They often offer very flexible schedules...i believe southeastern has one.

Good luck!

I wouldn't say that it's entirely lost in an online program, but you have to look into what type of team work you will be able to do with them.

It sounds like you should look for a school with a strong program in Supply Chain Management. I believe NC State has one that you can do online as well.

UNC is a different tier of MBA program than you are considering. It is one of the better programs in the country and there are differentiators that come with that ranking (and cost).

Texas A&M is a strong supply chain management school. We hire a lot of undergrads from there for that service line. Mays is not a top tier MBA, but would be better than most you have listed.

Strongly recommend a full time or executive MBA...the classmate interaction is arguably the most important part of your education. Creating a larger network and learning from that network's experiences is a game changer for your career long term.

It is very good that you have a distinct goal in mind. Look for MBA programs that are being recruited by the companies you eventually want employment...even if it isn't right out of the program, you will have recruitment exposure.

Another consideration...where do you want to live? Lower ranked MBAs are recognized locally much more than nationally, so this will help you get the most out of the recruitment opportunities.

Again, figure out the companies you want to work for and then find out which programs they recruit. Basically, you just work backwards to ID the schools that make the most sense for what you are trying to accomplish.

How much work experience do you have right now? After about 5-6 years of experience, executive MBA programs can really start making more sense depending on your earning potential right now and how comfortable you are in your current position. In short, weekend, in-person programs allow you to continue work while still gaining the personal component of the degree. It can be tough on your personal life though to be gone a lot of weekends and always doing schoolwork during free time.

I'll be going to FT MBA route in the next 2-3 years, but I am still very early in my career and my earning potential still has years to peak (less opportunity cost of taking two years off from working).

Do any of the online programs ever allow for in-person interaction a few times during the program? I do know these programs are becoming more creative in making it interactive and it sounds like it is the choice that makes the most sense given your life circumstances.

You should definitely make sure it is an accredited program.

Good luck!

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Do any of the online programs ever allow for in-person interaction a few times during the program? I do know these programs are becoming more creative in making it interactive and it sounds like it is the choice that makes the most sense given your life circumstances.

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Yes. They have a few different options during the final few classes of the program. From what I understand, and I will verify this before any decision is made, successfully completing the program is contingent on a team project during the final portion. I am not sure what it entails.

I'm enrolled in the online master's program at Belhaven University. The professors give out their phone number/email and encourage students to call. I have spoken to several when something is not clear. Lot's of former military at this school.

Diageo
Brown Forman
Beam Global
Pernod Ricard
Constellation
Gallo (private)
Wine Group (private)
Concho y Toro
Majestic

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ragacamps, you get lots of credit for planning your future. I see some really good advice already in this thread. I did my MBA at a lower tier accredited school part time at night over 6 years and it paid off big time.
My advice is to never stop learning, pick an area you like, maybe logistics or marketing, and strive to become the best. Always be out in front with new technology or concepts. Don't every say stuff like, 'because this is how we always did it'. Listen to others and learn from them.
I am not sure about the online programs. I agree with the posters saying that interaction and networking are important. This is true in school and in your career field.