re: LSUS online MBA.. Waste of time?

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.