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MBA Programs that Work for the Working Professional
In a staggering economy and lack-luster job market many professionals are looking for ways to separate themselves from the crowd. Many will consider redeveloping key qualities they already have while others will opt to continue their education by earning their MBA. Public or private? Online or on campus? Day or evening? These are only a few questions future students must contend with when looking for a MBA program. But with so many MBA programs available it can be difficult to narrow down the possibilities. On the more traditional front, schools such as Avila University, MidAmerica Nazarene University and the University of Saint Mary, tend to stick to classroom instruction. MBA programs at these private, religiously affiliated schools provide a certain level of expertise in finance, accounting, and international business. Helzberg School of Management Dean James Daley says its Rockhurst University MBA program follows the Jesuit tradition and emphasizes corporate social responsibility when studying finance, accounting, healthcare leadership, management and international business. But personal classroom instruction is not restricted to the private colleges. Bigger universities also offer one-on-one classroom training. While it gives students the flexibility to pick and choose what course they want the University of Missouri-Columbia still believes in a classroom setting and personal involvement in its students educational career. The combination of flexibility and personal attention makes the Gordon E. Crosby, Jr., MBA a prime candidate for working adults. The University of Kansas Business School also offers students this flexible, yet personal combination. With a full-time day schedule at its Lawrence and Edwards campuses, or a part-time evening schedule of courses available through the Edwards campus students can get the comfort of a classroom without the discomfort of a short-ended education. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at University of Missouri-Kansas City, Lanny Solomon, explains that students in the Bloch School and Public Administration can specialize in one of seven concentrations. "The experienced professional may enroll in the Executive Masters of Business Administration," further explains Solomon. Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., also offers an EMBA program, which is specifically designed for working professionals motivated to complete their degree in one year. Kansas State University, Northwest Missouri State University, and Pittsburg State University are other colleges that offer established MBA programs. Northwest graduate office manager, Nina Nickerson, says employers definitely see a MBA degree as a plus. "Despite the drop-off in the market and general budget problems NMSU grads tend to be in high demand and employment placement is relatively high." Yet some professionals, many for that matter, can only work toward their MBA in the evenings or weekends. While other universities also offer online and evening courses, Baker University, the Keller Graduate School of Management, and Park University specifically gear their MBA programs to these areas. They are among the colleges that offer extensive online MBA courses, as well as evening and weekend courses. According to Jeff Driscoll, director of enrollment management at Baker, students attend classes on a Friday and subsequently do six weeks of coursework online. The cycle continues until all 44 required hours are completed. Gary Myers, director of the Kansas City Metro Center Operations for Keller, says Keller understands the life of a working adult and is why it serves the working adult through online, evening and weekend courses. Meanwhile, Park University and Webster University are recognizes as two of the leading institutions for online teaching. Whether public or private, online or on campus the need for a flexible MBA program is a must for the working adult. Dena McCaffrey, assistant director of MBA and Graduate Programs at John Cook School of Business at St. Louis University, recognizes the need for an established and efficient MBA program. "These students want more efficient, ethical ways of managing their practices." |
