4 Things to Look For If Considering an MBA School
Earning an MBA could be the biggest value-add decision you make for your career. But before you go mailing applications in to any MBA school that comes up on a Google search, pause for a moment of cautious consideration. Yes, an MBA is likely a ticket to a better job, higher pay, and progressive responsibility in your job, but only under one condition: is the school a good one? There are a lot of features that you need to be aware of when looking at MBA schools. Here are four of the top things to look for when considering an MBA School
Accreditation This one is key. Any academic institution worth their academic salt has received some form of accreditation. Accreditation ensures that a school is well run, organized, and competent in terms of its coursework and academics. Gaining accreditation is no easy task for a school, but it does give you, the potential student, some degree of confidence in the school's ability to give you a trustworthy degree.
Reputation Think about the reputation of the MBA school that you select. Every school has a reputation; you just need to make sure the school's reputation is the right one. You can determine a school's reputation pretty easily by doing several things. First, check out business magazines for their rankings of various business schools. The levels can vary quite a bit depending on the publisher or ranking systems. Take the rankings with a grain of salt, since different ranking systems may be looking for different things. Also, do some simple searches on news articles that cover the MBA school which you are considering. Red flags should include any scandals, financial problems, a drop in enrollment, or a quick turnover in their leadership. The way that the press discusses a school is very important, because perception is everything. When you tag "MBA" onto your name at the end of the degree, you want to make sure the school from which you earned it is recognized as a quality educational institution.
Entrance requirements Usually, good schools have entrance requirements. If they ask for a certain GMAT score, college degrees from an accredited institution, or a GPA above a certain level, don't be disappointed; be grateful. Good schools protect the quality of their degree by culling the number of successful applicants. To avoid being pegged as a diploma mill or an institution of cheap and meaningless degrees, schools must set entrance requirements. It's not necessary that the school have Ivy League requirements. Simply look for a school that will not just accept anyone and everyone who applies.
Flexibility School is important, but we all lead very busy lives. Recognizing the need for flexibility, many MBA schools are now offering online degrees. Others may offer programs requiring only minimal residence requirements. The MBA school of your choosing should offer a flexible education while not skimping on the quality. Many MBA candidates aren't just getting a degree; they're also engaged in a high pace business career. MBA schools—legitimate schools—recognize this need and adapt to it.
Not all MBA schools are equal. This means that not all MBA degrees are created equal. Find an MBA school whose academic qualifications, reputation, and scholastic requirements, are above par and fit with your pace and the level of flexibility you need.
About the Author
As a part time author, Johney Maron enjoys writing about many topics. Education has become a favorite subject as there many opportunities of which students are not aware. Colorado Christian University provides many programs from Colorado MBA to graduate degrees, arming students with the tools to be competitive in today's workforce. http://www.ccu.edu/ccu/mba/ is teaching the leaders of tomorrow.
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