Searching for the right program is not an easy task. I am trying to find one that is AACSB accredited, but still economical. That means I will have to find one that is in my state. My out of state options (and more expensive) are Arizona State University and UMass. But my first choice would be one that is in-state. I've located MBA programs at Texas A&M University-Commerce, University of Houston, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at Dallas, and the University of Dallas. There are a few other in-state programs, but they don't appeal to me very much. I will apply to four schools in a couple of months. They are (in order of preference):
After talking to the program director from the University of Dallas today, that program seems to be what I am looking for. I will finish my undergrad on October 30, 2007. That's a mere five and a half month away. Most of the aforementioned schools start their program in January. So I would have a couple of months off. Furthermore, all of those schools require the student to take the GMAT exam. The University of Dallas can waive the GMAT requirement if I have a 3.0 GPA in the last two years of my undergrad program (which I have), and a few years of experience in the coporate world (which I have, many times over). So no GMAT for me if I get into U.D. Woo Hoo!! That's what I'm talking about. Plus, the cost is about half what Arizona State charges.
The best piece of advice I can offer anyone who is looking for the best MBA program online is to start your search early. It seems that there are schools that are adding programs all the time. Do your homework and research the options that best fit your needs. Check back with this blog for updates and other information as I find them. I hope I can be of some help to those of you who are searching or will be searching for a good program.