I'm sure Abner could answer this question better than me, but it's my understanding that students are required to take one open-book, proctored exam at the end of their entire degree program. This test must be taken at an approved testing center. As far as I know, only course evaluations are due at the end of each course, but no end-of-course essays.

You bring up an interesting topic. I am curious about the fact that the final exam is an open-book test. I can envision myself showing up with a 50-pound backpack filled with notes and text books from every Aspen U course I've taken . I wonder what format the test is in (multiple choice, essay, etc.). As I mentioned before, Abner, Horsey45 and others have much more experience with Aspen than I do, so I'm sure they can give more complete answers.

tcord1964:

Hi Abner,

 

Are there any proctored exams in the MBA program, or do you have to write essays at the end of each course?  I'm just curious. 

Hi Tcord,

 Each course/module consists of writing assignments. Depending on the assignment, each modue could be 7-15 pages of writing. Each module is slightly different and can consist of extensive essay writing, and careful adherence to the APA format must be followed. The proctored exam comes at the very end. I believe you get 4 hours to complete the exam. If I recall correctly, you have to choose six classes out of the required 11 to test on. Pretty challenging. I think the final proctored exam is mostly writing, as opposed to multipe choice.

Abner 

 

 

My one complaint about Aspen is that the exam and the final project..or capstone if you will are sort of mystery items. Ive yet to get a detailed answer about exactly what is required of either. Considering most of us will take about 2 years to do the MBA. it would be kind of absrud to ask detailed questions about a course you took 2 years ago.

 
I con see conpeptual questions..but..I would think they would be looking at global type concepts covering the whole MBA experience..i.e what characteristic did you note in good manager sand give some exmaples both psotive and neative from your own work career.but be legit IMHO.

 

I am not going to freak about it...but it would be f ast way for them to turn off there best customers for future referrals.

 

Larry 

 

 

 

 

I agree, Larry. It's kind of intimidating to think that after two years of hard work, it may be possible to fail the final exam or capstone project. I'm not too worried about it either, though.  I once stumbled upon a list of past capstone project titles on Aspen's web site, but even that didn't provide much information about what is required. I wonder if there's some sort of web page that lists the requirements. As far as the test goes, I'm glad to hear from Abner that it's based on only 6 courses. I think I'll just take the 6 easiest courses last so they're fresh in my memory, ha ha. I like the fact that it's open-book, but am curious if that includes lecture notes. I would love to find someone who has earned a degree from Aspen and could shed some light on this. There may be some Aspen grads on other online forums. I'll check around but come back here, since eLearners.com is the best- in my opinion.

mdire:

I agree, Larry. It's kind of intimidating to think that after two years of hard work, it may be possible to fail the final exam or capstone project. I'm not too worried about it either, though.  I once stumbled upon a list of past capstone project titles on Aspen's web site, but even that didn't provide much information about what is required. I wonder if there's some sort of web page that lists the requirements. As far as the test goes, I'm glad to hear from Abner that it's based on only 6 courses. I think I'll just take the 6 easiest courses last so they're fresh in my memory, ha ha. I like the fact that it's open-book, but am curious if that includes lecture notes. I would love to find someone who has earned a degree from Aspen and could shed some light on this. There may be some Aspen grads on other online forums. I'll check around but come back here, since eLearners.com is the best- in my opinion.

You can use your books and any kind of notes you may have. I heard from a former student that you get 4 hours or 5 hours to complete the work. It is challenging, but can be done quite comfortably. Like you, I plan on taking the six easiest courses for the exam.

Don't sweat too much guys! Just show up and kick ass!!!!!!!

 

Abner  

 

I like your style, Abner .  That's quite a relief. Plenty of people have graduated, so I imagine the capstone project won't be so bad either. Thanks for the info!

 

 

mdire:

I agree, Larry. It's kind of intimidating to think that after two years of hard work, it may be possible to fail the final exam or capstone project.

I know exactly what you mean.  My Master's program is thirty-six credits and then a comprehensive exam that covers the whole program.  I've found out a little bit about the exam, mainly that it consists of three essay questions, but it's unsettling to think that if I mess that up all that work could be for nothing.

-=Steve=- 

Steve, 

3 essay questions covering the entire program? That sounds tough! It's too bad our schools don't just have students take a final at the end of each course and spare us the mental anguish of the comprehensive final. I'm sure we'll all be fine, though. I think the term "comprehensive exam" sounds daunting, but anyone who's made it through all of the coursework will probably do fine. Schools want students to graduate. I once had an "exit writing exam" for my DL degree through Old Dominion University and dreaded that thing for three semesters. When I finally took the exam, it was nowhere near as hard as I thought it would be. I'm sure you won't need to, but does your school give the option of retaking the final? I'm not sure if Aspen does.

mdire:

3 essay questions covering the entire program? That sounds tough!

Well, it's a program on Educational Technology Leadership, and my understanding is that the questions are on (big surprise) education, technology, and leadership.

mdire:

It's too bad our schools don't just have students take a final at the end of each course and spare us the mental anguish of the comprehensive final. I'm sure we'll all be fine, though. I think the term "comprehensive exam" sounds daunting, but anyone who's made it through all of the coursework will probably do fine. Schools want students to graduate.

I like to think so.  I guess I'll let you know.  

mdire:

I once had an "exit writing exam" for my DL degree through Old Dominion University and dreaded that thing for three semesters. When I finally took the exam, it was nowhere near as hard as I thought it would be. I'm sure you won't need to, but does your school give the option of retaking the final? I'm not sure if Aspen does.

I guess I'm sort of hijacking the Aspen, thread, sorry, as I'm not going to Aspen.  Anyway, hopefully our experiences will be similar!

-=Steve=-

I don't think you're hijacking the Aspen thread at all. It looks like our experiences are similar, which I think is helpful for myself and other Aspen students. It's nice to know that students at other institutions are "looking forward" to comprehensive finals as well. Thanks for your input!

I have finished all courses of MBA-PM program at Aspen Univesity and now preparing for Proctored Exam, which I am scheduled to take up at UMASS Boston on 28th December 2007.

Has anybody appeared for Proctored exam yet? I am curious to know the overall structure of exam.

After having done good in all courses since 3 years, I feel it is too much of asking to undergo revision of at least 4 courses.

To release from taking unnecessary stress and sleepless nights....please convey the structure and toughness of exam.

Thank You.
Yogesh.

I have finished all the courses and Capstone project of my MBA-PM program at Aspen University.

I am scheduled to take up Proctored exam on 28th Dec 2007.

Can anybody help briefing me the overall structure and toughness of exam.

After continuously working so hard since 3 yrs, I feel it is too much of asking to prepare for 3-4 courses again................

It would be great if somebody relieves me from stress and sleepless nights during holidays.................by just providing overall information abt the exam.

 Thanks in advance for all your help.

Yogesh.

yogeshda:

I have finished all courses of MBA-PM program at Aspen Univesity and now preparing for Proctored Exam, which I am scheduled to take up at UMASS Boston on 28th December 2007.

Has anybody appeared for Proctored exam yet? I am curious to know the overall structure of exam.

After having done good in all courses since 3 years, I feel it is too much of asking to undergo revision of at least 4 courses.

To release from taking unnecessary stress and sleepless nights....please convey the structure and toughness of exam.

Thank You.
Yogesh.

 Hi Yogesh,

 You mention 4 courses. Do you mean you have to pick 4 courses to be tested on?

As far as the capston, sorry, I have not taken it. I once read somewhere from a former student that you have 4 or 5 hours to write out the questions asked. Given the timeframe and open book nature of the exam, you should be fine. I am sure you will do fine. My feeling is that this exam is will only be a percentage of the entire Masters program, so even if you don't do so well, they will average the grade in and you should be ok.

Please fill us in after you take the exam ok? Good luck, I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Just show up and kick ass!!!!!!

Abner

I couldn't have said it better myself. As Abner said, I'm sure you'll have no problem at all. You may want to bring as many books, notes, etc. as possible so you're more comfortable with the test, but I have a feeling you'll finish with time to spare. I read in another online forum that one student finished an hour early. Plus, how many hundreds - probably thousands- of people have graduated from Aspen? If they can do it, so can you. It would be much appreciated if you could let us know how it went. We're all pretty curious about the exam as well. Congratulations in advance!!!!!!!

Abner:

Just show up and kick ass!!!!!!

Abner

 

Abner, if your current profession ever doesn't work out for you, you might consider working as a motivational speaker or possibly a football coach.