Hi,

Do u know of any MBA course - anywhere in the world which is -

1. cheap
2. Provides MBA in distance/online format.


Please, please help

Thanking You,
Arthur

Define 'cheap' ;-)  Now, if you want to talk about 'affordable' ...

All the  degree programs at Western Governors University are competency-based - independent of 'seat time' or, indeed, how/where you prepare for them. Theoretically, your only limitations are how well-prepared you are coming into the program (previous training and experience), and how quickly you can prepare yourself for the other required competencies.  Tuition is based on 6-month terms  (graduate level: US$3250  plus $45 library fee).  That works out close to US$130 per week; textbooks could add another US$40-50 per credit hour, so budget for at least US$150-160.

With this system, you'll have a LOT of written assignments, proctored exams, and performance evaluations, so if you're highly self-motivated and disciplined, you can easily complete all the degree requirements faster than traditional brick-and-mortar - 26 weeks instead of 14, for example, and NOT being forced to sit through dull, dry, boring lectures by disinterested professors or teaching assistants ;-)  Clearly, it's NOT the norm, and YOUR actual mileage will vary, but since I've been there we've had a number of students finish their bachelor's degree in four or five terms, and master's in two or three. 

Personally, I had a rather slow start returning after 40-odd years since high school, but I'm on track to finish both degrees within a cumulative six terms - comfortably but full-time (as in five or six hours a day, six days a week).  I couldn't do that anywhere else, and certainly not at such an affordable price.

However, like all the other variables, you have to decide which ones are relevant in your siituation.  For example, if you can't put in as much time as I can, you might not realize any noticeable savings over going at it a few courses at a time at a higher tuition.  Just don't get sticker shock at the price of tuition or textbooks ;-)  In the long term, you'll be rewarded many orders of magnitude - and those rewards are not limited to mere financial remuneration, although that is certainly a prime motivation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi, Arthur. I'm afraid the answer is the same as last time, in that the South African universities are the only ones in your price range.  European and North American institutions will be out of reach for you financially.  Fortunately, the South African ones are just as good in quality, and they do often cooperate with students who need online or distance programs, like you.

As evidence, Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Institute of Higher Education publishes a list of the best five hundred universities in the world. Four South African universities are among them: Cape Town, Witwatersrand, Pretoria, and KwaZulu-Natal.  Check it out: http://ed.sjtu.edu.cn/rank/2006/ranking2006.htm

If none of those four can work with your situation, at least the University of  South Africa certainly can, as they specifically work with distance learning students.  They're well regarded as well.

Good luck,

-=Steve=-

Where do you live, and what do you plan to do w/ your MBA degree?

If you live in the US and plan to put the MBA on your resume, you should know that it is ILLEGAL in some states to use a degree which isn't CHEA certified.  See this post for more information: http://community.elearners.com/forums/thread/1120.aspx . 

Also remember, a cheap MBA can often get you tossed into the "No" pile for recruiters.  The sad truth is, the Harvard or Wharton MBAs are the ones that stand out; the for-profit MBAs are less favored.
 

Hi Captain - I think it's great that you made this warning as many people will fall into the trap of buying a worthless diploma from a fraudulent source only to find out that it brands them as a fraud when they try to use it to gain employment.  In light of previous discussion on this topic (in another thread) I would want to point out that the University of South Africa is accredited by DETC and so is CHEA "certified." 

Thank you guys for the immense help,

I live in India where a foreign degree is regarded well. Also cuz. of high currency conversion rates  (approx. 50:1) it's v.expensive to pay in  US $.

I 've heard about finnish virtual univ., its cheap but does anyone know of their eligibility criteria.

What about other  euro  &  asian  distance  univ.s. Anyone god enough.

Thanks again,
 Arthur

Hi Arthur - I don't know anything about that school in Finland.  I'll have to get back to you on that.  You could look at Hong Kong Open University athough you may find that as a non-resident you may have some trouble with admissions.  Otherwise, I know that there are a few Open Universities in China but I am certain that the language of instruction is Chinese.  Because of this there are very few people who have ever really investigated them as a resource for non-Chinese citizens.  As you are in India I am wondering why you have discounted your own Indira Gandhi National Open University?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16760730/

 

Hi kizmet,

What about singapore , phillipines. Do u know any there.

Thanking You,
 Arthur

In my own experience there are three types of problems that get in the way of enrolling in a university from another country.  The first problem is the language of instruction.  There are many universities around the world that might work but if you can't speak the required language then nothing else really matters.  The second is citizenship.  Some countries require that you be a citizen of that country.  The third is residency.  Many schools require that you make trips to campus once or twice per year.  The costs associated with such travel then knock the school out of the "cheap" category regardless of how low the tuition might be.  Finding a school that does not present any of these problems is difficult for many people.  Here is a link that could help you to get started in checking out the schools around the world.    http://web.mit.edu/cdemello/www/geog.html

Kizmet:

In light of previous discussion on this topic (in another thread) I would want to point out that the University of South Africa is accredited by DETC and so is CHEA "certified." 

Yes, although importantly, it's considered the equivalent of regionally accredited, not just nationally.

-=Steve=- 

Hi Steve - Yes, you're right.  All those well known South African universities are considered to be GAAP but because that is not a formal accreditation I just thought I'd add that it is recognized (indirectly) by CHEA as being a quality academic institution.

Hi everyone,

I am also looking for a good and affordable MBA programme. I live in Singapore, Do you know any?

Beside that, What do you think is the difference to have MBA or Masters in business, in terms of employment?

 Thanks,

Sarah 

I do agree with Henry, Westren Governor Universiy is the cheapest and is regionally and nationally accredited. Too bad they do not offer courses in Canada. There is Athbasca University in Canada.

I am also looking for University that is 100 % online including final exams. I know few Universities in states like University of Phoenix but very very expensive.

Please advice if you know cheap ones.

The cheapest prices (if you live in the USA) is what is called "in-state" tuition.  For instance, an online MBA from the University of Houston at Victoria is less than $15k for me because I live in Texas.  Out of state can cost up to $40k usually, depending on the school and program.  So it's all about your location and what you want.

Thanks a lot Kizmet. The link is very help full. Hopefully I will find something I am looking for.

Once again Thanks a lot.

Malk