Grad School Question

raynaw

Hi ladies,

I have not posted in awhile, but I wanted to see if someone that works in HR could answer my question.  

I am researching graduate MBA-Human Resources programs. There are a lot of options available for campus based programs, but I am interested in an online program due to my hectic schedule. I wanted to ask the group about programs such as the University of Phoenix , American Intercontinental University and Strayer. How are these programs viewed by potential employers? My ultimate goal for my MBA degree is to continue to progress in the field of Human Resource Management.

Thank you for your help!

JulesDiane

I am not in HR (different field) but I did get my MISM (masters in information systems management) from Keller Graduate School of Management. I learned a lot and worked hard. However, I don't feel that my degree is all that well regarded. To be honest, I usually don't even admit to people I have it. If I were to go back and do it again, I would have made more of an effort to get into one of the Graduate programs at one of the local universities.. Georgia State, Kennesaw, Georgia Tech, or something..

KRHagen

I'm not in HR but I read over resumes to give thumbs up or down on potential hirers. I do not look favorably on that type of schooling. To me, it almost counts against you. I agree with JulesDiane; go to a local university. Also, my dad's significant other has that degree and it is not an easy field to find work in.

askmetostay

i don't if it's HR focused, but i know UGA offers an accelerated MBA program through the terry college of business in atlanta

Aerorea

If the online degree program is not affiliated with a local university, I would avoid it at all costs. I would stick to a local college and do online/night/weekend classes, even if it took longer. I completed my MMIS (same degree as JulesDiane, but with rearranged words haha) at a then-local college by taking just one evening class/week. It took me 3 full years, but I got it done. The entire class was made up of non-traditional students with jobs/kids/stuff at home.

katiebird1981

I am a Recruiter and I will tell you that many employers look down on Univerity of Phoenix.  Sorry!

raynaw

Thank you guys!!!  I think I will stick to local schools.  My undergrad is from UAB and I kind of thought that University of Phoenix was a downgrade.

Thanks again for your help!!

ReadytobeMrs.B

i wouldn't even consider university of phoenix!!!!!

champagnedreams

i have to agree with the pps. i was hiring people over the summer and i interviewed/reviewed resumes for a lot of people. it's terrible i know, but when we saw people with degrees from those places we thought it was such a joke. degrees are a funny thing. i actually preferred candidates with a bachelors over a masters unless it was something extremely impressive because in this economy i couldn't afford to pay someone more just for the extra degree esp. when i felt experience was more relevant anyways.

this was not my bias but i once worked for a company that was even more particular about the schools. the hr manager would only consider candidates from ga tech, emory or uga. i think she considered ga state if the candidate had a 4.0. she thought all other schools (in ga) were just too easy and showed that the person wasn't up for a challenge. i think that's a bit extreme but there are people out there who think like that...

Aerorea

champagnedreams:

this was not my bias but i once worked for a company that was even more particular about the schools. the hr manager would only consider candidates from ga tech, emory or uga. i think she considered ga state if the candidate had a 4.0. she thought all other schools (in ga) were just too easy and showed that the person wasn't up for a challenge. i think that's a bit extreme but there are people out there who think like that...

If I ever came across someone like that, I'd tell her she could bite my shiny metal azz! I was accepted to Tech, but I chose to stay closer to home due to disability. What a ***! I absolutely cannot stand people like that.

irenew

Online degrees are a great option as far as upgrading or diversifying your skills is concerned. My only concern would be regarding the accreditation and reputation of an online school. You must try and investigate how the university/school of your choice is perceived by employers. I would also advise you to make sure that it has received accreditation by a nationally or regionally recognized accrediting agency.

An online MBA degree earned from a reputed and accredited school is as respected and valued by employers as any traditional degree, especially if you have earned it while working full time!