An Honest Review of the Best Online MBA Programs at University of Phoenix
This article is a review of one of the Best Online MBA Programs at University of Phoenix. We have published some student’s reviews of Online MBA Course of other universities. While most of these reviews are positive, we have found that students’ review about the best online MBA programs at University of Phoenix contains almost equally positive and negative reviews.
Some students had even established a website just for the purpose of criticizing and reviewing the online MBA at University of Phoenix. We shall publish both positive and negative reviews, but first, let’s read more about the University of Phoenix.
University of Phoenix was founded in 1976. They were one of the first universities to be accredited to offer online programs via the Internet. They claimed that their “commitment to educational excellence and unsurpassed student service” has enabled them to be the leading accredited university offering one of the best online MBA programs in the United States (US).
University of Phoenix is largest private university in the US; with over 17,000 highly qualified instructors, 170 campuses, and Internet delivery worldwide. They boast that they had more than 171,000 working graduates since 1976.
Being the one of the first university to be accredited for online course, University of Phoenix definitely has the advantage over other universities when it comes to offering one of the best online MBA programs. They had learnt a lot from their experience of running online education.
Many of the curriculums of online MBA programs offered by University of Phoenix were created in cooperation with business and community leaders. This enabled them to provide one of the best online MBA programs that provide skills and expertise that are high in demand by the MBA market. They also continually update their program to reflect the changes in the industry.
The followings are what University of Phoenix listed as the benefits of studying with them that makes their program one of the best online MBA programs in US:
• Attend class at times and places that fit your schedule.
• Complete 100% of your education via the Internet, including all administration, registration, and book buying.
• Earn your online education degree in two or three years.
• Take classes one at a time for 5 to 6 weeks each, so you can focus on each subject.
• Acquire skills and expertise that are in high demand with programs that are continually updated.
• Learn from the most effective combination of theory and practical experience; all faculty hold a master’s or doctoral degree and work in the fields they teach.
• Learn with other experienced professionals from various corporations and organizations across the country, and around the world.
• Apply your coursework immediately in your work environment.
• Benefit from the nation’s leading online university, whose online format has proven successful for thousands of graduates since 1989.
• Professional training and previous education can be used to fulfill some credit requirements.
• Financing is available.
• Tuition costs may be partially tax-deductible.
• University of Phoenix college education qualifies for most employer reimbursement plans.
University of Phoenix Online offers a number of online MBA programs. By enabling students to study their online MBA course and complete their coursework through email and internet, students can remain committed to their personal and work responsibilities while studying for their online MBA course at the same time.
Accreditation of Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix
Online MBA Course offered by University of Phoenix is an accredited MBA program accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association. To understand more on how an accreditation agency accredits its MBA program, please read How AMBA Accredits Its MBA Programs.
How Online MBA Course works at University of Phoenix
The followings describe how Online MBA Course offered by University of Phoenix works. Students can complete 100% of their MBA program online. They provide software where students may retrieve lectures, questions and assignment from the instructor.
Students also have full access to online research libraries and services. They can also interact with other MBA graduates and working professionals. All interaction with the instructor and other MBA graduates or professionals are done through internet, so a student can just participate at his convenience. Students who study Online MBA course at University of Phoenix no longer need to rush from office for a night class. Students can also take breaks in between the courses.
However, University of Phoenix cautions its students that as one of the best online MBA programs in the US, their Online MBA Course is of high standards and therefore demands high level of discipline on the side of the students. It will be a challenge to MBA students to quickly assimilate new ideas, evaluate complex data, think creatively and communicate effectively.
The Aim of Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix
The aim of an Online MBA Course offered by University of Phoenix is to enhance the management skills and to help students to function effectively within an organization. MBA students learn to solve problems related to crisis management, profit growth and change leadership. The Master of Business Administration program at University of Phoenix used problem-based learning approach to train students in their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills.
MBA students at University of Phoenix are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process, as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.
Online MBA Course Curriculum at University of Phoenix
The MBA consists of 39 credit hours and includes three proficiency courses which may be satisfied using an undergraduate business degree, undergraduate coursework or graduate coursework. Students may also waive an additional nine credits using graduate courses and may qualify for a 21-credit hour residency.
The Cost of Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix claims that the cost of an online MBA course offered by them is less than half of that of a normal private university. In addition, students can complete their course a lot sooner than other universities, which mean that the students can realize their return on investment a lot earlier as well.
University of Phoenix offers flexible payment scheme where students can pay for their courses one course at a time, rather than for the entire semester. This can helps students manage their cash flow and meets personal budget. There is also the option to pre-pay the entire tuition to guarantee that the rate will not be raised during the entire duration of MBA studies.
University of Phoenix also offers MBA financing for working moms and students, even the non-needy ones. They also have a refund policy for MBA students whose studies were interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances.
Students’ Review about Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix
On the following section, we shall highlight some students’ review on online MBA course offered by University of Phoenix, extracted from Rateitall dot com.
Former students, JC15 wrote, “University of Phoenix was a surprising disappointment… I enrolled and was accepted into the MBA program and was greeted by many happy, helpful people that went the extra mile to get me enrolled in the university. Unfortunately, by my 4th class I was fully aware of a frustrating trend that my fellow classmates also commented on regularly.
“The professors are more of a conversation mediator among the students than an actual professor. Assignments were passed down, but when asked to clarify the assignment because the syllabus had contradicting, poorly worded, information, my professors regularly responded.... ‘refer to the syllabus’ ....but wait, the syllabus IS the question. It never seemed to matter. The biggest issue I had with University of Phoenix is that the professors really didn't seem to care…
“As for the program as a whole, it is organized in a semi-structured manner. Finding your way through the site is above average and the tools provided (such as the writing center) are great! The materials being kept online is a bit cumbersome. Personally I like to have books I can flip through, highlight things, or be able to keep my finger on a page to flip back and forth as I dwell into a concept. Ebooks, are less friendly in this fashion. Plan on taking a lot of notes as your read or you'll be lost when you have to quote the text”
MBA student, JR97 wrote: “The University of Phoenix style requires maturity and personal dedication I don't think most 19 year olds are capable of… My experience with the enrollment, academic, and financial counsellors has been great… My instructors have all been satisfactory for the most part. Timely feedback on written assignments is sometimes lacking and that effects end of course work a lot of the time. But I have yet to have an instructor I felt earned negative reviews in the end of course surveys…
“I guess if I were to put it simply, University of Phoenix is NOT for those with poor writing, learning, research, and social skills. The onus is on the student to learn and work both individually and within a team. University of Phoenix is definitely not for everybody. But for those who work and have families, University of Phoenix provides an alternative to get or continue education.”
Online MBA student, Aeroproof, wrote: “My experience at University of Phoenix has been quite rewarding both on a personal and professional level… You must be stubbornly determined to stay the course and finish the program. Yes, the learning team environment has pros and cons, but what learning model is perfect?
“… One negative issue I have with the school is the incessant online marketing campaign. In some ways potential students can view this negatively and may give the appearance of lowering academic rigor and quality, which is not the case in the MBA program. Hence, I lowered my rating to four stars…
“In terms of promotional opportunities, I interviewed for an internal position with my company and I received a substantial increase in salary (double digit) and responsibility. After graduation, I still keep in touch with many colleagues and the student alumni association…
“There will always be negative people, especially with the current paradigm shift occurring in academia. This pattern is typical of new issues that arise with the advent of technology and education is no different. Consider the evolution of other issues (i.e. workplace, political, economic) that have changed over the past generation. Initially change is resisted, evolves over a period of time and eventually become a standard policy or procedure. Furthermore, at minimum verify the online program is regionally accredited. I wish you the best of luck in your future education. My graduate education at University of Phoenix has served me well thus far.”
So, while there are plenty of negative review about Online MBA Course offered by University of Phoenix, there are equally that many of positive review about the course. We advise our readers to do extensive research to find out for themselves if studying for an Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix is really for them. You may also like to read other Students’ Review on Online MBA Course.
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