How to Measure Satisfaction

Forbes heard back from 5,000 business school alumni who graduated in 2006. The survey sent out questioned the alumni on whether they were satisfied with their MBA education, their current job, and how well they were prepared by their degree (compared to other business school alumni).

So What Was the Most Satisfying MBA Program?

It turns out the most satisfying MBA school (overall) is not the one that has the highest return on investment (Harvard). It is Stanford Graduate School of Business, and many claim the high satisfaction rates are because Stanford prepares its business school grads as entrepreneurs and business leaders. So although, like Harvard, the students start off in big companies, many then branch out into their own companies.

The second-most satisfied MBA graduates are those from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. The school was top in MBA education and preparedness measurements (it was 14 on the job satisfaction list – not too shabby, either). It is likely that the school sat so high on the lists is because it thoroughly prepared its students for general management positions – since 29 percent of its graduates took that career track. That is more than any other top-tier business school.

The highest school on the job satisfaction lists is alumni from Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business. It is also one of the smaller schools on the lists. In 2010, 48 percent of the school’s graduates were actually placed operations and logistics jobs. That is six times the average placement rates compared to other schools.

Check out the full list of the most satisfying schools overall at Forbes.com.

University of South Carolina was first established in 1805 as a single building in Columbia, South Carolina. This building is what has now become the heart of the much larger campus. The mission of the University of South Carolina is to establish and maintain excellence within the student population, academic programs, and faculty as well as public and private supporters. The school bases its education programs through research, creative activity, teaching and service. Students interested in business programs will look to The Darla Moore School of Business which was founded in 1919 (FKA School of Commerce). Business programs are offered at the undergraduate, Masters, and Doctoral level.

Can I Get an Online MBA Degree at University of South Carolina?

Currently, University of South Carolina does not offer an online MBA program. The Darla Moore School of Business does offer two on-campus MBA options, an international MBA (IMBA) or a Professional MBA (PMBA).

University of South Carolina does not offer an online MBA because the 10 core courses build fundamental business knowledge that requires real-world business situations to be examined and discussed using models and problem solving techniques that are delivered within the classroom. The University of South Carolina believes that students benefit more from in-class time and travel opportunities. Overall, the curriculum is more ideal for traditional in-class learning rather than online courses.

What are Alternatives to an Online MBA Program at University of South Carolina?

University of South Carolina offers two MBA programs depending on what specific career goals a student may have. The programs can be delivered in 12 week terms or 6 week terms depending on what works best.

Business Programs Offered (on-campus):

• Professional MBA
• International MBA (New Program coming late Summer 2011)
• Master of International Business
• Master of Human Resources
• Master of Accountancy

Which Other Schools Offer Online MBA Programs?

Although University of South Carolina does not offer online MBA program, students interested in pursuing an online MBA have other options. The following schools offer online MBA programs for business professionals.

Schools offering online MBA Programs:

• Ball State University
• Upper Iowa University
• Webster University
• University of Wisconsin
• Chadron State College

Clemson is considered an American, Public, Coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina. The university was founded in 1889. Clemson University is made up of five colleges. Recent counts show that Clemson has over 15,000 undergraduate students. The College of Business and Behavioral Science administers business programs from Clemson. CBBS focuses on high levels of interaction and collaboration between students, faculty, business and industry, non-profit centers, civic and governmental agencies. Business programs combine social and behavioral science disciplines with applied business disciplines to develop students who are prepared for a plethora of opportunities in school and in work.

Can I Get an Online MBA Degree at Clemson?

Currently, Clemson does not offer an online MBA program however, the school offers on-campus MBA programs. The programs are well-regarded for being practical and the applied approach to advanced business topics.

Clemson does not offer an online MBA because the curriculum was developed to provide and foster the optimal student-teacher interaction. This type of learning is best done within a classroom rather than online. Learning is facilitated by a variety of applied and traditional methods. Students are provided with hands-on experiences to help students become desirable business professionals.

What are Alternatives to an Online MBA Program at Clemson?

Clemson offers business programs such as the following:

• Full-Time MBA (on campus)
• Part-Time MBA (on campus)

Online- Distance Learning Certificate Program Courses Offered:

• Financial Planning and Analysis
• Personnel Management and Negotiations
• Business Strategy and Marketing
• Project Management

Which Other Schools Offer Online MBA Programs?

Although Clemson does not offer online MBA program, students interested in pursuing an online MBA have other options at school such as those listed below:

• Aspen University
• Brandman University
• Jones International University
• University of Phoenix
• Upper Iowa University

However, the high costs of top-tier school online MBAs may not be justified, as the online program graduates are unlikely to have as high a pay raise as those who graduated from the full-time program.

In Fact, Online MBA Graduates’ Raises are a Lot Less

Top-ranked Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business has had an online MBA since 1999. Many are looking to the results of the program now in order to make predictions for the new, high-costing MBA programs. Many are wondering if the online MBA programs will really be worth it.

It turns out they are not as worth it as the full-time programs for its graduates, at least when looking at the statistics. Online MBAs typically get pay-raises of about 18,700 dollars. Their average salaries increase from about 70,400 dollars to 89,100 dollars. Also, the percentage of those who make 120,000 dollars or more jumped from 2 percent to 26 percent after graduating with their online MBA.

However, the graduates from the online program had a salary increase of 37,000 dollars after they finished their MBA, to 89,144. The dollar increase was nearly double that of the online graduates.

Why You Shouldn’t Read Too Much Into the Lower Pay-Raises for the Online MBA Graduates

The problem with statistics is that they can be taken out of context. Admittedly, the salary increases for the full-time students was double that of those who took the online program – however neither did their salaries before the program start quite as high. The kinds of students in the online MBA program had vastly more experience (a little less than 9 years of experience, on average) and were already making more money (2 percent of the online MBA graduates before the program already were making a salary of 120,000 dollars) than the students in the full-time MBA programs. They also were coming into the online MBA from a different perspective. The full-time MBA students were looking for a career change – the online MBA students a career boost.

And it got them to the same place. One average, for both groups, an MBA landed their average salaries at almost the exact same amount. Both MBA graduates’ salaries averaged out at about 89,100 dollars, with a miniscule 44 dollar difference.

So maybe its about right, the cost of the MBA, in general. Be it online or offline – ultimately a top-tier school’s MBA is worth just about 90,000 dollars.

Read about the differences in pay raises for online degrees in Bloomberg Businessweek.

University of Connecticut also known as UConn, has consistently been ranked as one of the top public universities in New England as well as one of the best public institutions in the United States. The school was founded in 1881 and now has 14 separate schools and colleges that all make up the University as a whole serving more than 30,000 students. The institution is known as a public research university. University of Connecticut is one of the founding institutions of the Hartford, Connecticut/Springfield Massachusetts regional economic and cultural partnership alliances known as New England’s Knowledge Corridor.

Can I Get an Online MBA Degree at University of Connecticut?

Currently, University of Connecticut does not offer an online MBA program however the school offers 3 MBA programs. Students can choose from a full-time, part-time or Executive MBA program. No programs in the business field are offered online at this time.

University of Connecticut does not offer an online MBA because the program curriculum requires essential incorporation of innovative experiential learning accelerators. These practice based initiatives integrate traditional teaching and classroom instruction with practical applications. This type of education is better suited for on-campus classrooms rather than internet courses.

What are Alternatives to an Online MBA Program at University of Connecticut?

University of Connecticut offers three formats of the MBA program to fit schedules as well as other business degrees. None are offered online.

Programs Available On-Campus Include:

• Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, or Executive MBA
• MS in Accounting
• MS in Business Analytics and Project Management
• MS in Financial Risk Management
• Advanced Business Certificate

Which Other Schools Offer Online MBA Programs?

Although University of Connecticut does not offer online MBA program, students interested in pursuing an online MBA have other options such as:

• Aspen University
• Brandman University
• Jones International University
• University of Phoenix
• Upper Iowa University

Tulane University was founded in 1834 and is highly respected as an independent research university. Tulane University is a member of the American Universities Association. The college is located in New Orleans, where a diverse group of students attend Tulane; representing every state in the U.S. and 40+ countries. Tulane University is proud to recognize its faculty as providing a premier education for all students. Business programs are administered through The A.B. Freeman School of Business. The MBA program allows students to study a variety of concentration areas. Specializations are offered in finance, consumer behavior, strategy and entrepreneurship

Can I Get an Online MBA Degree at Tulane University?

Currently, Tulane University does not offer an online MBA program the college has three types of MBA programs to meet the needs of each student on campus. Options include: Full-time, Part-Time, and the Executive MBA program.

Tulane University does not offer an online MBA because the curriculum involves unique experiences that can influence life-long decisions made by business leaders. Students partake in programs such as Burkenroad Reports, The Trading Center, Darwin Fenner Fun (Portfolio of over $2 million commodities and equities), and the Levey-Rosenburg Institute (Features hands-on programs in entrepreneurship and consulting). The Global Leadership Module provides four semesters of coursework through three international excursions.

What are Alternatives to an Online MBA Program at Tulane University?

Tulane University offers…

• Full-Time MBA
• Part-Time MBA
• Executive MBA
• Master’s in Accounting, Finance or Risk Management

Which Other Schools Offer Online MBA Programs?

Although Tulane University does not offer online MBA program, students interested in pursuing an online MBA have other options…

• University of Washington
• University of Alabama
• IE Business School
• Florida International University
• SUNY University

UC Berkeley was founded in 1868 during a turn of the century building boom. By the 1930s the research explosion and the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s gave UC Berkeley a significant role in technological and science revolutions. The University is currently enrolling over 35,000 students. With a course offering of more than 7,000 courses over 350 degree programs, students have a plethora of options. Students studying the MBA program at UC Berkeley will study through The Haas School of Business. This business school provides the knowledge necessary to develop students into leaders by educating them about key business concepts.

Can I Get an Online MBA Degree at UC Berkeley?

Currently, UC Berkeley does not offer an online MBA program however, students who wish to complete an MBA degree can do so on-campus. Programs are available with added schedule flexibility.

UC Berkeley does not offer an online MBA because the curriculum is rigorous and focuses on the fundamentals of management. Students are taught by well known faculty members who encourage students to think outside the box and collaborate with fellow classmates.

What are Alternatives to an Online MBA Program at UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley offers three types of MBA programs on campus as well as other business related programs.

Available Programs to Study:

• Full-Time MBA
• Evening & Weekend MBA program
• Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA program
• Master of Financial Engineering

Non-Degree Programs Available:

• Management of Technology
• Product Management
• Leadership
• Product Management
• Executive Certificate of Excellence

Which Other Schools Offer Online MBA Programs?

Although UC Berkeley does not offer online MBA program, students interested in pursuing an online MBA have other options at the schools listed below:

• University of North Dakota
• Thunderbird University
• Florida State University
• University of South Dakota
• Harvard University

American Business Schools Lack Cross-Cultural Teaching

However, many American schools have been slow to introduce cross-cultural courses and business journals have a shockingly low percentage of material that is non-American-centered. In 2010 only 7 percent of research dealt with cross-border issues (as measured in the top 20 management journals). Also, the case-studies used in American business schools used to teach students how to deal with possible business issues typically include few cross-border scenarios.

International MBA Programs Pick Up the Slack

International Schools are now building their MBA programs in order to be more globally-minded. They are not only doing this through their curriculum offerings but also by embracing the international and versatile potential of technology.

There is expected to be a huge increase in international, and American, students’ interest in blended online programs that can be accessed and taken anywhere in the world, especially online EMBAs (Executive MBAs). Students do not need to leave their careers in order to enter the programs and the online MBA programs are flexible and can be taken on the go – aligning well with an internationally-minded student looking to rise up the ranks in a multinational company.

However, students are not quite ready to make the leap into an all-digital MBA program – so are opting for a blended one. A blended online MBA program basically combines face-to-face learning as well with online coursework, which allows the best of both worlds. It also overcomes the worry that the online programs are be too isolating and will fall short when it comes to teaching students about teamwork. Overcoming these concerns is essential for an EMBA since the students who take it are being groomed for the upper echelons of business-dom – or in other words the leaders in business in the near future.

The IE Program: A Case Study of an Online MBA that Works

The new IE online EMBA program is a leader in online business education. According to the schools’ website the blended program, “Offer[s] part face-to-face, part online interactive learning. With face-to-face periods in Spain, China, USA and Brazil. [T]his program offers a truly global window on the business world, adding important components on Asian markets, sustainable development and the liberal arts… [In the program] participants are able to follow the program regardless of their geographic location, travel schedules and work commitments.”

The program, even in its quick overview, can be seen as fundamentally different from a traditional program. It is clearly geared towards international executives who need to be on the move and cannot take time out for two more years of school. Additionally, the program actually has its face-to-face meetings in a variety of countries that are all developing or developed economies. The school attracts business men and women from all over the world and has them interacting in multiple, diverse environments which is likely going to increasingly become the norm of the future.

Learn more about the IE Global Online EMBA or how interest in online MBAs is rising.

University of Minnesota has a flagship campus located in the heart of the Twin Cities and four other campuses across Minnesota. The university is one of the nation’s largest schools offering a range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in essentially every field possible. University of Minnesota has an amazing enrollment of around 65,000 students making the student-to-faculty ratio 16 to 1, to ensure each student receives the education they deserve. Previous graduates have contributed to 20 Nobel Prize Winners, 86 Guggenheim Fellows, and 2 MacArthur Geniuses.

Can I Get an Online MBA Degree at University of Minnesota?

Currently, University of Minnesota does not offer an online MBA program however, the Carlson School of Business (which is part of University of Minnesota) offers a full-time advanced graduate education MBA program. This program is for students seeking academic placement at leading universities or research-oriented positions in business or government. This program also offers an option for a PhD.

University of Minnesota does not offer an online MBA because the program values hands-on learning experiences that are best learned in a traditional classroom setting.

What are Alternatives to an Online MBA Program at University of Minnesota?

University of Minnesota offers a variety of MBA programs with flexible scheduling options through the Carlson School of Management.

Programs Available Include:

• Full-Time MBA
• Part-Time MBA
• Executive MBA
• General Management Certificate (Executive Education Program, each 3-4 weeks.
• Leadership Certificate

Which Other Schools Offer Online MBA Programs?

Although University of Minnesota does not offer online MBA program, students interested in pursuing an online MBA have other options at other universities such as those listed below:

• University of North Dakota
• Thunderbird University
• Florida State University
• University of South Dakota
• Harvard University

Michigan State University was founded in 1855. The campus is located in East Lansing and operates nearly 560 buildings. The university is home to around 47,000 students representing all of the states in the U.S. as well as 130 other countries. The MBA program offered at Michigan State University is administered through the Broad College of Business. The business school has offered an MBA degree since 1962 and consistently ranks in the top 10% of business schools.

Can I Get an Online MBA Degree at Michigan State University?

Currently, Michigan State University does not offer an online MBA program however there is a Full-Time and Weekend MBA on campus.

Michigan State University does not offer an online MBA because the program is fast paced and involves team-focused learning environments and knowledge from dedicated faculty. The school enjoys a one-of-a-kind collaborative environment. The students work in teams of 4-6 during the program and many develop life-long friendships and build their professional networks. The school focuses on interaction with students and faculty to gain a successful business career rather than online classes.

What are Alternatives to an Online MBA Program at Michigan State University?

Michigan State University offers Executive Development Certificates in the following areas:

• Business Tools & Techniques
• Finance
• Leadership
• Strategy
• Supply Chain Management

Which Other Schools Offer Online MBA Programs?

Although Michigan State University does not offer online MBA program, students interested in pursuing an online MBA have other options at other universities such as:

• University of Texas at Dallas
• University of Phoenix
• Upper Iowa University
• Frostberg State University
• Ball State University