Choosing the Best MBA Program

by Christian LeCheminant

There is a lot to consider when you are trying to find the best MBA program. To simplify things, here is a 10-point checklist of things to consider when looking at MBA programs. These considerations are not listed in order of importance. In fact, these factors are only relevant if they have meaning to you. Look at these considerations to find the best MBA program...

1. Consider the business school. Is it well respected and/or prestigious? Does it have a defined reputation or culture? Is it known for a certain type of program? Has it been around along time? Has it made certain types of rankings?

2. Consider the location. Will you have to relocate to attend the program? Is it conveniently located? Is it in the United States or internationally based? Is on-campus attendance required? Is the program online or distance-based?

3. Consider the accreditation. Is it accredited regionally or nationally? Does it have professional business accreditation (ex: AACSB)? How long has it been accredited?

4. Consider the admission requirements. What is the required GMAT score? What is the required undergraduate GPA? Is work experience required? What prerequisites are required before entering the program? Are requirements minimums or averages?

5. Consider the program format. What is the program type? Does the program fit your lifestyle? How long will the program take to complete? Is there more than one enrollment term? How many units can be taken per term?

6. Consider the financial implications. What does the program cost? Is there a different rate for non-residents? What do the books, fees, and other expenses cost? Is a laptop or other equipment required? What forms of financial aid are available? What is the opportunity cost?

7. Consider the classmates. How many students in the program? What is the average class size? Is the program based on cohorts? What is the average age of the students in the program? Does the program cater to certain types of people? Is there a diverse student population?

8. Consider the course content. Are the foundation classes well represented? Are elective classes available? Does the curriculum have the specializations (tracks, concentrations, emphases, focuses)? Is there a lock-step class sequence? Is there a final project or thesis option?

9. Consider the learning methods. What teaching methods are favored? Is the case-study method used? Are lectures used a lot? Is there a lot of collaboration and group work required? Is there a focus on quantitative methods or theory?

10. Consider the career resources. Does it have the resources to help you with your career goals? What networking opportunities are available? Does the program help with job placement? Are internships offered or encouraged?

When considering the best MBA program, the only correct choices are the ones that are important to you. If something about the school, program, or curriculum is not important to you, don't even consider that aspect of it. The best MBA program for everyone else is not necessarily the best MBA program for you. Remember, what makes a particular program the "best MBA program" is the fact that the program is the best for you!

About the Author
Christian is an advocate of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. For more MBA information, visit the MBA-OPTIONS Website.

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