18 month degree programs?

Question:

I have a co-worker who received his MBA in 18 months from an online university. He did not do an intern and the field we are in, does not have anything to do with an MBA. He has been trying to find a job in the field he recieved his masters in but has been having a difficult time during so. My question is, do you feel that the 18 month degree program is really worth it? I have seen a few people in my area that receive these degrees but have a hard time finding a job. I've even heard some employers refer to them as "quick degrees" or "rushed learning". What do you all think?

Answer:
Since getting a masters degree generally takes two years, with full-time enrollment and the summer off, getting an MBA in 18 months is not extremely short. I know of programs that are only 12 months, though that is 12 straight months of full-time enrollment and you are talking about someone doing this in 18 months while working full-time.

I think that the problem isn't the time period it takes to get the degree, its the school. It may not be properly accredited or the degree program may not require the same number of credit hours as a regular MBA. Another factor is that studying online makes more sense for some things than others. I have an MA in history, and my degree would not be worth as much if I had done it without interaction with my professors and classmates. I would think that this would only be more true of an MBA program. As you have pointed out, this is compounded by the fact that his degree is in a field in which he does not have experience.

No, I don't think that these programs are equivalent to a regular MBA. Most importantly, it looks as though employers don't either. I would hope that this would serve as a cautionary tale, but I think that people are going to keep wasting their money on on-line programs that won't get them jobs.

I heard them referred to as "quick degrees" also. I guess it depends on your area of study. Some jobs in the federal government do not acknowledge these degrees. But if your co-worker does not have experience in the area he received his MBA in then he will have a hard time.

18 month degree programs?

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