I've been thinking about going back to school. I would like to get a Master's degree in Economics and/or an MBA. Does anyone have experience or information about certified correspondence courses from legitimate universities?
I understand I'd probably have to go to a brick and mortar college (which there are lots of in my area) eventually. But, since I'm an engineer, I know I need to go back and take some undergrad courses in economics that I didn't take last time.
I'm merely toying around with the idea right now and I'd thought I'd ask my fellow Jatraqueros what they think.
AJ
[ August 25, 2003, 01:33 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Dead_Horse (Member # 3027) on :
I have friends who have gotten degrees from the University of Phoenix Online and Bemidji State University in Minnesota. Most universities offer at least some credit classes online...Kent State does. Start by checking with your local public university to see what they offer.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I was looking at those. But the websites aren't terribly upfront with you. Plus I'd rather have an Economics degree than an MBA. Online MBA's actually appear to be relatively common, but Economics degrees not so much.
I've looked at a couple of the local community colleges and I could take the extremely basic macro economics and micro economics through them but that would be it. I would really like something self paced rather than rigidly scheduled.
AJ
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
I think you should come to Purdue and take a Civil Engineering track.
Hobbes Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Why economics, Banna? Are you looking to get out of engineering, or are you thinking of combining the two fields in some way?
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
No, I'm not looking to get out of engineering at all. Rather, I think learning about economics will make me a better engineer. I've always liked it anyway. I think an MBA is tailored away from the mathematical aspects of economics and I really like the math involved which is why I would like to do the two together if possible.
My company will help pay for education if you can prove that it will help them so they should be willing to help for either. However I have to be employed by them for at least one year. I worked for them for 6 months as a temp employee which doesn't count.
The company can chip in up to $5,280 in any calendar year for expenses. There are two different ways to get it approved, one of which they will re-imburse you up to 80% if you get a B or better. The other way it is up to 100% but it has to be more directly job related.
I have a friend who has almost completed an Econ degree at Purdue-Calumet and I've talked to her a bit about it. But, she is going on the academic track towards a PhD and doesn't know as much about business options.
AJ
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Interesting! Sounds like fun--good luck with it!
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
We already had to do lots of economic analysis in my Chem E classes and I've already taken one upper division Econ Class -Intermediate Price Theory which I absolutely loved. I managed to wiggle my way around the Micro Econ and Macro Econ prereqs for that class though because they knew I was mathematically proficent since I was an engineer and my prof was willing to sign the waiver. I was actually better at Partial Differential equations than she was.
I could probably learn enough micro econ and macro econ by reading on my own. But, you don't have proof of the knowledge that way. This is why I'd like a self paced correspondence/internet type class.
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Hmmm Northwestern University may have the best program for what I am interested in, though it is a 1 night a week commitment and can last 2 to 5 years. Also it is pricey so I'd really want my company to help out and it seems as if admissions are quite competitive too.
AJ
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
I recently took an Honors Freshman Comp II class through our local community college. The class was entirely online, from e-mailed assignments and essays to online chats among classmates and even the exit interview was online in a private chat with the professor.
I really enjoyed not having to meet at a particular time all the way across town. I missed not "meeting" my classmates though. TEHO.
I realize this isn't exactly what you are talking about...or maybe it is. Have fun, whatever you decide.
[ August 25, 2003, 01:31 PM: Message edited by: Boon ]
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Hey I actually like Tulsa Community college web class better than my local ones. I wonder how much I'd get hit with for out of state tuition though. I was looking at the U. of Oklahoma's correspondence courses too, simply because I'm an alumni.
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
The University of Iowa has some econ courses available through Correspondence Study. Link I took a pol sci course from them when I needed an extra social science credit, it transferred with no trouble.
[ August 25, 2003, 04:24 PM: Message edited by: dkw ]
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Ask me again in four years, when I'll be in precisely the same position Posted by Javert Hugo (Member # 3980) on :
75% of the advantage of an MBA consists of the connections you make when you are there. It sucks, but its the way it works - even more so than any undergrad, MBA's work more by name, connections, and perception than the material you learn. What you learn is important and useful, but it is the name and the connections that will get you the opportunity to use them.
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