I've felt of a couple of weeks now that there may be some who have questions not to the content of the MBA Program, but more the logistical side- what does it look like to be a Concordia MBA Student.
I'm sure each person's experience is different, but I'll do my best to answer some of the questions floating out there.
-Where is the location of Concordia's MBA Program?
Concordia's MBA is at two campuses. North Lamar and 183, and the new campus at 620.
-How many nights per week do you meet?
The MBA Program at Concordia meets one night per week. The night of the week is determined by what location you choose. The first cohort is Tuesday nights at 620 and Thursday is at N. Lamar. Each Cohort will be different, but I believe I've heard there will never be one on Fridays.
-How much time outside of class is needed?
I attempt to do some reading/preparation during the nights of the week, but generally, I use Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to get work completed. My 40 hour week at Children At Heart goes Mon-Thursday 7:30AM-5:30PM, and Fridays 8-12, so I try to use most of Friday afternoon to start on homework. My Saturdays are spent pretty much in the books and writing papers, I'll use a couple hours on Sunday, and if our group is getting together, then we'll meet for an hour or two on one day of the weekend 3 to 4 times in a semester. I'm sure this will be different depending on the work load of each semester, but so far, this is my experience.
-How many hours are you in class?
Class for me is on Tuesdays, and we go 6-10PM. I have a wonderful boss who lets me leave early on Tuesdays at 4:30 PM to get ahead of rush hour and prepare for class. Now I also have a position that I generally work 45 hours or so per week plus or minus, depending on time time of year, so I'm able to make up my lost time.
Our first class goes from 6-8, and this class may last 10-15 weeks. If it goes 10 weeks, we'll have another 2 hour class for 5 weeks. The second class is from 8-10, and currently goes 15 weeks. One semester has 2 10 week classes blocked, and then there will be a 5 week class for a full 4 hours. There are a few breaks to stretch your legs, and the University provides coffee, but be careful how much you drink, or you'll be up til 1!
I live about 30 minutes away on toll roads, so after class I'm pulling into my driveway around 10:30 or 11 if I get caught in conversation with other students after class.
-Is there financial aid?
You'll need to talk with the Financial Aid Office for the official Concordia response, but for those who qualify there are loans. If you work for a 501(c)3, and have proof of employment, Concordia offers a discount of $50 off per credit hour! Lastly, a scholarship program was just announced, and between the 40 students in a cohort there is one sizable scholarship. There is an application process, which includes references, letters of recommendation and essay, but if chosen, three students have the opportunity to interview, and one blessed student will be awarded with a scholarship. Again, I'm not sure if this is an every year type of deal, so you'll want to check with Financial Aid to see what's available.
-Do I have to take my GMAT?
No, this program does not require the GMAT. Having taken the GMAT, and wishing I hadn't put myself through that expensive process, I'm grateful this school looks at the total package of students, and doesn't require the GMAT.
-Are there Prereqs?
As of this point, there are no prereqs. They do have available some handy software for students who haven't had some of the courses before called Ivy Software. This provides a pre- and post- test, along with material to catch you up on basics (Economics, Finance, Accounting, etc). In the near future, I believe if you do not have a background in a subject, you may be required to show a post-test score of 80% or higher to show you are ready for the class, as none of us want to slow down the pace of instruction. Stay tuned to the MBA website for the final answer on that.
-What's it like being the first classes through the MBA Program?
I guess you'd say in being the first class through the program, our first group of students have a strong entrepreneurial spirit! We tease that we are the guinea pigs, but honestly the program has gone very smoothly for the first year run. We also have a great opportunity of providing input. Class reviews are implemented at mid-terms and finals, which I really appreciate. You don't have to sit through a whole semester before you can make your voice heard about teaching style, content or anything else. Feedback is greatly appreciated by the University, and you can rest assured that our class feels a tremendous responsibility to work out any kinks for the next batch of students, and Cohort 2 will be in for a wonderful program, just as we have experienced.
Any other questions?
I do hope in a post to come to describe my personal reasons for picking Concordia, so stay tuned!
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