Hi Everyone

I am currently looking at online MBA's and need some advice.

I am not looking to change industry etc, but increase my chance of entering a more corporate role, from my current technical focus. A general MBA would be fine for my needs.

Here is the confusing part. I live in Dubai, I'm British and my wife is American, so there's a 50/50 chance we will move to either the UK or US within the next 2-5 years.

Do I go for a US based MBA (thinking of Boston, Isenberg, illinois etc) or a UK MBA (e.g. Warwick, Durham etc)?

Any advice would be appreciated.

A US degree is more easily understood in the UK than vice versa.

Any chance you would be able to do a joint program? I'm thinking specifically of the Manchester - Kelley program, which would seem to be a reasonably good median, since there is a UK school, a US school, and Manchester does already have a presence in Dubai...

Hi Maury
I have now looked at the joint programme and it would be ideal. However I cannot (unfortunately) justify the extra cost at the moment (new child due shortly!).

I have now applied for the following online/part-time MBA's

Umass Isenberg
Warwick online
Imperial Global
Durham online
Manchester Global

Taking away the US/UK factor, which would provide the best education around core subjects, be most engaging in learning style and attract slightly more experienced people.

Martin

UMass and Manchester will have the biggest core, because those are the degrees with the largest credit requirements. The UMass core is 30 credits, so equal to 120 UK credits. That's equal to or more than the entire teaching volume of a one-year UK masters. MBS probably has the most experienced cohort, with an average age of 36.

[Edited by Duncan on Apr 20, 2020]

Hi Duncan - interested to hear your thoughts on the Durham online MBA. Does it have a strong core? It seems to do well in the rankings but little is written about it - do you have any thoughts on drawbacks/pros of the Durham online course?

Thanks

In the full-time MBA, the core is taught in the first term and the rest is in the two following terms. The chart on page 10 of the brochure makes me think that the course it like this:
120 credits across 7 taught modules. So, around 80 to 90 in the core.
60 credits in the business project.

So, that suggests to me the core is around 20 US credits, smaller than UMass.

I made a Couple of last minute applications and received acceptance from the following online programs:
1) UMass Isenberg (original app)
2) Boston Questrom  (last minute app)
3) Auburn Herbert (Last minute app as Wife is Alumni). 
- Still awaiting iMBA decision from Gies
Now I’m really unsure which to accept. All have very different curriculum and teaching format. Here’s my thoughts.
1) IsenbergPros - focus on core, very flexible, established program. Cons — relatively low engagement levels,  
2) Questrom Pros - ranking, integrated innovative curriculum, high engagement levels and weekly live sessions Cons - unknown curriculum, new & untested, could be academically light. 
3) Auburn Pros - academic curriculum, finance heavy, real consulting project, lockstep - all lectures streamed, learn with classroom students
Cons - less well known, regional focus, US citizens only (I’m only considered as wife alumni and I work for a US company)
thoughts appreciated! 
Martin

[Edited by Martin74 on May 09, 2020]

The Harbert MBA sounds highly unfavourable: they stream the in-class lectures? 
Perhaps the choice between UMass and Boston is made by looking at your needs and preferences. Do you need a foundational, general management toolkit or a more strategic, integrated, developmental experience? Do you prefer more autonomy as a student, or more engagement? Given Questrom's greater resources, I don't think you can fear that the execution won't be good. 

Hi Duncan
Well, last minute I’ve also been accepted into the Gies iMBA! 
I’ve discounted Isenberg due to less engagement. So I think the choice is between Boston and Gies. 
thoughts? 
My concern with Boston is new program and no flexibility with number of classes you can take per semester and is a straight 2 years. Also unknown course content. 
My concern with Gies, is how the iMBA would be viewed by employers and it’s lack of ranking in US news (due to no full time course). 
is Questrom seen as better? 
Martin

I think a lot of this comes down to whether the employers you target recruit more from Illinois or Boston. UIUC is one of the Big Ten, and the standing of those schools is quite high in the general population. 
In terms of program design, most students will get a better, broader, education from Gies. However, BU has the standing as a serious private uni. 

Thanks Duncan
Do you think not having a full time MBA and no rankings will affect how employers view Gies MBA?

Employers who don't know about the MBA market do know that UIUC is much more prestigious than BU. See, for example, the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings. 
Those who do know the MBA market know that the online and full-time MBA are different segments.