New CBE Accelerated MBA from UMass Global

[Jonathan Whatley]

A competency-based Accelerated MBA is listed in the current (2022-23) UMass Global catalog which wasn't listed in the 2021-22 catalog. "This program is pending WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and U.S. Department of Education approval," the overview page currently states.

[OtterDen]

Still pending


Sent from my iPhone using DegreeForum.net

[MrPanda]

"This program is pending WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and U.S. Department of Education approval."

https://catalog.umassglobal.edu/business...erviewtext

[Jonathan Whatley]

Three years since I first noticed this CBE MBA listed in the UMass Global catalog but unavailable to students, the program's page in the current catalog no longer states the program is pending approval from their regional accreditors WSCUC (WASC).

It does still state "This program is pending U.S. Department of Education approval."

But there's more.

At this landing page, UMass Global now states

For a limited time, this accelerated, AI-supported MBA program is available exclusively to our partner organizations. Designed for working professionals, this fully online program allows you to earn your degree in as little as 12–18 months, move at your own pace, and gain the skills needed to advance your career—faster and more efficiently than traditional in-person programs.

It's promoted as AI-driven:

At the heart of the program is Sage, our AI-powered learning companion. Sage provides instant feedback on assignments, offers on-demand tutoring, and supports you every step of the way.

The current posted tuition is very good: $1500 per 6-month period. It's certainly possible this is a promotional rate that will no longer be available at general public launch, especially when they receive Department of Education approval to offer student loans. (UMass Global's one other current graduate program, an MAOL, is currently $3800 per 6-month period.)

Students currently must work for an employer that is a partner with UMass Global.

[SpartacusPM]

I wonder how you find out who their partner companies are or how you get your employee on the list.

[SophiaPrincess]

I stumbled upon this myself. The CBE MBA is offered through UMass Global's School of Extended Education. This school primarily sells continuing education to teachers. I have called numerous phone numbers at UMG but no one is aware of this CBE MBA. My email to exed@umassglobal.edu has gone unanswered. I emailed Ricardo Lorenzana, the Vice Chancellor and Dean of the School of Extended Education but got a vacation response that he is out of the office until the 21st. I will update if the program is available.

As far as I can tell, UMG has no business accreditation. Is this better than HAU?

[SophiaPrincess]

Vice Chancellor Lorenzana's secretary, Michele, and I exchanged several emails today. She stated, "I am told the CBE MBA program will begin Sept 2, and the admission process will begin July 28. Please check back at that time". I tried to find out the name and contact information for the CBE MBA but was rebuffed. She did state that the CBE MBA is not part of the School of Extended Education. I drew that conclusion because the link to learn more takes you to that page.

I don't see business accreditation for Umass Global's business degrees. Is this better than HAU?

We still need the list of partner employers to qualify for this MBA. Does anyone have a contact within Umass Global?

[bjcheung77]

People need to decide themselves which would be better, it really depends on cost, ease, speed to finish, or at least a combination of those, in addition to a programmatic or secondary accreditation. Most of the time, RA is sufficient, IACBE is a non factor in deciding... ACBSP is great for those wanting to teach at the community college level (if preferred or required). AACSB is for those who want to be in the upper echelon (say 10%), but, if the college is well recognized in their area (or state), many just choose ACBSP or even IACBE.