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+--- Thread: Fast & Cheap MBA? (/Thread-Fast-Cheap-MBA)
Fast & Cheap MBA? - AlecO45 - 06-16-2025
Good afternoon everyone, I've just submitted my final course for my BS in IT (through Capella, solid program!) and am now waiting on the degree conferral process. Some time in the near future, I'd like to start working on an MBA program to further bolster my resume (and improve career prospects). I will also give a little background on my undergrad studies. I started by knocking out Sophia courses as well as some prior coursework through WGU. I liked WGU for a while, and although the proctored exams were tiresome at times, I was able to knock out a decent chunk of courses.
However, I withdrew from the program last year due to issues I had with their new proctoring services through ProctorU (did not like Guardian Browser software used, felt very invasive, even had proctors clicking around on my desktop and opening files once. Didn't trust the new proctors at all). I transferred in my Sophia/WGU credits into Capella and finished up the program recently. With that being said, I would prefer NOT to attend WGU due to my concerns with their proctoring services. I'm not opposed to traditional per credit universities (although I do really good with CBE programs) as long as costs remain relatively low. Curious to hear others thoughts/experiences on MBA programs?
Thank you!
Your Location: Central TX
Your Age: 28
What kind of degree do you want?: MBA (I'd like an emphasis in IT field, not required though).
Current Regional Accredited Credits: 90
Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: 57
Any certifications or military experience?: CompTIA A+, Linux+, and Security+. Also have ISC2 CC and ITIL v4.
Budget: $12,000
Commitments: Full time job, 1 child
Dedicated time to study: 8 hours a week
Timeline: 1 year
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: $5,250 per year
RE: Fast & Cheap MBA? - jg_nuy - 06-16-2025
The cheapest option would be Hellenic American University at $3,000 total, while they have the scholarship in place.
You can find many options in the thread below that are within your budget:
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-List-of-Cheap-Online-MBA-Programs-That-Can-Be-Completed-in-Under-1-Year
RE: Fast & Cheap MBA? - AlecO45 - 06-16-2025
(06-16-2025, 11:48 AM)jg_nuy Wrote: The cheapest option would be Hellenic American University at $3,000 total, while they have the scholarship in place.
You can find many options in the thread below that are within your budget:
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-List-of-Cheap-Online-MBA-Programs-That-Can-Be-Completed-in-Under-1-Year
Thanks for the info! That link is very helpful. Looks like lots of great options.
RE: Fast & Cheap MBA? - bjcheung77 - 06-16-2025
Welcome to the board, great intro post with the addendum and template, I suggest something along the lines of a double masters since you have tuition assistance or reimbursement from work. I recommend the UMPI MAOL and HAU MBA combo, you can do one a year and it'll be free for both! Exactly like what this person is doing, they posted just an hour ago: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-MBA-from-Hellenic-American-University-HAU?pid=441630#pid441630
RE: Fast & Cheap MBA? - LevelUP - 06-16-2025
(06-16-2025, 11:42 AM)AlecO45 Wrote: However, I withdrew from the program last year due to issues I had with their new proctoring services through ProctorU (did not like Guardian Browser software used, felt very invasive, even had proctors clicking around on my desktop and opening files once. Didn't trust the new proctors at all).
For people worried about security, I suggest creating a Dual-boot setup.
Problem with a clean user profile on host OS
- It does not prevent system-wide access or malware if the proctoring software runs with admin privileges or installs services that affect the whole machine
Gloves help, but you’re still in the same room.
RE: Fast & Cheap MBA? - ss20ts - 06-16-2025
(06-16-2025, 12:49 PM)LevelUP Wrote:(06-16-2025, 11:42 AM)AlecO45 Wrote: However, I withdrew from the program last year due to issues I had with their new proctoring services through ProctorU (did not like Guardian Browser software used, felt very invasive, even had proctors clicking around on my desktop and opening files once. Didn't trust the new proctors at all).
For people worried about security, I suggest creating a Dual-boot setup.
Problem with a clean user profile on host OS
Kind of like “Wearing gloves” vs. “quarantining the room.”
- It does not prevent system-wide access or malware if the proctoring software runs with admin privileges or installs services that affect the whole machine
Gloves help, but you’re still in the same room.
I sort of did this when I was at WGU because of the proctors going into computers and turning things on and off. I signed in as a guest on my MacBook for my exams so there were no apps running except the ones required for basic operation. I didn't have access to Word or iTunes or anything else as a guest. They were kind of bewildered when there wasn't a bunch of things running in the background.