Top Banner Photo

Online MBA Cohort FAQ

  1. How do I apply for the program? 
  2. How long will it take me to complete the online MBA program? 
  3. Can I take a semester off during the program? 
  4. Am I required to come to campus during the program? 
  5. What length are the courses in the program? 
  6. If I have not completed the prerequisite competencies will I be able to start the program? 
  7. Can I take the foundation courses after I start the program? 
  8. Will I be required to go online at set times of the day or week during my courses? 
  9. Is the MBA orientation required? 
  10. What is the tuition rate for the program? 
  11. Is this degree different from the on campus MBA program? 
  12. Is the degree accredited? 
  13. I am very busy with work and family, what is my expected time commitment? 
  14. What type of equipment and Internet connection will I need to take the program? 
  15. Do I need any work experience? 
  16. My undergraduate degree is not in business, can I still take the MBA? 
  17. Can I take some of the courses on campus in the evening or on weekends at GSU? 
  18. Will I have direct contact with faculty or will I be simply interacting with a computer? 
  19. Can I transfer in courses I already took in a different MBA program? 
  20. How large will the classes be? 

1. Here are the steps to apply for the program.

    STEP 1: Fill out the online graduate application
    STEP 2: Send an official undergraduate transcript showing successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, and the $50 application fee to: Governors State University, Office of Admission, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484
    STEP 3: Complete the supplemental application materials required by the college:

  • A GMAT or GRE score from a test administered within five years of the date of admission.
  • Two confidential letters of recommendation from professional references (e. g. current or former college faculty member, current or former work supervisor, community leader). Download the CBPA Graduate Program Recommendation Form.
  • A two-page, double-spaced statement of intent. The statement of intent offers applicants an additional opportunity to demonstrate writing and communication skills and supports candidacy for the MBA degree.

    1. What are your personal short- and long-term career goals? 2) What are your reasons for pursuing an online MBA degree at this time?  3) How do you plan to commit to starting and completing a 17-month accelerated online MBA program? 4) Please discuss your level of self-discipline, planning, and organizational skills and impact on family, work, or finances. 5) Describe your feelings and experience in working with others in an online setting.

      Please give specific personal examples of leadership and provide other pertinent information to help the committee select candidates who can benefit from and contribute to the online program and are committed to start and finish the entire program with the other cohort students.

     

  • A current resume
     

    • STEP 4: Have all supplemental materials sent to: Governors State University, College of Business and Public Administration, Advising Office, Room G281, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL, 60484
    STEP 5:  Upon acceptance to the program a non-refundable deposit of $500 will be required to hold the student’s place in the cohort. This deposit will be applied to the first semester’s tuition of the cohort program.

2. The Supply Chain Management MBA online cohort program is accelerated, and is designed to be completed in a compressed timeframe of 17 months.

3. Currently, with the cohort format, students will not be able to skip coursework offered during the program. However, there are several breaks included within the program schedule.

4. There are no requirements for students to come to campus during the Supply Chain Management MBA online program. However, we encourage students to attend campus events if they are able. We also highly encourage students to attend graduation events.

5. The courses in the program vary in length. Some courses are offered in an intense 5-week format, while others have been designed to be 10-weeks in length. During the intense 5-week courses, students will only have the one class to focus on, while during the 10-week courses students will have two courses at a time. View the cohort course schedule.

6. Due to the intense nature of this program, all course prerequisites and foundation requirements must be completed prior to the start of the first course in the cohort beginning in January 2013.

7. Due to the intense nature of this program, all course prerequisites and foundation requirements must be completed prior to the start of the first course in the cohort beginning in January 2013.

8. The online format is flexible and allows for asynchronous communication within the course time frame. Students with varying schedules or shift work should find it easy to be able to log into the class at any hour or day to complete coursework by the assignment deadlines. We strongly recommend online participation for a minimum of three to five days a week in order to keep up with the workload.

9. The MBA online orientation is required. You will find it to be a very useful introduction to the other students in the cohort, the faculty members, and to the course expectations. It is designed to help ease students into the course materials and learning environment to assist in the successful completion of the program.

10. The online MBA tuition rate for the 2012-2013 academic year is $378 per credit hour. Tuition rates are subject to change annually and new rates are implemented each fall semester.

11. The on campus MBA and the online MBA program are the same, however, the course length for the online cohort varies from what is available on campus.

12. The MBA program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as well as by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

13. As a general rule depending background knowledge and work experience, students should expect to devote between 20-30 hours each week to discussion, assignments, and other coursework throughout this online MBA graduate program.

14. If you are new to online learning, please visit the Center for Online Teaching and Learning for computer settings, orientation, tutorials, and tips to help prepare you and your computer for online courses.

15. Students are not required to have work experience to be admitted to the MBA program. However, students with work experience will find it easier to apply the concepts learned in class to everyday work situations.

16. Students who do not have previous coursework in business do often pursue the MBA. For those students without the business foundation knowledge, there are prerequisite competencies and foundation courses that will be required before the program can be started.

17. For the cohort format of this program, students will be required to complete all courses online in the sequence provided.

18. Students have direct contact with faculty. Faculty will be available for online office hours, by email and phone.

19. Currently, students are required to take all courses for the online MBA with the cohort.

20. The online MBA cohort will be approximately 30 students. The advantage of a cohort is that you will have plenty of opportunity to get to know your faculty and classmates during your 17 months spent together.