Okay, gonna do the MBA thing, I think...distance learning...

[Greg the dogsitter]

Capella University; MBA, specializing in IT Management.

http://www.capella.edu/schools_programs/...ement.aspx

Thoughts are extremely welcome.

[MGS_forgot_password]

You don't get an MBA to learn, you go to network. Is there not a local part-time program where you live?

[anonymouse1]

1. Talk to graduates, see what they say.

2. What placement resources do they offer?

3. Are they accredited?

4. What are their stats about what kinds of differences having the degree makes ("99% of our graduates have increased their salary by 75% within 3 years" kind of thing).

5. Does US News or Businessweek have anything? Here's a start:

http://search.businessweek.com/Search?se...Online+MBA

Finally, for your current field and for the kinds of jobs you'll want in the future, does an MBA really make much of a difference?

[Greg the dogsitter]

I called KU, and they didn't return my call, so screw 'em.

I can't speak to the learning/networking thing.

[SteveJobs]

IT mgmt... scary.

[MGS_forgot_password]

So what exactly do you want do with an MBA?

[NewtonMP2100]

probably a higher salary? (though it isn't a guarantee). . .

[TLB]

Capella is a for profit university if that matters to you. The undergraduate programs are accredited by North Central, but there is no specialized accreditation for its business programs (still only about 1/3 of MBA programs are AACSB accredited). I second the networking and cross fertilization aspect of a residence program--you really benefit making contacts and bouncing ideas off folks with different backgrounds.

Oh and for those that question why an MBA, I think everyone that has the opportunity (and resources, especially employer support) should get one-but I'm biased. I think it is good background for any career and for personal development. I had MDs, PhDs and PsyDs in my classes as well as many graduate engineers and computer scientist. A real intellectual potpouri--not all MBAs are narrow minded cost cutters and off shorers that many bemoan on the forum.

[anonymouse1]

Yeah, the networking thing...

There are programs that are mostly distance, with a week long residential 2-4 times a year. I'd go for something like that.

And accreditation is crucial.

[Greg the dogsitter]

[quote MGS_forgot_password]So what exactly do you want do with an MBA?
In the past few years, I've started a career in IT/automation. What struck me from the get-go is that organizations and managers are not equipped to adapt to faster ways of doing their work. Instead of being greeted with "Excellent - that'll save us lots of time," it's "that's not how we do things around here," or "We're already used to doing it this way."

I want to learn how an organization can be set up to maximize the gains that technology can provide. How does one encourage workers to find the fastest route to the goal? How are managers taught to not assume that how things are being done is also the best way?

Etc. :-)

There's more, but you get the idea?