Loyola MBA vs. UMD Robert H. Smith MBA (schools, university)

[mnacct]

I'm looking into MBA programs in Maryland and so far am trying to decide between Loyola and University of Maryland. I see U. of Maryland ranked in the top 30 nationwide, but how good is Loyola? It seems a whole lot cheaper than U. of Maryland, but does that mean it lacks quality in the curriculum? does it have less career resources available? Please help.

[htillberg]

I would ask why you are getting the MBA. If you already have a job, and getting the MBA is a credential to be internally promoted, my vote would be that it doesn't matter where you do it.

If you are doing it to find different opportunities, go to the best program you can.

[psychofan]

Originally Posted by htillberg

I would ask why you are getting the MBA. If you already have a job, and getting the MBA is a credential to be internally promoted, my vote would be that it doesn't matter where you do it.

If you are doing it to find different opportunities, go to the best program you can.

Fully agreed. An MBA degree isn't so much about the concepts and principles that are taught in the program (the subject matters do not really differ depending on where the class is taught, whether it's Harvard or Loyola). The difference between programs lies in the name recognition of the institution and the networking opportunities that are available to the students.

[mnacct]

Htillberg and pyschofan - thanks for your honest feedback.

I'm looking to get an MBA as a career changer. I work in IT, but want to eventually have a career in international business and something in the green sector. Now, I do have a job and at the moment my job is not in jeopardy (knock on wood!!!) but I don't want to just stay put in the long term. I want to acquire the knowledge and take advantage of the networking opportunities that would be available in an MBA program.

I've attended information sessions at both schools and have heard from both programs, why theirs is the best. I've even talked to some students, but still wasn't convinced. It's good to hear the blunt truth about this kind of stuff.

[gp123]

Originally Posted by mnacct

Htillberg and pyschofan - thanks for your honest feedback.

I'm looking to get an MBA as a career changer. I work in IT, but want to eventually have a career in international business and something in the green sector. Now, I do have a job and at the moment my job is not in jeopardy (knock on wood!!!) but I don't want to just stay put in the long term. I want to acquire the knowledge and take advantage of the networking opportunities that would be available in an MBA program.

I've attended information sessions at both schools and have heard from both programs, why theirs is the best. I've even talked to some students, but still wasn't convinced. It's good to hear the blunt truth about this kind of stuff.

mna,

you don't happen to be the guest student we had in our international management class Monday night, were you?

I'm in the Loyola program right now, about to finish the MBA up this semester and I'd highly recommend it, especially if your looking for an int'l business concentration. The school was recently ranked in the top of that specialization field.

[mnacct]

Originally Posted by gp123

mna,

you don't happen to be the guest student we had in our international management class Monday night, were you?

I'm in the Loyola program right now, about to finish the MBA up this semester and I'd highly recommend it, especially if your looking for an int'l business concentration. The school was recently ranked in the top of that specialization field.

GP, nope - that was probably someone else.

[rudy_d]

Originally Posted by mnacct

GP, nope - that was probably someone else.

I'd also look at the Hopkins Carey School. It may not be in the top rankings because it's relatively new, but it's growing rapidly and the Hopkins name is recognized everywhere.