Grad School info in the LA vicinity (Los Angeles, Claremont: how much, public school)

[traveler36]

What are grad schools to pursue a MBA or a Masters of International Business?

Also is anyone familiar with the Masters of International Business Degree it's recently an up and coming degree because of this global economy from what I've researched, but still not sure which way to go.

My GPA was average w/ my undergraduate degree but hopefully my GMAT score will help me out.

Any suggestions and info about schools on both the low end and high end would be helpful especially from those that have obtained or in the process of obtaining any of the two degree programs.

[BRinSM]

USC and UCLA have renowned business schools, so it will definitely take more than a good GMAT score to get into either. you may consider LMU or Pepperdine as well, but they are both private and will cost big bucks. there are other plenty of other schools in the area, but honestly, if you're not going to get an mba from a top tier school, it's probably not worth your time, energy, and money.

[bhcompy]

ive heard that chapman has a respected business school

[LArenter]

BRinSM, I agree with you that if you have a business/econ related undergrad degree and are in the finance and banking field, there is really no point in getting your MBA unless you go to a top-tier school. The only real public school option in LA is UCLA. If you don't get into a top-tier you might consider becoming a CFA instead for the time being

But, I think an MBA from a lower tier school helps people who are trying to build some credentials, e.g. a testfying expert, if you have a non-business degree and want to enter a business related field, or if you want to tap into a local alumni network -- in those instances, I think the likes of Pepperdine or Loyola may serve you well, albeit they are very expensive.

[missionhome]

Originally Posted by LArenter

a business related field, or if you want to tap into a local alumni network -- in those instances, I think the likes of Pepperdine or Loyola may serve you well, albeit they are very expensive.

My husband's MBA is from Pepperdine University. Luckily though he had already been working at Boeing for a few years and they paid in full for him to get his MBA while he was working, which was a great plus. It can be very reasonable if your employer will pay for the masters degree, however right out of undergrad I'm not sure if you have any option other than to pay the big bucks.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by missionhome

however right out of undergrad I'm not sure if you have any option other than to pay the big bucks.

I don't think there is vested period for employees to be eligible for tuition reimbursement. Or, if there is one, it isn't long, maybe three months or at most a year.

[traveler36]

Originally Posted by LArenter

BRinSM, I agree with you that if you have a business/econ related undergrad degree and are in the finance and banking field, there is really no point in getting your MBA unless you go to a top-tier school. The only real public school option in LA is UCLA. If you don't get into a top-tier you might consider becoming a CFA instead for the time being

But, I think an MBA from a lower tier school helps people who are trying to build some credentials, e.g. a testfying expert, if you have a non-business degree and want to enter a business related field, or if you want to tap into a local alumni network -- in those instances, I think the likes of Pepperdine or Loyola may serve you well, albeit they are very expensive.

I have an undergraduate degree in Advertising/Marketing, but I want to move into a business related field. I think Pepperdine or Loyola are above my paygrade unless Im am able to get financial aid, which I've never done before. Like you said I want to establish some credentials since I'm still young and havent started to really buckle down into a permanent position yet and still have flexibility to shift into something new.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by traveler36

What are grad schools to pursue a MBA

Any suggestions and info about schools on both the low end and high end would be helpful especially from those that have obtained or in the process of obtaining any of the two degree programs.

UCLA
USC
Claremont

[motoman]

This is from a BusinessWeek article.

PROGRAM COSTS (UCLA)


Total direct costs (tuition and required fees) of the entire MBA program:

Resident : $ 66,590
Nonresident : $ 77,126
Recommended annual budget (Resident): $ 25,762
Recommended annual budget (Nonresident): $ 25,762





This is from the USC website:

Financing Your MBA:

How much does tuition cost?
Currently, the estimated cost for the MBA.PM Program for three years is $95,000.

[CA4Now]

Anyone who has just finished their undergraduate degree out of state and has no connections in Los Angeles should probably not pursue an MBA here. The debt you will incur is too high. Work for a company for a few years and see if they'll help absorb the cost of tuition.