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General

Program Format

Assignments and Examinations

Technology

Tuition
 

General
Is the program accredited?
The Master of Business Administration degree program is fully accredited by the International Association for Management Education (AACSB), and ranks among the top 20 percent of business programs in the United States. The MBA from CSU is one of the few AACSB-accredited program available completely via distance education.  Nearly 1000 students have earned their MBA degrees from CSU, without setting foot on campus. The first distance learner graduated from CSU with an MBA in 1975.

How long has Colorado State University been involved in distance education?
CSU has offered the MBA via distance education since 1972. As an institution, CSU has been involved in distance education since 1967, and was one of the very first schools to utilize DVD mixed media technology in distance education and recently added streaming video as a supplemental lecture delivery system.

Will an MBA advance my career?
MBA classes provide students with a comprehensive business education. This makes the MBA especially adaptable to multiple professional career paths. An advanced degree may lead to promotions in your current position or a more desirous job elsewhere.

May I participate in the commencement ceremony?
Of course! You will be a graduating Masters student from Colorado State University.  All students are encouraged to attend; in fact, about 55% of our Distance MBA Program students come to campus each year to participate in the commencement activities.

How many distance MBA students have graduated from Colorado State University?
Nearly 1000 students have earned their MBA degree through the Distance MBA Program at Colorado State University.

How will my diploma read upon graduation??
The Distance MBA Program has the exact academic rigor and content as our on-campus MBA program, as well as, the same accreditation through the AASCB. As such, the diploma will state that the student has been conferred a degree of Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University.

Who will my classmates be?
Most distance students are working professionals with an average of over 11 years of work experience. We have distance students in all 50 states and many Canadian Provinces. We also have many U.S. military personnel stationed abroad completing the program as well as numerous international students in many countries around the world. The average age of the distance students is 32; the average GMAT score is about 580.

What is the background of the professors?
The majority of the professors who teach in the MBA program are full-time faculty with a Ph.D. in their discipline.  Many also continue to work in their industry as consultants

Does the program accept transfer credits?
No. The MBA courses are sequential and because of the program's integrative nature it is not possible to transfer or substitute external courses.

 

Program Format
How does the program work?
The Distance MBA Program is based on the Professional MBA Program conducted on campus; these two programs have the same academic rigor and content, only the lecture delivery method is different and how students interact with their professors and other students. The program is a combination of mixed media DVDs, videos and streaming and an online application for communication with the professor and other members of the class.

How long will it take to earn the MBA?
Students may complete the Distance MBA Program is as little as 21 months or may flex their program schedule up to 5 years. During each enrollment period, students may choose to enroll in one, two, three or four classes depending on the demands of their professional and personal schedules. Our MBA advisor is available to work with students to make a program timeline that fits their needs.

Are many credits is each class?
The 16-week semester is broken into two eight-week terms. Classes are two credits for each eight weeks. Students register for the entire semester during the registration period.

Are campus visits required?
No, the program is entirely at a distance. Students watch DVDs of the on-campus classes and communicate online. There is no requirement to visit campus at any time.

Is a thesis required?
No. There is no exit requirement for the MBA program.

How long do I have to finish a course?
Courses follow the on-campus class schedule. Coursework must be completed by the end of the term it is offered, in accordance with the due dates and deadlines listed in each course syllabus.

Do I have to be online at a specific day and time?
No. The program is flexible. Therefore the students don't have to be online at a specific time.  However, there are specific due dates and deadlines for assignments. If necessary, students may make arrangements in advance for special circumstances, upon the professor's approval.

Can I sit out a term?
Yes, you may. Colorado State University provides students with a "Continuous Registration" option that allows students to stay enrolled in the program while not taking classes. This option carries a fee but does allow the student to sit out a fall or spring semester, if needed.

When can I begin the program?
You may begin the program at the start of either the fall or spring semester. The MBA program of study is lockstep, so students must follow the appropriate course sequence.
 

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Assignments and Examinations
How are assignments completed in the Distance MBA Program?
Students will be able to view their class syllabus in the week preceding the start of classes, the syllabus will detail the professor’s expectations, assignment details and due dates. Assignments as well as any other course requirements are accessed through the online application for communications called RamCT. Students will turn-in assignments using this application as well.

How are exams administered?
If an exam is required in a class, the professor will instruct the students on the procedure for downloading, completing and uploading the exams; or, if exams are administered other than online then the professor will give students full instructions in the class syllabus

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Technology

What equipment or technology will I need to complete the degree?
You will need access to a DVD player  to watch the recordings of the courses and a computer with internet access.
 

What are the specific computer requirements?

  • The College of Business' software standard is Microsoft Office 2007 and Microsoft Vista as an operating system. All work done in the Distance MBA Program is expected in Office 2007; the College of Business provides all enrolled students with a copy of Microsoft Vista and Office 2007 free of charge.

  • An ISP (Internet Service Provider) and a browser (Netscape 4.x, Explorer 4.x, others)

  • Windows: Microsoft Office 2007 Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

  • Macintosh: Microsoft Office v. X (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

  • Additional software as required per course

How do I communicate with my professors and other students?
To facilitate communication in The Distance MBA Program, all MBA students will use an electronic communications software product called "RamCT." Use of RamCT allows greater communication capability between faculty, staff, and students; posting of class materials; group work; and real-time chats. RamCT will also be the area where additional administrative information will be available, i.e. textbook information, deadlines for registration, etc.

Students are responsible for providing their own Internet access.
 

Do I have to return the DVD's after I have viewed them?
No, the DVD's do not have to be returned to CSU.  However, the DVD's may not be distributed to others.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

What are tuition costs?
The tuition for the Distance MBA Program is $584 per credit hour effective fall 2007. This includes all costs of the Distance MBA Program with the exception of textbooks for each class and a minor technology fee each fall and spring semester. There is not additional fee for the DVDs or their shipment.

My company is paying for my tuition. How does that process work?
Companies paying tuition usually do so in one of two way, either via direct bill or by reimbursing the student for classes completed with passing grades. Direct billing may be arranged by calling 970 491-6735. Reimbursement of tuition is coordinated between the student and the company directly.

My company is reimbursing me for my tuition at the end of the term. May I defer payment?
Deferred payments are not accepted at Colorado State University; however, the University does have provisions for third-party billing and tuition assistance.  You may call 970 491-6735 for more information. 

May I pay my tuition in installments?
Colorado State University bills students for their tuition each semester with the first installment due right before classes commence.  Payments are accepted via check or credit card. 

May I receive financial aid?
Accepted students who are enrolled in five or more credits per term may be eligible for federal financial aid. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at CSU at 800-491-4622 extension 6.

May I use the Montgomery GI Bill, veterans educational benefits or military tuition assistance?
Yes, military personnel and veterans may use their GI Bill privileges or their military tuition assistance for The Distance MBA Program.  For information using your GI Bill or veterans educational benefits contact 800 491-4622 extension 8.  Military tuition assistance is accepted for program costs, you may get additional information of the requirements by dialing 970 491-6735.

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