Ashford University

Materials: The textbooks were almost all excellent. The text for international law (well, the ipad version, anyway) was difficult to read. The Strategy course book was also a let down. Everything in it had been discussed in other books. However, I kept several of my text books; they are great resources: accounting, marketing, HRM, international finance, and logistics text books are all keepers. Teachers: Every teacher I had added a lot. In a traditional class, the prof speaks, and a few people ask questions. Others visit office hours in private, and get special training and learning. In an online course, you say what you have learned, and the prof comments on your "teaching". You can read the professor's conversations with all the other students. Institution: The overall experience, in my personal experience, completely missed the things others' seem to complain about regarding online programs. In the two years I was there, finishing a B.A. (I finish 3 weeks after this review), I saw continuous improvement. The platform of interaction is easier and easier to use, and that frees up time to do all the reading! Support: Professors respond usually within 48 hours. Administrative people, though, typically respond very quickly, within 12 hours. Value: I gave the lowest score here. The entire program is online. I don't see why it should cost more than some traditional campus programs. However, from what I see of this program, I expect the respect of an Ashford degree to increase in perceived value. The business model appears excellent; it seems they have aggressive talent, and the evidence of lean management is ample. Use of Technology: A lot of the improvement is in the tech. Students can access everything a student typically wants to see: current gpa (there is even a gpa predictor tool to calculate your theoretical gpa if you earn the grades you predict for your remaining courses). On the main desktop are the names, phone numbers, and emails of every person involved in your process.

I am completing my BA in International Business, after transferring from University of Phoenix Accounting. This program is very challenging and rewarding. I was able to turn some of my final projects in to actual business ventures. I am used to being an A student. I ended up getting some Bs in this program of International Business, Management, Accounting, Economics and other courses. There is no slack. On-line was not an "easy way" to a degree. The tuition is lower than a lot and the quality is among the best. I already decided to stay here for my MBA in Business Economics