Bellevue University

I will graduate with my Master of Leadership from Bellevue in January of 2009. I attended Bellevue for my undergrad and graduate degrees and they have continuously improved the online learning environment. The cohort based program challenged my thinking, time management skills, organizational skills and, research skills. My Professor was world class in his knowledge and ability to direct the class from afar. I will benefit from the program as will the people that chose to work for me. This is a wonderful, yet challenging and rewarding program!

The MA in Leadership at BU is a challenging, but very rewarding program. I am in my last course, and I feel that I have gained knowledge that gives me the flexibility to pursue a leadership role in any career that I choose. I am at the middle point of my career, so there always a chance that I may choose a different direction before retirement. This program gives me that flexibility, and doesn’t “pigeon hole” my choices to any particular career field. This program also allows one to reflect on his or her life experiences and to prioritize what most important in one’s life. I conducted a lot of online research before choosing this program, and almost changed my degree to an MPA before completing my first course. However, now that I have almost completed this program, I am so glad that I did not change. BU is regionally accredited, which provides me with more choices and opportunities to pursue a doctoral degree with other regionally accredited colleges. The MA in Leadership program was a fast pace program, with no breaks between the courses. If I could have taken it over again, I would have liked to have had a one week break between each course. However, this would have extended to length of the program from 16 to 18 months. I guess this is why it is considered to be an accelerated masters program. I will be a proud graduate of BU!

Recently, I completed my second Cohort from BU - utilizing the cutting edge Blackboard learning system. The online format is challenging - yet rewarding for those who are disciplined to devote the necessary time! The cost benefit of the BU program compared to other big name programs is incredible. A colleague was completing their MPA from a University in Arizona (online). We compared our syllabus and work loads -- they were congruent in many facets. Imagine the surprise when we compared our academic costs -- BU was nearly 50% cheaper!! Additionally, the BU program affords students nearly 24 hour access for assistance. Throughout my program - there was never a time I could not reach an advisor or the Professor. Moreover - I developed a great collaborative exchange with the Program Chair - who values student input on curriculum development!! The online program still provided me ample opportunity to cultivate great friendships and professional contacts. The technology utilized in the Blackboard online setting is user friendly and reliable - minimal downtime experienced!! The books utilized were both resourceful and applicable to the study. The class size is minimal to allow for robust and engaging interaction! Finally, the BU staff (registrar; bookstore; technical assistance; academic advisors; etc) are all extraordinary professionals. Each time I placed a call or inquiry for assistance, my needs were not merely met - they surpassed my expectations!! BU is committed to enhancing education for their students in and out of the classroom!! A+++ For any working adult, Bellevue is an extraordinary resource not to be overlooked!