Reading Time: 5 minutesDr. Christine M. Wallace, Vice President Kettering Global, Clinical Faculty-School of Management, joins us today to discuss their Online business program.
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1. Can you tell us about the online business program (s) offered at Kettering University?
We have 4 different School of Management programs offered for Kettering University under Kettering University Online. The MS in Operations Management, The MS in Engineering Management, The MBA, The MS in Supply Chain Management. We also offer the MS in Lean Manufacturing which is temporarily housed under the School of Management.
2. Is the GMAT & GRE required for acceptance into the program? Do international students have the same requirement?
There is no GMAT or GRE required, but letters from supervisors and a resume are required.
See our list of 10 Best Online MBA Degree Programs without the GMAT
International students need to take the TOEFEL.
3. How long does a typical online business program take at Kettering University? What is the maximum and minimum time of completion?
Students have 6 years to finish a program but it is a rare occasion that a student would take this long. If a student takes one course every 6 or 8 week term, he or she can finish in about 18 months. Depending on the program, students’ motivation level, and their time constraints, it is possible for a student to take two courses at once, completing the program in 5 terms, which is less than one year.
4. What do you think makes Kettering University online business program (s) stand out from other online business programs offered by similar schools?
Other Universities have accelerated online programs like KUO but this program meets the same academic rigor as our on-ground programs. We employ a “learn today-use tomorrow” approach which means students apply the tools and techniques learned in the classroom to the challenges they are currently facing in their workplace The practical application of theory and coursework to the real world is exactly what employers are requesting and also what students love about the program.
In all of our programs, students are challenged to move beyond the type of thinking they applied to their undergraduate studies. Learning how to understand and synthesize research in combination with developing sound critical thinking skills is what differentiates their graduate level study from their undergraduate experience. The combination of these skillsets is what truly makes a graduate learner become a “master” of their discipline upon completion of their program.
5. How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online business program?
I tend to think that universities care more about accreditation than students do in most cases.
See our top tips on how to Choose Top MBA Online Programs
Accreditation matters most if the degree a student is seeking requires some kind of licensing or certification. Some certifications and licenses require various accreditation in the university where you received your degree. Beyond that, I do not believe it is an important item of concern for most consumers. I think students need an accredited institution to access federal financial aid but other accreditations are less important unless the degree directly leads to licensing or certifications.
Today, consumers are more interested in, “does this enhance my career or get me that promotion or new job.”
Employers want people with more than theoretical knowledge, they want employees who can apply that knowledge in ways that can impact and add value to their organizations immediately. If you can deliver in these areas, you have a solid program(s).
6. What are the advantages to earning an online business degree in general and where are you seeing employer demand for this degree?
Students are mostly working adults with busy lives and they do not want to spend time sitting in a classroom or driving to a campus after a long day. Online degrees are not easier than traditional degrees, they are just different and more flexible. We tell students that a 4 credit hour course requires 12-15 hours a week. Those hours consist of reading, researching, composing high quality discussion responses, and completing assignments. Students still have to do the work but they get to do it when it fits into their day and while wearing slippers if they choose! Also, when the weather is bad, they can stay warm by the fire and work on their courses rather than risky icy roads, fog or rainy weather.
7. Does Kettering University offer job placement for students who graduate with an online business degree?
Kettering University has 550 business partners and over 24,000 Alumni. We have a career center and webpage with current job postings. We do not actively perform job placement but are working on enhancing this area of service for graduate students.
8. What type of financial aid packages are available for students in business? Are there any fellowships, grants and scholarships available?
Many of our students use employer tuition reimbursement to help pay for their education. Federal Loans are also available for those that qualify. Currently, we offer a 3-credit scholarship for our Foundation of Business course which helps students meet all their prerequisites for the program for the cost of only one credit hour.
9. Do you have any advice for students enrolling in an online business program for the first time?
Yes, absolutely, do not think “ONLINE” means easier. In some ways, it is harder – especially if you like learning with someone standing up in front of you in a lecture hall. Remember, as a graduate student, you are expected to take responsibility for your learning and “own” it.
Do not expect professors to give you the answers, they are “guides on the side-not sages on the stage.”
Be organized, set aside time every week for your classes and let others in your life know that this is your study time and you have to focus. Have a place in your home where you can work and make that your classroom. If you can, do a little something every day whether it is reading or beginning an assignment. Doing this will make things more manageable.
Take advantage of all the tools and supports the University offers, such as mobile applications, librarians, writing support centers, etc.
Tell everyone in your life you are working on your degree, make sure they know you are committed and that you need their support. You might not be able to go to the movies or to a family event because you have an assignment due. The more people there are supporting you to finish the degree, the more likely you will be successful.
10. What do you enjoy most about your position at Kettering University?
Our students are the heart and soul of this great University and our reasons for working so hard at everything we do. I have a great team, highly qualified and dedicated professors, a phenomenal President (Dr. Robert McMahan) and a Board of Trustees that is both supportive and forward-thinking. Kettering University is a gem that graduates individuals who make a difference in the world. I could not ask for any more than these things in my role here.
For more information on the online business programs offered at Kettering University, visit them online.
Thank you Dr. Christine M. Wallace, for sharing and participating in this piece.
That concludes our interview!
