Accreditation of University of Phoneix courses

Question

Hey,
I was wondering if anybody could help me out with a question I had. I squandered my previous chances at graduate school which led to a less than desirable GPA. This is hurting my chances of getting into one of the top 10 schools for an MBA. I am intrested in applying for the LFM program and Kellogg's MMM program. I have decided to go back to school to take a few courses to bloster my academic profile. With my 10 hour work days it is hard to find a state university I can attend so I am considering the University of Phoneix online courses. Does anyone know if MIT and Kellogg accept University of Phoneix grades? I did see a note of caution that said please check with the University you are applying to..figured I would ask here first...Please reply if not an inconvinience.
Thanks.

riverripper · Answer

Honestly, I dont think it would be looked at all that favorably. Its pretty much a universal opinion that place is a degree factory and as long as you pay your bills you will ace classes and get the credits. You are much better off looking at online options from brand name universities (I know there has been talk about that in the past but dont remember what schools offer online courses).

Honestly you are better off taking the classes in person...if you are applying this year its going to be a little late now. Depending on your profile, GMAT, and GPA you may be in better shape than you think. If you have a weaker GPA I think that a 750 gmat will do far more for your applicatoin than any community college course would.

sckvck · Answer

Hey Riverripper..
I did apply to the LFM program this year and I am hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. My GMAT score is no where close to 750 but I am hoping to retake it and get to that range before I apply next year. I agree with the whole University of Phoneix option being pay fees and you are a shoo in but I am still thinking about it. Do you think adcom would view the effort factor to the fact that hey he screwed up but atleast he made the effort to take a few online courses. Just looking at all options .
Thanks for your quick reply!

maverick2011 · Answer

I would recommend against Univ. of Phoenix since it is not accredited to my knowledge. You should consider taking courses at a local community college instead. I think that would be a better alternative and they usually offer night and/or online classes. Of course, I don't know what your goals are, but you should be able to prove your point by taking calculus, microeconomics, accounting, etc and making A's at a community college.

egy · Answer

Just take an online class from a legit university, there's no need for university of phoenix. 
A friend of mine took a couple online classes from Berkeley extension that he said were fine. You can do online and from a (more) reputable place.

nink · Answer

Penn State has nice online classes....

sckvck · Answer

Hey guys,
Here is my dilemma. Without divulging too many details, I have about 3.2-3.3 undergraduate GPA (I think I am from India so really do not know how the conversion works). But my graduate school experience is what is bothersome (GPA is very very low). Assuming I have above 730 on my GMAT, when I sign up to take courses to boost my academic profile should I take under graduate level classes or take a few graduate level courses? Or should I just jump off a cliff and not worry about a top 10 program? I have great career progression and great references. What do I do? Am I sounding redundant yet?

fall09 · Answer

Sck

Being an Indian with low GPA,you will need a strong GMAT score(750+) to be competitive at most top schools.

maverick2011 · Answer

We need a little more information on what you are trying to accomplish. As an example, did you take many quantitative courses in undergrad/grad schools? If so, did you have good grades in them? If not, then consider taking an undergraduate-level calculus and/or statistics course. Another example, did you take any business/accounting/finance/economics courses during undergrad? If so, how were your grades in them? If not, consider taking some of those courses at the undergraduate level to show both your dedication to a business education as well as your quantitative aptitude.

cougarblue · Answer

While U. of Phoenix is accredited, there is likely some stigma in the minds of adcomm about what those grades might mean. However, I have personally known several quality professors, e.g. a Stanford Ph. D, who have taught classes there, so I think you could actually have a good learning experience. Plus, it would be pretty cool to have Shaq as a classmate.

VeritasPrepMike · Answer

One other option to look into is your local community college. They might have some good classes you can take advantage of and they are far more reputable than the university of phoenix. I would avoid giving university of phoenix my money like the plague. I think their business practices are incredibly unethical and dangerous to consumers.

Accreditation of University of Phoneix courses

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards