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Career and School Info for Sales Managers in California



  School and Career Overview

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Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:

Schools Concentrating On Sales Managers

  • Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Santa Monica College, Pasadena City College, Berkeley City College, and Moorpark College.

Fastest Response From Schools

  • Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.

Student Body

  • Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Mt Sierra College, San Diego State - Imperial Valley, San Diego State, and Hope International.
  • Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider Advanced, Mount St Mary's College, LA College International, and Humphreys.
  • Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Northwestern Polytechnic University, Lincoln, San Diego State - Imperial Valley, and Rio Hondo College.
  • Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Palo Verde College, Lake Tahoe Community College, Mendocino College, and Lassen Community College.

School Setting

  • Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of LA College International, Stanford University, Pepperdine University, and Whittier College.
  • Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of University of the West, William Jessup University, Hope International, and Stanford University.

Excellence

  • SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at Stanford University, Southern Cal, Cal Berkeley, and Biola.
  • % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at Stanford University, Cal Berkeley, UCLA, and Cal State San Bernardino.
  • Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Stanford University, San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Cordova, San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia, and Whittier College.

 

Read Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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Spotlight California Schools Related to This Career

DeVry University

  • Locations: Alhambra, Anaheim, Bakersfield, Colton, Daly City, Elk Grove, Fremont, Fresno, Irvine, Long Beach, Oakland, Palmdale, Pomona, San Diego, San Jose, Sherman Oaks
  • Programs: 5 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor

University of Phoenix

  • Locations: Bakersfield, Beale AFB, Chula Vista, Costa Mesa, Culver City, Diamond Bar, El Centro, Elk Grove, Fairfield, Fresno, Gardena, Lancaster, Lathrop, Livermore, Los Angeles, Murrieta, Oakland, Ontario, Palm Desert, Pasadena, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Sacramento, Salida, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Visalia, Woodland Hills
  • Programs: 11 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor, Master

ITT Technical Institute

  • Locations: Anaheim, Lathrop, Rancho Cordova, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Dimas, Sylmar, Torrance
  • Programs: 4 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Diploma, Master

DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management

  • Locations: Alhambra, Anaheim, Colton, Daly City, Elk Grove, Fremont, Irvine, Long Beach, Oakland, Palmdale, Pomona, San Diego, San Jose, Sherman Oaks
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Master, Post- Bachelor's Certificate

Everest College

  • Locations: Ontario
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

Charter College

  • Locations: Oxnard
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate

Argosy University

  • Locations: Alameda, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Monica
  • Programs: 6 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor, Doctorate, Master

Heald College

  • Locations: Concord, Fresno, Hayward, Milpitas, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Salinas, San Francisco, Stockton
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate

UEI College

  • Locations: Anaheim, Chula Vista, El Monte, Huntington Park, Ontario, San Bernardino, San Diego, Van Nuys
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate

Golden Gate University

  • Locations: San Francisco, San Jose
  • Programs: 3 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor

See these schools on a map

Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career

University of Phoenix Online

  • Programs: 13 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Doctorate, Master

DeVry University Online

  • Programs: 4 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor

Kaplan University

  • Programs: 3 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Master

Walden University

  • Programs: 20 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor, Doctorate, Master

AIU Online

  • Programs: 3 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Master

Ashford University

  • Programs: 13 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Master

Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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La Sierra University • Riverside, CA
Studying Business Administration (completion in 2004)

• 5/7/2011

"My school provided me with the tools needed to be successful in my career. It gave me a good social experience as well and although it was pretty sheltered compared to other universities due to the Christian values the school held, it was overall a great school."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeDue to the Christian values the school has, it may not be of interest to those seeking a more diverse environment.
Program Reputation7The school is a private Christian university, and within that realm, it is the best one for Business Administration.
Program Quality8They had great classes, teachers, and students, but they didn't provide many outlets for us to experience what we learned outside of school.
InstructionMore than 5 years agoN/A
How Difficult5
Hands-On vs. BookishIt was more book learning than hands on because of the Christian network in which the school belonged.
Schedule Flexibility5They can be flexible if needed, but otherwise have a set schedule.
Academic Facilities8Providing students with great resources has always been a top priority. This is to encourage students to focus on studying so as to maximize their productivity at the school.
Social Life7I had a great experience socially at my school because they always held events that included food, gifts, and an outlet to show off your talents. But again, it was all within the Christian network. It would have been nice if it ventured outside of that.
Placement Services6They provided career services assistance in that they had personality exams to help you determine the type of jobs that would best suit your personality. There were also as several job fairs that concentrated on jobs within the Christian network.
Alumni Network4This is not very good because I have yet to receive any news regarding the availability of a support network.

Sierra College • Rocklin, CA
Studying English (completion in 2010)

• 5/7/2011

"I feel like I gained a lot from attending my school. I feel like my classes helped me become a more understanding person."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesDefinitely. It helps to have reading and writing abilities when dealing with the public. Comprehension is a valued skill in my career as we deal with people and need to understand their complaints and where they are coming from so we can think of a solution for them.
Program Reputation7The program was rather easy as you only needed 42 units to obtain your associate's degree. They offered over 50 English classes with some of the best professors, so it wasn't difficult to fulfill unit requirements.
Program Quality10I loved my school. I feel like I received an excellent education. The English professors were great and the classes were offered at different times throughout the day which made it very convenient to attend school.
Instruction10The professors were willing to work with you and assist you if you could not make a deadline. They were understanding and informative.
How Difficult8
Hands-On vs. BookishI'd say it was a good mix of both. Hands on learning was a necessary aspect of labs. The text books could be rather boring, so luckily there was a good mix.
Schedule Flexibility10They offered online classes. They also had classes every hour throughout the day.
Academic Facilities9They had an online writing center where students could get assistance with their papers. They had a huge online library and a great on campus library as well. Professors were accessible via email and could be reached through an instant messenger service.
Social Life8They had student activities going on constantly: plays, socials, readings, etc. There were many clubs and everyone participated in them.
Placement Services2My school did not help me get my job as a customer service manager of sales. I obtained that job on my own.
Alumni Network5I haven't received any jobs through my alumni network, so I wouldn't say it's the best. They do keep me updated on what's going on, though, so I'd have to say it's just average.

College Of The Redwoods • Humboldt County, CA
Studying Business (completion in 2011)

• 5/8/2011

"I would recommend this school for anyone seeking to do make the most of their education. They offer it all here at a very friendly pace and personalized atmosphere. I would consider attending this campus again to take additional courses."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesThe experience and knowledge I've gained is irreplaceable. I strongly encourage students seek internships or jobs on campus to get even more hands-on interaction with the business world. Pay attention and ask questions. This campus is meant for those who want to succeed and the instructors are all about it.
Program Reputation10I have met several people who have moved to this region of the state specifically because of certain majors provided by this institution. I find that everyone I socialized with had a good opinion of the school's overall ability to educate.
Program Quality10The curriculum is relevant to what's happening in society and provides us students with what we need to venture out on our own in the business world. There was plenty of one-on-one time available with the professors, and classrooms were not over crowded.
Instruction10The projects that were assigned required hands on work, which provides for a better learning experience in the long run. The professors were modern and energetic, and the books we were using were also relevant to current standards.
How Difficult8The workload was not easy but it was not too overwhelming either. The teachers definitely ensured proper absorption of what they were teaching. The projects, if handled appropriately, were totally acceptable and possible to complete with high grades.
Hands-On vs. BookishAssignments were usually very interactive and required us not only to read material, but to also formulate physical evidence of our work. The tasks were occasionally done in groups, and this brought an entire new aspect to hands-on learning since things are handled differently with a group mentality.
Schedule Flexibility10Nearly everything can be handled online via your student web page. Registering for classes, or even attending them, can all be done from there. Counselors and teachers are willing to work around hectic schedules. For the most part they seemed understanding. There are plenty of open classes with flexible time frames and days.
Academic Facilities10The campus is located in a beautiful part of our county and it is easy to concentrate with all the beautiful nature around. They are constructing more buildings to accommodate the growing population of students. The library and bookstores were always supplied with what we needed for class.
Social Life10People were friendly and the teachers were very nice and helpful. There was plenty of school spirit, but not so much that it was tacky. There were events held often that were open to all students and there were different types of social groups for just about every interest.
Placement Services10There are plenty of centrally located organizations right in our county that provide internships for those pursuing business degrees. On campus work is also available for students in the bookstore or as teachers assistants.
Alumni Network10Internships are offered to students who do well in class, and there are plenty of people willing to offer their help in getting individuals started on the road to career success. Teachers, as well as school counselors, were always at hand for assistance.

San Joaquin Valley College • Bakersfield, CA
Studying Information Systems Engineering (completion in 2002)

• 5/8/2011

"It got me my degree, which I was happy with. But it was very expensive and overall not worth the money."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeIf someone wants a quick degree, I recommend this skill. If they want a prestigious degree, I would not.
Program Reputation5It's more of a technical school. They don't seem to have as good of a reputation as a big college.
Program Quality8I enjoy computer work. I would very much enjoy a job working with computers instead of in retail.
InstructionMore than 5 years ago
How Difficult5It wasn't very difficult. I'd say some of my high school classes were actually harder. I noticed more older people in my classes, so I'm assuming they had forgotten everything from high school! Therefore, the school had to make classes easier for these folks.
Hands-On vs. BookishWe did a mixture of both. Luckily, we had some lab experience.
Schedule Flexibility9They provided night courses, so I was able to work and go to school.
Academic Facilities5It was just an average facility. There was nothing too extravagant.
Social Life2This was a technical school. Students were in and out and there were no extracurricular activities.
Placement Services1They did not help me get a job. They told me where to apply, but most of those place required 4 year degrees.
Alumni Network1They said they would help get me a job. All they did, though, was tell me where to apply.

Pitzer College • Claremont, CA
Studying Communications/Psychology (completion in 1991)

• 5/7/2011

"Pitzer is recognized as a quality college. It prepared me to immediately begin working in my chosen field and on the career path I had selected--Managerial/Executive Sales."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesPitzer professors helped me select the classes that would lead me to my goals. This is a definite plus, since I have known other students attending colleges who ended up with degrees, but no real job skills. That is not true of Pitzer.
Program Reputation7The professors teaching these disciplines were nationally known, published authors in their respective fields. Based on their accomplishments alone, the academic programs I took at Pitzer were ranked very highly,
Program Quality10I have a strong academic background in communications and psychology. These two skill sets are essential for work in the sales field.
InstructionMore than 5 years ago
How Difficult9The double major in communications and psychology was rigorous thanks to the program's top flight instructors. They had experience in the business world and had doctorate degrees, so they held their students to very high standards.
Hands-On vs. BookishOur professors were very strong academically, but also were experienced with hands on work in the real world. They tended to assign projects rather than term papers, so we would have the experience of performing work similar to what we might do in our careers.
Schedule Flexibility5The class schedule was quite inflexible. Fortunately, the professors were very flexible, since they had also had to work full time while they attended college full time. They knew what it was like for us.
Academic Facilities10Classes never contained more that 15 students. Class rooms and video and computer equipment were always available when we needed them. Tutors were not an issue for me--I never needed them. The Claremont Colleges Library is one of the finest on the West Coast.
Social Life5I was 45 when I attended Pitzer. I had little to no interest in parties, athletics, or social events. I was working one full-time job and one part-time job AND carrying a full course load.
Placement Services7I had found a position on my own before I graduated. I had no use for Pitzer's job placement services. However, their career center was very helpful in assisting me in identifying exactly what area of specialization to focus on.
Alumni Network5I have had no interest in nor use for the alumni contacts. I moved to New York immediately after graduation and had no further contact with the alumni associations.

Pierce College • Woodland Hills, CA
Studying Liberal Arts (completion in 2007)

• 7/8/2011

"The school I attended provided me with a solid foundation from which to spring. It was an enriching environment."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI would absolutely recommend my school based on my personal experience. It gave me a well-rounded education.
Program Reputation7The school I attending had a great reputation with regards to its teachers and protocols. Many of the teachers at my community college also taught at USC and UCLA, so I considered myself quite lucky.
Program Quality5I went to school in hopes of getting a film degree. I have yet to complete my BA.
Instruction8I find that I rely heavily on the classes I completed in college, specifically those related to Psychology, Speech, English, and other subjects that required cognitive follow through.
How Difficult8For the most part, I did very, very well in college. I was prepared and motivated by 99% of the classes I took. I found it to be one of the most enlightening times of my life.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe school was in a state of flux during my attendance. Some of the teachers used a mix of multimedia teaching devices, while others were old school and used text books only.
Schedule Flexibility10The school I attended was networked within the Los Angeles community school district, so the opportunities for flexibility were enormous. I took advantage of these opportunities through online, summer, and alternate campus offerings.
Academic Facilities5During my time at Pierce college the facility was in the process of a complete remodel. There are far more facilities and resources available for the average student.
Social Life3As this is a community college, the age span is great. Basically, there are some social events, but they are not well attended or available.
Placement Services1Occasionally my school held job fairs, but beyond that there was no real assistance in job placement. The career services within counseling was non-existent as well.
Alumni Network1I went to a community college and there is virtual no networking opportunities. There is an alumni association, however it is not active in networking.

University Of San Francisco • San Francisco, CA
Studying Global Entrepreneurship And Management (completion in 1998)

• 7/13/2011

"I was very pleased to have chosen USF. The university was worth the cost and the school provided me with everything I need to succeed in my career."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesOthers that are choosing Ivy League type schools in the Bay Area need to consider USF - especially if a student's objective is to learn rather than breeze through and just pass. USF's 150 years of teaching experience provides future students with a competitive advantage at the academic level.
Program Reputation9USF has educated its community for over 150 years. Education combined with traditional and conservative Jesuit values have contributed to the university's success. My major, Global Entrepreneurship and Management, has a high standard reputation among other similar programs at Stanford and Cal Berkeley.
Program Quality9USF is a private Catholic school. The classes are very small with no more than 30 students each. This, along with the school's many student resources, including academic advising, online research tools, and tutoring service, contributes and ensures a successful academic program.
Instruction9My professors had worked in Ivy League universities before working at USF. Their syllabi were well prepared and of superior quality. I learned everything I needed to prepare for my future. USF's Job placement program found my first internship, which lead me into contact with my current employer.
How Difficult8USF has a vigorous academic program. Although the school makes tutoring resources available, a student could lose a semester if he misses more that 2 lectures. USF also requires a much higher semester GPA standard than most universities. Any student could be placed on academic probation if their GPA drops to 2.25 in any given semester.
Hands-On vs. BookishClasses are structured for more hands on interactions with professors. This is a result of USF's small classrooms. There is a lot of required reading, but lectures are based on open discussions rather than textbook review.
Schedule Flexibility5I believe that USF has an average class flexibility schedule. The professors are strict but I have friends that study at Stanford and they seemed to be on a far less flexible schedule.
Academic Facilities9USF provides their students with all the most modern resources available. Each student receives a laptop with a free WiFi internet link on campus. The USF link also connected directly to school services and the library.
Social Life6Students have various sporting events to attend as well as on campus social events. Resident life on campus is well planned and there are also a number of clubs available for students to join. There are no bars in the area, but there are many coffee houses and restaurants.
Placement Services7USF offers a professional development program and executive networking. Many contacts are made in the weekly dinners and outings with VP's and Presidents of Major enterprises. The PDP program provided me the link to my current employment as my internship was acquired from a dinner with my current Executive VP.
Alumni Network5To be honest, I have not used the USF alumni network, nor have I attended their gatherings. I do see that the alumni are active in most promotional and sporting events, and I do receive literature from them from time to time. However, as an option, I have chosen not to participate.

UC Davis • Davis, CA
Studying Mathematics (completion in 2001)

• 7/19/2011

"I loved my time there, especially from a non-academic standpoint. I graduated with a good degree, even if I didn't do as well as I hoped. I got a decent job and used my education to work my way up. I can't complain about anything."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI don't think the Math degree necessarily helped me in my career any more than business, Spanish or history would have, but the discipline and quality of learning was high and the social experience was good. In my geographical area (Bay Area), a student who graduated from a tough program at UC Davis is fairly well regarded.
Program Reputation8It is a strong school and a good program, but not what UC Davis is known for, and not a school that springs to mind when considering a math major. However, it is still a fairly strong program in relation to most schools.
Program Quality7A lot of the teachers were not very engaging and I felt as though I "overdosed" on Math. That was maybe my fault for picking Math, however. I found it tedious at times and a little boring.
Instruction9All of the professors seemed very competent, Many had written textbooks and the work was very challenging. I learned a lot, although it hasn't been very relevant in my career.
How Difficult9I went from being a 4.0 student at high school and one of the smartest to struggling at college. Much of the work was very abstract and required a different type of thinking.
Hands-On vs. BookishAs far as Math is concerned, it was probably fairly hands on (projects, computer programs and modeling, etc), but Math is generally a "bookish" subject.
Schedule Flexibility7I didn't need much flexibility, but there were some weekend classes and some evening ones as well. I've looked at going back and doing an MBA and I think they offer Executive MBA's that are evenings/weekends and off campus.
Academic Facilities8Davis has an excellent library and a Math Dept library, as well as excellent computer and software availability. I had a good relationship with a tutor and was always able to get access to my professors when I needed them.
Social Life10I had a great time. Students supported the football and basketball programs, I was in the band, and I attended many parties. I played co-ed soccer in the evenings and probably spent too much time socializing...
Placement Services5I thought it was average at best. I had no idea what direction I wanted to take after university and went to the careers office for guidance, and I got no guidance at all. They gave me some leads, advice etc., but not much. I didn't use them in finding my first job. I suppose it is fair, however, that they aren't expected to decide what career I should have taken, but I needed more guidance.
Alumni Network5I haven't really used it. I stay in contact with friends and a couple of teachers, but I haven't used the official networks, although I do get emails/invites etc. I can't give a fair rating here.

San Jose State University • San Jose, CA
Studying Mechanical Engineering (completion in 2004)

• 7/11/2011

"I think SJSU is a very good school. It helped me become a successful sales and marketing manager."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesThe school has a great reputation for academics. And it is in a great place for building up your network.
Program Reputation7I believe San Jose state University has a great reputation for mechanical engineering.
Instruction10My engineering background helps me a lot in my career. It is easy to communicate with customers.
How Difficult8It is difficult during the first two years, as I had a lot of business to learn.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe program is pretty good at teaching basic knowledge for future learning. You can also get in touch with some more sophisticated knowledge if you are interested in it.
Schedule Flexibility5It is very flexible, and you can earn your credits in summer if you want to.
Academic Facilities10The school's academic facilities are very good. We had a lot of resources for accessing information in the library and on the internet.
Social Life8The social life is quite good at SJSU. There are a lot of chances to build your social network through parties and activities.
Placement Services10What I learned help me a lot in communicating with customers, especially in the engineering language. I learned is more than just engineering in school.
Alumni Network5It might just be because I am in a different state, but the alumni does not help me.

University Of California San Diego • San Diego, CA
Studying Business Management (completion in 2008)

• 7/17/2011

"The school had great academics which were great for learning and for a "building a foundation for the future" perspective. However, the social life and level of school pride could use improvement."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeThere are schools that have better business backgrounds. However, UCSD was not a bad decision.
Program Reputation7UCSD is a science based school and, as such, is more known for its biology, engineering, and other science based majors. Nonetheless, the business program is not unknown and a degree from there still carries weight
Program Quality7My classes were more oriented towards quantitative skills and analytics. They did not really prepare me for the soft skills associated with sales. However, it is still a good background as I am able to make decisions and explanations based off my numbers.
Instruction8As I stated above, the instruction was very quantitative. The lessons were practical and have relevance in my work, but did not address the soft skills I use everyday.
How Difficult9Coursework was difficult and classes were highly competitive. 10 week quarters with 4-5 classes meant midterms, quizzes, papers, and other assignments were constantly on my to-do list.
Hands-On vs. BookishCoursework often involved reading textbooks or readers to grasp the material. There was some hands on practical learning, but ultimately most material was sourced from textbooks or other printed material.
Schedule Flexibility8Class availability was great and there was usually no problem in getting into a class. Summer classes were also numerous and well structured.
Academic Facilities9There were plenty of study spaces on campus and all were well equipped with computer and internet connectivity. Libraries were open late during finals week.
Social Life9Most, if not all, of my social events were through my fraternity. School sponsored events, with the exception of one large yearly event, were nonexistent.
Placement Services1The career center did little to help undergrads with business majors. They did a poor job of recruiting top businesses to the school, and the businesses they did bring in had sketchy backgrounds.
Alumni Network2During my undergraduate years, there was no attempt to foster school pride either through academics or events. There is no sense of school pride and there was a general sense among students that the school cared more about the money it received from research than the education of students.

UC Berkeley • Berkeley, CA
Studying Environmental Science (completion in 1988)

• 7/13/2011

"I grew a lot in college. I met different people with different ideas and thoughts. I participated in a number of social activities. However, I should have spent more time focusing on my academics and utilizing the resources. So, I was pleased with the school experience overall. Perhaps the diversity of students at the school allowed me to be able to talk with multiple types of people, which is a good trait in sales."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noUCB offers other growth opportunities that are not needed specifically for a sales career. So, I would not immediately list UCB as a school that will get you into a career in sales. There was a strong business department, but it turned out a lot of accountants. It was not known for teaching people how to sell.
Program Reputation5UCB does not currently offer the Environmental Science program in the College of Letters and Science anymore. So, I don't know how they rate in terms of reputation. The major, I believe, has moved over to the PNR department.
Program Quality10The Environmental Science program was very interdisciplinary and a great program that incorporated not only environmental science, but geology, social science, etc. The department was small and the teachers and department head were passionate about the subject matter and encouraged you to continually learn beyond what was taught.
Instruction6This is a hard question to answer. The quality of education was excellent - great instructions, I learned a lot about environmental science, and the academics were very diverse. It's just that it is not relevant in my career today.
How Difficult8Because it was interdisciplinary, one class did not lead up to another class. The course load was pulled from a variety of different programs. So, it was difficult and challenging in the sense that theories learned in one class, such as geology, did not overlap with my studies in psychology.
Hands-On vs. BookishIn my science lab classes, the work was, of course, hands on. But the lab classes always were bundled with a lecture class. Most of my classes were lecture based with many chapters of required reading.
Schedule Flexibility8It seemed that all classes were available that I needed to take. Summer was an option. There were no online courses or evening options that I knew of 25 years ago. In other words, the schedule worked for me. However, for students who also worked during the day, it may not have been as flexible. But those are options I did not look into.
Academic Facilities9There are over 24 libraries on campus. The department professors always had office hours and were accessible. Classrooms were spacious. There were probably academic advisors and tutoring services available. I just didn't seek them out.
Social Life9The campus is so big that you find all sorts of different people doing different things. There is a huge array of clubs and organizations to join. There were a lot of social activities around football games and activism.
Placement Services7Well, it depends on what your major was. For business, they had on campus recruiting because UCB's undergrad program was known of for its business program. However, there was no organized recruiting or career services for people who wanted to go into jobs related to Environmental Science. Besides working for the EPA, what could you do with this degree 25 years ago? There were no discussions or help to see how we could apply this degree to real world jobs.
Alumni Network5I don't use it. So, I rated it a 5. However, it is "known" to be useful. Perhaps I need to try and use it more. It's such a big school, and I just don't know how to use the alumni offerings.

Chaffey College • Upland, CA
Studying Management (completion in 2009)

• 7/25/2011

"I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish during those two years. And Chaffey helped me do it."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesYou need to be motivated in order to make the best use of your time. If you are, Chaffey provides the tools needed.
Program Reputation5It's only an associate's degree, but it provides a good basis. Better than some other choices I had.
Program Quality8I was given the tools I needed to begin to build my career. I was able to apply practical knowledge in my job.
Instruction7The professors were interesting and dedicated to us. I was able to form relationships with several teachers.
How Difficult6It provided the right balance for me. I was able to study and work at the same time.
Hands-On vs. BookishA lot of classroom time was spent on book learning, but then I was able to apply it in my job. Had I not had my job, it would have been very book oriented.
Schedule Flexibility6Fairly good. I was able to make it work well.
Academic Facilities8They have a good library, open classrooms, and tutoring facilities. The campus itself is also very nice.
Social Life4I was there to learn, as were many other students. Events were held, but they weren't great.
Placement Services6I hear that it is good. I never used it because I already had a job.
Alumni Network3Limited. I never really connected with the alumni network.

Academy Of Art University • San Francisco, CA
Studying Photography (completion in 2014)

• 7/27/2011

"I love this school and would recommend it to anyone wanting a career in the arts. They help you find your creativity and express yourself."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI would strongly recommend the school, but I think it's important that someone considering it is serious. Even though it's art, it's still not easy.
Program Reputation10A lot of people in the photography industry went to this school. The reason I chose this school is because of it's reputation. I have friends who have gone there and are very successful.
Program Quality9I love the Academy of Arts and am still working to finish earning my BFA there. The only thing they need is more camera equipment to borrow.
Instruction9They are very thorough and make sure you get the business and arts side of photography. Everything I have learned there is relevant to what I want to do.
How Difficult9There are a lot of assignments and it is a challenge to take the photos for them and always come up with something original. I like that it's a heavy workload because it is preparing me for the future.
Hands-On vs. BookishI like that it is a good mix of books and lectures. We follow a book during class but the assignments are more practical.
Schedule Flexibility7I wish they had more night classes. Right now they are mostly only before 6pm.
Academic Facilities7The website is very easy to use and most equipment is easy to borrow. The only thing they don't have enough of is photography studios to use, and some of the lighting equipment is damaged.
Social Life8I don't get too much into the social activities because I work too much. I have attended some of the movie screenings they have and loved them.
Placement Services2They don't help place you in a job, but they do have job postings in several areas around the school. They also prepare you for jobs and offer advice on how to find one.
Alumni Network10They keep in touch with students very well and invite us to activities via both email and facebook. I think they treat alumni very well.

CSU Channel Islands • Camarillo, CA
Studying English (completion in 2006)

• 8/2/2011

"For what I paid, it was a fair education. I wish I was going now since they have made various improvements to the campus."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noMy career has nothing to do with the major I studied. However, the college I went to now has a business school that I have heard great things about. In a sales management position, that would be a great fit.
Program Reputation5They aren't winning any awards. The teachers are great though.
Program Quality6I went to a new school so some of the kinks weren't worked out yet. If I were to go there today I think I would have a different experience.
Instruction8The teachers knew the subject matter. However, I still think some basics could have been reviewed first.
How Difficult5I didn't find it hard to carry a full work load at school and at work. It could have been more difficult.
Hands-On vs. BookishIt could be that I was an English major, but the teaching method was "very book." Hands on learning and in class discussions could have been better.
Schedule Flexibility5There wasn't must flexibility. As a matter of fact, I had to change my work hours just to take classes in my major.
Academic Facilities5The resources weren't great. However, since I graduated, they have added various schools and a state of the art library.
Social Life2Many students lived off campus so there weren't any activities. The last year I was there they opened the dorms.
Placement Services1When I went there, there wasn't any assistance. If things have changed, good for them. I wish this was in place when I was in school.
Alumni Network5I don't utilize it that often. Since it is a new school, the alumni network isn't very big.

University Of California Irvine • Irvine, CA
Studying Economics (completion in 2010)

• 8/8/2011

"Excellent school, with an excellent reputation. I have been granted so many opportunities that I would otherwise not have had."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI could not recommend it more. UCI is in the hub of southern CA, which is quickly becoming the business capital of the entire US.
Program Reputation10UCI is world renowned for their business and science programs. The quality of instructors is incomparable.
Program Quality10UCI has an excellent Economics Department. I was able to study and take part in excellent internships.
Instruction10I learned so much about all aspects of the economy and a great deal about business. I managed to take part in an excellent internship with a brokerage firm that taught me to handle the extreme stress of day to day work in the sales and management of assets.
How Difficult6Not a particularly difficult subject to begin with, economics is not rather heavy in coursework. Out of class activities, such as interning, are really where the academic challenge comes into play: applying textbook learnings to reality.
Hands-On vs. BookishMajoring in economics provides excellent opportunities to use what you've learned in a professional setting. I would say that the hands on learning is where college becomes useful.
Schedule Flexibility6The class schedule is fairly flexible, but I would not encourage one to attempt working a full-time job while studying. The class schedule is built assuming that nobody has anything else to do during the day.
Academic Facilities10Beyond excellent, world class libraries and computer resources. We also have some of the most advanced laboratories in the country.
Social Life5As one of the many that must manage work and internships, my social life was lacking certain experiences typically associated with college. However, I have heard there is a great party scene.
Placement Services10Through internships, UCI students are offered a multitude of opportunities. Although there is always the inescapable factor of the bouncing economy that influences the availability of jobs in certain sectors.
Alumni Network4There is not a particularly involved alumni network at UCI. Student support is excellent, but it is really the quality of education that gives the students access to great opportunities. That is not to say that social networking does not play a supportive role in finding opportunities.

Los Angeles City College • Los Angeles, CA
Studying Business Marketing And Management (completion in 2004)

• 9/24/2011

"I got the education I needed, at an affordable loan rate. I paid off my loan in no time."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI love the training I got for both fields. One helps the other.
Program Reputation8A lot of students were majoring in Business then and still are now. I have family members attending now.
Program Quality7Some of my instructors were slow with teaching. I'm a fast learner and like to be taught at a faster rate.
Instruction8The curriculum was good. Especially for marketing, it was broken down into the most important aspects and sections.
How Difficult3I was juggling a full-time job and a family while going to school full-time. That makes everything harder.
Hands-On vs. BookishIt was more book learning, but there was some hands on. It was a mix.
Schedule Flexibility10I went to school nights and weekends- after work and on my days off.
Academic Facilities10If I ever needed the library for research or any homework or assignments, I went even after my class hours to get it done. It was easy.
Social Life10I met a lot of people in the same major as me. I still have good friends.
Placement Services5I found my own jobs. I wouldn't know much of the career placement dept.
Alumni Network9Our school has a lot of community support because it is a community college. We have lots of success stories.

Santa Monica College • Santa Monica, CA
Studying Business (completion in 2014)

• 9/28/2011

"The best community college around. Helped pave my way to where I am now. I'm grateful for everything that I learned at the school, as it was a great experience."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesAbsolutely. This school has everything that you could ever need, and has the best transfer rate to UCLA which is one of the top schools. Unlike most other Community Colleges, Santa Monica College has the budget to help everyone of their students.
Program Reputation10Santa Monica College is one of the best Community Colleges in Los Angeles. They have the number 1 transfer rate to UCLA.
Program Quality10Santa Monica College is a great school that offers many different programs. Business is one of the main majors at the school and I believe they have some of the best professors for that major.
Instruction8Santa Monica College did teach me a lot and prepared me for going out into the world of sales. Actually working for a sales business is what made me comfortable in my position. I tend to learn more when things are hands-on.
How Difficult3Majoring in Business was very easy at times, but it consisted of a lot of reading. It all paid off, though, because I learned a lot that I was able to take with me into my current position.
Hands-On vs. BookishI would say that it was indeed a fair mix. It all depended on your major. Since my major was business I learned from a book rather than through hands-on learning.
Schedule Flexibility10This school offered many classes all throughout the year. They offer fall, winter, spring, and summer semester classes, as well as online and evening classes.
Academic Facilities10This school has very good academic facilities for all fields of study. The business building is actually the biggest building on campus.
Social Life7This school offers many different clubs and organizations for everyone of different genders, ethnicities, and economical backgrounds. Although personally I did not join any at this school, I was still in fact effected by them in a good way.
Placement Services5I did not get placed at my job through my school, instead I went out and found a job on my own. Santa Monica College does in fact offer job placement and career assistance programs.
Alumni Network7Santa Monica College offers many programs to help students with whatever they may need. They offered financial aid, housing, and even tutoring.

Stanford University • Palo Alto, CA
Studying Business (completion in 2008)

• 9/30/2011

"Overall it was very good. I had a pleasant experience there."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI'd definitely recommend Stanford. Its business school is very good.
Program Reputation8The program is advanced and up to date.
Program Quality9It's a well renowned school that provided me with what I needed for my career.
Instruction9The professors prepared me for my career. I can face challenges at work with ease now.
How Difficult8It was challenging, but not too stressful. I still had fun.
Hands-On vs. BookishA good mix. Hands-on learning was used to gain experience and book learning was used to gain the knowledge required.
Schedule Flexibility8Very flexible. I could have any class time I wanted and I was able balance academics and my social life.
Academic Facilities8Facilities are good and very advanced. Professors are experienced and helpful.
Social Life8Very active. There were lots of events and things going on. Sports were very popular among students.
Placement Services8I was able to get a job easily after graduation, and the school provided great letters of recommendation and references.
Alumni Network8There's a huge alumni network, and they're all ready to help and support each other.

Riverside Community College • Riverside, CA
Studying English (completion in 1990)

• 10/10/2011

"The fees were reasonable. The campus was local. The classes easily fit into my schedule."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesRCC has been in business for decades and is highly reputable. Thousands of people attend the campuses annually. The fees are reasonable and the teachers do the best they can given the restrictions applied and the classroom sizes.
Program Reputation5RCC is a community college that most local high school kids go to after they graduate. The only requirement for entrance is being able to pay the fees.
Program Quality7The teachers were overworked and the classrooms were overcrowded. I didn't feel that I received the attention I needed in order to achieve the best grade possible.
Instruction8The instructors were educated and knew the subject matter. Teachers were easily accessible for any further assistance needed.
How Difficult4The classes were easy and the class schedule was adjustable to my own personal schedule. The availability of classes could have been better since only certain classes were offered on certain days.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe media tools used for classroom education resulted in 50/50 mix. The teachers tended to be a bit more liberal in their teachings.
Schedule Flexibility10Online classes were offered for certain classes. Telecourses were offered as well (telecourses are classes via cable television and that met in the classroom once a week).
Academic Facilities10The college has a new library with multimedia. There is more than one additional campus location within the RCC program.
Social Life5The college did offer clubs, teams for various sports, and social events. It was mostly available to the younger students freshly out of high school.
Placement Services1There is no placement program offered. It does not matter what your degree is - nothing is offered for placement in the job field after graduation.
Alumni Network1There is NO media networking with my alumni. They do not have a Facebook or a MySpace page.

University Of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA
Studying Business Administration, Marketing Emphasis (completion in 1989)

• 11/7/2011

"I think USC rocks. I would recommend it to others."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesThe MBA program gave me a good business base. I would recommend it.
Program Reputation8USC's business school has improved. Its stature is higher than when I attended.
Program Quality8I enjoyed the MBA program. It was valuable.
Instruction9USC is top-notch. Good professors.
How Difficult9It was hard, especially to get an 'A.' A 'B' was not too difficult in most courses.
Hands-On vs. BookishVery theoretical. A couple group projects.
Schedule Flexibility8Good schedule of classes for night students. I liked it.
Academic Facilities9USC has a great campus. It's probably only gotten better.
Social LifeI don't know. I did not socialize much on campus.
Placement ServicesI did not use this service. I don't know.
Alumni Network8USC is known for its social network. I have not really used it.

San Jose State University • San Jose, CA
Studying MBA (completion in 2006)

• 11/17/2011

"I am quite happy with the way school worked out for me."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesDefinitely, for all the reasons I have given.
Program Reputation7The MBA program here is very renowned among other California state colleges.
Program Quality6Course content was quite up to date to the current market trends. More practical experience was needed, especially in the marketing field.
Instruction6Our college has experienced professionals as guest lecturers.
How Difficult5
Hands-On vs. BookishI expected more hands on rather than book learning, but it was a mix.
Schedule Flexibility8Work study is very well supported.
Academic Facilities7Library support is good.
Social Life7I loved going to school here after my getting my bachelors in a different country.
Placement Services7Job placement is not so great for MBA students when compared to MS students.
Alumni Network5I am not that satisfied with the alumni network.

Cal Poly Pomona • Pomona, CA
Studying Food And Nutrition Science (completion in 2006)

• 11/17/2011

"I met many lifelong friends and acquired a great education at the same time. My teachers and counselors provided me with everything I could possibly need to succeed in life."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI was very well prepared to face any challenge that would present itself after graduating. I was provided many leads before I graduated, which helped me find a well paying and fulfilling job.
Program Reputation10I have received only positive reactions from employers and colleagues of mine when they ask about my education. During my internship, the hospital I worked for was very grateful to have a student from my school working for them.
Program Quality10Cal Poly Pomona provided me with the foundation and knowledge to thrive in my industry. I have excelled within my company, increasing sales as well as introducing new ideas to our CEO.
Instruction9Through internships I acquired by contacts at my school I was well prepared for the type of profession I would be working in. The quality of the coursework within my major was above average.
How Difficult8The coursework provided a foundation for management as well as a strong knowledge of sciences. The work load was difficult while I simultaneously had an internship.
Hands-On vs. BookishMy major required both types of learning. I also had to take a broad range of science classes, including Microbiology, Chemistry, and Anatomy.
Schedule Flexibility4Core classes were very limited in terms of when they were offered. A lot of my major core classes were only offered one time during the year which made scheduling difficult.
Academic Facilities9Teachers were available outside of class hours, study labs were offered, and learning centers were open virtually all night. It was very easy to ask questions and receive proper answers to help us excel in our academics.
Social Life8I made a tremendous amount of good friends and was involved in a few intramural sports teams. Our school gym was well above average with personal trainers there to assist and answer any questions.
Placement Services10My teaching staff and counselors provided me with an incredible amount of leads across the nation and even helped me locate a position very close to my home. I was offered a position with my current company before I graduated.
Alumni Network10Through the contacts I met in my college I was able to land a stable and well paying job before graduating. I have been provided with the best support for furthering my career by teachers, alumni, and my peers.

U.C.S.D. • San Diego, CA
Studying Music (completion in 2004)

• 11/15/2011

"I loved U.C.S.D. I worked very hard to get into that school because I knew it was good."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesU.C.S.D. is an excellent school. I would recommend it to anyone.
Program ReputationI am not aware of their current reputation. I have not kept up.
Program Quality10I loved my major. I found it very interesting and informative.
Instruction7Although the quality of instruction is top notch, I am not sure that it prepared me for my current job. I am sure that a different major would have prepared me better.
How Difficult6School has always been easy for me. I did not find college harder than high school.
Hands-On vs. BookishThere was an excellent mix of both learning methods. Interesting presentations accompanied many lectures and books.
Schedule Flexibility9I was able to find classes that worked perfectly with my schedule. I found the class times to be flexible.
Academic Facilities10The facilities at U.C.S.D. are excellent. The library is probably the best.
Social Life5I did not participate in social activities on campus. I only came for classes.
Placement ServicesI did not take advantage of any career placement programs. I cannot comment.
Alumni NetworkI am not aware of any alumni programs. I have not maintained contact since graduation.

UC Davis • Davis, CA
Studying French And Linguistics Double Major (completion in 2004)

• 11/16/2011

"I had a great experience in college and would not do things differently if I had to do it again. I just wish that a college degree were sufficient to secure a decent job. I don't feel like this is the case in today's economy."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeI think this is an excellent school, but if you are pursuing a job in French or Linguistics, further study is required. I would recommend that other students take full advantage of the internship opportunities available to help build their resumes.
Program Reputation9UC Davis has a well-respected Linguistics program. The French department was decent, but fortunately I had the opportunity to study abroad.
Program Quality9I enjoyed my time at college and had excellent professors. My university had fantastic French and Linguistics departments.
Instruction6I learned a lot at school, but received absolutely no career preparation. I think that the expectation was that students would continue to grad school.
How Difficult8My courseload was challenging, and at times overwhelming. I'm proud of the fact that I graduated in 4 years.
Hands-On vs. BookishMy particular program of study demanded a lot of independent reading. I feel like my experience was atypical, since Davis is a big agriculture school. I know my friends spent a lot of time in labs.
Schedule Flexibility5UC Davis did have a fair amount of evening classes. To my knowledge, weekend classes were pretty much non-existent.
Academic Facilities6Professors in my departments seemed more concerned with their grad students than with their undergraduate students. Students were good at organizing study groups amongst themselves.
Social Life8UC Davis did have many on-campus events like free movie nights that were accessible to everybody. Off campus, there was never a lack of parties and social events to attend. The proximity to Sacramento and the Bay Area meant that there was always something to do within driving distance.
Placement Services2UC Davis' online job resources for alumni are pitiful. There is a career center designed to help enrolled students, but alumni receive little assistance.
Alumni Network1I only hear from my school when they call to request money. I don't feel like there is much of an alumni network at all.

San Jose City College • San Jose, CA
Studying Associates In Science (completion in 2010)

• 11/16/2011

"Overall, I have been satisfied. I would not say very satisfied, but the school is getting it done for me. I wish they offered more science classes and did something about their horrible parking problem. Other than that, I have no complaints."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI would definitely recommend this school to anyone in pursuit of a nursing degree. They offer everything you need and more.
Program Reputation8Overall, SJCC offers great science lab courses that help you prepare for the nursing program. We are one of the only schools in the area that offers a cadaver for anatomy. This really enhances the reputation.
Program Quality7I'm trying to get into a nursing program, so the school I have does a great job offering all of the prerequisites. The school needs to do a better job, though, of making more classes available for the core science classes that you need (i.e. Anatomy). These sciences are extremely difficult to get into.
Instruction8I have had great instructors (especially in my lab science classes). They have been great communicators, and have helped me after hours.
How Difficult8The hours are hard, and they really force me to be a better time manager, because of my full time job. In general, any medical field major is difficult, but I have an easier time with it because I have a passion for science.
Hands-On vs. BookishIn my core science classes, we have been very hands on. The rest of my classes have not been too book heavy, but more lecture heavy.
Schedule Flexibility7With all of the other classes that do not include the core science classes, the school is great. I have never had a problem adding a class or registering for a class, aside from Anatomy and Physiology.
Academic Facilities9The facilities and resources that the school offers are top notch. The counselors are very helpful, and the new buildings are technologically sound. The library is pretty impressive.
Social Life7I personally don't do anything that involves the student body or athletics. I go to school to learn and finish my degree.
Placement Services5Just like my answer for the alumni network, I have never utilized or needed their services. I don't know any better, and putting anything else would be unfair.
Alumni Network5I only rated them average because I have never needed or utilized the alumni. To rate them less would be unfair because even if they did play a big part in our school, I have not noticed them. This is also why I didn't rate them higher.

Saddleback • Mission Viejo, CA
Studying Psychology (completion in 2010)

• 11/20/2011

"This school helped me achieve my goals. They helped me get the degree I needed."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesThis is a great school. I would recommend this school to anyone pursuing a career.
Program Reputation9The school is portrayed very highly when it comes to its psychology program. They have a great reputation for most of their programs.
Program Quality9This school provided me with the tools I need to have a great career. The program had many very beneficial classes.
Instruction10The quality of the program was great and taught me many things in order to get a good job. All the classes helped prepare me for my career.
How Difficult8Some classes were more difficult than others. But overall, as long as you do all the work involved, it is manageable.
Hands-On vs. BookishMost classes were mostly only book learning. Some were more hands-on learning.
Schedule Flexibility10The class schedules are very flexible. There are so many choices when choosing your class schedule.
Academic Facilities8The library is a very useful and helpful tool. The labs are a great place to use the computers for homework or to use the Internet.
Social Life8They have many great events to bring the students together to meet. They have many fun events throughout the year.
Placement Services10Their career services are great. They are very helpful in assisting with career choices.
Alumni Network8Whenever I needed help with my academics, there were always people available to help. There is a great support system at this school.

UC Berkeley • Berkeley, CA
Studying Political Science (completion in 2000)

• 12/1/2011

"I'm so glad I went there, it made me much smarter."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesGo to Berkley and major in Political Science if you're able to.
Program Reputation10The school is highly ranked and very well known.
Program Quality9I learned from excellent teachers. Standards were very high, so I was greatly challenged.
Instruction9I learned a lot about the history of political thought. It did not prepare me for a viable career.
How Difficult9I was greatly challenged. I had to write a lot.
Hands-On vs. BookishIt's all books and theory-driven.
Schedule Flexibility8It's a full-time school, there are no weekend classes.
Academic FacilitiesWe’ve got the 8th largest library in the world and excellent facilities.
Social Life10Great sports teams and an active campus life.
Placement Services9It could have been more robust but at least I have a job.
Alumni Network7Private schools do this very well. I'm luck I live in California.

San Diego Christian College • El Cajon, CA
Studying Business Administration (completion in 1997)

• 12/26/2011

"I was somewhat satisfied, in that I completed my degree. I have felt that this unknown school holds me back from getting jobs, though."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noThe school is unknown to many and does not build a relational bridge with the business community. Go bigger and more well known.
Program Reputation7They do not compete with the larger private schools. At the end of the day, they are held back by the talent of the professors.
Program Quality7At the end of the day, the professors make the program. The professors in the business program were all great people, but it felt like they were outdated in their approach.
Instruction7The instructors were average. They were more followers of the cutting edge, rather than setting the cutting edge. This resulted in a sometimes fuzzy presentation.
How Difficult5The workload was pretty easy. I took 16 to 18 units the majority of the degree.
Hands-On vs. BookishThis was a strength. There was a lot of learning by doing.
Schedule Flexibility6The school did an average to above-average job of designing their schedules. It was not geared for the working adult.
Academic Facilities6Mostly rundown resources and computers at the time of my graduation. Professors were very accessible.
Social Life6The social environment was great if you lived on campus. I was a working adult and lived off campus.
Placement Services2The job placement and career services were very lacking. I think that my high school offered better services.
Alumni Network2This was talked about as a strength when I was recruited to the school. Unfortunately, they were lacking in business contacts, at least at the time.

University Of Phoenix • Sacramento, CA
Studying MBA (completion in 2000)

• 12/20/2011

"Satisfied with MBA experience."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesCorporations will pay for executive-type MBAs. For the most part, I thought the UOP MBA was a good foundational experience.
Program Reputation5Not great, but a good foundation. Most companies will pay for UOP.
Program Quality6Enjoyed the cohort-type program. Wished I had gone to business school right out of undergrad.
Instruction7Quality of instructors at UOPhoenix was good, but not great. Biggest plus was their understanding of the business environment.
How Difficult7Statistics and Regression Analysis was tough. Enjoyed the management courses.
Hands-On vs. BookishPlenty of case studies, which solidify knowledge and get you to apply it.
Schedule Flexibility8Cohorts always beginning. Online options were available and very flexible as well.
Academic Facilities7Study group support was good. Classroom settings were good, as they were like a corporate environment.
Social Life3Not really a lot going on in this area for UOP.
Placement ServicesWas always employed while in the MBA program.
Alumni NetworkNot really involved. Would probably not get involved.
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