Columbia CE

[reds75]

<p>Hi All. New to the forum. Did some searching and really couldn't find the answer(s) I was looking for unfortunately. Saw some threads started, but not a lot of replies. So I thought I might start my own. I am looking to further my education, but I am an older student in my late 30s. I would really like to target Ivy league or a school with a great reputation that could potentially open some doors for me. But I have a family and work full time. So the part time or executive format is really my best option. I have looked at places like Harvard ES, a Yale program that meets on Saturdays mainly and also Columbia CE. The Columbia program is by far the most desirable being that it meets mainly Saturdays roughly every three weeks and has three residencies of like four or five days. My overwhelming concern is of course the stigma attached to 'continuing education.' Seems like most CE programs are open enrollment and significantly cheaper than their associated counterpart. But that doesn't seem to be the case with the program I am looking at. Specifically the Master in Technology Management at Columbia. There is an application process with recommendations, essay and interview. The program meets and has full day classroom sessions as well as the residencies. And also comes out to be roughly $70K total. Which is more than some of the full time masters programs at the regular school. So I guess what I am trying to figure out is if these Masters programs offered through Columbia CE are different? Are they viewed differently than other CE programs? Do they stamp a 'School of Continuing Education' or something similar on your diploma and expect that on your resume as well? Just things that concern me. I would hate to spend that kind of money on a program and then have those things as well as a stigma attached. Seems crazy for a program costing that amount of money. Anyone have any insight into this? Advice? Any and all input would be very much appreciated. Thanks so much.</p>