UW Bothell or Seattle University MBA?

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>I applied to three MBA programs in Washington (State):
- Seattle University (SU)
- Seattle Pacific University (SPU)
- University of Washington Bothell (UWB)</p>

<p>I already got accepted to SU and SPU. After touring campus, I decided to pick SU over SPU because of higher ranking, location, and better opportunities (like studying abroad).</p>

<p>I recently got invited for an interview at UWB. If I get in, I'm in a bit of a dilemma of which school to pick. Could someone give me their opinions of SU vs UWB?</p>

<p>Similarities:
- Both are AACSB accredited
- SU's tuition is greater but I can waive some credits, so total tuition is about the same
- Both ranked somewhat well for Washington (UWB's MBA program is newer, so I wonder if it may have better rankings in the future or not)
- Both offer small class-sizes, which is nice</p>

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<p>Pros of UWB:
- Focus on technology
- Sort of has the UW Seattle name (or not? what do you think?)
- Possible to get tuition exemption for a few courses if work allows me (am a Washington State employee)
- With set schedule, will finish program in 2 years (vs. 3 years based on plan of being part-time at SU unless taking more classes, which may be harder than set schedule)</p>

<p>Cons of UWB:
- Set schedule of classes to take for 2 years (good if technology focus, but not if you want more flexible/diverse business courses)
- Owe tuition faster which may be harder in the long run (or easier if it's better to get job faster by a year?)</p>

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<p>Pros of Seattle U:
- Can get a general MBA, or focus in accounting or entrepreneurship after taking the basic core courses (may give a better idea if I want to go that direction). Can change focus if I don't want a technology focus, but if I do, this is a con.
- Offers technology courses if I just want to take them but not focus.
- A Jesuit Catholic University (may seem like con for some, but I'm Catholic)
- Really pretty campus (more attractive looking than UWB just by campus)
- More flexibility to take fewer/more credits than UWB (UWB has a set structure to take for 2 years)</p>

<p>Cons of Seattle U:
- No technology focus available (until post-MBA, which seems like a waste unless necessary)</p>

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<p>Background:
- Studied Economics at UW Seattle
- Have interest in working in a technology management sort of position. However, with an economics background, I may want me to go into finance or accounting. Not 100% sure. Was pretty sure I wanted to go towards a technology focus until I got accepted into SU. Now after reading about SU's program, I'm having second thoughts.</p>

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<p>What do you think? Does school name really matter (between these two)? Since it's not UW Seattle, which is better to attend, SU or UWB? Any feedback would be great. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I am a current Seattle University student. I think Seattle U is a fantastic school, and has a better reputation than SPU and UW-Bothell. SU is regarded as a prestigious school, especially because of its tuition costs. Not everyone can afford it. </p>

<p>Now, I have some questions for you. Why did not you apply to UW-Seattle? It has one of the best programs in the nation, and you already have a degree from that school. What was your graduating GPA at UW-Seattle? Is it very challenging to get a good grade?</p>

<p>I am thinking about transferring to UW-Seattle because it has a better reputation than SU and it is also recognized nationally. Furthermore, its business programs in accounting and information systems management are top ten in the USA. I am an undergraduate student with a 3.79 GPA. I am worried that UW-Seattle would be super challenging and I would not be able to get good grades. What do you think? I am specifically worried about the big classes with 200+ students. Don’t know if that will work for me.</p>

<p>I have to say that school name really matters, especially if you are a graduate student. When you seek employment they will see your graduate education as more valuable than your undergraduate.</p>

<p>I hope you chose SU :)</p>

<p>Your response is appreciated. Thanks.</p>