Review of University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix

Ranking: 4.19 from 125 reviews
Latest review: Jan 26, 2011
Programs: 7 programs

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Manage your destiny

Big plans? Check. Ambition and drive? Check. Quality education? Double-check. To keep pace in today's economy you’ll need an edge. Our MBA degree offers a strong foundation in advanced business theory, application and current market intelligence to help you prepare for your future. Speak with an enrollment advisor today and prepare to make a global impact.

The MBA for the new economy

Volatility is here to stay. Keeping on top of the rapid-fire changes in the economy requires an agile, prepared problem solver. The University of Phoenix Master of Business Administration degree program has more than 130,000 forward-thinking students, alumni and faculty achievers who've come to our globally networked University to do more.

Our faculty is one reason our students excel. They are business authorities, some with Fortune 100 experience, who know how to apply theory to diverse working environments. They've learned what they know because they've been in the trenches and have advanced degrees. Who better to guide today's trailblazers?

The MBA programs are taught at more than 70 locations around the country and scheduled at times that fit your schedule.

If flexibility is important, you can take online classes without sacrificing the quality of your education. Each faculty member starts with a curriculum plan that's been developed with market leaders and experts on educational design. This collaboration creates a curriculum that embraces rapid change and the realities of the new economy.

To keep our curriculum relevant, we assess academic outcomes regularly and adjust our curriculum when needed.

MBA Program Overview

You can receive your MBA degree in the following concentrations:

Accounting
Energy Management
Global Management
Health Care Management
Human Resource Management
Marketing
Project Management
Technology Management

MBA Course Specifics

Our program is designed to be robust, intense and efficient, allowing you to integrate information that may be critical to your success.

Our one-class-at-a-time format allows you to concentrate on the subject so you can fully understand it. And, our six-week class duration allows time to concentrate while digesting the information. This can allow you to complete your degree efficiently.

Our MBA course work requires a minimum of 36 credits and allows you to choose a concentration for an additional 15 credits, so you can develop a deeper level of understanding in an area that interests you.

The core MBA coursework includes courses in:

Management
Human Capital Management
Business Law
Organizational Leadership
Quantitative Reasoning
Operations Management
Economics
Accounting
Applied Business Research and Statistics
Marketing
Corporate Finance
Strategic Planning and Implementation

As the largest, privately-held business school, we wanted to develop a platform that would allow our students and faculty to extend their influence. We've created PhoenixConnectsm, an academic social network that allows you to connect with more than 150,000 forward-thinking business influencers—online and on-campus classmates and faculty members. Here, you can discuss classes, strategies or forge professional associations that can help you make an impact on your world.

7 MBA Programs from University of Phoenix

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Ranking 4.19 from 125 comments

Rolf at Fort Collins, Colorado, United States 3 Star

Jan 26, 2011

Won't recommend it... won't return!

Just graduated and I am still working on a complaint I had against an instructor almost 4 months ago. Many instructors are quite helpful, but there are quite a few who aren't and unfortunately those FEW really affect your experience!

-I was out having a child that came early and an extension WAS NOT GRANTED. Offered doctors not and everything. Still nothing. Most of the time the instructor just simply ignored me. If I had known she wasn't going to be flexible... I would have dropped the course.

I contested the extension policy (would think the school in general would have a particular set of rules and guidance, but nope.... I was informed that instructors have the right to grade any way they choose and they do not have to grant extensions, even legitimate ones! So, the grade grievance process is a band-aid. It is only there to let you think you have another channel to work through.

-Flexible? Geared toward working adults? Military friendly? Nope, not in any way, shape or form. I find it hard to believe instructors have a FULL week to provide feedback to students in a five week course. If you have a follow up assignment and haven't received the feedback from the first assignment, how do you move forward?

My advisor was HORRIBLE. Once again, he ignored my emails, didn't return voice mails, and failed to provide me with the assistance I needed to rectify this course.

I should have graduated with a 3.95, but due to one class, where I received a C+, I graduated with much lower.

Ridiculous.

The school ONLY cares about money... not the students. When things are great, you can talk to your counselor all day. When things are bad... you can't ever reach them!!!

Find another school that is a better value. At least if they screw you over, you wouldn't have handed them over a grand for each course you take!

There are 6 of 10 people like it!

Meg at Cupertino, California, United States 3 Star

Jan 23, 2011

You get out what you put in.

I will finish my bachelors degree in IT with a concentration in software engineering in June of 2010. I transferred my two year degree from a community college, and needed two years more from UOP. I learned more from University of Phoenix that I did in the traditional community college where I live. At Phoenix, you are responsible for do the work, so you get out of it what you put into it. Of course they can improve, but what school can't. Look, unless you are in your twenties with your whole career ahead of you, University of Phoenix is OK, and they constantly make improvements. The school is regionally accredited and the government will give you loans; So the US Government is telling you it approves of this school; what more do you need to know. If you don't like it, blame the government.

There are 8 of 8 people like it!

Lamar at Mount Laurel, New Jersey, United States 4 Star

Jan 19, 2011

I graduate in 2 weeks

I have had a great experience with UOP. I attended Rider University for two years and when my life changed I thought my chances for a degree and a better life were over. Then I found UOP and I was able to attend school on my schedule. I caution anyone who is entering the online or distance education realm, there is a great deal of writing and as you will find at any school, you get out of it what you put into it.
That said I would have liked UOP to have a better system for downloading books without DRM and in their entirety instead of chapter by chapter as is often required.

There are 8 of 11 people like it!

Faith at Groton, Connecticut, United States 4 Star

Jan 18, 2011

On the wall

At the end of the year 2005, I received by mail my Associates Degree from UoP. It was with a very heavy heart that I opened that very expensive degree. I entered the University with the goal of obtaining my Bachelors Degree in Marketing to then attend Certification Courses for Teaching. However, after two years I realized that I wanted my Bachelors degree to be IN Education. I decided to contact a Brick and Mortor (B&M) University to find out what I needed to do to "transfer" my credits. After speaking to the Dean of Students in Education I was told that the majority of classes from UoP were not transferable. Obviously "shocking" considering my ENROLLMENT advisor told me differently. Before considering UoP, I thought I researched substantially. Everything I read mentioned that it was an accredited school. However, it's very important to know through WHO it's accredited. When I contacted UoP after my conversation with the B&M school, they couldn't tell me much. It frustrated me. I counted my credits and told them... I want to change from a 4 year degree program to a 2 year degree. I want my AA and I want OUT. To which I receive varying responses. At one point I needed to take "other" courses. Which meant spend more money. Though, I was well over the necessary Credit hours for an AA. In the end, I paid my "graduation fee" and ran out with my AA. It was my hope to transfer into a B&M university holding a degree rather than just "credits". This year I will test that. It was not until a few weeks ago that my husband purchased a frame for it - in hopes that perhaps if I respected the degree enough something will come from it. My experience within the classroom was well enough. I stayed with the same "Team" for the two years I was there and am still friends with two of my teammates. Several good things that came from my experience: I can give an AMAZING PowerPoint presentation. I can confidently articulate my thoughts. I have two good friends.

There are 6 of 10 people like it!

Pippa at New Concord, Ohio, United States 4 Star

Jan 15, 2011

You have to work

Ok,
So I happened to stumble on this site and attending UOP is like anything else, you get out what you put in. I can't even say that you get what you pay for because there are individuals that pay but don't put in the effort.
Each class is different, each instructor is different and each learning team you're assigned to is different. There are those that would coast along and those that dig in and are there to learn. To those, on the outside feeling liek you just 'pay for' a degree. I beg to differ. I've never worked harder.
So to the comments of indivdiuals that they have been failed and the school did not work with them and the school wanted to keep the money...my guess is that the student wasn't holding up their end of the academic work. I've had no trouble other than possibly dealing with a counselor that needed to know that I was a paying student from time to time and not accepting a free handout.
I'm not a fan of leanring teams by any stretch of the imagination. I'm impatient, and prefer to pull my own weight and have my grade be strictly dependent on me alone. But this methodology has taught me patience, how to work and play well with others. So to indivudls that say you're a sucker if you dig in and work hard and those that say they just sit back and go for the ride, I'd venture to say those are the indivieuals that are always looking for the short cut or easy way out, afraid of hard work.
We see this type all the time. They hang around the indivdiuals that do all the hard work at the office, get thier names attached to the project and appear that they put in all the hours, but these are the individuals that if they're name and work was removed, the project wouldn't suffer at all. It's a slick and unfair move, but available if you want to take the short cuts in life.
I will say that I've grown by leaps and bounds, currently I'm in the Master's of psychology program and will be completing that course of study early next year. The work and hours are hard, especially holding down a full time job and a family at home, but it works for me.
Will this degree be fully accepted in the workforce? Probably not 100%, but I'm ready for that. All I need to do is let the degree crack the door open and I'll handle the rest. That's where those that really applied themselves and worked hard can overcome obstacles and those that took the free ride, just give the school a bad name.
Quite frankly, I'm proud to be a Phoenix and not ashamed to let anyone know where I'm attending school. Considering the Dr. program in psychology...just considering. But in any event, as the title says, you have to work to make it and not be seen as a slacker by your peers and instructor.

There are 6 of 7 people like it!

Ivy at Englewood, Colorado, United States 5 Star

Jan 15, 2011

Great School but Unfortunately Bad Reputation

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Florida which was phenominal. When I started UoP I must say that I didn't feel challenged until I started taking the accounting and finance classes. Those classes were taken on ground. I must say that had it not been for some of my team members I would not have understood what I learned because some of the instructors really were not that great, but I can say that for some of my undergrad courses as well!!! Thank God I had no slackers in my advanced classes. I am worked hard but I can't say that I really learned or retained any information in those harder math based classes, but then again I can say that about many undergrad courses I took at UF!! Now, I am finishing my classes online and it is so much better because there is less focus on the team learning and I feel more responsible for my work and I am working very hard. I do have to say that I almost quit when I first began because of so much bad publicity UoP was receiving and I didn't want to be associated with that university. I wanted people to know that I had a REAL degree. I am finishing my MBA because I am too close to finishing and I don't want to be known as a quitter. I guess time will tell after I earn my degree if I do get that desired position. I think that online degrees are getting better reviews nowadays. I only wish that UoP would stop advertising so much. It does appear to be a degree mill in that sense but it is not. I am working HARD. I know that I am earning my MBA and that my degree is REAL!!! I think that many haters of UoP are lazy dropouts who want an easy way out and make it bad for the rest of us hard working students. It is a shame, but when there is a university as big as UoP, there are going to be many critics as well.

There are 6 of 6 people like it!

Laddie at Costa Mesa, California, United States 2 Star

Jan 15, 2011

A Gold digger College!!!!

UOP is so money hungry,,,the classes are too high and the work is so easy...I felt bad for passing because I didnt try most of the time but as long as I showed up to class I was ok!!! I want a education not a paper with no knowledge!

There are 5 of 9 people like it!

Yule at Elizabethtown, Kentucky, United States 5 Star

Jan 13, 2011

Associate graduate of UOP - enrolled in Bachelors

Excellent school. A bit pricey, but they have extensive resources, are the oldest online university, and offer so many tools and workshops for making the learning experience as easy as possible for an adult-learner going back to school. They provide online books with audio capabilities and applicable content to the degree area. UOP offers countless video feeds, self-evaluations, and resources for students taking the dreaded math courses that learn better in more unique ways than the traditional lecture format. They understand that people learn in different ways and excel in providing multiple learning resources to understand new content. The Instructors are knowledgeable and accredited in their field and often have full-time jobs in that area. The learning teams are not always fun, especially when you have lazy students, but neither is working in a team at a business always a piece of cake. It is an experience that is a must though, to prepare you for the rising trend of companies incorporating teams at work.

There are 5 of 6 people like it!

Ilana at United States 4 Star

Jan 07, 2011

Quite Pleased!

I have been a student at UOP for 8 months. The main thing I want anyone considering online education to know - it is NO walk in the park! I am a 48yo RN working full-time, mother of a 4yo, & sole support for our household, including my disabled spouse. UOP challenges me in ways my prior education at community college & a traditional state university never did.

You get out of it what you put into it. Weekly discussion questions require reaching beyond just looking up answers in a textbook. Posting reqs mean you must interact & try to see other viewpoints. There are tests & quizzes & workbook assignments. I hope you like to write or can tolerate it because there is an APA-formatted paper due every week. I admit this can be a hassle & I just do NOT always feel like doing it, but I expect more work when 3 cr hrs is crammed into 5 weeks!

The only actual complaint I could make is the dreaded learning team! They are easier to deal with if the instructor allows you input into your teammates - only one so far did not. Generally, there are folks who follow you through the same classes & you learn who pulls their weight. I never hesitate to ask NOT to work with someone (and why) & to work with someone I respect.

Instructors DO pay attention to what the team says & peer evaluations! I had one class in which a teammate kept asking every few days what she could do to help, but never followed up with anything suggested. This class had a learning team discussion question every week - most have one project the team works on from the 1st week & turns in the 5th. After a few weeks, we all started complaining - outright to the student & to the instructor. Finally, when we were doing final revisions to the major team project due week 5 & she had done nothing the entire class, our instructor stepped in. She disappeared, but not before getting in a last jab - how awful we were to her & did not support her & how now she had to quit school because she was failing the class. So, they DO listen.

Advisers are amazing. Initially, their calls every few days to check on me were annoying when I am smart enough to figure out a few things on my own, but they were trying to help. Some students might need the extra support. I am just NOT one of them. Now if I need them, I call them. I have had the same academic adviser the whole time & he calls me regularly to see if I need a break. Before registering for my current class he nearly insisted that I take one, but I want to get this done so I can have a life again!

UOP has been very good to me. Beware if you think because you can go to class or study anytime you can party down! Online education is NOT for anyone who cannot be extremely self-disciplined. UOP tells you this right up front! If you want a quality education that will take you far, you will get it here. And no, I am NOT a UOP employee, just a hard-working/barely-sleeping student.

There are 5 of 9 people like it!

Virgil at Columbus, Ohio, United States 3 Star

Jan 06, 2011

Trapped by the pay for profit.

I have been at the University of Phoenix for two years. Since I have enrolled I have spent a ton of money attending courses. They held my funds on more than two occassions, I am guessing to collect interest. They messed up my schedule and I took a online course and a on ground course at the same time to catch up and they still took to long to release MY money. They are a pay for profit school. Most of the teachers are very nice and will help you, but as for their corporate, students are nothing but an IRN number and profit. The school is a joke, I have not read one book since I started there and i have a 3.65gpa. If I read or put forth an effort I would probley still have a 4.0gpa. I recently attempted to transfer and the good schools liek Western Michigan University and Davenport University would not take half of my credits. When I tried to leave school i found out that the University of Phoenix will send my student loan money back to the Department of education lender and then i will owe Phoenix. Does not sound right to me. I should be abel to send the money directly to the lender. Phoenix will not release my credits to the other schools until i pay them back. I did not ask or tell them to send their money to the lender. I would love to send the money back to the lender. The bad part is, when i enrolled they rushed me through paperwork and I probley missed the fine print. So with that said, avoid Phoenix at all cost. Your buying there name, not a quality education.

There are 9 of 10 people like it!

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