s

Flexibility of class schedule and program duration impacted tuition reimbursement as my employer (Microsoft) capped the annual budget for tuition reimbursement. Seattle University's flexibility with class schedules and program duration allowed me to spread the MBA over a longer period of time and thereby cover tuition costs through Microsoft's Tuition Reimbursement Program. University of Washington did not have this flexibility because it had a fixed duration program and fixed schedule of classes. My out-of-pocket costs for the University of Washington program would have been susbstantial.

The program is infused with the Seattle U mission of social and community responsibility. Business techniques and theories are taught with an emphasis that a company and employees act as part of a larger community and are responsible to more parties than just themselves. You get to interact with a large number of students and build networks with people from multiple occupations, backgrounds, and employers.

s

I could have waited a year to gain more work experience to get into the part-time program at the University of Washington, but I have always found that school to be distant from its students' needs. I liked the small feel of Seattle University and the way that I was treated every time I had contact with the institution.

It is a great school, with great professors who understand that most are working professionals. They understand the challenges of working full time and going to school in the evening and offer a lot of services to help out students with this.

s

Seattle University offers a balance of standard MBA education and value-based learning, in a diverse atmosphere, and in one of the most dynamic, scenic, and forward-thinking cities in the world. For those seeking just the resume filler, go to an Ivy League. Seattle University, in my opinion, creates more complete leaders, and that is something we need more of.

A more predictable offering of classes would be nice. Also, last minute cancellations can truly wreck a lot of careful planning.

s

I think my program was good for what my purposes were: to get the designation. I did not have high expectations for networking or technical learning. So, I would recommend it to people like myself who are already technically well-trained, but not to people who are really looking to learn about business.

[The program was] very much geared toward the working professional. Work was applicable to the workplace, and there was a lot of attention paid to management and workplace relationships. Weaknesses included some faculty who were sub-par. There were classes where I felt that I didn't get very much out of them.