Cardean University: Admissions & Advising
Chart the Right Path to Success…
Your Cardean experience begins by speaking with one of Cardean University's Admissions Counselors. They can answer any questions you might have about online learning, Cardean's programs, and how you might advance your career in the Cardean M.B.A.
As you prepare to apply to the M.B.A. program, you will be assigned an Academic Advisor who will stay with you throughout the length of your studies.
You can talk with your Admissions Counselor and later with your Academic Advisor about next steps in the Cardean curriculum, the optimal plan for completing your M.B.A. in the time you have available, and any other issues related to your success at Cardean. In the meantime, below are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions that you might find useful:
Cardean University Faculty
- Who teaches Cardean M.B.A. courses?
- How do you work with faculty from your Academic Consortium schools?
- How do students interact with instructors?
How It Works
- How do Cardean M.B.A. courses work?
- Do Cardean online courses have tests?
- When does the Cardean M.B.A. program begin, and when should I apply?
- How long do your courses last?
- Can I work at my own pace or finish a course before the term ends?
- Can I take a term off?
- How many hours per week do I need to study?
- Are there books or other materials? How do I get them?
- How do I apply?
- Do you require interviews for admissions?
M.B.A. Curriculum
- Is Cardean accredited?
- How long does it take to complete the Cardean M.B.A. program?
- How do employers view the Cardean M.B.A.? Do employers view an online M.B.A. program as credible?
- Will my credits transfer to other universities?
- Will Cardean accept transfer credits from another university?
- Do I have to follow a specific curriculum path or can I take whatever courses I want?
- Do you offer concentrations?
- Do you offer any campus-based programs?
- I haven't taken a math course in years. Can I still succeed in the Cardean M.B.A. program?
Cardean University Program Costs
- How much does the Cardean M.B.A. program cost?
- Will my employer's tuition reimbursement or educational assistance program support my Cardean M.B.A. studies?
Student Interaction
- How do students interact with other students?
- Will I have a chance to meet my fellow students in the Cardean M.B.A. program?
Technical and Support Questions
Who teaches Cardean M.B.A. courses?
Cardean University courses are taught either by full-time Cardean Faculty, who have helped develop Cardean courses, or part-time Adjunct Faculty, who are working professionals with experience directly related to the course material or university faculty with Ph.D.s. All of the teaching faculty are required to hold a Ph.D. or Masters degree in their subject areas, and most have a significant level of related work experience.
How do you work with faculty from the Academic Consortium schools?
Faculty from Academic Consortium schools (Columbia Business School, Stanford University, the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, and the London School of Economics) work with Cardean faculty and course designers to create the M.B.A. courses. They help define the learning objectives for a course, help create the overall course experience to take advantage of cutting-edge knowledge in their disciplines, and approve the quality of the course. Academic Consortium Faculty do not teach the courses, but their input is extensive and their imprint on the course deep.
How do students interact with Instructors?
Students can communicate with faculty by e-mail and through discussion forum postings. Instructors monitor and communicate with students daily (at a minimum, each U.S. business day), provide prompt feedback on task deliverables and assignments, and guide discussions centered around course learning outcomes. Some instructors establish office hours, and you are encouraged to develop a relationship with your instructor as you pursue your studies.
How do Cardean M.B.A. courses work?
Cardean M.B.A. courses are built on a problem-based model that puts you at the center of the learning experience. You solve real-world business problems while absorbing the latest business theories from top universities. And you can communicate regularly with a member of our faculty, as well as fellow students.
Do Cardean online courses have tests?
Cardean University courses do not have exams. You will complete a number of assignments that are evaluated by your instructor, and your instructor will lead a discussion with you and your fellow students to help you master and apply course content. Your final assessment is determined by your demonstrated mastery of learning outcomes (based on your performance on task assignments) as well as your substantive contribution to the discussion.
When does the Cardean M.B.A. program begin, and when should I apply?
Cardean offers six-week and nine-week course sessions frequently, and you can begin on any of those dates. Term starts will be offered every three weeks for the core M.B.A. courses for the foreseeable future. Although courses are not generally offered if five or fewer students are enrolled, most, if not all, M.B.A. courses start every three weeks throughout the year. It is recommended that you begin the application process at least two weeks before the next course start date to provide sufficient time for course registration and ordering of materials.
How long do your courses last?
M.B.A. courses are offered in six-week and nine-week sessions. The courses cover identical material and result in the same number of credits.
Can I work at my own pace or finish a course before the term ends?
Six-week courses will have fixed deadlines for deliverables, whereas deliverable due dates will be provided as guidelines in our nine-week courses. Cardean will continue to review the impact of these approaches and revise their practices as data and experience provide insight and guidance.
Can I take a term off?
Of course. You set your own pace. Enroll in courses when it is convenient for you. Take time off for work, family, or vacation and rejoin the M.B.A. program whenever you are ready.
How many hours per week do I need to study?
Each student is different, and student workload will vary somewhat by course, but it is estimated that students in a six-week, three-credit course will spend approximately 15 hours per week on their studies. The same course in a nine-week format will require approximately 10 hours per week. You may find that some courses will require more or less time depending on your background, and that your first course will require more time as you adapt to the online learning format.
Are there books or other materials? How do I get them?
Cardean tries to minimize the amount of text online, so most online courses are supplemented with textbooks and printed course packs. Each course will have either recommended or optional materials, with references to readings that you can review offline. Upon enrollment in a course, you can purchase your materials online in the Cardean University Bookstore. You may also find the textbooks in other retail and online stores.
How do I apply?
An Admissions Counselor will guide you through the admission process. Application requirements are detailed under Admissions and Advising » .
Do you require interviews for admissions?
Yes. You will have a phone interview with an Academic Advisor.
Is Cardean accredited?
Yes. Cardean is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (www.detc.org). The DETC is a national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org). The DETC specializes in evaluating institutions that teach at a distance and has been accrediting distance institutions for a half century. Cardean is also licensed by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, which has granted Cardean the authority to award the M.B.A. degree, making Cardean the first online university to earn degree-granting authorization in Illinois.
How long does it take to complete the Cardean M.B.A. program?
A student proceeding through the program in six-week terms can complete the M.B.A. program in approximately 22 months if he or she takes one course per session. It will take a student enrolling in nine-week terms roughly 33 months to complete the program at one course per session. Students may vary six-week and nine-week course lengths and set their own completion schedules.
How do employers view the Cardean M.B.A.? Do employers view an online M.B.A. program as credible?
Some of the world's largest companies, including General Motors and Delta in the U.S., Royal Dutch Shell and Barclays Capital in Europe, and SK Group and Sumitomo in Asia, are enrolling managers in individual courses and the Cardean M.B.A. program.
Will my credits transfer to other universities?
Each university sets its own policies about accepting transfer credits. Cardean courses are accepted for credit at some leading institutions, and will be happy to assist in talking to other schools about our programs.
Will Cardean accept transfer credits from another university?
While each transfer request is evaluated individually, we will accept up to 21 credits from other universities towards the Cardean M.B.A, and we will work with you to avoid taking duplicate courses if you've done equivalent work elsewhere.
Do I have to follow a specific curriculum path or can I take whatever courses I want?
We require all of M.B.A. students to begin their studies with the core curriculum, which consists of courses in Corporate Finance, Business Communications, Financial Accounting, Managing Organizations, and Principles of Marketing. Thereafter, students can set their own curriculum paths in consultation with their Academic Advisors.
Do you offer concentrations?
Yes. Cardean University offers optional concentrations in several subject areas, including Finance, Leadership, Marketing, Strategy, and Economics, Accounting and Information Systems, and E-Commerce. Concentrations requirements include both three-credit courses and seminars. Your Academic Advisor can tell you more about our requirements for concentrations and help you plan your schedule around one or more concentrations as you approach completion of the core curriculum.
Do you offer any campus-based programs?
No. Cardean courses are designed only for Internet delivery.
I haven't taken a math course in years. Can I still succeed in the Cardean M.B.A. program?
Yes. Courses have been designed to use quantitative methods when they are appropriate, but you will receive plenty of support in mastering the underlying skills necessary.
How much does the Cardean M.B.A. program cost?
Tuition is $1,500 per course, or $22,500 for the number of credits required to earn the Cardean M.B.A. degree. In addition, course materials, including textbooks and printed course materials, are estimated to be roughly $2,000 and a one time, non-refundable Application Fee is $75. Computer hardware, software, and Internet connection costs are not included in these costs.
Will my employer's tuition reimbursement or educational assistance program support my Cardean M.B.A. studies?
Many of students benefit from some sort of corporate sponsorship or tuition reimbursement, and Cardean is committed to helping you secure such support if your company offers it.
How do students interact with other students?
Students communicate with other students via discussion forum postings and in some cases by e-mail.
Will I have a chance to meet my fellow students in the Cardean M.B.A. program?
Because the courses are designed only for Internet delivery, Cardean does not require any residency program. You will have the opportunity to get to know your fellow students well in the online environment.
Do I need a high-speed connection (DSL or cable modem)?
No. The courses have been designed to be delivered adequately on dial-up connections as slow as 28.8Kbps. However, a faster connection will improve your experience.
Do I need any special hardware or software?
Courses can be viewed on most major computer platforms. A small number of plug-ins are required to view animations and video clips. Prior to taking your first course, it is recommended that you walk through the technical setup, which will ensure you have an up-to-date web browser and plug-ins for taking Cardean courses.