Expert: Dr. Joseph de Beauchamp - 1/15/2007

Question
Forgive me for asking but what is an IPO and what does that have to do with choosing a school?

Thank you for you time.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I am 41 years old and working at a retail company’s internal audit department.  I have an MBA from Webster University and presently working on my CPA.  

After completing my CPA, I want to work on my Ph.D. or DBA for the purpose of teaching at an university.  Like most adults, quitting work and going full time at a brick and mortar school is not an option.  I have been looking at four online schools (Capella, Walden, Northcentral and Argosy University).  In reading post on the internet, I hear that online schools are the lowest as for reputation and employability at universities.   I don't know if this true or just a bias opinion.  

Could you provide me an unbiased opinion on these schools?

-----Answer-----
I am getting my PhD, the third, at Capella. I have a high regard to them. I would enroll there. My third is in education. I have had a good experience with Capella, and they  are going IPO shortly.

I have not heard good things about Walden from my former students. Northcentral-I have no information regarding. Argosy U is part of EDMC, and is still in the rift of a merger with Goldman, so I would let them settle down for now. I still teach with them on the DBA program online at Argosy U, but the politics is a killer right now.

So, Capella, and do not let the "image" of reputation push you away. This image normally comes from state run schools which pack the classrooms and teach you very little. Capella is the hardest school that I have attended, and I have gone to 6 colleges to date. I think you will enjoy the fast response to your questions at Capella.

Dr. Joseph deBeauchamp

Answer
Initial public offering is the IPO. This means that all is in the open and discoverable. You will know the financial situation of the school and the key people. This is good information to know, and another reason why I selected the Cappella. We had 50 colleges and universities in the Seattle area to go and finish another Ph.D.. Cappella people called me back in an hour when I had a few questions. This is why they are growing.

Dr. Joseph deBeauchamp