FlexMode FAQ's

1. How does the technology work?
2. How is the FlexMode MBA program different from other distance learning programs?
3. How can my company become involved in the FlexMode program?
4. My employer requires that I occasionally travel on business. How does this affect my participation in the program?
5. How much interaction will I have with other students?
6. How are the elective courses selected?
7. What opportunities exist to spend time on campus in Pittsburgh?
8. Is the FlexMode MBA degree the same as the full-time MBA degree?
9. As a FlexMode student, do I have access to career services through the school?

1. How does the technology work?  At some point, you may have participated in a video conference. The FlexMode MBA is delivered live, in real time, by video conference. Imagine a newscaster discussing an issue with another reporter in another state. This two-way interactive discussion is very similar to how classes are delivered in the FlexMode program.

2. How is the FlexMode MBA program different from other distance learning programs?  The FlexMode MBA program is live, interactive instruction. The program mirrors its full-time counterpart in that the entry/exit requirements, faculty, course content and exams are the same as what is offered on campus in Pittsburgh. It is one of the only programs in the nation to offer a fully unified part-time and full-time MBA.

3. How can my company become involved in the FlexMode program?  We welcome the opportunity to discuss the possibility of offering the FlexMode program at your company. We can present the program to employees at your workplace to determine the level of interest. Susan Rostek would be your contact to begin this process. In order for us to deliver the program live and partner with your employer, we would require that at least six to eight people be admitted to the program, and have access to video conference technology as well as the support of your employer.

4. My employer requires that I occasionally travel on business. How does this affect my participation in the program?  We capture all lectures on electronically. If you travel on business, we can provide a copy of the material to you. You are required to attend all classes, but we understand that your work commitments may require you to occasionally miss a class. If you find yourself missing too many classes, you may take a leave of absence from the program until your work/travel schedule permits your regular participation in classes.

5. How much interaction will I have with other students?  Whether they are located on the East Coast or West Coast, all students share ideas during each class. The video conference system is voice activated. When you ask a question, you are in full view of the rest of your classmates as well as the professor.

6. How are the elective courses selected?  Prior to the start of each mini-semester, all students are electronically polled. The student input is reviewed and incorporated for the upcoming teaching schedule. There are usually four to five electives offered during a mini-semester, which comprises seven and a half weeks.

7. What opportunities exist to spend time on campus in Pittsburgh?  Incoming FlexMode students attend orientation at the start of the fall semester of the first year (orientation takes place on a weekend in mid-August). This is when students will meet their professors and Tepper staff members who will provide student support throughout the program.

FlexMode MBA students also have the opportunity to attend FastWeek which is held on campus each mid-January.

Commencement is conducted one one weekend in mid-May each year. All MBA students - regardless of full-time or part-time status - participate together in receiving their degrees.

8. Is the FlexMode MBA degree the same as the full-time MBA degree?  Yes, all Tepper School MBA degrees require the same total units and course allocation between core courses and electives. Course structures are the same as well as exams and grading.

9. As a FlexMode student, do I have access to career services through the school?  It depends. It is our practice to require that corporate-sponsored students obtain written permission from their employers before utilizing services provided by the Tepper Career Opportunities Center.