I'm hoping some of the people who know a lot can help me with my dilemma.

I am a small business owner based in New England. I launched my business in 2014 and it has been relatively successful and is basically a full time job for me now. I'm now thinking of doing an MBA or a management degree to help me expand my business expertise, connect with others in my field, and help build my network.

In fact I was considering an online MBA because of the flexibility. The MBA at UMass Isenberg has been high on my list due to its affordability, the local network, and the fact that one of the satellite campuses is relatively close.

But then I came across Harvard Extension School and its ALM degree in Management. It checks the affordability box but the Harvard name would be a great addition to my resume if I chose to apply to jobs in the future. I'm not so sure about the networking aspect, though, and since this is one of my primary considerations it's a sticking point.

Does anybody out there have any knowledge of Harvard's ALM degrees, and how they work in terms of networking and alumni status? The degree seems like a great value but if there are no other benefits besides just the Harvard name then it makes less sense.

If you can take the ALM, then I would recommend it. I've studied in a different ALM programme (journalism) and the overall experience is really powerful. As an ALM graduate you naturally become part of the HAA, and the classroom setting just seems to work better for some people. You'll find a world of opportunities on the Harvard campus. The quality of education won't be worse.

Yes since they're primarily weekend classes it would be no problem. Thanks for the info, it's good to know the experience was powerful!

What would say is: all the ALM courses have flexibility. Don't take the path of least resistance. Take challenging courses.