MBA versus Master of Science in Management

[Chris]

Over the last year or two, I have begun looking into moving on from my current job (and possibly moving to a cheaper city than Boston), and I have been realizing that to do what I want to do (management/adminstration, most likely in a healthcare setting, or possibly a college), it is going to require more than my BS in Psychology given the current job market.

So, I had been considering going back to school to get an MBA.  However, as I have started looking into it further, I have started considering going for a Masters of Science in Management, or possibly starting off with just a Graduate Certificate in Management.

For me, the benefit of the MS is that there is a program litterally steps from where I work now, making it a very convenient place to go to night classes, plus, that particular program does not require me to take GMAT, which would just be an extra expense and hassle.

The problem is, I am not sure how those are looked upon.  Everyone knows an MBA, but would an MS in management be looked at in a similar way?  Would a Certificate be even worth the time and money?

Anyone thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Greenbean]

How well would either choice supplement your work experience?

[nickagneta]

How well would either choice supplement your work experience?

This is really the key question.

I went back to school this year Chris but to get a completely different set of degrees. I have a BME but don't use it and so I am going back for a BS in Mathematics with a minor in Physics and then going for a Masters in Climatology and Meteorology. I'm sick of the business world and am going to be a scientist for the next 25 years.

But I want to get away from what I am doing and not enhance what I do. What is it you want to do specifically and which degree will help you attain that easiest?

[hardlyyardley]

Depends if you want to stay in your field.....alot of good schools have graduate programs in health mgt.....as far as choosing a program because of its convenience, that's very very shortsighted

[Rondo2287]

This is a tough one Chris, and I think you are looking at it the right way.  One of the main draws of an MBA in my opinion is the recognition you get from people when you get one.  

My general thinking is, if you are looking at two candidates, one went to lets say Umass and the other went to University of Phoenix, but otherwise have the same credentials people are going  to pick the guy that went to umass 9 times out of 10 just because some people question the legitimacy of University of Phoenix.  

In reality you never know, the guy who went to university of phoenix very well could have put in more work that the other and could be a better candidate, but if people won't recognize your hard work your better off going for the recognizable one.

I know that was a bit of a rant but i hope it makes sense.

[Chris]

How well would either choice supplement your work experience?

Well, they both would.  I personally like the MS a bit better.  The required classes seem to fit in better with what I feel like I need to learn, while the MBA programs I have looked at seem all over the place.  

For me, everything I know so far points to the MS, the problem is, I don't want to get a degree, and then have it not actually count when it is on the paper.  

While learning is certainly important, this is also an investment in my resume.  I know how hard it is to get interviews right now, and those things are huge when you are trying to get a resume noticed.  

No matter what, I feel like I can find a program that will prepare me for my career, but if it doesn't get me through that door, I am better off just making use of my library card.  I know an MBA will get me through that door...but will an MS get me through it as well?

[Donoghus]

How well would either choice supplement your work experience?

Nailed it.

I persued (and was bestowed) a Masters of Science in Taxation  because I knew tax was the field I wanted to be in and that an MST would garner me the remaining credits necessary to sit for the CPA exam which was my ultimate end goal.

My current firm makes an MST & CPA a necessity if you want to make a supervisory role or higher.  

That was all the incentive I needed to choose MST over an MBA where I would've been taking a lot of classes that wouldn't translate to my career and would've cost me a lot more money.