Need Help Deciding on type of MBA degree

Hi, I am considering starting a MBA program, but would like some advice regarding the type of MBA degree.

Currently, I am a senior programmer analyst. I have been the project manager for a handful of different projects. I would like to get an MBA degree in the hopes of opening more opportunities in management for myself.

I would like some advice as to what may be the best type of degree for me to pursue. I am considering the following:

Master's in IT
Master's in IS
General MBA (and PMP certification)
MBA in Project Management
MBA in Operations Management

Thanks in advance.

 

You could go any of those routes. MBA's are basically the same regardless the specialism you choose. You just add a few electives to get a specialty. The MA or MS would be more topic specific. If you want a broader education, go for the MBA, if you want specific, go MS/MA.

 

An MS in MIS that has management focus might be a good option if you find that an MBA is too broad or you can't find just the right MBA program.

 

Hello,
You note *opportunities in management*. What type of Management? ... Infrastructure, Operations, App Dev, Financial, Security ... ? Or do you simply want to wear any type of bad tie?

I applaud you for wanting to move upward and further your education. Think about what it is that you want - be specific. If you can not get specific, then get the best general MBA you can. Maybe do the PMP or other certs later (or concurrently).

Senior programmer analyst screams of legacy systems, am I correct?


btw - this was just updated for 06
http://www.geteducated.com/rankings/best_mbaaacsb.asp

 

"add a few electives" for a specialization...

The program I'm about to begin requires 36 hours for the basic MBA and min 48 for the MBA with a specilization.

Reality will bring me higher because I have some pre-reqs to meet as well and the specialization is 21 hours in human resources development. (36+21) 57 hours.

That additional 21 hours is not "a few electives" and is adding to the overall cost of the program significantly. (+8100)

The MA in HR Dev. at the same school also requires 36 hours. But no gen biz classes that the MBA requires.

In this example - the HR portion of the two degrees is identical. The difference is the addition of the general business program that the MBA offers.

There are then the questions:

1) Do you have (or are you willing to get) the background to do well in the gen biz?
2) Is it worth the cost difference to you. Will there be a return on the investment in an MBA over an MA/MS?
3) What exactly is your long term goal? Will an MBA meet that need? Will an MA/MS meet the need equally with less time and effort involved.

When you say "management" ops, do you mean general management/CEO type jobs or management of IT/IS?

Just a few thoughts