Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum and have read many discussion here that has helped me narrow down my search for a good school/program. However, I finally decided to register and post a question that I am having a hard time on deciding. I have been in the banking industry for 13 years and most likely stay in banking. While narrowing my search on graduate school I have come to this dillema. First, I am interested in the the following school/program: Boston University - MS in Banking and Financial Service Management Auburn University - Executive MBA Now I have a headache thinking about MS vs. MBA, school recognition/ranking, what would preceive better in my industry etc. I narrowed it down to these two program/school by putting into consideration that GMAT was not required, online based (don't mind the short residency requirement for Auburn) and tuition (40K for BU, 55K for AU). Any thoughts on which would be a better choice?
One program will create an identity for you to assume. The other will "top off" one you already have. I don't know which is appropriate for you, but they are distinct enough that you should be able to make that decision easily.
Thank you for your insight. MBAs are usually what is recognized and what my other colleagues usually go for who are in a similar situation as I am in. BU's program seemed pretty interesting though and maybe something I can differentiate myself, but again I'm not sure. Another aspect I was considering was that since my bachelor's degree is from a not so much reputable school, that a known school like BU can help me sort of overcome that aspect.
MS is better if you are planning to teach, it also has a more focused area so if you are not too keen about learning non financial subjects (e.g HR, Operations) this might be the way to go. It also sends the message to the employer that you are committed to one field so this might be an advantage if you are set in finance. The possible disadvantage is that if for some reason you cannot break into the finance industry, it is not so easy to transfer into another field (e.g. HR) as the degree is specialized. MBAs are more versatile and have good name recognition, however, they normally don't include enough courses to meet the requirements of a teaching job and some employers might seem to think that the MBA is too general. MBAs are great for people that already have specialized careers but just need to move into management. For what I see, many people do both (MS and MBA) as one complements the other. I have a colleague that completed a MS in Marketing and is doing now an MBA, she feels that the MBA would help her to land a more managerial job as she is working now in sales. As for recognition, both schools mentioned have similar reputations so one or the other wouldnt change much in my opinion from this point of view. I don't know your situation so cannot really recommend a particular one but hope the information above helps.
If a UK credential will meet your requirement/s: The University of London offers a MBA Banking for £7,960 (e.g., $12.3K USD) via DL. Six modules /courses studied in eight-week sessions. For each course, there is a three-hour examination, held on a specified date in October, and complete two assignments during the course study session. All course materials, textbooks, etc. required to complete the courses are included. Assignments are submitted and feedback given online. Examinations and assignments are weighted 70:30. MBA Banking
Thank you all for your suggestions. I guess it wouldn't hurt either way since master level will be a plus in my credential. Im still weighing on both options....
Between the two schools you've listed I would chose Auburn. If the program at BU was through their SOM I would opt for BU, but it is through their Metropolitan College, essentially a school of continuing education, while Auburn's program is through the newly named Harbert College of Business (just renamed last week after a $40m gift). That may seem inconsequential, but in a field like banking/finance it's a distinction that people will be aware of. Also, Auburn is really ramping up to grow the prestige of the business school with the previously mentioned gift. The money isn't earmarked for buildings, the b-school at Auburn is already quite nice, it's being used entirely to hire top-tier faculty and growing the size and prestige of their graduate programs.
Well, it totally depends on your interest, If you are interested in teaching then you should go for MS and if you are interested in management, you should choose MBA.
