BS CIS + MBA vs. just MIS/MBA-IT

Based on what I have been reading on this forum, it appears as though most people recommend getting a general MBA over an MS in Management Information Systems or MBA/IT concentration.

If somebody was looking to have *both* the technical qualifications AND the business/management qualifications for employment, which do you think is better:

a). a BS in CIS, followed by a general MBA;
b). a BS in business, followed by a MS in CIS;
c). a straight Master's in MIS
d). other?

The reason I ask is that it appears as though most MIS programs require the prerequisite CS/CIS background for admission anyway, which is normally achieved via a BS. I also like the idea that a general MBA give more flexibility in career options.

Also, it seems as though a second BS from the likes of Excelsior in CIS could be quickly achieved from existing certifications and by exam.

Anybody here in the IT management field have any insight on this?

Thanks!
-Jassen

 

Jassen,

good questions and because of the many venues either degree will take you I will make a recommendation against a general MBA. A MBA with a concentration (CIS, Project Management, etc...) can place you in a better position to teach or branch out. I would stay away from a hard CIS Masters unless you have a clear path in mind. The Masters in MIS is a good option. A recommendation I have made to others is that technical hands on stuff will continue to be looked at for outsourcing while internal management will still be needed to ensure the end result.

A BS in CIS is good but I would consider something like Amberton University's BBA in Information Systems and Technology. Excelsior's option is also good, as is Charter Oak's.


In any instance try to stay technically focused but with a broad applicability.

 

Do you mean, for example, do the Excelsior BS in Business with the MIS focus?

An MBA with a focus in Project Management or Finance is of most interest to me, but I'm concerned with locking myself into to strict of a career path. I've also considered the SMSU MAS with the Project Management focus, but it appears as though most people on this forum recommend an MBA of some sort because of the wider acceptance.

Also, is AACSB *really* that big of a deal for corporate America?

Thanks for the info!
-Jassen

 

Jassen,

I work in the federal government and any degree from an accredited source recognized by the Dept of Education is sufficient except for some engineering and scientific fields ( you will need ABET accreditation for example in some areas of engineering).

I think a resume (with successful work credentials) is more important than an AACSB degree. Having said that get the best you can afford asuming the program fits. You can search for the general discussion on AACSB accreditation and teaching. In the DL world even AACSB may not help you land a significant teaching position. When I was in the civilian workforce no one ever asked what accreditation the school I attended carried. However my bachelors is B&M and the school is AACSB accredited.

If project management is of interest several universities offer a Masters in PM, including Western Carolina University and the degree is AACSB accredited. you can find others at www.pmi.org

Project Managers (especially IT) routinely exceed six figure salaries.

"Do you mean, for example, do the Excelsior BS in Business with the MIS focus?" This thought is a good one.

If you followed this degree with a MBA with a different concentration (Finance, PM, Accounting) you would have a good mix of education.

Despite the continuing discussion on the overuse of the MBA, I believe that the core courses provide a good mix of management classes, a concentration distinguishes the degree. Plus HR departments recognize the degree.

In my experience accounting and finance are unescapable in any occupation and are often overlooked in technical degrees. I would also add that anyone with a look towards the CIO or CTO position needs infrastructure knowledge (one of the major expenses and problems for any organization), if you don't have this practical background then a good MIS concentration will expose you to these concepts.

Central Michigan University also has a MAS program. The problem isn't the degree its the general recognition of the degree. Unfortunately, the normal HR staff won't realize the value.

A final thought (my usual soapbox) a PMP certification has more applicability than most any other certification and the process is ISO certified.

You may also want to look at www.isaca.org as the information security field is another program that will stay in house.

 

BSBA/MIS, MBA

Kevin:

Thanks for the additional information. Based on my discussion with a couple relatives and friends with recent business degrees and the debates here on this forum, my personal conclusion seems to be that AACSB isn't that big of a deal.

So, for the IT end of my career(s), my short list now becomes:

-Second BS in BA w/MIS focus from Excelsior

Just for the record, my first BS is from TESC in Nuclear Engineering Technology, which is the program the Navy set me up with before I got out. I just got my confirmation of completion letter from them yesterday (so now I's be a kolidge gradiat!).

-MBA programme, of which my short list includes:
--Bellevue U. MBA with Finance concentration
--Cal State U-DH MBA with finance electives
--Amberton (a general MBA)

The lack of a PM concentration is something I think I can live with. You'll note that my list of MBA programs is comprised of the "cheap but good" group.

My list of "some day" certifications I'd like to have include the PMP, CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager), CMBA (Certified MBA), and a slew of IT certs, mainly the A+/Network+/Security+ line.

The security management end of IT seems to be where a lot of good jobs are right now.

Thanks again for the info. I owe ya!
-Jassen

 

Jassen,

"The lack of a PM concentration is something I think I can live with."

I am the alternate Program Manager for project management in my region and as such try to keep up with programs. Amberton recently added a Project Management Certificate which can now be had on-line. You actually have to look at the course schedule to see which of the classes are available during the semester. I called the graduate director and he confirmed that the PM classes offered could be used as part of the management classes in the various degrees. The really cool part is that the classes can be taken for undergraduate or graduate credit. I didn't ask if you could complete the certificate as part of the MBA program but that might be a good question to ask. I came across Amberton on this board and they are a real value.

Also, for grins check out this:

http://apm.stanford.edu/certProgram.html

As for certs, once you move upward the cost of keeping them current outweighs the benefit. However, the PMP, CISSP have real strength. You may want to search the forum for the CMBA. There was a good discussion on that one.

I'm a former Marine but won't hold your Navy exposure against you,

Congrats on the BS