General MBA or MBA with concentrations

I'm curious to know if it's better idea to to get a general MBA or get an MBA with a concentration or something like a Masters of Telecommunications Management or Computer Information Systems?

Honestly, I like the idea of having a general MBA where I can pick and get the basic fundament management and keep myself marketable.

 

That is an interesting question and I've been thinking about this issue myself for some time now, since I soon will finish my undergraduate degree and plan to go for an MBA afterwards.
Opinions differ on this topic; some people will advise you to get a MBA with concentration and some would tell you that a general MBA will be fine. Of course, it is also important what you want to do with your degree. However, as general rules:
-if you want to work in a particular field, e.g. HRM, it would be better if you get your MBA with a concetration in HRM; it would probably be even better, if you get a Master in HRM instead of the MBA.
This approach has, in my opinion, one drawback. Should you want to change to another area(e.g. from HRM to Logistics) you would be probably better off if you had a MBA in Logistics or a General MBA
-If you don't yet know in which business area you want to work and if you want to keep as many career doors open as possible(that's where I currently stand) go for a general MBA.
There are also some studies that suggest that the future belongs to the general manager.

hope that will give a little prod to your thinking,

Dennis

 

I chose a concentration primarily because of career interests. However, (and experts correct me if I am mistaken) it may be easier to find a place as an adjunct with a concentration. I seem to recall an 18 hour requirement when I looked into this in the past.

Kevin

 

Hi Dennis,

I think going with the General MBA might be the best for me. I have been known to change my mind rather quickly so I need to keep my options open. I just wondered if someone else found it limiting to have a concentration with their degree or did it open a few doors. Plus just researching a few schools, I would have to pay EXTRA just to get a concentration and that would not be good for me since I'll be paying for it myself.

 

I would suggest going in for a specialized MBA. Do MS in Telecomm ONLY if you plan to do a general MBA afterwards

 

Another option is to pursue a general MBA along with a graduate certificate in a specialty area. In one program I'm looking at the certificate is 18 credits, but 9 of these can come from MBA electives so it's a nominal increase (and this from an AACSB-accredited school as well).

Cheers,
Mark

 

Re: Re: General MBA or MBA with concentrations

Mark, it is really an interesting option. As far as I understand from your post one could complete a general MBA and then take three additional courses(for 9 credits) and get the ceritificate. Is my understanding correct?

Dennis

 

Re: Re: Re: General MBA or MBA with concentrations

Correct - Marist offers a MBA and then an Advanced Certificate in Information Systems. What I like is that the whole program can be completed online, the MBA is AACSB-accredited, they have numerous entry dates into the program and they have a B&M presence.

Also, for those who care, the degree has no distinction between those who took it online and those who attended in Poughkeepsie.

I'm 99% sold on this program - as I just finished my last exam last week for my Excelsior undergrad I'm looking at starting this spring!

The link to this page is http://www.marist.edu/management/mba/iscert.html.

Cheers,
Mark

 

An MBA with a concentration is definitely more interesting than a general one if you are going to use it in your job and probably depends on the employment market. A general one however is useful if you are already a specialist and want to have a broader spectrum of the business world. I once knew a medical doctor that did an MBA for purposes that he wanted to be a hospital administrator. But really there are no right or wrong answers to this question. It is really up to you.

However, there are arguments on both sides. The traditionalist would say that an MBA should be a general MBA and not combined with something like real estate management. But who is to say which is the right combination. The main thing is it should suit you.