What if you aren't interested in business? Should you get an MBA?

Do you guys think it makes more sense to take a certain type of degree plan because you are interested in the actual topic or because you think that the particular degree will carry more prestige?

For instance, if you are more interested in a Masters of Management per the degree plan, but want the MBA letters behind your name. What if you really aren’t interested in the MBA curriculum as a course of study? Would it make more sense to go for the money degree or the degree that you are really interested in?

Of course this is assuming that an MSM doesn’t carry the weight of an MBA.

Note: This is not pertaining to me; it’s just a hypothetical question because I see a lot of MBA students. Surely the curriculum of the MBA can’t be that interesting to that many people.

 

I'll say this: If I wasn't motivated by more than prestige to complete an MBA, I'd drop out right now and go read all the books and see all the movies I missed this past year. This MBA is too big a pain in the ass for me to suffer through for something as stupid as prestige. If you are more interested in something else, then by God, go and do that something else.

 

What about the big money promises of the MBA. Do you think that is what drives a lot of MBA students? I wonder what the drop out rate is?

 

The reasons you stated are exactly why I wanted to pursue an MBA. However, I decided not to - I have no personal interest in the field, and I felt it would be pretty painful to go through the classes. The benefits of the MBA, for me, would not outweigh the sacrifices required to finish a program. I decided it makes a lot more sense for me to pursue something I actually enjoy - like English - even though it may not get me the size of salary that I would likely get with an MBA.

 

hmmm.....I think.. both... if you are not interested in that curriculum as a course of study, don't go in there. However, if you think you like the MSM, then go get for it, and afterall, the MSM letters are not that bad. But for instance if you are thinking MSM does not suit you well, don't go for that too.

 

Unless the MBA is from a top business school, I do not believe you can call it the money degree. In the department that I work in almost everyone has or is working toward their MBA or Masters in MIS. Most of us feel that the MBA will not help us get ahead but is necessary to remain marketable.

 

I couldn't agree more. I believe there is little "prestige" in a masters degree. As others have posted, a graduate degree drom a top business school may make a difference. Unfortunately, none of the top business schools have DL programs. Get the degree that will help you learn the things you want to learn. Adjusting your education for perceived prestige will only leave you disappointed.

 

I can relate to your situation as I also have no interest in a degree in business. The thing that I like about my current program is I can choose a specialization that is business related but also of interest to me. For me, since I am interested in applying mathematical methods for business, I am pursuing a PhD in BA with a Business Quantitative Methods specialization. Also, since my career is very mathematical and business intensive, I have a perfect opportunity to choose a dissertation topic that is tailored to my career field.

If you really want an MBA, find a university that offers an MBA with a specialization that interests you.

 

I kind of agree with this comment as well. I will take my situation for instance. I chose to complete a MBA program simply for a big personal accomplishment and goal I wanted for myself.

Have I seen a big salary increase since completing it? No. But then again, I havent even asked for a raise etc. I still feel that a MBA carries weight in terms of a employer or potential employer seeing that one has chosen to go " above and beyond " the traditional bachelors level and this reflects dedication, accomplishment and shows that the MBA holder, if anything, can stick to a project or curriculum and make it through without giving up.
I was acknowledged at a very large managers meeting with my company about 2 weeks after I returned from CCU an having my degree awarded to me. It was nice to have all of my peers congratulate and our VP stating that what I accomplished is a sheer sign of hard work and dedication, especially within the daily scope of my actual work requirements and responsibilities.

Thought I would share.

 

There is no doubt that earning a masters degree is a significant accomplishment. I just don't see an MBA as having any sort of "prestige" advantage over a MSM or similar degree.

 

Which leads to an interesting question...is an MBA more prestigeous than an MSM with all things being equal?

 

Friendorfoe,

My understanding is that in the " uneducated on curricula general sensus or public " a MBA holds a well known acknowledgement which is why I would say that a MBA would hold more clout than a MSM.

Again, just another thought.

 

I'd also agree with jtaee1920, and would not study a subject that left me "wanting" to do something else.

William

 

I think the people that would care (superiors, HR people, clients, etc...) would not give either degree more or less weight. The general public would never know you had a degree in the first place. Unless you are a consultant, you wouldn't put any notation of a masters degree on a business card or other business communication. With that in mind, the only people that would know about your degree would probably know the difference.

 

So you guys wouldn't think that a general HR type person would be "wowed" by an MBA whereas an MSM is "ho-hum"?

I've just read so much regarding MBA's, but I findit interesting how many top business dogs don't have one. Sometimes it seems that the MBA is pushed because of the money/prestige associated with it. I see lots of MBA types going for those management jobs, but what exactly does an MBA teach about management other than the mechanics of money, marketing, etc. It really is interesting.

 

I think it would be difficult to "wow" a HR person with any particular degree. In a HR person's eyes, a graduate degree is a graduate degree. As long as it is in a field related to the work, it all would be acceptable.

Many top business people have graduate degrees. However, it seems like those without formal education have the press pointing that out. Some big business leaders have MBAs, some JDs, and on, and on. When it comes to big business leaders, degrees become less and less important. At that level, you are judged on your abilities and accomplishments much more than your education. I believe there is a bell shaped curve for the utility of graduate degrees. In my opinion, little utility at the bottom and top of business and much utility in the middle tiers.

 

MBA's are MBA's unless they are from a top school (Harvard, Yale, Duke). If you really want the MBA letters, find an MBA program that works for you. I have seen MBA programs without a single accounting or finance class.

An MBA says that you have a solid foundation in business and understand the basic concepts. I am happy I earned my MBA but would I do it again...probably not since I did not like most of the classes.

The COO (top guy in the US division) of the company I work for has a BA in Humanities and he runs a billion dollar company. As jtaee1920 said, at some point it is not want degree you have it is what you have done.

 

You could get an MBA with a concentration in management from NCU and, thus, you would have the best of both worlds.

I got a Bachelors in business management to please my grandfather who was a very successful businessman, but the curriculum was dry. However, it looks good on a resume (I guess). But my love is criminal justice and I got a Masters in CJ. The Masters in CJ was very enjoyable.

If you are going to go for a doctorate, then I strongly urge you to get it in a field that you are interested in because the topic and the required research will be staring you in the face for a long time.

 

I would definitely agree with this statement. Despite the fact that my department does a lot of what would be considered business in nature, an MS is looked upon as much more prestigious since our organization is mainly involved with engineering and science.

So the short answer is: it depends on the organization.

 

MBAs are becoming quite commonplace- a mere commodity.

The only difference between an MBA from Harvard or Stanford and say a state school is the strength of the alumni association. When someone is looking for a person, it's easier to just grab the alum directory or call someone that may be in the network to get the name of someone that may be in the same network.