Please help me decide what MS program to enroll into at Aspen...

I just submitted my application for Aspen Master 's Degree program.

The issue that I am having is that I see the same in all 4 programs I read/am interested in.

MSIM
MSIT
MBA-IM
MBA-PM

Don't get me wrong, I am not asking you to decide for me. I just would like some additional information from people enrolled in either program. What you like or what you don't like or what it really is about and how it applies to the real world.

My background is biology

Thanks to all! This board really motivated me to go for it.

 

Wow, that's a broad subject area. The IM stands for Information Management, right? PM is what, Project Management? A great deal would depend on what experience you have in the field. You should choose a degree that lines up best with what you have done professionally. This is the most important factor in job seeking and in earning promotions. If your background is biology, not computer, I would go for IT. That's a skill that is required in most companies.

Have you worked in IT? Then go for that. The IM is sort of a liaison role where you communicate between the IT department and general management. I would think that something like that would only be usable in very large companies that hire individuals for that specific role.

 

No, I have never worked in IT before and I agree, it is a skill employers look into more and more these days.

 

If you have never worked in IT, I can't see anyone hiring you to be liaison between IT and general management, so a basic IT job would be what you could shoot for. While you are studying, you should attempt to gain as much working experience as you can, in any way you can, in the field.

 

Because experience is the key to getting a job. Can you do IT work for free for a church or other small time organization? Anything you can put on a resume to show that you have experience.

 

ok. both IM and IT require relevant, preferably current, experience to really be effective. The MBA is more of a generalist degree and has broad applicability, including helping individuals move laterally career field to career field and vertically within a career field. Project management has broad applicability. Personally, with a biology degree and an MBA-PM you might look at management and oversight of EPA type projects/responses. A friend of mine used his biology degree and an MBA to have a fine career, including as a data crunching for a research team in the Galapagos Islands. He is now retired and takes on environmental projects on an occasional basis to pay for his hobbies.

My 2 cents is to stay with the broadest degree possible at this stage and get a more focused degree once life settles in. In this case the MBA-PM.

 

It think your 2 cents might be better than my 2 cents! Good idea.

 

it is funny, this is what I first had lined up but got a little confused with all the other programs - they sounded similar in many aspects. I like your insight info.

 

Good advice.


Abner

 

.... but in real life, what is the difference between a MBA in Project Management and a MBA in Information Management?

 

In real life, an MBA in Project Management is more familiar to HR folks in companies. In fact, project management by itself will land you a gig in many sectors, while information management, which sounds like data management (database management), seems too narrow and not quite known. In practical terms, if you have an MBA, you will be using your MBA degree when applying for jobs more that your area of focus. Bottom line, project management paired with business course will position you better as you can basically fit into many roles, even combined with your Biology degree. Goodluck!

 

Project Management is a set of skills that covers many areas from IT to construction to software rollouts to you name it. The significant advantage of PM is that it allows for an individual to migrate to other areas of interest and expertise.

Information Management is more focused, can lead to knowledge management, but often focuses on records, data capability, access of information, sometimes decision support systems, etc...

In the real world if you are seeking an industry certification then the PM concentration will help you with the PMP preparation.

If you can't decide then complete a general MBA.

You are asking us to assist you with a life decision without benefit of knowing all your competencies, work history, or aspirations. So please take anything we post with the understanding that what works for us (me) may not work for you. My RA MBA has a Management concentration (18hrs). I selected mine based upon the broad applicability of management to any career. I also completed a DETC MBA-PM, not unlike Aspen's because the classes helped with passing the PMP and it was cheap. The Aspen degrees are a great price and are cheaper than completing vendor training (non academic) in the same area so I don't think you can go wrong with any of these.

 

Yeah, I went for the general MBA, and it has worked wonders for my contract work I do on the side. I wanted a degree/MBA I could use in any situation. Like Kevin said, the MBA at Aspen is less than many certs.


Abner

 

Hi Omarrod,

Given your background in biology, perhaps you might consider the MSc in Digital (e.g. Computational) Biology offered by The University of Manchester.

 

Wow, that looks like a very interesting program. I've been thinking about what it would take to create a Virtual Machine for DNA...

 

Hey Omarrod,

I sort of concur... I believe project management training along with an MBA will serve you better than information management or technology skills.

With your biology background, you already have the "science thing" going on and will be accepted in a variety of technical individual contributor roles.

So of the Aspen University degrees you are considering, the MBA-PM will be most practical for building your career and easiest to monetize.

Thus sayeth me...

 

Well said. Learning project management skills will provide you with enough flexibility to be considered for a variety of roles.

 

Aspen $100 Blended Tuition Plan Extended Until October 31

I see on the Aspen University website that the $100 blended tuition plan has been extended Until October 31...

 

Which keeps tempting me for their MA Psych Addiction/Counseling program *sigh* but I already have a lot on my plate and an MBA I'm doing w/ intensive 6 wk class formats