Getting two MBA degrees: Does it make sense?

Excelsior used to allow this, you could transfer all your credits from one MBA into a second MBA from Excelsior and just do a new concentration with them.
However, they have changed the transfer policy for the MBA so now you need to complete more course work in order to get a second MBA.

 

Yes just that the MS requires for most cases a thesis or dissertation that many people hate to do. Most people like the idea to do a bunch of online courses with essay type of assignments rather than doing a full thesis that requires literature review, research methodology, etc.

I agree that the MS makes more sense but MBAs just tend to be easier.

 

Wow! A two year old thread!

 

*rolls eyes*

 

Okay......

 

Teasing, Ted.....lol

 

Well, it all depends on whether I have enough money and enough lifetime left. I completed 27 hours toward an MA in Social Studies with History emphasis from Western State College of Colorado (now known as Western State Colorado University) in 1984-1985 but left when the program was placed on a five year close-down (1985-1989). In the time since, they've gotten some of their master's programs back (but not the master's in history). But maybe someday. Then, I passed 9 hours (of 18 hours attempted) towards an MA in Mediaeval History at the University of Colorado in 1985-1986 but I came down with a brain tumor and my GPA went into a tailspin (1.94 GPA) and so I left on academic probation. The last I talked with them, it sounded like I could be re-admitted but I would have to raise that 1.94 GPA to at least a 3.0 within one year. So, I might not get a re-do on this one. Then, I accumulated 27 hours toward an MA in Humanities with History emphasis from California State University Dominguez Hills in 1997-2003 but I found myself unable to turn 2,017 3 x 5 cards into a master's thesis on armor and weapons of the Trojan War. I'm not sure whether I'm welcome back. Then, I accumulated 18 hours (of 27 attempted) towards an MA in Civil War Studies from the American Military University in 2000-2003 but 9 hours of incompletes lapsed into F's. Last I checked, they seemed less than welcoming. Then, I attempted 6 hours towards an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies with dual concentration in History and Political Science from Western New Mexico University in Summer 2009 but I somehow managed to get locked out of the internet classroom for two weeks out of an eight week course, so I took two W's and left. Last I checked, it sounded like I would be welcome back. So, conceivably I could see myself getting as many master's degrees in history as there are schools willing to let me back but on the other hand I might have to settle for just one.

 

Can you transfer any of those classes to another college and finish up the degree? Pick 2 colleges that would welcome you back and transfer the credits from one to the other so you have less time and expense to go.

 

Most master's programs will only allow you to transfer in 9 hours. Looks like my best bet would be to go back to WNMU.

 

I agree somewhat...

I think two MBAs would be overkill in some but not all situations. The way that Ted Heiks did it is good - go to the same school and get two different concentrations. But otherwise there might be better options.

Among my regrets (not having found this forum before I did my MBA) was not having an AACSB notation: I don't think my education is less, it just lessens teaching options. If i could do it over again, I'd do a joint MBA/MS program in accounting or finance. As it was, I did my MBA with finance concentration and took additional Finance classes to get to the 18 credit hour nirvana. So I did it backwards- I could have had both MBA and MS if I had more info before I started this journey. It hasn't hurt me to date - I'm teaching continuously and make over $20,000/year doing so part-time in addition to my industry job. Right now, I'm debating between an AACSB MAcc or a DBA/PhD (probably not AACSB) and since I have limited funds, not doing much of anything right now - gotta win that Lottery!

For anyone considering the question, I'd say the most important factors are 1) What do you hope to accomplish with the extra degree (any degree)? and 2) What path gives you the most flexibility (especially important if you're not sure what you want to do)?