I have come across the Masters of Science in Operations Management from the Univ of Arkansas at an eye popping $9k! I am considering some MBA programs (basically looking for the best under $20k), however I am already fairly established in my field and do not know how much an MBA would benefit my situation. Given my desire to be in upper level management in my field, rather than finance, it seems like an appealing option. Anyone have any thoughts on this situation? I have read my threads pertaining to this sort of topic. Now I find a quality MS program from a well known university, I am swaying away from the MBA idea.... Thanks!
If you've already established your career, I think the OM degree would be a better way to go. The courses look similar to some MBA courses, but the OM courses would make you a more valuable manager.
My brother is about to finish that very degree here in the next 6 months. He has had nothing but good things to say about it and from what I can see, it is a very solid program. That said, it is an MS, not an MBA and to those who may not know better the MBA might be seen as more cross functional if in no other way than general acceptance among HR recruiters. For example, Stanford University teaches in their Strategic Execution Framework that project and program management support and enhance operations, but operations are where businesses derive value (make money). Operations management is then the "day to day" process work whereby projects are unique and temporary. An MBA might have a foot in both camps whereas OP Mgmt may not. Of course that's way over thinking it, but I see an MBA as a "jack of all trades master of none" degree in the business world with an eye towards leadership/strategy. Operations management seems more the "leaning and meaning" of existing value add functions. Sorry for the diatribe, I have not yet had my coffee.
Well each degree has their own significance and it is up to you what you would like to choose. You would have a good career growth after finishing MS or MBA from reputed college.
Time out. If your looking into upper level management why would you be looking at operations management? I understand your established in your field, but operations management is typically a middle management position (I know because I am an Operations Manager) I went for the MBA to make the transition from middle management into the executive/ upper management level. So I have to ask you why operations management?
The MSOM looks good to me for a couple reasons. First, its price. At $9k, it has loads of value and ROI. Second, its pre req's. I am graduating with a Social Science degree, so many MBA programs will require a lot of pre req's, thus inflating the price of the program and extending its completion time. I would be lying if I did not convey my lack of confidence in my academic record regarding math and my lack of passion for finance. I am looking for a masters degree program that I can finish in two years or less, pay as far under 20k (or even 15k) as possible, and really give a boost to my resume. A MBA program is definitely on my radar (such as U Louisiana Monroe), I am just a little apprehensive about getting into a program (GMAT, GPA req's, Lack of math and economics). Honestly the MSOM program (or a MS in Administraton, MA in Organizational Leadership) seems like a way to get the coveted line on the resume and embark on a major undertaking that I am more likely to be successful in. The subject matter is important to me, because I know that if I do not enjoy the content, I will not be successful in the program. It is easy to talk about going for your MBA, and it seems like every manager in my building in their 30's and 40's talks about it, but actually doing it is much more difficult. I do not want to set myself up for failure. The way I see it, I am going to finish my last 2 classes at TESC, and keep studying for the GMAT in the spring. The immediate goal is to get the degree and get as good of a score as I can on the GMAT, and then I will assess my options as I begin to apply to programs and get feedback from admission departments. And with the continued back and forth from all of the educated and informed individuals on this message board, the correct course of action will present itself. Thank you.
I'm with NorCal on this one - if you're already established in your OM field, I don't think an OM Master's is going to get you much further. You'd probably want to go with the MBA to get breadth vs. depth and expand your marketability/upper level potential. That being said, if you're set on a typical MS vs. the MBA, consider an Organizational Leadership degree; they may be less traditional, but should give a more strategic, executive approach rather than a nuts and bolts management approach. Since the MBA is still the gold standard for the executive suite, I'd say go with the MBA.
I have been working as a designer in a Civil Engineering firm for over a decade and have reached a plateau. I recently completed a BS in Organizational Leadership and am looking for a masters program that will help me make a career change. I have been looking at the MBA program at John Brown University (Approx 20K) and the Masters of Science in Operations Management at the University of Arkansas but am having trouble deciding which one will be best for me considering that I am hoping to make a change. I enjoy engineering, but without an engineering degree, there is only so far I can go.
