Looking for opinions - 2nd Bachelors vs. MBA

Discussion in 'Business and MBA degrees' started by ealbrecht7, Mar 28, 2014.

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  1. ealbrecht7

    ealbrecht7 New Member

    I'm looking for some opinions, and I've done a little research but no one was quite in the predicament I feel I'm in, so any help would be appreciated.
    I'm 34 and I received my first Bachelors last year in Art. I'm not currently working in any Art field (I actually do billing/invoicing/customer service for an auto parts manufacturing company). It's not lucrative and I'm ready to move up and on. I would like to go back to school for....something.
    I was originally thinking a second bachelors in Business Management/HR could open some doors for me but then I read that an MBA program is the way to go even if I don't have my BA in Business. Here's the problem...I can afford a second BA. I cannot, in the least, afford an MBA, plus the school I would most likely attend looks for professionals and executives, neither of which I am.
    Would I be completely wasting my time and money to pursue a second bachelors for the time being to get me in a better position with a better company? There is no opportunity what-so-ever to move up in the company I'm with now.
    Thanks so much for any input. It's very much appreciated.
     
  2. airtorn

    airtorn Moderator

    I would press with the MBA

    Move vertically, not laterally.
     
  3. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I didn't even read this. I agree with "airtorn." MBA.
     
  4. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    I've been thinking something similar. I'm not sold on the idea of another degree (yet :cool2:), but I've been wondering if a better step would be to get a masters in somethingerother or getting a bachelor's degree in subject(s) that better showcase my abilities.

    The pros/cons being, of course, cost and time. I can test out of a few requirements and do some independent study courses to breeze through and cut the cost of the second bachelor's, but I can't do any such thing for a master's. :smashfreakB:

    I have a feeling, though that the near-universal response will be as those above have said- to keep moving ever upward.
     
  5. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Once again, it helps to have experience with this. Unless you're first bachelor's is disqualifying you from something your second bachelor's will explicitly qualify you for, it isn't worth it vs. getting a master's. For example, if you have a liberal arts bachelor's and want to be an electrical engineer, it then makes sense to get a BSEE. But that's it.

    Employers won't care that you have a second bachelor's, especially when compared to having an MBA.

    Rich Douglas, who has two bachelor's degrees but only one master's (an MBA) and one (give or take one) doctorate.
     
  6. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Some inexpensive online MBA programs for your consideration:

    Patten University (competency-based)
    Western Governor's University (competency-based)
    Eastern New Mexico University
    Jacksonville State University (AACSB-accredited)

    Check out the following link for many more options: AACSB Online MBA | Best Online Colleges | Best Online Universities | GetEducated.com
     
  7. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    This. And, many have asked this question. The answer is always the same.
     
  8. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    DSST offers 13 business related exams (5 of which may qualify for upper division credit) - that is a total of 65 semester units. So maybe you can put together business degree plan with one of the big three schools and earn a BSBA for a low cost. I agree a masters is usually a better option but if you do not have funds to accomplish a masters look into this BSBA option (of course it may not be a workable option).

    My wife has a home economics credential (plus a handful of accounting credits from a CC) but managed to get a job in the insurance business and work her way up into a great position.
     
  9. rebel100

    rebel100 New Member

    When faced with this decision I chose to do the WGU MBA, very happy with my choice. took 18 months, cost just under $10K....but my employer picked up most of it. Know that WGU is self paced and many complete the program in 12 months which would drop the cost to about $7000 total.

    Even at one of the Big 3 a second Bachelors will rum $3000 plus and take you the better part of a year....just not worth it in my opinion.
     
  10. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Absolutely MBA!
     
  11. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I would go for a graduate degree or maybe even start with a grad certificate. I would NOT get a second bachelors. If cost and time is really an issue, get an undergrad certificate.
     
  12. rook901

    rook901 New Member

    MBA all the way. Although a lot of people have the credential, you're going to still be able to differentiate yourself with the MBA a LOT more than with the BSBA. Not to mention, you'll show that you can handle graduate-level work in the business realm. I think you'll find that there are a lot of MBA programs that are much more affordable than you think. Good luck!
     
  13. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    MBA or a certificate.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 30, 2014
  14. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Let me jump in and add my voice to chorus of folks telling you NOT to pursue another undergraduate degree. I think right now an after-hours internship at a firm working in your desired field would be FAR more advantageous than the time and effort it would take to achieve another, lateral degree. Plus I think when you start piling up undergrad degrees it starts to look like you lack focus. Either go for a grad certificate, a Master's, or don't depend on another degree to open doors - go out there and get the experience necessary to open your own doors.
     
  15. Koolcypher

    Koolcypher Member

    No doubt about it, do the MBA. :cool2:
     
  16. JNelson467

    JNelson467 New Member

    I would concur with Randell1234 as that may be your best option overall, especially if holding a BA degree and seeking to obtain a business/managment focused education for yourself. Best of Luck on your decision.
     
  17. verneycharlebois

    verneycharlebois New Member

    Without a doubt I would go with the MBA. 2 bachelor degrees isn't going to get you anywhere further. You'll have spent a lot of time and money into "similar" studies. You're almost better off working a few years, getting a bit of money aside, then joining an MBA. It sure is an investment but at least it will be worth your time and money. Why not look into an online MBA while you work?
     
  18. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Get the MBA.

    Abner :smile:

     

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