Dear aatech:

The MBA degree is a versatile, graduate, professional degree that allows folks many advantages. Most folks get the MBA to either change careers into a business/management track or to gain business skills to advance in their current career path to the executive ranks. If either of those scenarios applies to you, then the MBA might be a good option.

With 11 years of experience and at your current salary level, it is unclear how much impact the MBA will have in the short-term. However, it could be helpful to you for long-term salary potential and career opportunities. With many technical career tracks, there is a point where you "top out" meaning there is limited upward mobility in terms of positions and salary. The MBA would provide you knowledge and skills to transition to a new managerial track that has a greater upward mobility.

As for schools in your area, that is something you should research to see what program would be the best fit for you and your schedule. Miami has several great satellite programs from top MBA programs. Personally, I think the classroom experience is an important component of any MBA program so I tend to not recommend any online options. But there are some good online options out there, including Indiana University, and some programs designed for folks to travel in for the weekend, like Duke University.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear aatech:

I am not familiar enough with either program to really make a determination on which is better. I encourage you to visit both, attend a class, and then determine which you feel is the best choice for you.

Regards,
Lisa