Study path for MBA (IS): BA in IT + MS MIS, or BS in MIS?

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I currently have a bachelors in economics and am looking to get into a decent mba (is) program but my undergrad GPA is sub par (2.8 ). I have decided to go back to school at night and obtain my second bachelors in an IT related field in order to boost my GPA. I was wondering if anyone could provide some advice on which path would look better on my business school application. My ultimate goal is to obtain a CIO position in 30 years or so.

Option 1: BA in IT (1 year program) followed by a MS in MIS

Option 2: BS in MIS (2 year program).

I have read that undergrad gpa is much more important than grad school gpa when it comes to b school admission, is there any truth to this? I personally prefer option 1 over option 2 since I find the classes offered by the IT and MS MIS programs much more intriguing. I would also use the IT degree to find a better job in an IT field and use the MS to help move up the ladder towards a management position.

Any advice anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Nick
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by Lisa Anderson » Mon Oct 20, 2008 4:05 pm
Dear Nick,

The undergraduate GPA is not necessarily more important in evaluating candidates for b-school, but is the measure used in the rankings publications. As such, schools scrutinize it more heavily. In my opinion, it makes more sense to get a MS in MIS than simply another bachelor's degree. Ultimately, you need to do what makes the most sense to you and best prepares you for your career goal of being a CIO.

Good luck,
Lisa
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