Apurv:
It depends. As you astutely point out, MBA programs do not allow "double dippers" to take seats from their program. You are also correct, however that an MSM is not an MBA, but at many schools it is seen as an MBA equivalent. A good example is GA Tech. They were unable to grant the MBA degree for many years thanks to a quirk in their state board of regents, but the curriculum for their MSM was very much like an MBA, so much so, in fact that anyone who has an MSM from GA Tech will tell you they have an MBA now that the school does indeed have the MBA degree. This is a question you will need to ask of the MSM programs to which you are applying. Do the schools you are considering also offer the MBA? If so, there is a good argument that the degree is different enough to not ultimately disqualify you. If they do not offer the MBA, you may be setting yourself up for some tough explaining, since they may, like GA TEch, be simply disguising the MBA in an MSM wrapper. Another approach would be to inquire with the schools from which you ulitmately want to get your MBA . Ask them if an MSM from XXXX school would disqualify you. The bottom line is, MBA admissions committees will want to see what you have accomplished in your career and will probably scrutinize you pretty closely if you have an MSM, yet were unable to achieve the kind of career progress you now seek. Also, it could be viewed as a lack of judgment on you part to have spent the time on a degree that is not getting you where you need to go. My opinion would be to spend your time achieving great things professionally, and save the education investment for the MBA. Suffice it to say that employers will likely not give you any more kudos for having both an MBA and an MSM, and therefore b-schools may not want to affiliate with students who have both for the same reason.
Bryant Michaels
MBA Admissions Consultant
Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible
payment plan options
