Texas A&M (Mays) or Tulane (Freeman) PMBA Program?

[flat_syx]

Hi,

I've been accepted to both Texas A&M (Mays) and Tulane (Freeman) PMBA Programs here in Houston. I received my undergraduate degree from Texas A&M so I thought it would be beneficial to diversify and get my Masters from a different university.

Additionally, Tulane has been offering their PMBA program for about 10 years in Houston while I would be in the inaugural Texas A&M program. Cost wise, they are almost the same (Tulane is only slightly more). Tulane is a 56 credit hour program while A&M is a 48 hour program and both are 2 years in duration. I am leaning more towards Tulane, but which school would you choose and why?

I am really struggling with this decision and and help would be much appreciated!

[mbaMissionBrianE]

Hello flat_syx, thanks for your question.

Tough one. I don't know enough about those programs to definitely say, but here are my comments:

I tend to avoid telling candidates where to apply or where to go simply because it's an intensely personal choice that you should make. You will know best which program has:
"¢ Resources that best meets your career needs
"¢ A culture that resonates with your personal style
"¢ Students whom you respect, can relate to, and have fun with!

I encourage you to pound the pavement and talk to students and alumni from the two programs to find the best fit. It's not easy, I know, but the effort will be worth it in the end, I assure you.

Given these questions, which program are you leaning toward?

One more comment: As I am extra cautious about adopting the initial or premiere versions of software and products (because of bugs), I might advise caution about being the first class to graduate from any program. It would be an honor, of course, but I imagine it would take any program from any school some time to work out the kinks, right? You would, in effect, be a guinea pig in some respects. It might be fun, but it might not be...

I hope this helps!

Best of luck,
Brian

[flat_syx]

Thanks for the nice reply. I am more comfortable choosing an established program versus a brand new program. Both are great schools and I wouldn't trade my undergraduate years at Texas A&M for anything, but I think diversifying and getting my graduate degree from Tulane would offer exposure to companies that recruit at both schools and to the alumni network of both schools.

[mbaMissionBrianE]

I'm glad I could help - best of luck!
Brian