Profile Evaluation

[jwf2871]

Hi Stacy,

My employer fully reimburses for continuing education so I am trying to decide on getting my MS in Acct & Info Systems or MBA. A lot of my co-workers are taking advantage of this policy and I feel that it will help me stay competitive over the next several years with job opportunities opening from the baby boomers retiring.

--I am a Texas CPA with a bachelors in Acct from Texas A&M University.
--Last 4 years have been in steadily increasing roles within Operations Accounting in the Energy Industry
--Married with 2 young children under the age of 2 1/2 years old so I probably only have time for 1 class per semester in the near term

Question...the MBA is roughly 53 hours and the MS is 36. Since I have limitations on time, I can't commit to a top-tier MBA program. Would it be best to get my MS and then in the future, if possible, try to get my MBA from SMU or just get it now from UT-Dallas?

I apprecite your time and look forward to your advice.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear jwf2871,

If you are so constrained as to only take one class per semester, then you will not be able to do a MBA program. MBA programs are designed in a structured way to allow for maximum interaction with your peers as teamwork and class discussions are essential components to your learning. MS programs are generally not as constrained and allow students more flexibility, so that might be your only option based on your capacity for school.

However, I think it would be good for you to take time to reflect on why you want a graduate degree and what your career goals are. It does not make sense to me to get a MS now and a MBA later; I think you need to pursue the graduate degree that you really want and makes sense. If you plan to stay on the same career path, then a MS might not be a bad option if you need to broaden your skills and knowledge in one specific functional area. If you want a broader foundation of business knowledge with emphasis on strategy and leadership so you will be a better manager/business leader, then you really want a MBA.

While there are many options in Dallas, I would also encourage you to really look at the curriculum and programs as you will find quite a bit of variance in terms or quality. Once you have identified a program and a school(s), then you can assess how best to manage the class schedule.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[jwf2871]

I have several co-workers that are taking one course at a time. It is my understanding UTD has a professional program in the evenings and the course work has to be completed in a consecutive 6 year period. By taking one course at a time (this could mean taking 2 8-week courses in a semester) and a course in the summer, I could complete the required courses in less than 6 years.

As for my goals, my first priority is providing for my family. I am always looking to maximize my earnings potential without sacrificing time with my kids. The MBA route is attractive to me because it will allow me to enhance my understanding of multiple functions of a business and right now I am still searching for what I want to do for the rest of my career. I am hoping that I will discover that in the process and then search for those opportunities with my current employer.