MBA or Specialty Degree?

You're considering graduate programs to advance your career. The decision of whether to enter an MBA degree program or specialized business program depends on your career goals.

By Karen Lawson
karen.lawson@mba-business-schools.com
MBA-Business-Schools Columnist

You’ve reached a crossroads in your career, and know that a graduate degree can help you reach the next level in management. Depending on your employer, your professional goals, and your background, you may choose between specialized graduate programs or the traditional MBA degree. Here are some things to consider before selecting a graduate business program.

If you want to advance your career with your present employer, it’s a good idea to talk with your supervisor and human resources department. If earning a graduate degree is part of your performance plan, your company may reimburse you for all or part of your tuition expense.

Your professional goals can help determine what type of program will work best. The general management principles taught in MBA programs are widely applicable to many business scenarios, but if you’re involved in a very specialized type of industry such as information technology or accounting, you may want to consider graduate work in those particular areas.

The versatility of an MBA degree can be hard to beat, especially if you’re seeking new career opportunities. However, if you have specialized in a certain area of business, specialized knowledge can also be valuable. Some MBA programs provide optional areas of concentration in areas such as information technology, human resources, and finance and accounting. By choosing an area of concentration as part of your MBA study, you can gain the benefits of an MBA degree combined with the specialized knowledge required of your field.

It’s a good idea to review the program offerings of several schools before choosing an MBA or specialty degree program. Consulting with your employer, admissions counselors, and knowing your personal and professional goals can also help you select a graduate business program.

Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include topics in post secondary education and the arts. She holds BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Posted on February 22, 2007 at 01:54 PM

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