Getting part time MBA degree - is it worth?

Rama Krishna Vavilala

Is it really worth, for a developer, to get a part time MBA degree? How much difference has it made to you or to someone whom you know? I have two choices of school: 1. GSU[^] - ranked 6 (for part time) 2. Emory University [^]- ranked 15 Has anyone of you been to any of the above mentioned schools?

Brigg Thorp

I got my MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Insitute back in December 2000. At first, it didn't do much for me. In fact, my boss said that just because I had my MBA, it didn't mean I would get a promotion. Well, cut ahead a few years - my boss and most of our engineers were laid off. We are now down to five engineers - each within a different discipline. My MBA was one of the reasons why I was not laid off. In fact, our VP told me that I was valuable because I had experience in the business side of things. My MBA has really helped out since we outsource most everything we do, and I end up managing these projects. Classes such as marketing and human resource managment have helped me understand the company better. It finally helped me in pay two years ago when I was promoted. It may or may not be worth it to you. I would highly recommend it if you want to start your own business - especially for the financial accounting part. It is required that you know how to manage your finances. Brigg Thorp Senior Software Engineer Timex Corporation

Kant

Lot of instances companies don't pay full for the MBA. Watchout what they cover and what not. Even if the company sponsoring in full but the school is average then it's waste of time. That time could be wisely used. My 2 cents. BTW I heard good things about Emory.
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Arch Stanton

It is worth it. Being a developer (like me) is great now, but what about in 20 years? You can lay the foundation now for progressing into running a development group (or company) rather than just being in one. OR you will have more flexibility to move within the company. The best part is that you will understand why decisions are made within your company, something that tech-training won't shed any light on. You'll be more valuable to your company since you can make decisions that make sense at a larger scale (good for the company, not just good for me & my friends). Don't go into it for money or contacts. That may have been the idea 20 years ago, but today what you need is *knowledge* and the ability to show skills in several related areas, like software development and MIS. Take a look at the current BusinessWeek and Business2.0 magazines - they both have MBA info. Also, as mentioned, don't bother with any school that is not AACSB accredited. Be prepared for a LOT of school work that is not very difficult conceptually. Compared to CS or engineering it's not too difficult, but is truly much more valuable in day-to-day life. Just my 2 cents since joining my MBA program part-time (about 1/3 thru). E

brianwelsch

A friend of mine got his MBA from GSU (I'm fairly sure) and seemed happy with their program. He is an Environmental Engineer. His company gave him a raise on graduation, and he is in a better position to move through management rather than putting in his time in the engineering ranks. BW

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Stuart van Weele

What direction do you want to take your career? I'm going part time for an advanced degree in systems engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology http://www.stevens.edu/main/home/[^] Stevens offers a number of online masters degrees in engineering and engineering management. If you want to stay on the technical side of things I would go for a masters in systems engineering or project management. If you are leaning more towards the business side I would get a MBA.