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This obviously depends on what sort of thing you want to do. If you want to be a software engineer than perhaps getting a MBA would be a waste of time.
Also, its not like you can't go back to school if you change your mind one day. And if the dual programs shorten anything, then you're getting a sub-par education.
Many universities offer dual degree programs now a days.
I am trying to get pros & cons of doing both MS in Computer Science and MBA together.
Typical length is 3 to 4 years. Generally MBA is more costlier than MS. Time spent is significant.
Are dual degree really worth it?
MBA is very useful if you want to move up the ladder. If your goal it to be a computer "geek" and never be anyone's boss then an MBA is a waste of time and money.
I guess I have hard time imagining the usefulness of MBA in the entry level job. IT companies promote internally on the basis of knowledge, capacity, and some managerial aptitude. So if you have the capacity and traits, you won't need to spend money on MBA to become a project manager or a department manager. The next step would be to cross to the side of sales/marketing or finance and climb that ladder. But then your MS would be becoming redundant.
Speaking from the experience in IT, if I were to hire you, I wouldn't hire you at the managerial level right away. But you'd seem over-qualified for a rank and file position. You'd be an interesting animal from the hiring point of view. I'd understand your inclination to be climbing the ladder within my company, but what kind of ladder, I'd need to figure that out first. Brigth ITers with BS or MS would have as good a chance to manage team of programmers, eventually. If you wanted to be a business analyst, yes, maybe your dual degree would be of value.
However, if you wanted to become an investmenst analyst who specializes in IT, or a marketing specialist who specializes in IT, the double degree could be a good idea. But would it have a good return on investment?
Basically, you need to decide first, what is it you want to do, before committing yourself to those kind of expenses.
Many universities offer dual degree programs now a days.
I am trying to get pros & cons of doing both MS in Computer Science and MBA together.
Typical length is 3 to 4 years. Generally MBA is more costlier than MS. Time spent is significant.
Are dual degree really worth it?
Very wise, very wise. First of all are you talking about a combined program? If you are then you are saving money as you will need less credits. If you are talking taking two programs concurrently you may not save. Taking a combined program allows you to save on electives as they will count for both degrees. That in itself makes it wise. You will not be able to step into management right away but any one can tell you that it is easier to get a masters as a full time student then trying to work and get one part time. Especially if you have a family. Once you get it you have it. The other question you want to consider is the relative strength of each program at the University you are considering. If it is a school like Carnegie Mellon that has a top rated Computer Science and MBA program you see my point. Once you hit the world of work location may not afford you the opportunity for a quality MBA program or it may afford you the opportunity for a better program. You can fill in the blanks.
[quote=TuborgP;8256549 Taking a combined program allows you to save on electives as they will count for both degrees. [/quote]
Master programs don't have "electives" as do undergrad programs. There is no class in common between a MS in CS and a MBA. They are rather different degrees.
You could create some sort of dual program, but then its going to be shorting you on both ends.
Master programs don't have "electives" as do undergrad programs. There is no class in common between a MS in CS and a MBA. They are rather different degrees.
You could create some sort of dual program, but then its going to be shorting you on both ends.
Combine programs combine elective courses not major courses. To use approx numbers for a 45 credit Grad program might be 15 elective and 30 in major. Two distinct programs are 30 elective and 60 major. A combined program is probably 15 elective and still 60 within major or still 30 within each major. The shortcut is with the elective courses which are not related to the major.
I agree with another poster. The MBA might not matter at all for an entry level employee.
But at the very least make sure some of your BS electives and classes transfer to the MBA program. My school did take some credits towards an MBA (statistics etc) and it wasn't considered a a dual degree program. Our dual degree programs were strictly for getting two BS degrees. Also make sure the school is acredited in case you go to another school for the MBA.
If you want to take advantage of an MBA it the IT field you are better off getting the BS, gaining some experience, and meanwhile take the MBA at night. If you are lucky, the company might even pay for it (difficult these days but might be worth a try).
I have undergrad in Electronics Engineering. Also I have 4 years of IT experience. I am not sure about going into management especially in current economic environment where managers jobs are risky and difficult to find compared to engineer. :-)
May be who knows, one day I may want to climb management ladder or start my own business, of course related to IT side only. ;-)
Another deeper question is, MBA from those very reputable universities like Berkely Hass which costs ~$120k really worth it? This just MBA..These fees are insane...
On the other hand, SJSU (cheaper state univ) has dual degree program, MS/MBA which costs around 35k in total in 3 yrs. Still significant money.
Combine programs combine elective courses not major courses. To use approx numbers for a 45 credit Grad program might be 15 elective and 30 in major. Two distinct programs are 30 elective and 60 major. A combined program is probably 15 elective and still 60 within major or still 30 within each major. The shortcut is with the elective courses which are not related to the major.
Graduate programs do not have "electives" in the sense that undergrad programs do. There are no electives that are not related to your degree major, that is the point of a graduate program. All course work is directly related to your field of study, that is the difference between undergrad and grad programs.
Mixed graduate programs generally water down the subject matter because ahem, there is no common course work.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stn2001
Another deeper question is, MBA from those very reputable universities like Berkely Hass which costs ~$120k really worth it? This just MBA..These fees are insane...
You are paying for connections in addition to the education. Although, the education at Berkeley is going to be much better than you'd get a cal-state. Paying $120k for a degree that can easily make you that much a year is not that big of a deal. For most the cost is not the issue, its getting into the degree program.
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