MSM vs. MBA any thoughts?

SPC Chad Kolod — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 12:07:50 -0400

I am nearing the end of my bachelors degree. I will be getting a B.S. In Business Management with a minor in Human Resources. I would like to continue on towards either a Masters of Science in Management or a Masters in Business Administration. From what I understand, the MSM is more theory but that's as far as I know. It seems like the MBA is more popular. After I am done I may pursue a PhD. Which do you think will help me more in general? Who has completed either one and what are your thoughts? Thanks for your help.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Sep 13 at 2015 12:15 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 12:15:09 -0400

I'd recommend getting an MBA. Here are a few things to consider. A "Master of" is generally considered to be a more in-depth degree than a "Master of Science in" (fill in the academic discipline). So, the MBA is a more in-depth degree. Additionally, Management is generally defined as being subsumed within the broader domain of Administration. An MBA should build stronger skills towards actually influencing the direction of an organization (strategic planning, leadership, etc.), rather than simply managing the functional areas of an organization (accounting, finance, marketing, HR, IM/IT, etc.). Lastly, an MBA is broadly recognized as being self-defined. You may find yourself having to explain what an MS in Management consists of, and how it's different than an MBA.

I do have an MBA, but I don't think that really biases my perspective. I also routinely discuss these types of trade-offs with my prospective, current, and former students.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 13 at 2015 1:09 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 13:09:13 -0400

An MBA opens more doors

Response by LTC Mo Vanderslice made Sep 13 at 2015 2:32 PM

LTC Mo Vanderslice — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 14:32:59 -0400

Hey Chad, if your end-goal is a PhD, then I'd pursue the MSM approach as the theory will be more important to the theories you'll be using in your doctoral degree program. I have a MBA and am in a DBA program right now. In the DBA program, I do draw on a lot of personal experiences rather than theory; if I were pursuing the PhD doctoral program, then I'd have to work a lot harder to cover the theories that I would have learned with an MSM degree. Later, if you seek an advanced employment position, the hiring company will usually not care if you have a MBA or a MSM, as long as you have a "Masters'" degree. But like I said, if your end-goal is a PhD, then getting a MSM will better support that goal than the MBA will. Good Luck - Mo

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Sep 13 at 2015 4:40 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 16:40:16 -0400

Disclaimer: I happen to have both.

Go with the MBA. People know what it is. Having to educate people on what your degree "actually is" is a headache you don't need.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Sep 13 at 2015 6:18 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 18:18:48 -0400

For what it's worth, I got a Masters in Education (M.Ed.). It worked just fine and I can't add unless I take my boots off......LOL

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Sep 13 at 2015 6:56 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 18:56:34 -0400

The MBA is more generalist from what I hear, and offers more opportunity for compensation.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 13 at 2015 9:09 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 21:09:12 -0400

MBAs open more doors and are more practical

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 4:29 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 16:29:17 -0400

The real question is what do YOUR perspective employers prefer?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 10:12 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 22:12:15 -0400

MBA. What's most important, though, is that you go to a credible not-for-profit school to get it.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 3:25 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:25:55 -0400

I chose to go for an MBA over a Master of Organizational Leadership. The more research I did the more it seemed like the MBA would open more doors down the road. Now I find myself wanting to go back for a MSM in Homeland Security.