Torn between 2 degrees: Need opinions

[minendo]

Basically, I am torn between two degree options for post education. I am halfway done with my Masters in Food Science, but I can't decide if I want to finish that route or go for a Masters in Business Administration.

Thoughts?

 

[Matthiasa]

Why not get both?

 

[minendo]

Why not get both?

The MBA would be a huge undertaking in my opinion. I'm currently working full time and trying to bring my facility to a level of certification that requires a large amount of time. I could finish the Master's in Food Science 1 class of time where the MBA would be a drastic change in pace.

 

[Cogman]

Finish your food sciences masters, and if you have time get a business major/MBA. However, a masters in food science is going to be worth more then a masters in business administration IMO.

 

[Matthiasa]

Well the masters will help for lower and middle management at any rate, the MBA is for well higher stuff.
Basically get the MBA when you can get the company to pay for some/most of it.

 

[minendo]

Well the masters will help for lower and middle management at any rate, the MBA is for well higher stuff.
Basically get the MBA when you can get the company to pay for some/most of it.

The company will pay for either one.

 

[minendo]

Finish your food sciences masters, and if you have time get a business major/MBA. However, a masters in food science is going to be worth more then a masters in business administration IMO.

Why do you say that? I only ask because given my current position I don't know how beneficial a masters would be.

 

[Matthiasa]

Well then it just comes down to how important making more money, and what you would rather be doing.
Covering the MBA means they will want to use those gained skills (most likely), and so if you want either management(if you're not already), or higher management that would be quicker.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

Basically, I am torn between two degree options for post education. I am halfway done with my Masters in Food Science, but I can't decide if I want to finish that route or go for a Masters in Business Administration.

Thoughts?

You sound like a potential candidate for professional student. If the main degree seems like its not going to be employable, then get an MBA.

 

[pyonir]

Why not finish the Food Science degree...and continue on for a DBA?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Business_Administration

 

[Cogman]

Why do you say that? I only ask because given my current position I don't know how beneficial a masters would be.

You are almost finished with the Food science degree. Half a degree matters to nobody, so not finishing it would by like throwing away however much tuition you've paid up till now.

For the business side of things. Unless you are in a company that has said "Hey, we need you to get an MBA." You probably will go just as far with a masters in whatever as you would with a masters in business admin.

 

[Cattlegod]

don't bother with the mba unless it is from a top 10 school. finish the food science then go to an mba from a top 10 school if you can't find anything with the food science degree.

 

[Babbles]

Does the school offer joint degree programs for those two Masters programs?

In the grand scheme of things you will get more mileage out of a MBA than any science masters degree. I spent nearly ten years doing chemistry with a BS and those people who had a MS/MA had no significant leverage at all. However perhaps the food science industry is different. Anyhow I am working on my MBA to try to get ahead and I chose that over a MS degree.

Finally ignore the people who say you must go to a top ten school - it's a pretty ignorant thing to say. However you do want to go to a good business school otherwise the MBA from a "weak" school isn't worth much, but the top 40 or so schools are all great choices - of course if getting into a top ten program is doable, then go for it.

 

[Pollock]

I would want to finish the MS in food science if you're that close. Can't hurt to have, right? There will always be time to work on the MBA in the future.

 

[Mike Gayner]

What's your bachelors OP?

 

[daw123]

I would want to finish the MS in food science if you're that close. Can't hurt to have, right? There will always be time to work on the MBA in the future.

I agree this.

I was in a similar position to you where I started out with a BEng in Communication and Controls Engineering at UMIST in Manchester, England. The degree was one unit different from and essentially the same as electronics and electrical engineering.

I decided in the second year that electronics and electrical engineering was not for me and I had to make a decision whether to complete the final year or quit and do something else.

I decided to stick with it and got an Honours degree. I then used this degree as a stepping stone to do a conversion course / Masters in Building Surveying, which is what my current profession is.

I've got my final interview with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to become a Chartered Surveyor on 27/5/10. I'm nervous as hell and I hope I pass (the pass rate is approx. 50&#37.