Currently have an MS in engineering. When I was in school I always thought...hell no...not going to do a phd. But after working for 2 years, its really not sounding so bad.
As far as career prospects. Would a Phd limit me too much? Another reason I'm scared about a Phd, is that I feel a Phd degree will narrow your potential field greatly...while the MBA degree seems to be a much more diverse degree.
I'm not sure whether to be practical or inquistive?
2006-09-05 14:17:08 · 8 answers · asked by Moots1122 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
You should ask yourself what kind of job you want first.
PhD is great if you believe you can develop a technology that can be used to start a company (choose your field carefully) or it can help raise you to the CTO/Chief Scientist level. This is fairly unlikely... nothing personal... just that very few succeed to get there. At least, it should help you get to the director level if you have some leadership.
Many PhD end up doing the same exact job as the M.S.
I would think a MBA is a better bet, as long as your interest is truly geared toward management and not a technical/engineering position.
2006-09-05 14:31:54 · answer #1 · answered by Gorilla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take MBA. After developing the expertise in your engineering field (with that Master of Science), it is time to think about establishing your own engineering outfit. In that, you need to be armed with the needed business knowledge and sense. After all, you will be managing the business and not just be paid by it as a salaried professional. The expertise will come in handy when you need to troubleshoort a project but in the overall, you supervise and manage other engineers, architects, skilled workers, and all, while negotiating contracts at the same time.
Having a Ph.D. will just make you a greater expert but you could at best be a consultant and a lecturer at an engineering university. You are not your own boss but still a paid employee with a security of tenure controlled by others.
2006-09-05 14:25:42 · answer #2 · answered by Bummerang 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A masters in enginering and MbA is tried and true as a no brainer for leadership in a larger technology company. A phd will earn you credentials for a principal scientitst position, or equivalent.
The question is where you want to be? In Silicon valley where I work a Masters/MbA is golden for top positions in growth companies and startups. PhD's become more valuable when the comapny is highly established and looking for top researchers. Who are you? The ultimate problem solver who can solve the incredible challenges, or the Businessman who understands technology such that he can lead into the next generation of businsess?
Thats your only question. Both are fantastic.
2006-09-05 14:27:36 · answer #3 · answered by john_lewin 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a Master is Comp Sci from a very good Engineering school. My wife has a degree in Accounting from the very best accounting school in the US. As far as who makes more money? We have been married for 7 years and she has made more than me the last 5.
2006-09-05 14:20:03 · answer #4 · answered by Jimee77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can't go wrong with an MBA---especially when combined with a MS in engineering.
2006-09-05 14:21:02 · answer #5 · answered by monkey jacket 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a B. Sci in Engineering w/ an MBA would probably make you 7 digits.
Therefore, mix and match a bit.
2006-09-05 14:18:32 · answer #6 · answered by o0twiggles0o 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are two different working fields as I see it. Sit quietly or take a long walk in the forest and think deeply within yourself and answer, "Who am I and what do I really want to work at?" Good luck!!
2006-09-05 14:26:52 · answer #7 · answered by HoneyBearCub 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
MBA more jobs available. I am a CPA and have an MBA not from a top school. I agree with Jimee.
2006-09-05 14:19:06 · answer #8 · answered by ALBPACE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋