I’ve been going back and forth about this for a few years now and NEED input - seriously need it. I’m trying to decide whether to pursue an MBA or a Masters in Education, where there could even be a specialization in Educational Technology. I’m halfway to the Masters in Ed (through credits taken during my certification program) at a local university, but I’m not in love with the program and although this may sound rather quaint, I want to feel challenged by the program and be proud of my accomplishment when I’m done.
Whichever program I choose needs to be either in close proximity to where I live or have an online component - I can NOT move for a grad program right now. My undergrad is in business, I have a background in accounting, and recently completed my teacher licensure in business education.
Which degree has more value career-wise (opportunities, not money) in the long run? I know it’s all about where I want to go, but that’s where I’m a little lost - I want this degree to have value wherever I go!
Help! Would you PLEASE help me out by sharing your thoughts on this? Do you have either of these degrees? Worth it? Not worth it?
Updated to add:
After Jon’s gentle chastising to figure out what I want to do when I grow up, I realized that I didn’t clarify well enough - I’d like to be involved in education (and technology) in some form, I’m just not sure if I’ll always be in a classroom teacher position.
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I know this isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, but thought i’d try to share it very quickly, as it’s something i’ve worked on for a very long time now…
i’ve come to many crossroads, so to speak, where choices had to be made and in each direction, there lay only uncertainty…
i’ve found that, just as you are doing here, the only way to make a choice without regret is to be diligent.
research and meditate over the options presented to you, be honest with yourself and your needs and what you desire, and then make the choice, whichever it may be, knowing that you’ve done the best that you can do, based on proper diligence, and live with that choice knowing that you could not have done any better.
this works for job offers, promotions, housing matters, business decisions, etc…
I cannot speak at all to the direct nature of your questions, as I have neither degree nor specific background in either field, so for that hopefully others who do will fill in and assist you with your research, but I wish you well in whichever direction you ultimately are taken.
it’s really cheesy, but the quote from the film “Ghost Rider” applies in some senses here…
“If you don’t make a choice, the choice makes you.”
I think it is commendable that you are willing to take your in the direction you choose, rather than to allow life to direct you.
best,
jesse
http://omnipreserve.blogspot.com
jesses last blog post..jesatiu: @femaleprodigy we’ve waterboarded the crickets. i’m pretty sure they’re telling the truth now…felt a little wrong but it was necessary. ;)
A challenge indeed. Personally I like to write down both and start filling in the advantages one might have over the other. I always start with family which equates into convenience, flexibility. Is one more specific than the other? Which one leads to more options? You hit it right on the head..ONLINE is such a nice option. Again, maybe write it down and it will come?
Good luck!
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Hi Kate,
My vote is for the EdTech degree and my suggestion would be Pepperdine University’s Online MA in Educational Technology. I took the program in 2001-02 and it was the most amazing learning experience I have ever had. The design of the program, the professors, the pedagogy, every aspect of the program is amazing.
You have an undergrad degree in business, the MA in EdTech broadens your dimensions.
The program is a blended program. Your time away from home is about three weeks . . . one in the beginning, one in the middle, one at the end. The rest is experienced online. It is designed to use the realities of your current work experience within the context of your learning to create your learning experience.
Give it look: http://gsep.pepperdine.edu/education/ma-educational-technology/
That’s my two cents worth . . .
- Greg
Greg Thompsons last blog post..What if your school blew up?: The Little Becky approach to school reform
Kate,
I would strongly consider Greg’s recommendation. I went through Pepperdine’s MA in Educational Technology program too.
Wow, thanks for all of the input! I will definitely check out the program at Pepperdine, but from first glance, it looks like they require 3 years of classroom experience, which I don’t have. I’ll look into it more, however, maybe there are more specific exceptions that I didn’t see.
I’m of two pretty distinct minds here. As one in the business of facilitating the attainment of degrees, I can’t help but suggest that you think long and hard about what you want to be/do when you grow up. (-:
On the other hand, I’m also someone who completed a law degree and never practiced law for a day in my life (though I do teach school law classes). So, I do know that there’s value in the learning process even if it doesn’t end up being “practical.”
I will add, though, that if you think there’s a decent chance you’ll “end up” working within the P-12 world of schooling, the MBA gets you nowhere. I can tell you that from the experience of working with a couple of non-traditional doc. students who were given funny looks by school boards when they interviewed and spoke about the value of having an MBA.
Finally, I don’t know how far you are from Madison or if they have satellite programs, but the faculty there (especially the Ed. Leadership folks) is, in my mind, the absolute best in the nation. If you’re interested in the intersection of games and learning, UW is THE place to be with folks like Kurt Squire and Rich Halverson.
That’s it. More data for your decision.
Hi again Kate!
According to the web site here are Pepperdine’s admission requirements:
Admission Requirements:
* Application for Admission with a nonrefundable processing fee.
* Official transcript in a sealed envelope from the accredited institution that awarded the baccalaureate degree to the applicant. Transcripts of all postsecondary and post-baccalaureate study are recommended.
* Two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s potential or ability to become an educator and leader in educational technology as well as the applicant’s character. One of the letters of recommendation must come from a local mentor/sponsor/ supervisor with whom the applicant works.
* A three-part statement describing: a) vision for technology in educational settings, b) experience/background in technology, and c) personal goals related to the pursuit of this degree. (Minimum of 2000 words.)
* Personal interviews are required for all qualified candidates who apply for the program
I know in my Cadre there were a variety of backgrounds, some from the education world, some from business, a couple with only a year teaching experience.
I taught the Mentoring course in OMAET for a couple of years following my completion of the program and the students I had were from a wide variety of career backgrounds. You can always shoot Paul Sparks an email with any questions - a fantastic professor and friend of mine who directs the program.
- Greg
Greg Thompsons last blog post..What if your school blew up?: The Little Becky approach to school reform
To my mind, this is VERY much an apples-and-oranges decision.
In generic terms of which is more valuable to a randomly picked career, the answer is the MBA, and it’s not close. You have a much better chance of making much more money in a much wider variety of jobs with an MBA. That said, MBAs really reap the rewards only when they also have business experience and intend to stay in the business world. And, as Jon rightly points out, education is one of the areas where an MBA means, basically, nothing.
As for the M.Ed. side . . . color me ignorant. I’m very interested by the recommendations of the folks here for Pepperdine’s and Wisconsin’s programs.
Deeper issue: if you don’t think that the master’s will be intrisically worthwhile* AND improve your career options, don’t do it. IMHO, you’d be better served to go out, kick butt without the degree, and be busy excelling while others are whiling away their time in school. (Keep in mind that this is coming from someone actively pursuing a Ph.D. - you’ve gotta *want* it.)
* N.B.: There are many definitions of “intrinsically worthwhile.” It could be because you find the program fascinating. It could be because you know you’ll feel unfulfilled until you get the degree. Whatevs. It’s your call.
Greg - Thanks for more info on Pepperdine, you’ve made me VERY intrigued!
Jon and Tim - Here’s where I was Miss Ignorant: I wasn’t aware that an MBA means nothing in the ed world, it must be my business background that gave me the impression that having extensive training in business would help me in the field of business education. But isn’t that kind of silly? Wouldn’t you think that it would HELP in this field? I understand what you’re saying though and I just have to remember that education is “soft” and business is “hard” - maybe that’s why I’m balking at the program I’m halfway done with, there’s no tech or business involved and just seems so generic. I hope that makes sense.
Jon - thanks for the info re: Madison, will check it out. And regarding your law degree and not using it and all that THAT means, when I got my teaching license it was kind of with the attitude, “well, it can’t HURT, can it?” - turns out the world of education intrigues me and sucked me in….now I just have to find my place in it.
Tim - you’re right 100%, and that’s why I’ve been waiting on this. If I’m going to add to my huge school loan bill, it needs to be something that I’ll be proud of and excited about, even if it never gets “used” in the future. Sometimes school for the sake of learning itself is fun, but it needs to be the learning that I WANT to do. Make sense? Thanks for the doctoral insight :-)
I’m afraid I’m not much help. I tend to take a pragmatic approach to my qualifications and look at what I can afford. I also look at things like drop out rates from courses and who the lecturers are ie are they any good?
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I’ve always felt that the “softer” the field you’re going into, the more use an MBA is. The analytical frameworks and processes an MBA can provide generally(!) aren’t too necessary (or valued) in the technology industry; anything by Porter is soft compared to CS. But I strongly believe the not-for-profit sector could use some thorough business training. I have friends that I couldn’t justify bringing onto my team who are teaching and managing schools and development projects in Africa.
Do you think the Peace Corps could use some MBAs?
Luke -
Luke, thanks for that insight.
I’ve always wondered:
How would schools be run differently today if run by MBAs rather than those with administrative licensures?
Also, is a Master’s in Education valued by employers outside the field of education?
Simply food for thought, and a topic I’d seriously like to know more about before beginning any advanced degree program.
As for the Peace Corps, YES.
Beware the wrath of the ASBO folks, Kate. I’m just sayin’ (-:
Also, I meant to add earlier that the more business-ish your credentials look to P-12 education folks, the more you get pigeonholed into a business official position; a place that would surely bore you to tears.
Hi Kate,
From what I know and hear I would say an MBA holds more weight out in the work force. I know people who have them and it’s a very highly respected degree.
But of course it depends on what you want to do with it, what your field of choice is. Who is in your dream position right now and what are their qualifications?
~Laura Iriarte/aka @lauralovesart
http://lauralovesart.wordpress.com
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I should elaborate on that - while an MBA may be a powerful and empowering complement to an educator’s (or any builder’s) arsenal, so to speak, it is definitely not a substitute for passion nor experience. The unification of all three, though, seems to hold real promise.
Hi Kate,
I’m not sure one person’s experience is necessarily relevant to any other individual. However, I can offer some insight here since I have completed both an MEd and and MBA at different times in my life.
I had been teaching for around 8 years when I decided to do a part-time MEd (at Aberdeen University, here in Scotland). I thoroughly enjoyed those three years and can honestly say that I did not go through a section of that course that I did not enjoy.
About 10 years later again, I undertook a part-time MBA (in Edinburgh University Management School). While I value the degree I got at the end of the day, i found some of the classes I took to be pretty mediocre compared to the rigour and value of the education classes I took for the MEd. The MBA consisted, for me, of a mix of really interesting classes alongside some fairly dire ones - some of that was down to the people taking the classes, but many of them were simply not rigorous enough to push me very far either intellectually or in terms of future career relevance.
Of course, my experience could be down to the specific courses at the specific institutions, but for me the MEd was way more demanding and absorbing than the MBA.
John
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Jon - I edited my last comment to reflect my true intentions, NOT trying to question the value of admin licenses, just curious overall - questioning = learning. When I ask the hard/annoying questions, people usually respond and I learn a LOT.
Laura - Thanks for the advice - I’m definitely working on figuring out what that dream profession IS!
Luke - Very true, passion gets people far, as does experience. This brings to mind, though, the issue of GREAT teachers sometimes (and NOT ALL) becoming just mediocre administrators or GREAT accountants becoming just mediocre managers = experience doesn’t always equal leadership, in my opinion. My last principal told me a rule of someone great and important (can’t remember the name) that people get promoted until they’re rendered incompetent. I’ve seen many examples of that. Sorry, a bit off topic, but you made me think about this :-)
John - Wow, this was the insight I never thought I’d find! You’re right that it might have had something to do with the specific courses & institutions, but this is really interesting.
Overall, it’s looking like I have to a)choose a program that will challenge me and that I respect and b) have passion for the direction it will lead me in. Who knows, if I have enough money, I’ll probably end up doing both at some point! Why not throw in law school too? Seriously, though, this is a tough decision, but I’m leaning toward the ed. tech path (first), assuming the education world will have a place for me.
Just thought I’d put my two cents worth in: In my state, a Masters in Ed would give you a pay increase so since you are halfway there, I would finish it in order to get a pay increase. The return on your money would be faster. I also feel like with the economy going south the way it is, education would be a safer bet. With your knowledge and expertise, I don’t think it would matter which field as long as you can say you have a master’s degree. That’s just my opinion but I’m kind of partial to education. :)
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One quick follow-up based on my experience: the M.Ed. will get you minimal brownie points, if any, outside the educational field.
Generically, sure, it’s nice to have a master’s degree on your resume. I have a master’s degree in history, and I’m sure it didn’t *hurt* my last few job applications, in the sense that it would serve as a general endorsement of my intelligence and my ability (FWIW) to complete an academic course of study.
But as far as getting me a *better* business-world job, or one that makes more *money* — I’d be much better served with an MBA or a master’s in math, engineering, or the like.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I would love to see more folks like you in technology leadership roles within school districts. I love the input about online programs. I agree that there are many Master’s programs that lack rigor and relevance. I think the testimonials from past grads are really valuable!
Two thoughts: on-line is not as good as a live program; not that what you learn would be any less, but in the network you will build by getting to know your peers in the program.
and don’t stop at the master’s level. Start a PhD program that includes your master’s topic. Mine was Computer in Education at UofO and it focused on the application of technology to education as opposed to technology for it’s own sake. It was a fantastic program, and the connections to future leaders in the field has been wonderful. Just set your sights higher :-)
Pat - thanks a lot for your input! I’m curious as to whether only a Masters in Ed would result in the pay increase, though? In my last job, my 3 MBA credits went toward a new step on the pay scale. Would have to research that. You’re right about education and the economy, education will stick around for awhile, I’m sure. I have found districts not as willing to pay for newer teachers with Masters though, because they have to pay them more.
Tim - thanks for the insight on value of a Masters in Ed outside of education!
Paula - Ah, that IS the essential question! I’m very wary of labeling myself right now - I’ve done it before and am more willing to wait for a perfect position rather than perfect career. I want to be ready for anything :-)
John - Now you’ve got me going, PLEASE elaborate on your opinion that online isn’t as good as face-to-face, as there aren’t many f2f options for me and I can’t move for a grad program. PhD option has been suggested, but yet again I hit the location brick wall - none in my city. Isn’t this why e-learning is supposed to break down all barriers? Thanks so much for your input, I love getting new voices here!
Re f2f versus on-line: it all depends on the goals of the degree. If it’s learning the information, then anywhere that has the info will work. Same with wanting credits for pay increases (by the way, in most states is the number of credits that raises the salary, not just the degree).
But if you are looking to both learn and advance your career, the importance of the network can’t be ignored. For instance, a large % of CEOs in the business world come from just 3 institutions. It’s more than just the old-girl-network, but being in a group that will become leaders and who know you, and your interests/talents exist.
In addition to that, the experience of interacting with a group of talented, dedicated, and energetic other professionals who are thinking through the same issues you are can really enlarge your thinking. I valued the discussions and arguments with peers in the program equally to the great classes I had in terms of new ideas and new knowledge. And now I know who to call if I have a question about some topic or other (that networking thing again).
Unless there are significant reasons to form a community that go beyond the course requirements to ‘comment on someone else’s blog’, the elearning community experience will not last. You can build friendships, but fewer and more tentative.
The world of education is rapidly transitioning from a ‘cells and bells’ model where the teacher was queen in her classroom to a collaborative and interdependent environment. While the larger community can include e-colleagues, the primary professional community will be f2f.
Besides, drinking a beer isn’t near as much fun alone.
That said, other circumstances can make one place-bound and you need to choose from the resources at hand.
Peace, John
eCOVE Classroom Observation Software
Another thought about new teachers with Master’s degrees: it is quite common across the US for teachers to get their initial license through a Masters in the Arts of Teaching (MAT) program (not the majority, but common). In it, a BA/BS in a content area is required for admission and the MAT is focused on learning how to teach. My program at Willamette Univ was one of those and our grads are in very high demand. The increased salary is insignificant in the total salary budget - they want talent and skill. Our program had over 1000 hours in the classroom during the 10 months so the grads were like teachers with a year’s experience. Get lots of time in the classroom; principals really want to know you can DO the job.
Peace, John
eCOVE Software
Kate, given your update, I would add a bit to @John Tenney’s comment. In the P-12 world, human resources folks (and school boards who make the ultimate determinations in lots of cases) still look askew at online degrees. It’s probably a little different for ed. tech. positions, but not much. For lots of reasons (mostly not legitimate), there are all kinds of biases against distance learning and in favor of f-2-f learning. There will be lots of folks who will look at your CV/resume and think, “OH, she took the easy way out…”
That might change in a few years, and I hope it does. And, you might find a forward-thinking, open-minded group of leaders willing to keep your CV/resume in the mix and interview you. But, you should know that there are those biases out there.
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