Benefits of Doing an MBA after an MS
Learn about the benefits of earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree after you have completed a Master of Science (MS) program. Then, explore MBA programs as well as MS programs in accounting, engineering, and computer science.
<h2 id="section---BenefitsOfEarningAnMBAAfterAnMS"> Benefits of Earning an MBA After an MS</h2>
<h3 id="section---MBAProgramOverviewAndTheProsOfDoingAnMBAAfterAnMS"> MBA Program Overview and the Pros of Doing an MBA After an MS</h3>
<p>In general, Master of Science (MS) programs help you become an expert in your chosen area, which could be anything from accounting to computer science, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs develop your knowledge and skills in general business and management topics, such as:
</p>
<ul><li>Marketing strategies
</li><li>Financial management
</li><li>HR management
</li><li>Organizational management
</li><li>Strategic management
</li></ul><p>One of the best benefits of attending an MBA program after earning an MS degree is that you may be prepared to pursue a higher-level career or position within your field that requires management or leadership skills or training. MBA programs come in a range of formats, including on-campus, online, and hybrid programs, and many are designed for working professionals with part-time attendance options and evening classes (perfect for those who might already have a job after earning their MS degree). There are also accelerated MBA programs that can be complete in a year or less; however, a traditional MBA program takes about 2 years to complete if attending full-time, or 2-3 years if attending part-time. An MBA can prepare you for a wide variety of careers, and earning one after an MS degree may open career paths within your chosen industry, such as accounting, engineering, or computer science.
</p>
<h3 id="section---GettingAnMBAAfterAnMSInAccounting">Getting an MBA After an MS in Accounting</h3>
<p>A Master of Science (MS) in Accounting program could aid you in becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by preparing you to pass the CPA exam. These programs generally require about 30 credits with coursework that may center on such subjects as:
</p>
<ul><li>Auditing
</li><li>Income tax for corporations and individuals
</li><li>Business law
</li><li>Financial reporting
</li><li>Financial statement analysis
</li></ul><p>MS in Accounting programs can take anywhere from 1-2 years to complete if attending full-time, or 2-3 years if attending part-time. For admissions, many accounting master's programs require that you must, if you don't have an undergraduate degree in accounting, complete some prerequisite coursework in the areas of accounting, economics, and business management before you properly begin the program. As an accounting MS has a limited focus on accounting topics, earning an MBA after will give you a better general business foundation so that you might be able to pursue a financial management career or successfully run your own accounting business.
</p>
<h3 id="section---GettingAnMBAAfterAnMSInEngineering">Getting an MBA After an MS in Engineering</h3>
<p>Usually, Master of Science (MS) in Engineering degree programs allow you to choose a concentration in a specific field, with some examples being:
</p>
<ul><li>Mechanical engineering
</li><li>Systems engineering
</li><li>Mechanical engineering
</li><li>Environmental engineering
</li><li>Civil engineering
</li></ul><p>As such, an engineering master's degree may prepare you for several different types of engineering careers, and earning an MBA after an engineering MS could help you pursue an engineering management position where you oversee engineering projects. Most MS in Engineering programs require that you hold an accredited engineering undergraduate degree for admissions. These programs take about 2 years to complete and require coursework in addition to a final thesis, capstone project, exam, or portfolio.
</p>
<h3 id="section---GettingAnMBAAfterAnMSInComputerScience">Getting an MBA After an MS in Computer Science</h3>
<p>Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science degree programs typically include a course of study that covers algorithms, programming, and computer systems and networks. This type of master's degree may help you achieve a career as a software developer, network administrator, programmer, or a related position. Earning an MBA after you complete an MS in Computer Science program might allow you to advance your career and become a computer and information systems manager. Some computer science master's programs require or prefer a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. It may take around 2 years to earn this degree if attending full-time.
</p>
<p />
<table border="1"><tr><th>Degree Program </th><th> Program Length (Full-Time) </th><th> Program Requirement</th><th> Related Careers</th></tr>
<tr><td> Master of Business Administration (MBA) </td><td> 1-2 years </td><td> Bachelor's degree </td><td>Top executive or management analyst</td></tr>
<tr><td> Master of Science (MS) in Accounting </td><td> 1-2 years </td><td> Bachelor's degree in accounting (or a non-accounting bachelor's with prerequisite accounting coursework) </td><td> Accountant or financial manager</td></tr>
<tr><td> Master of Science (MS) in Engineering </td><td> 2 years </td><td> Bachelor's degree in engineering or a similar field </td><td> Architectural and engineering manager or engineer in your chosen discipline</td></tr>
<tr><td> Master of Science (MS) in </td><td> 2 years </td><td> Bachelor's degree in computer science (some programs) </td><td> Software developer or computer and information systems manager</td></tr>
</table><p>Students who choose to earn an MBA after earning their MS degree may have several different advanced career options open for them. An MS degree may show that you are an expert in your field, whether that is accounting, engineering, or computer science, and by also earning an MBA, you show that you have business management skills and knowledge as well.</p>