MBA vs. MSc Operations

Bryce.R

2 3

Posted Jun 26, 2013 14:44

Which one would be better: an MBA or an MSc for operations management?

From what I understand, the MSc is more of an in-depth look at operations topics, where the MBA is more general?

It doesn't seem like there are many MSc programs that focus on operations in the USA (I'm in Georgia) - so I was looking at the ones in the UK, like the MSc at Manchester. Would this be better than, say, an MBA program from Emory or Georgia State? (both are local for me.)

Thank you!

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted Jun 26, 2013 20:55

I think this really depends on your career goals. Generally, MBA graduates get higher salaries. In the US, most MBAs are two years: you would focus on core courses in the first year and then specialize in the second year. In the UK, an MSc is typically one year. Either option would allow you to specialise for a year in operations, but the MBA would also give you the general management perspective as well.

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Bryce.R

2 3

Posted Jul 04, 2013 17:05

Well, my career goals are to leverage what I've learned working in procurement to land a management-level job in operations.

So I gather an MBA would be better than an MSc?

Do you think there's a good MBA in Georgia for me?

I also heard about Pennsylvania State, that it was good for people who are working in operations.

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted Jul 04, 2013 17:12

I think this approach might help you: http://www.find-mba.com/board/33571

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ralph

692 1.074

Posted Jul 05, 2013 13:19

I also heard about Pennsylvania State, that it was good for people who are working in operations.

Yes, in general - Smeal usually places around half of its MBA grads in operations roles.

But I'd imagine you'd have to take into account industry preference as well: Many Smeal grads get routed into technology companies - so if you'd like to work in an operations role in a tech company it's a good choice. Something like Purdue Krannert would be better if you wanted to go into consumer products or manufacturing.

<blockquote>I also heard about Pennsylvania State, that it was good for people who are working in operations.</blockquote>
Yes, in general - Smeal usually places around half of its MBA grads in operations roles.

But I'd imagine you'd have to take into account industry preference as well: Many Smeal grads get routed into technology companies - so if you'd like to work in an operations role in a tech company it's a good choice. Something like Purdue Krannert would be better if you wanted to go into consumer products or manufacturing.

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Bryce.R

2 3

Posted Jul 08, 2013 14:58

Thanks for your insights. Here's my short list - all MBA programs that I found while researching.

Penn - Smeal
Purdue - Krannert
Rutgers
Georgia Tech
MIT - Sloan

Anything else I should add, or subtract?

I haven't taken my GMAT yet, so I don't know if I'll get a score that will work for MIT - Sloan. I work in an operations role in a global retail beverage company, but I don't necessarily want to stay in this industry. I'd like to transition into an operations role in something similar, maybe beer/wine/spirits. I haven't found an MBA program with such a specific focus though - is there one?

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Razors Edg...

1.082 833

Posted Jul 11, 2013 13:48

Maybe find a program where you can do an internship in a beer, wine, or spirits company? The operations in these industries tend to be quite specific - so any hands-on experience you could get would be a value-added.

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