<p>I currently have an MS in Computer Science from a not so well known University (University of Texas at El Paso). I am currently a Software Engineer working full-time for a large Communications company, although my goal is to earn an MBA from a top-tier University. I know that a minimum of 3-5 years is recommended for acceptance into programs of this caliber, this is why I plan to work for several years before ever attempting to apply to these kinds of programs so as to improve my chances. During my work experience process I have been contemplating working on my Masters in Information Technology which is ideally what I would like to concentrate on once in Business School and think would demonstrate a clear career path. A second reason for the advanced degree is an attempt to alleviate a low GPA (3.11). My question is Does getting a masters degree in a field that is definitely related to what I ideally want work in once I earn an M.B.A help/hurt/or do nothing to my chances at a top-tier M.B.A?</p>
<p>Well, look. I've known people with MD's, JD's, and even PhD's who have gone back to get their MBA's. </p>
<p>In fact, I would say that at the top B-schools, probably something like 1/5 to 1/3 of the entering class will have some sort of advanced degree. </p>
<p>I'll put it to you this way. Take MITSloan's LFM program, which is the dual-degree MBA/MS Engineering program. Probably about 1/4 of students who enter the program already have a master's degree in engineering, and some will even have a PhD in engineering, and yet they're being admitted into a program that will get them a MS in engineering. Hence, they usually end up getting a separate MS in a totally different engineering field from what they've done before, or get an MS in "Engineering Systems", which is an interdisciplinary MIT engineering program. Clearly the fact that they already have a master's couldn't have hurt them too much.</p>
<p>Honestly, I can't see how having a master's would ever hurt you. It can only help or at worst do nothing.</p>
<p>I would tend to think that having more Master's Degrees with good work experience will only help you. B-Schools want their graduates to be very successful. Having advanced degrees in many different disciplines only increases your chances of being very successful in one of them.</p>
<p>How about if you have a Masters in Finance?</p>
<p>I know that level of specialization in Finance is usually above the level learned in the MBA. I understand that the MBA program includes other disciplines in business, but does anybody know if having this would hurt your chances becuase the schools may feel that you know some of the material already?</p>