<p>I am considering getting an MBA or an MPA. I am active duty military with twelve years in and I am stationed in Florida. My problem is that my choices for either program are both small relatively unheard of schools. I could go to Troy University for MPA or to University of West Florida for the MBA. Neither of these schools is very well known. How much will that hinder me in the public admin realm? I know that is could present a problem in the MBA world, right?</p>
<p>Embry Riddle - BS Technical Management 3.8 GPA</p>
<p>I also have the chance to do an MS in operations management degree from University of Arkansas (they have a campus on my base). Any thoughts on this?</p>
<p>What sector of public administration?</p>
<p>Not entirely sure just yet. Working in the government is kinda my thing for now. I wouldn’t mind the stability in that sort of work. Maybe at a state or city level. But I would really like to work in the NPO environment one day. Something where I feel my work matters- kids, veterans.
I got a wife and three kids so money has to play a part in my decision, even with my military retirement.</p>
<p>My question would be: do you really need the degree? I’m sure that with your experience you can find government work, especially within military relations/policy. I suppose it depends on your specific experiences, but consider what you can do right now instead of having to do more school. Especially with a family…</p>
<p>I feel I do need the degree. I am enlisted, not an officer, and the competition for government jobs by retired military is high. And I don’t plan to stay where I am when I retire, so networking in the local area won’t help. Besides that, if I want to work at non-profit some day in management, I think the degree could make the difference.
Besides, school is free and it’s about the only benefit I really take advantage of. The government pays for my tuition allowing me to keep my GI Bill intact. I think it would be such a waste not to take advantage.</p>
<p>Usually where you get your degree determines your eventual job placement; however, in your case, your experience will count for a lot – maybe even more than the name recognition of where you got your master’s. (PhD programs are another matter entirely.)</p>
<p>Sometimes the degree is a qualifier – that is, the level of the position requires an M.P.A. – but the experience and character of the applicant determines whether he gets the job.</p>
<p>Thanks. Does the same logic hold true for an MBA. Will the school’s lack of rank matter as much if I have people skills and a 20 year military history? The school is accreditted both regionally and by the AACSB, it’s just not a big name.</p>
<p>MBAs are different because prestige definitely comes into play for the more high-powered positions. But I don’t know how a degree from a lesser known school would affect someone applying to a less intense job. It probably depends on the specific position and employer.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, MBAs from little known schools have become a dime-a-dozen in the past decade, so my guess is that it would be more of a qualifier than a plus. In other words, you may need the MBA to be considered, but the degree itself won’t distinguish you from other applicants.</p>
<p>I suggest researching the type of organizations you hope to work for some day. Look at those in positions you can see yourself filling. What degrees do they have? From where? Find their bios to see what else may have gotten them where they are.</p>
<p>rcoll - are you up for a transfer any time soon? Not knowing your branch or MOS it hard to know, but you may want to consider trying to transfer to a different base where there are better educational opportunities.</p>
<p>No, no transfer in my near future. I have a four year controlled tour here now as an instructor(pretty sweet gig if you can get it). I am pretty much limited to what I can do here on base or in the Pensacola area. Unfortunately my goal is to find my way back to Boston upon retirement, which will limit the prestige of a UWF MBA.</p>
<p>What do you guys know about operations management? Arkansas has a campus here on base with an MSOM.</p>