Should I get my undergrad degree in Finance or an MBA in finance?

<p>Hi guys! I'm senior in high school from Missouri. Let's assume that I'll be attending Mizzou in the fall. I've also applied to Scripps College, Colby College, Mount Holyoke College, and Bryn Mawr College, as well as some other state universities.</p>

<p>I'm a little conflicted. I can't decide whether to do journalism for my undergrad and then obtain an MBA in finance or if I should skip journalism altogether and stick with just an undergrad degree in finance. I love both fields. I know that they're so different, but they're really interesting. </p>

<p>Today I spoke with a former journalism professor at Mizzou. He is now the head of the communications department at a college in my hometown. He told me unless I got a 33 on the ACT (I didn't), then I basically wouldn't have access to some of the resources that the students who scored a 33 on the ACT would. He also said that I probably wouldn't get as much practical experience. I plan on minoring in business. </p>

<p>Finance seems to be a much more practical choice. I'll probably be able to find a much better job. However, an M.B.A. will cost at least $90,000 and I definitely can't afford that. </p>

<p>So, should I get a degree in journalism and then get an M.B.A. or should I just get a B.B.A. in finance? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I don’t know what resources he is talking about for those who got more than a 33 on the ACT (he’s probably talking about Walter Williams Scholars) but anyone can succeed in the J-school by being a good and dedicated student. If that sounds like something you want to do, it’s definitely doable. As far as the “not much practical experience” without getting a 33 on the ACT, that is just a flat out lie. The best part of the J-school is that everyone gets as much experience as they can handle. Working at the Missourian or KOMU or whatever publication fits your sequence is the best experience you can have and very valuable for your work ethic and/or future career.</p>

<p>jbrynsvold: So, would you recommend going to Mizzou for international journalism and minoring in business. Then, if I still want to on down the road, should I get an M.B.A.?</p>

<p>Or should I put my helmet on and double major in finance and international journalism?</p>

<p>I’ve known people to double major in journalism, but man were those some dedicated people. If you value your free time, I wouldn’t double major. I’d recommend the bachelor’s in journalism and minor in business (which is what I did) and I’m sure the MBA would be a real possibility for you after J-School.</p>

<p>jbrynsvold: Thanks for your help! Have you graduated? If so, what sort of job do you have?</p>

<p>Sometimes MBA programs is for people who are in other fields or other business concentrations who want to switch to another business field.
A good business program will give you what you need and as long as you get your CFA, you should be good.
If you’re interested in Journalism, you should try Management Consulting.</p>

<p>So for my undergrad, I should go for a BBA? If I go to a state university, I’ll be emphasizing in finance and banking. </p>

<p>I looked into a journalism minor at Mizzou, but the problem is that its purpose is to educate about the role of media in society - not to teach how to be a journalist.</p>

<p>Yes, I have graduated. I got a marketing job only a month after I started my job search. My twin brother also got a editor job at the Dallas Morning News after graduating from Mizzou, only 2 months after starting his search.</p>