Whatever you learn in your life today is a step-stone which takes you to the next phase of your life. Similarly, each degree you earn is the base of your successful career.
While the question of MBA vs. MS (Masters in Science) may strike the minds of freshers from any graduate discipline that are eager to study abroad, it is more popular among B.E. / B.Tech students who have just completed or are in the final year of their engineering degree.
Business schools nowadays also accept the fact that GRE examination scores simplify the entry requirements for both degrees. Peer pressure is a significant driver, and so is the attraction to start a career abroad and earn attractive US dollars or study in UK.
A large proportion of BE / B.Tech students are also opting for domestic choices (MBA or M.Tech in India) as opposed to an MBA course abroad, making the problem a little more complicated than anticipated. Let us now roll up our sleeves and try figuring out everyone’s pros and cons in each option. But, prior to that, let us see what an MS degree is and what MBA degree is?
MBA Degree – What is it?
MBA is a master’s degree in business administration. It is a professional post-graduate degree awarded for business and management studies. MBA students study the theory and application of principles of business and management.
During the era of industrialization, the MBA degree originated in the United States when companies sought scientific approaches to business management. You can visit our official website if you want to know about the cost of Study MBA.
MBA core courses cover business areas such as accounting, applied statistics, business communication, business ethics, business law, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and operations.
Of MBA programs, several accreditation agencies ensure consistency and quality of education. Business schools also offer various types of MBA programs, including full-time, part-time, and executive programs.
Each of these is intended for professionals throughout their professions at different stages. And so, with regards to the duration of work experience, they have different requirements.
M.S. Degree – What is it?
The full form of M.S. is a Master of Science. It is a full-time 2-year course which is a degree granted by Universities to students completing their course either in Computer Science, Medicine or Engineering. On the other hand, various universities have diverse conventions and they also offer this degree in Social Science and Humanities course. You can visit our official website if you want to know about the cost of Study MS.
The M.S degree course offers advanced studies any one discipline. The M.S. course usually involves writing a research document or thesis.
The following factors address the differences between degrees of MS degree in engineering and MBA programs. They’ll help you decide: what’s better for you, MBA vs. MS?
1) Admission Criteria
A major determining factor is the admission criteria. Many institutions have unique MS and MBA admission requirements. Students may need to take additional exams such as GMAT and GRE.
MBA programs require students to have previous work experience in the field for which they apply. Work experience requirement is usually at least 1.5–2 years, but it can vary depending on the university you select. Similarly, when it comes to working experience, MS courses are less rigorous. Nevertheless, any research or published scientific work that you may have would certainly give you an edge over the other applicants.
2) Your Career Goals
Considering which program to choose, it is essential to find your future career path. MBA and MS are both advanced degrees; your choice should depend solely on your career goals. One most important factor to keep in mind is how you want to use your degree.
MS degrees are designed solely for the advancement of knowledge in a particular area. That type of degree offers you a thorough understanding that no other degree can complement. Choosing a master’s degree in engineering i.e. choosing anyone either MBA vs. MS for engineering students.
On the other hand, an MBA offers a more general education for the industry. Students pursuing a career in management and administration will find it helpful. It also provides you with the skills and knowledge required to work in various sectors.
3) The Academics
As far as uncertainty is concerned, all degrees are on an equal footing. MS courses, however, are more academically focused than MBA courses. MS programs rely on a lot of hands-on learning and conventional coursework. While MBA students also have sufficient time for academic courses, they receive training through research and internships relevant to the course.
4) Choice of your school
When choosing a university for MBA vs. MS programs, several things need to be addressed. It should be remembered factors such as the business internships provided for the MBA program and the MS program research opportunities. Until choosing to study at a particular school, students should also be careful. You may not find your ideal MBA or MS program at your chosen degree. You have to determine which degree or the choice of school is more important to you. You can have it both ways if you have luck on your side. Let us see the difference between the salaries offered for MS and MBA students, i.e. MBA vs. MS.
Salary offered to graduates after MS degree
- Computer Science – $81,466
- Engineering – $82,589
- Math and Science – $75,737
Salary offered to MBA graduates
- Consultation Industry – $90,900
- Finance Industry – $97,100
- Technology Industry – $89,633
- Other Industries – $89,675
Recently, we have seen a dramatic increase in the specializations offered by business schools and research institutions in the master’s programs. While some students still choose to follow popular programs like an MS in Computer Science or an MBA in Finance, others choose to pursue more uncommon degrees. Degrees of specialization such as MS in Finance or MBA in Biotechnology, offer both research and administration to graduates.
5) Better Return on Investment
The degrees of MBA and MS provide a route to higher wages, better career opportunities, and the opportunity to move to different regions of the world. Additionally, if you are already hired, you can compensate for the opportunity cost to do either. The cost of the opportunity covers the loss of wages while training and the expense of returning to school. MBA courses, 3-5 years after graduation, have shown a significantly high return on investment.
How to take a final call?
Here are some concerns you need to consider before you make a final call:
- Do you have the patience to work then go and study MBA abroad?
- Are you willing to make massive investments for an MBA degree abroad as most MBA courses are expensive, especially in some of the reputable B-schools abroad?
- Were you prepared to end your technical skills? If no, it would be ideal for your career to have an MS or MTech.
- Are you ready for research? If so, then your call is an MS or MTech. So, choose between an MBA vs. MS.
Trained engineers with appropriate graduate degrees and relevant research experience are in high demand. The technology sector has tremendous opportunities in manufacturing, oil and petrochemicals, vehicles, computer technology, communications, telecommunications, and many other industries. MBAs can also provide expertise in a variety of fields such as accounting, marketing, distribution, human resources, and management.
