Value of an MBA

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) released the data and summary report for the 2008 Global MBA Graduate Survey.  The report includes key findings specifically related to the “value” of the degree, as well as salary expectations for MBA program graduates.

One of the most interesting items in the report is the comparison (by program type) of student satisfaction levels.   The program types  analyzed include  Full-Time, Part-Time, and Executive MBA.

For additional information/opinions about the value of an MBA degree, please visit:

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Value of an MBA

MBA Healthcare

MBA degrees are no longer tailored specifically to marketing and general business principles. Graduate schools are now providing MBA programs in various disciplines and fields of study. One of the more popular MBA programs is the MBA in Healthcare.

Health care companies crave MBAs because of the spiraling costs within the industry (according to Del Jones for USA Today). The emerging technologies also create the need for MBA-caliber management. MBA graduates in this discipline often enter positions as Payment Analysts, Directors of Nurisng, Hospital CFOs/CEOs, Health Care Product Managers, and Analysis Managers.

Many sources rate the salaries of Healthcare MBA graduates in the $100k range.

2009 Business School Rankings

U.S. News & World Report released its rankings for Top Graduate Schools of 2009.  In MBA programs, Harvard, Stanford, Penn (Wharton), MIT, and Northwestern (Kellogg) composed the top 5.  Please Visit 2009 Business Schools for the detailed ranking.

Women in MBA Programs

Currently, about half of the people who take the GMAT are female. However, women only compose 30% of the enrolled population in MBA Programs. Thirty percent is a significant increase from 20-30 years ago, but it suggests that there is still a gender imbalance in the collective MBA programs.

The disparity between men and women in graduate business school has prompted some schools to adopt new recruiting methods aimed at potential female applicants.

Why MBA Programs?

An MBA degree is versatile and can add value to any field. MBA graduates work in a variety of different settings and industries. Today, graduate schools are offering MBA degrees in specific fields such as MBA in Accounting, MBA in Ecommerce, and MBA in entrepreneurship.

An MBA will deliver a general management education and help a graduate’s chances of moving into senior-level positions. MBA graduates are often the highest paid employees within the US. with median salaries near $100k per year.

Reasons Women do not Enroll in MBA Programs

Common excuses:

• There are not enough women role models and business leaders.
• The faculty is male-dominated.
• MBA programs are inflexible and not compatible with family/home/work life.

Resources

professional organizations for women:

American Business Women’s Association (ABWA)