Anyone have an opinion on if I should go with a BS from a university with a "School of Business" or one with a "College of Professional Studies?" The type of program in question would be a degree in finance. The curriculum for all of them is more or less the same, so I didn't know if one would be better suited for a successful career in financial analysis, corporate finance, or investment management than the other. I also want to know if i'm failing to take anything significant into consideration.
Answers
Michael, I think it all depends on what you want to do afterwards. I received an MBA through a part time executive program at University of South Carolina's Moore School of Business. Honestly, I think the content of the program is as good as any other school out there, even top 10 schools (assuming you are putting in the appropriate effort). The difference is that banks and other financial based businesses can be pretty snobby about a job candidate's degree. The spectrum is this: if you want a job on Wall Street, the want to see Top 20 (even Top 10) business degrees. If you just want business tools to help with entrepreneurial endeavors, I think most any degree will work. For a financial analysis type job that you mentioned in your question, I would recommend the best ranked degree you can get. That will open more doors at banks that, like I said, are pretty snobby about degrees. Its an unfortunate situation. Last thing, online degrees are great for people that are trying to gain a few more tools for a goal they are trying to achieve but they are not the best thing for people who are just starting out. Businesses want to know you sat in a room with civilians and competed head to head. Also, I found that being in a classroom with civilians was a great way to start my transition and expose myself to civilians in a daily "work" environment. I recommend looking for some part time programs if you want to start/finish a degree while you are still in.
I go to NYU-School of Continuing and Professional Studies. DON'T DO IT. I regret that I didn't do any research on the school before I start my semester. Business Schools have sooooooooo much better reputation and higher chance to get interview. I plan to go to MBA after I graduate to make it up... If you are sure that you are going to MBA and you can graduate faster in "College of Professional Studies" then MAYBE YES. Keep it it mind that most of good MBA schools (ie, UPenn-Wharton and NYU-Stern) want you to have work experience before you apply. (some take military work experience too)
Peter made some great points.
If, after consideration, you decide that an on-line experience is good enough for your needs, check out New England College of Bus and Finance, www.necb.edu.
Good Luck,
Arnie Scott
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