Possible MBA Options

Possible MBA Options.

The Economy is horrible for the Financial Industry. I need to find a way to advance my career without giving up my current job. Who’s to say, quitting your job and attending school full time will result in the desired career post graduation? I have decided to apply for evening MBA classes at a local state institution.

Evening / Part time MBA programs in Atlanta Area.

Extreme Reach:

Emory: Roberto C. Goizueta Business School

I think Emory is everyone’s goal for Business School in Atlanta. It has a great reputation nation wide, and a great curriculum. However the entire middle 80% GMAT score is greater than my score. It costs $150.00 to apply, and I don’t have the time to write three unique essays for a program I may not get into. Current admissions statistics for Emory’s incoming class is doable, but unlikely. Emory is also expensive compared to a “state school”. Due to the extreme reach for acceptance, I will postpone applying until I have heard from my two priority schools.

Realistic Opportunities:

Georgia State University Professional MBA

“The PMBA is part of Georgia State University's premier MBA portfolio, which is consistently ranked among the best in the nation and has been listed in the U.S. News and World Report in the top 10 for the past 14 consecutive years.”

GSU is a very good regionally powerful MBA program. GSU has no “Full Time MBA” program, rather chooses to focus on professional and part time students; an interesting niche for an inspiring program. They are ranked in Business Week as well for the part time program.

Georgia Technical Institute: College of Management

Georgia Tech changed the name of the MS in Management degree to MBA (a better reflection of the content of the curriculum). Since the name change, the program has become ranked and is steadily moving upward. However the newly developed evening program has no such ranking. Once an MBA has been earned from this institution, the diploma states Masters in Business Administration. Nationally, I assume this degree has a lot of merit since the “Evening designation” is nowhere to be found on the Diploma.

The regular MBA admissions standards are pretty competitive when compared to those of the evening MBA. Since essentially, I can obtain the same degree with the Evening standards of admission as those who are admitted in the regular program, this is a very good option for an MBA.

Safety School: Second Wave of Applications (If Needed)

Mercer: Stetson School of Business Atlanta

Deadline to apply Dec 1. If I don’t get into one of my realistic target schools, I will apply since this is hopefully my fail safe for an MBA program.

Kennesaw State University: Coles College of Business

I have heard pretty solid reviews locally, however this university is unranked. The lack of ranking scares me away from applying.

Last Ditch Attempt:

University of Georgia: Terry School of Business Buckhead Campus

“Fast Track” only starts in Fall 2010. Terry’s Full time MBA is ranked 49th. However, the part time program is changing formats this year, is currently unranked, and only begins in the Fall. The admissions deadline is not until April, so this program fits what I call my “third wave of applications” if needed. Plus, as a graduate of the University of Florida for my undergrad, consequently I would have a very difficult time paying money to the University of Georgia.

Next post: Preparing to apply