Alternatives to the traditional MBA degree

Having worked with MBA programs for almost a decade, I have seen time and again how useful an MBA education can be for students with various educational backgrounds, professional experiences, and career goals.  However, an MBA isn't necessarily the right graduate degree for everyone.  I've met with many prospective students over the years who would be better served by pursuing a specialized master's degree in business.  A recent article posted on investopedia.com highlights some of the things to think about when deciding between an MBA and  a specialized master's degree.

While the Opus College of Business is well-known for its Evening MBA and Full-time MBA programs, there are several other graduate options designed for students with specific career interests.

Professionals with many years of managerial experience can join the Executive MBA program.  Students pursuing managerial careers in the ever-changing health care industry may be most interested in the Health Care MBA program.

Planning to sit for the CPA exam?  The MS in Accountancy program may be the right program for  you.

The Master of Business Communication program is designed for professionals working in fields such as corporate communications, public relations, marketing, and advertising.

The Master of Science in Real Estate program prepares its graduates to succeed in the complex real estate industry, offering courses ranging from real estate valuation to investment analysis and real estate law.

Earning a graduate degree in business can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to take your career to the next level.  Keep in mind, though, that it's important to determine your career goals before enrolling in a program.  You want to ensure that your time and money are well-invested, so doing thorough research about graduate program options should be the first step you take as you prepare for your graduate studies.