Moderator: Welcome to Viewpoint with our guest, Dr. John Glennie. Dr. Glennie, thank you for joining us. Let's begin with this question: What are the pros and cons of an EMBA degree compared with an MBA degree? Compared with a part-time MBA program?
Dr. John Glennie: Thanks very much for having me on Viewpoint. I'm looking forward to answering questions from viewers.
The EMBA and MBA are similar in many ways. Good programs in each do a lot to give students the knowledge base and skill set they need to boost their careers. The EMBA caters more toward the mid-career professional, with five-plus years of experience in management and related areas. It provides a great opportunity for networking. At Troy State, our EMBA is cohort-based, and builds in convenience as well as academic rigor. It gives credit for work experience.
The target market for the MBA is more generalized, and the experience levels of students may vary greatly. But the structure of MBA and EMBA degree programs are similar. Part-time MBA programs take lots of forms and formats, and are best considered on a case-by-case basis. At Troy State, our part-time MBA program has a 36-semester hour requirement, offers courses on weekends and evenings, and is designed to accomodate the needs of the working professional.
A recent poll of Canadian executives, interestingly, showed a slight preference of EMBA over MBA degrees.
Alexandria, Va.: I am a mid-career professional. What should my considerations be to decide if one of these programs is for me?
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Alexandria:
I think the most important issue is to set your own goals, defining the kind of future career you wish to have. Graduate education in business is generally pursued at mid-career by those wanting to get an extra edge on the competition in their present settings or looking to make a career change, for example from a technical role to one of management. I teach a lot of military students, and those approaching retirement still have lots of work years left but want to transition to the private sector. The desire to start one's own business is another driving factor in embarking of a program in graduate education in business or management.
Washington, D.C.: Greetings Dr. Glennie -- I was glad to find this discussion today, and would appreciate any guidance you may be able to offer. I've been working in the public relations field for four years since I graduated from college. I like my job and the field but am not sure if it's what I want to do for my entire working life. For this reason, I have been looking into grad school, including some daytime and evening business programs. But I feel like I don't know enough about business school to know if it would be right for my career. To tell you the truth, I don't aspire to be a senior manager or do anything financial -- I would just like to have more expertise, possibly do public relations or marketing in-house for a company, and that seems to be something that business school offers. Another thing that's on my mind is that these days, it seems like everyone is going back to grad school and I am feeling pressure because of that. From what I've told you, do you think business school would make sense for me? Or can you offer any advice on how I can figure out if I should go to business school? Thanks!
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Washington:
Thank you for your questions.
I know it can be very difficult to sort out what business programs, if any, make sense. What I suggest is this: see if you can identify some professionals who have a few years experience on you and who may be doing what you might like to do as you get older. Ask them how they got there, how they prepared, whether they like what they do. This should help you refine your own goals. Then, look at business school catalogues, meet some business school alums, and ask them to tell you the pros and cons. Keep looking, keep asking, and you will get clarity.
Virginia Beach, Va.: The EMBA degree sounds like something I would be interested in. What are some of the requirements for admission in to the program?
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Virginia Beach:
Thanks for your question.
Because the EMBA Program at Troy State caters to the mid-career professional, we require a minimum of five years professional experience along with a letter of recommendation from an employer. In addition, one must have an undergraduate degree from a regionally-accredited university (or equivalent, if overseas) and threshold scores on the GMAT or GRE. Please check our Web site www.tsuar.edu for more information.
Somewhere, USA: Hello, I appreciate your answering my question. I graduated three years ago. My diploma is in commercal accounting and I want to obtain a degree within a very short period of time. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you.
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Somewhere:
I'm happy to answer your question, and thank you for asking.
There are ways to complete an MBA degree relatively quickly, although it can be pretty intensive. At Troy State, our part-time MBA program has a 36-semester hour requirement, with courses offered during weekends as well as evenings. If one is a business major as an undergrad and therefore has no prerequisite courses, the program generally can be done in 15 to 18 months. We also offer courses on a five-term academic calender, so there is no down time due to summer breaks and the like.
The EMBA is designed to be taken over a two-year time frame.
Norfolk, Va.: I am currently in the military. What do I have to do to qualify for the EMBA program?
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Norfolk:
Thanks very much for your question.
You are not alone. A lot of military personnel, some looking toward a transition to the private sector and others looking to build their skill base to advance further in the military have shown lots of interest in the EMBA program.
Basically, the requirements are five-plus years professional experience (such as military), an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, and letter of recommendation from a supervisor, and scores on the GMAT / GRE. More specifics are on our Web site www.tsuar.edu
By the way, the EMBA Program at TSU is financially supported by the military.
Washington, D.C.: Are there any significant benefits for an attorney who wants to earn an MBA or is there little payoff for the time and financial investment?
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Washington:
There can be huge benefits, as a lot of legal practice involves one aspect of business or another, for example, commercial litigation, certain regulatory law, and so on. And it certainly can make for a more effective cross-examination of a busienss / economic expert witness.
I suggest you think about the EMBA program. It targets people like you - successful professionals - and good EMBA programs build in the academic rigor and convenience to make it all manageable.
Washington, D.C.: The way the current job market is, will it be wise to leave a legal job with the government to enroll in an MBA program? I received a full fellowship to attend an MBA program (full-time) but I will have to relocate. I would appreciate your help.
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Washington:
You have wonderful choices, but I'd point out that the cost of tuition in an MBA program, high as it is, is not the greatest cost in your case - that is the cost of giving up your income for two years.
I would think about that very carefully. If you have not done so already, get data from the school you are planning to attend, asking them the percentage of last year's graduates who are meaningfully employed, what their starting salary is, what the incomes of earlier classes are five to 10 years out. Then, run the numbers in present value.
If you have doubts, why not think of part time MBA / EMBA Programs where you could get your degree without giving up your job. And, being in the government, I suspect your tuition would be reimbursed.
Madurai, TamilNadu, India.: Can I study this course by distance education? I am a degree graduate in mathematics. I am doing food processing (pickles) business here in Madurai. Thanking you.
Dr. John Glennie: Hello India:
Thank you for your questions. I am delighted to hear from someone so far away.
For reference, let me say that it may not be necessary to study online to get a quality MBA / EMBA degree. Troy State University has programs in Asia, and is to start up a new program soon in India. You can get more information on the Troy State University Web site under "University College." Alternatively, in our EMBA, students must be in three one-week residencies in the U.S., but the rest of the program is via the Internet. We have found some overseas students find that a very attractive option.
And yes, the MBA may be taken entirely via the Internet as well.
Arlington, Va.: Good Afternoon. What is your opinion on the pros and cons of getting an MBA from a less established program than getting one from a top-20 program? My problem is choosing between a third-tier program that is offering a partial scholarship and a top program that I would fully finance on my own, with a difference of about $20-25,000.
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Arlington:
That's a great question. Teaching marketing strategy as I do, I tend to think of the issue you raise as one of the value of a brand name.
In my own view, the value of a top-20 brand is greatest to a student / graduate with relatively little work experience who aspires to a career in a top-flight consulting firm or investment bank. These employers often use the MBA degree from the best- known schools as a screening tool in recruiting.
Mid-career professionals are known quantities. They have a track record in place. For them, the value of the brand of the business school from which they hold their degree is less critical, in my experience.
Bethesda, Md.: Hi Dr. Glennie - Thanks for the discussion. I'm wondering what you think is the benefit of an MBA over a master's degree. I found an interesting master's program in my field, and although an MBA sounds more professional, I don't exactly aim to be a manager, just an expert in my field. I've only been working for four years since college and am interested in going to night school. Do you think a master's would make more sense at this time? And in the long run, do you think getting a master's vs. an MBA would make a big difference?
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Bethesda:
Thanks for your question.
I think there's no question that the MBA / EMBA degree stands out as the most widely recognized degree in the business world. But the answer in your case, I sense, comes down to the kind of career you want to continue to develop. The MBA / EMBA typically is for the individual aspiring to a general management position, or a high level of responsibility in a functional area covered in a business school curriculum, for example, marketing or finance or human resources. But a MA degree building more specialization in your current field has its good points, too. Why not seek out and talk the pros and cons with those who have taken different routes to get to where you see yourself being down the road?
Washington, D.C.: Dr. Glennie - Have you noticed much difference in the quality of students and the education they recieve at TSUAR compared to other institutions at which you have instructed? Also, other than the cost benefit what differentiates TSU from other, local, MBA programs?
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Washington:
What a wonderful question! And, first, let me say I've known excellent students and faculty at each institution where I have taught.
I do believe, though, that Troy State University - Atlantic Region (TSUAR) stands out in certain ways. I have never taught in a business program where more emphasis on academic quality is placed than TSUAR. You see tangible evidence of this in the contact (in-class) hours / course and in the seriousness with which academic administrators take student course evaluations. Classes also tend to be smaller than in other institutions where I have taught. TSUAR students are dedicated professionals, with an average age of mid-30s and they bring maturity as well as a wealth of professional experience to the classroom, which makes for stimulating discussions in an academic environment.
In short, I'm delighted to be on the full-time faculty of TSUAR.
Idaho Falls, Idaho: What is better, a law degree or an MBA when considering working as a consultant?
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Idaho Falls:
It depends upon the type of consulting you plan to do. Generally, I think of pursuing a law degree with the intention of practicing law, but of course people use the JD degree as a springboard to lots of different things. Ask yourself: which kind of educational foundation, JD vs. MBA / EMBA, would help me more in the consulting practice I have in mind?
In my experience, generally the MBA / EMBA degree is more helpful in establishing and maintaining a successful practice in consulting.
Northern Virginia: I graduated eight years ago with an IT degree and am now happy and successful as a manager in the IT field earning in the mid-80s. My manager said that our company recognizes those that acquire degrees with a raise, but I don't know how much. And my manager gave little other reasoning to get one ... is my manager hinting that I should get one? And if my career seems to be progressing fine without a graduate degree is there any reason to get one? Thanks!
Dr. John Glennie: Hello Northern Virginia:
It sounds to me that your company's rewarding those who acquire degrees with a raise indicates that they value having the degree. If you are looking to continue to get ahead, I'd give obtaining a degree some thought. Why not check the situation out with those in your company who did get a degree and see how they feel?
Dr. John Glennie: Thank you very much for sending in your excellent questions about graduate education in business. I appreciate being on Viewpoint, and wish you all the very best as you continue in the development of your careers. And, thank you, Mr. Moderator, for all your support in this undertaking.
Moderator: Our thanks to Dr. John Glennie, Troy State University - Atlantic Region and all who participated.
Many mid-career professionals face the question of what they should do to get ahead in their careers. Graduate education in business may be an option, but is it worth the money and effort it would take to get an MBA or EMBA degree? Dr. John Glennie of Troy State University - Atlantic Region was online to consider this topic from different perspectives. 
