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MBA/MArch really worth it?

joben

I know there have been a bunch of posts related to this question, but mine is a bit more specific to my situation and just wanted to get some feedback on what you guys thought. I just graduated and unfortunately missed the cut off to apply to the fall 2009 MArch programs. I have looked at this though as somewhat of a blessing because it is giving me some time to figure a few things out and allowing me time to take a bunch of courses at the local community college near me. Anyway, after doing countless research, I feel that it would be a smart move to probably try and dual masters while I try and get my MArch degree... I thought the most profitable and the most rewarding ($$$) dual degree would be getting my MArch/MBA. I thought the MBA would help me maybe one day open my own firm, but I am not really too sure if its necessary to get an MBA to do this. While I am at the community college this year I hope to take a few finance/buisness/accounting/management courses because I have been hearing this might be all the knowledge I might need to one day eventually go that route. If anyone has any recommendations on which courses might be the smartest to focus on (management vs. finance vs. buisness, etc) I would really like to hear what you have to say. With that being said I am trying to figure out why someone would get the dual degree (MBA/MArch) in the first place? I feel if you have an MBA you will end up using that degree over architecture because of the money you spent to get the degree and the different opportunities that degree will open for you. Can someone answer this question as to what are some of the reasons someone would get both masters if they wanted to go into architecture? Also since I still wanted to dual masters in something, I was possibly looking at getting a dual masters in regional planning/MArch degree instead... These two fields, from what I have been noticing more and more, and very intertwined and go well together. Also this Masters of regional planning degree might be a good fall back if the economy is in the crapper still and it might be hard to find work as an architect. Should I maybe rethink this strategy and possibly work toward the MBA/MArch dual degree? or is my plan of maybe taking a few buisness/management/etc class at the community college and than trying to get a dual degree in MRP/MArch the better choice?

 
Jun 27, 09 12:57 pm
trace™

Business skills are valuable in any profession. Having an MBA solidifies those skills. If you want to move up in a company, start a company, etc., etc. those skills will be helpful.

For me, personally, I am interested in my own projects. Therefore, I need to know how everything works. Also, I run show, so business skills, from Quickbooks to pro formas to contracts are essential.

FYI, I ahve a minor in business and it ain't nearly enough.


I'd tell anyone to get a MArch/MBA in RE. Parts might be overkill, but you never know what the future will hold (and the MBA I have been considering none of the classes will be overkill).

It simply gives you options later on. Not much you can do with a MArch right now, in this economy.



As to why people simply don't just pursue straight-up corporate America, some of us thrive on design (although, I admit, I get much pleasure and fulfillment out of getting things done, start to finish, much more so than I thought I would). Money is very, very important, but it isn't everything.

Jun 27, 09 9:27 pm  · 
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j'aime

does any one know if there is a M.arch II/MRED dual degree program anywhere?

Jun 29, 09 1:20 pm  · 
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"The Co-op Guy"

Harvard has a Masters of Design Studies in Real Estate and Project Management

Jun 30, 09 6:03 pm  · 
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trace™

Columbia has a dual degree program

Jul 1, 09 8:53 am  · 
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