Georgetown MSF vs Part time MBA

I was recently accepted to Georgetown's Online MSF program, and am strongly considering accepting the offer. I am a former Naval Submarine Officer/Nuclear Engineer who is working as a Consultant at large, Washington, D.C. consulting firm that specializes in cost analysis, primarily on government/defense projects. My goal is to break into private equity at some point, and one day become the CEO of a company.

I am weighing up my options, and would appreciate any insight. I am 32, and have 10 years work experience in both the Navy and private sector. I did not go for an MBA because of the opportunity cost associated with it (I was offered several lucrative jobs when I was transitioning from the military, so I did not see the need to spend time and money on an MBA when I could be getting work experience and making money). At this point, I am too old to get into a top 10 program, so I do not want to waste my time applying. The MSF program intrigued me because it will be virtually free for me because I have GI Bill benefits, and the online format will work well with my schedule. However, I am not sure if the juice will be worth the squeeze. I am primarily relying on my work experience and job performance to get me the jobs I want. I thought this degree would give me the background in finance I need to transition from consulting to PE. I am also looking into getting a part time/EMBA at Wharton, UVA, Columbia, or Georgetown. The few people I have spoken with have advised against the MSF and advocated an MBA. However, I would rather go the MSF route because it will give me a harder skillset and the format is better for me.

Should I go for the MSF or apply for part-time MBA/EMBA programs?

5 Comments
 
Best Response

You should do an MSF. Frankly, if I were in your shoes, I think your instinct is correct that you need a harder skill set. The fluff in most MBA programs that do not correlate to Finance is just plain unnecessary. Besides, an MSF would be a shorter time frame and likely lower cost. Plus, the MSF could, depending on coursework be more keyed to a CFA exam should you choose to do the CFA down the road.

 

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