Accepted into WGU MSML and UTPB MBA

[mohelena02]

This will be a long thread!

Thanks to this forum I discovered TAMUC's BAAS program which I successfully completed this Summer, my entire goal with this journey from the start was to get a Master's degree, so I had been eyeing WGU's offerings. My main goal is to also spend as little as possible due to financial constraints.

I got accepted into WGU's MSML which I plan on completing in one term (I completed my entire BAAS in 8 months starting from zero credits, so I am confident I can do this.)

I plan on starting the MBA program at UTPB either in the Spring or Summer 2023 semester, after the WGU program. I applied now because they are still waiving the GMAT requirement, I think due to Covid but I am not sure, so I wanted to get in while I could. I want to do this program because of its AACSB accreditation, the UT brand (in Texas it's a big deal) and the fact that with in-state tuition it's one of the cheapest MBAs. 

Questions-
Do I have to tell UTPB about my WGU MSML?
Debating between the general MBA and the MBA with Analytics concentration -- I have been thinking of pushing my career towards Data Analytics (I am a project manager) and have been pursuing online materials about it, I am currently doing the Google Data Analytics Certificate course. 

Thanks for your input and thanks to this forum for all the support along my journey!!

[rachel83az]

IMO, if you're interested in Analytics, and can handle the coursework, there are no downsides to getting an MBA with Analytics concentration. An MBA w/ Analytics can (AFAIK) serve just as well as a generic MBA. On the other hand, an MBA with no concentrations won't be of any use if you apply to jobs that want Analytics.

[mohelena02]

IMO, if you're interested in Analytics, and can handle the coursework, there are no downsides to getting an MBA with Analytics concentration. An MBA w/ Analytics can (AFAIK) serve just as well as a generic MBA. On the other hand, an MBA with no concentrations won't be of any use if you apply to jobs that want Analytics.

Thank you! I plan on taking the MBA slowly so I am 95% sure I will pursue the analytics one!

[ThatBankDude]

The field of analytics is a tough field to get into without extensive knowledge of statistics and so forth. If you are seriously interested in analytics, I'd recommend a Business Analytics program or a Statistics program. Learn Python (Numpy, Pandas, Scikit-Learn, etc.) and all thinks supervised and unsupervised learning wise. Feel free to PM me with questions but I'd avoid both programs if serious about analytics.

[ss20ts]

What's UTPB?

[mohelena02]

What's UTPB?

 
The University of Texas Permian Basin

[freeloader]

What's UTPB?

 
The University of Texas Permian Basin

You doing this in person?  I was unaware that UTPB had an analytics program online.  Rio Grande Valley does…

[mohelena02]

What's UTPB?

 
The University of Texas Permian Basin

You doing this in person?  I was unaware that UTPB had an analytics program online.  Rio Grande Valley does…

It's not really an analytics program, its just two analytics courses attached to the MBA - they don't seem that intense either, based on what I am seeing.

I will be doing it fully remote!

[Cowabunga Dude]

First off, congrats!

Second, to answer your questions:

Do I have to tell UTPB about my WGU MSML?
No, I don't see why. I don't see a benefit either way. 

Debating between the general MBA and the MBA with Analytics concentration -- I have been thinking of pushing my career towards Data Analytics (I am a project manager) and have been pursuing online materials about it, I am currently doing the Google Data Analytics Certificate course.
If you can get an MBA with specialization, do it! They don't all offer them. UTPB is a good school and AACSB accredited - some people may not be as familiar with it down the line if you ever relocate - so the specialization will give them another anchor point to determine the relevancy of your degree. That aside, it's worth the two course just to see if you like the topic. You could always get an MS in that area if you like it or want to pursue that career further. 

Looking forward to hearing more about your experience at UTPB's MBA program - that's one I'm considering too!

[mohelena02]

First off, congrats!

Second, to answer your questions:

Do I have to tell UTPB about my WGU MSML?
No, I don't see why. I don't see a benefit either way. 

Debating between the general MBA and the MBA with Analytics concentration -- I have been thinking of pushing my career towards Data Analytics (I am a project manager) and have been pursuing online materials about it, I am currently doing the Google Data Analytics Certificate course.
If you can get an MBA with specialization, do it! They don't all offer them. UTPB is a good school and AACSB accredited - some people may not be as familiar with it down the line if you ever relocate - so the specialization will give them another anchor point to determine the relevancy of your degree. That aside, it's worth the two course just to see if you like the topic. You could always get an MS in that area if you like it or want to pursue that career further. 

Looking forward to hearing more about your experience at UTPB's MBA program - that's one I'm considering too!

Thank you for your response! I am looking forward to this degree and am excited to be in the UT System!
I won't start this program till next year but I will keep this forum updated.