MBA programs can open doors to key career advancement
Finding an MBA program in Houston can be a quest that’s easily completed, whether it’s online or a classroom experience you’re seeking.
The MBA, a postgraduate degree awarded to students who have mastered the study of business, is thought to be one of the most prestigious and sought-after degrees in the world, according to www. businessmajors.about.com.
The importance of theory and the application business and management principles are concepts introduced in this endeavor and are a vital asset to an advanced career path.
In Houston, major university choices from Rice University to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, the University of Texas, Tulane University, and University of Houston-Downtown have a presence, with a variety of offerings. Students can find online options and classroom settings depending on a person’s schedule and program chosen.
Different types of MBA disciplines, which can vary from university to university, are able to touch on subjects in numerous industries.
MBA disciplines include accounting, business management, E-business/ E-commerce, economics, entrepreneurship, technology management, strategic/risk management, operations management, marketing, finance, global management, human resources and information systems.
Dalia Pineda, director, admissions and recruitment, graduate and professional programs at the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, said MBA programs have options that differ in time commitment and also in the type of MBA a student may pursue.
The Bauer College of Business offers a full-time, professional and executive MBA program. Each has their own flexibility in choosing electives, scheduling options and the length of time dedicated to completing the degree.
A full-time MBA is an 18- to 22-month, rigorous program, and the professional program, which takes 22 months, offers evening courses for the working professional with flexible scheduling options.
An executive MBA, which is the University of Houston’s original EMBA program, focuses on leadership skills necessary to assume top-level positions within corporations, the government or non-profit organizations.
The University of Houston-Downtown has seen a dramatic increase in enrollment in its MBA program, which grew from 340 students in fall 2014 to 770 for the 2015 fall semester.
UHD’s College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International (AACSB), the premier accrediting body for business school programs. Only the top 15 percent of the world’s 12,000 business schools have this accreditation.
All of UHD courses are team-taught by top executives paired with faculty aiding in their students’ success.
“Through the MBA program at UHD, I’ve gained skills that allow me to better understand my clients’ businesses, and the complexities of the financial transactions involved in their deals,” said Aaron Roffwarg, UHD MBA student and Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP. “This additional knowledge has helped me to be better at what I do, as well as allowing me to expand into new areas.”
Students from all walks of life are striving to attain their MBAs which accounts for the range of programs offered, Pineda said.
She stated their goal is to provide all-encompassing options for every type of student.
“We have a suite of MBA programs,” Pineda said. “We have professionals who have already been in their career, and some who are early on. It’s really important to get your seat at the table in terms of management and in leadership.”
Pineda emphasized the importance of finding the right fit for what a student’s career and personal outlooks are.
“An MBA serves a purpose where the knowledge base comes in all of these areas. This gives you the confidence needed to understand business as a whole. It’s then you can create a niche and go into a variety of areas you want to hone in on,” she said.