Harvard, Wharton Re-Claim Top Spots in Financial Times 2020 Ranking
The Financial Times 2020 ranking of the world’s best full-time MBA programs sees Harvard Business School re-claiming the top spot, with the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School moving back to second place.
Continue reading…Top 5 California Salaries for Business School Grads
California’s a great place to jump into business grad school. Depending on what part of the state you choose, you got mountains, beaches, and endless sunshine. On top of that, California is among Forbes’ best states for business. California is 31st, in fact. And with the fifth-biggest economy in the world at $3 trillion, the state offers plenty of opportunity for those looking to make it in the world of business.
Continue reading…Indiana, UNC Keep Top Spot in New U.S. News Online MBA Ranking
One year after the University of Indiana Kelley School of Business and University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School grabbed the top mantle in the U.S. News & World Report “Best Online MBA Programs” list, the two schools managed to hold the first spot yet again in the publication’s updated 2020 Online MBA ranking.
Continue reading…Masters Advantage: Business Analytics or Accounting?
A specialized master’s degree can be a valuable tool for enhancing your career prospects. If you have a specific career in mind—financial analysis, marketing, statistics, etc.—a master’s degree in your specialty can provide you with the advanced training you need to be successful. So, the question is, what specialized masters is right for you and will give you the advantage you want?
To help you out, we’re putting the most popular master’s degrees head-to-head in our new series. First up, we’re comparing Business Analytics and Accounting.
What is a Master’s in Business Analytics?
A Master’s in Business Analytics is designed for students interested in big data. These individuals are interested in using machine learning algorithms to process data and draw conclusions in everything from sports to consulting, manufacturing, and healthcare. It’s all about making sense of vast amounts of data to streamline business.
What is a Master’s in Accounting?
A Master’s in Accounting is exactly what it sounds like—it’s hyper-focused on accounting. Individuals who choose this path are interested in completing their CPA examination and pursuing a career in corporate accounting. You’ll be prepared to take a strategic accounting role in audit, tax, financial management, and more.
Business Analytics or Accounting: Coursework
There’s some overlap in the coursework you’ll take as an accounting master’s student and a business analytics student. Both master’s programs delve into financial topics and include finance-related courses. In fact, some Master’s in Business Analytics programs offer a professional track in finance.
Also, in both cases, you’ll dive into analytical techniques and data modeling—though in the Accounting program it will always emphasize finance and accounting areas whereas Business Analytics tends to be more generic.
However, that’s where the similarities end. In Business Analytics, you’ll dive deep into computer programming, statistics, machine learning, and visualization. On the other hand, a Master’s in Accounting will take you into financial reporting, auditing, business taxation, business law, and management accounting.
Business Analytics or Accounting: Accessibility
Both master’s degrees can typically be completed in 12 months with some programs lasting up to two years. In addition, students can complete either program through full-time, part-time, online, or hybrid tracks. What’s different is the application process and what type of student is best suited to each program.
Business Analytics students must be mathematically inclined and gifted in quantitative fields. Many of these Master’s programs are STEM-designated, so candidates must be prepared to demonstrate high grades and test scores in these subjects.
Master’s in Accounting applicants are expected to have a strong background in accounting, often having earned their undergraduate degree in the same field. Work experience is not typically required unless the student has no practical training in accounting.
Business Analytics or Accounting: Careers
As a Business Analyst, you may earn a higher salary than an accountant when starting—around $15,000 more—and you’ll have more job opportunities. A Master’s in Business Analytics graduate can work in a variety of analyst roles in everything from marketing to finance, strategy, and statistics. While, on the other hand, a Master’s in Accounting graduate is typically regulated to an accounting, tax, or audit career.
Business Analysts are in high demand and have many opportunities regarding their careers, typically earning around $85,000 to start. They can work in almost any industry and in a variety of job functions, including:
- Business analyst
- Budget analyst
- Financial analyst
- Corporate strategy analyst
- Actuary
- Social media data analyst
- Business intelligence analyst
- Machine learning analyst
Master’s in Accounting graduates are also in high demand and can work in a range of industries. Everyone from public accounting firms to government organizations, financial institutions, and nonprofits need accountants. However, when it comes to job functions, graduates are typically limited to working as an accountant or an auditor earning around $69,000 to start.
Business Analytics or Accounting: The Top Programs
To earn your Master’s in Business Analytics or Accounting, there are many top programs across the country that are highly regarded. It all depends on your specific interests and goals.
If you want the best of both worlds, the USC Marshall School of Business is the only program to be in the top five for both degrees. It is highly regarded for offering great flexibility and quality curriculum.
In the Midwest, one of the top Master’s program for Business Analytics can be found at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Its MS Business Analytics and Information Management program is 11 months long, affordable, and STEM-oriented. For a Master’s in Accounting, you should look toward the University of Illinois Gies College of Business, which offers the best STEM-designated accounting program in the country with a 98 percent job placement rate.
On the East Coast, MIT Sloan offers the best Master’s in Business Analytics program with 100 percent of the most recent graduating class earning employment offers by graduation. Whereas NYU Stern an excellent Master of Science in Accounting, ranked 9th overall by the U.S. News & World Report.
The 5 Best Part-Time California MBA Programs
Despite the various challenges of doing business in California, the Golden State remains a powerful driver of business and tech innovation in the U.S. The state even outpaces Great Britain’s GDP in 2018, making it the world’s fifth-largest economy.
For business leaders looking to advance their careers in California without interrupting their current gig, a part-time MBA might be the optimal choice. Let’s take a look at the five best part-time California MBA programs.
5 Best Part-Time California MBA Programs
The UC Berkeley Haas School of Business Evening and Weekend MBA program was named best in the nation by U.S. New & World Report in 2019. This part-time MBA degree is typically completed in two-and-a-half-to-three years, affording students easy access to the Bay Area’s plethora of internship and employment opportunities. The experiential learning focus of the program ensures students have ample opportunities to take on hands-on projects as part of their studies. Tuition for part-time in-state students is $3,363 per credit and $3,363 per credit for out-of-state students.
The UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Fully Employed MBA Program (FEMBA) has been touted as “#1 in SoCal” for over 20 years by U.S. News & World Report. Anderson FEMBA students have three choices when it comes to the scheduling of their part-time MBA: Classes all-day on Saturdays, Tuesday, and Thursday evening classes, or the hybrid schedule, which combines online study with one weekend visit to campus each month. Participants can expect to spend two-and-a-half-to-three years to complete the FEMBA (with both accelerated and extended study options also available). FEMBA has a distinctly international focus, with a diverse student body, access to international study opportunities, and a required international project. Tuition is $42,420 per year.
The USC Marshall School of Business part-time MBA is ranks among the top 15 in the nation, according to U.S. News. The degree is designed specifically for early-career professionals and managers looking for a flexible schedule. The curriculum is divided into core business courses, all taken in the first year, then over 100 electives from which to choose. First-year MBAs can opt for one of two campuses in Los Angeles proper and just outside the city limits. The program duration is three years, and both accelerated and extended are available. With “deep roots” in Southern California and a global alumni network, part-time tuition is $1,912 per credit.
Santa Clara Leavey’s School of Business Evening MBA ranks in the top five part-time programs both among California state schools and national Jesuit schools. With evening classes twice per week, participants can expect to take two years to earn their MBA and must have at least three years of related work experience to begin the program. Located in Silicon Valley, Leavey offers students prime geographic access to tech companies for networking and employment opportunities. Part-time tuition is easily among the most affordable of the high-ranking CA schools, at $1,108 per credit.
The part-time MBA at UC Davis’s Graduate School of Management ranks in the top 9 percent nationally (28th overall). Students take Friday and Saturday classes at campuses in either Sacramento or the Bay Area and can choose between a two-year and four-year pace for their degree. The flexibility in location allows students the option of access to professional benefits of Bay Area or Sacramento. UC Davis also boasts an 83 percent first-year ROI following graduation. Tuition for part-time students is $1,520 per credit for in-state and out-of-state applicants.
School v. School: Arizona State v. USC
California or Arizona? Los Angeles or Phoenix? Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business of USC Marshall Business School?
It’s not so easy deciding where you should go to school for your MBA degree. There are many elements to consider including the location, cost of attendance, school rankings, post-graduation opportunities, and type of programs available. To help simplify the process for you, our School vs. School series takes a look at two similar top b-schools to compare and contrast what they offer.
Today, we’re taking a look at ASU vs. USC to see which is best for you. Continue reading…
