WGU-- MBA Information Technology Management

Hatch1921

Hi all,

I have one more semester to go before I complete a BS in Tech Management. I've looked over the WGU programs and I'm still interested. I originally posted a thread asking about the Network Management program and I received a lot of great info. (thank you)

I would like to know more about the MBA Tech Management program... if you are in it... or you have completed the program... would you mind sharing your thoughts?

Thanks,
Hatch

srabiee

I've been asking for info on the MS:NM program for a long time, with very little replies. The problem is, MS:ISA is much more popular around these forums. There are only 1 or 2 people that I know of in the MBA:ITM program, and maybe 1 person in the MS:NM program. I'm still trying to decide between MS:ISA and MS:NM myself.

j23evan

I wonder if WGU would actually post what the percentage of people taking each Masters Degree course. I myself am going to get a second bachelors in it management from WGU before I go into the MS:ISA program. Based on these forums, which I believe is indicative of the IT field is ISA is the flavor of the month and I dont see it changing any time soon. Though unfortunately that will lead to a glut of infosec people. Perhaps network management is the smart choice to seperate yourself from the herd.

What are your guys thoughts on pursuing the NM degree?

N2IT

I graduated from WGU's MBA - Strategic Management program. I thought it was very challenging however I learned quite a bit. I have managed in the past and now I am in business analyst role and the program really helped fill in some knowledge gaps and help me develop some additional skills.

gbdavidx

why don't you contact an adviser?

Hatch1921

j23evan wrote: »

I wonder if WGU would actually post what the percentage of people taking each Masters Degree course. I myself am going to get a second bachelors in it management from WGU before I go into the MS:ISA program. Based on these forums, which I believe is indicative of the IT field is ISA is the flavor of the month and I dont see it changing any time soon. Though unfortunately that will lead to a glut of infosec people. Perhaps network management is the smart choice to seperate yourself from the herd.

What are your guys thoughts on pursuing the NM degree?

Have a look at this thread... I posted the same question about NM... http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/90655-wgu-ms-network-management.html#post760950


Personally, Tech Management aligns more with my previous work... at least the project management side of things. MS:ISA isn't something I'm all that interested in... however, I can see where the degree would be very beneficial.... even with a number of people earning the degree.

Hatch

Hatch1921

gbdavidx wrote: »

why don't you contact an adviser?

I want to hear from people who have been through the program and what they have gained from the experience. The good and bad...

Hatch

netsysllc

I am in the second term of the WGU MBA Information Technology Management program. Being very technical I am finding some of the leadership and business stuff dry but I am learning new stuff. The workload is considerably higher than the BS program for sure. Down the road I see myself in a CIO/CTO possition I think it aligns well for my needs.

petedude

I haven't been in WGU's MBA-ITM, but I can tell you. . .

Everything I've heard indicates it's a good program. Some coursework is easier than others, but the ones that are challenging are REALLY challenging.

I've been back and forth between WGU and a few other programs. I'm currently leaning towards more general MBA at a college in Northern California that has some similar traits to WGU and is also inexpensive.

Hatch1921

netsysllc wrote: »

I am in the second term of the WGU MBA Information Technology Management program. Being very technical I am finding some of the leadership and business stuff dry but I am learning new stuff. The workload is considerably higher than the BS program for sure. Down the road I see myself in a CIO/CTO position I think it aligns well for my needs.

Thanks for the info. Time frame wise... how long do you think you will need to complete the program? Workload... are you working on projects, papers, more testing? I've not taken any classes with WGU so I'm not familiar with the pace of things. I'm finishing up the BS in Tech Management with NAU and it keeps me busy, but it isn't overwhelming. (thankfully)

What do you like or dislike about the program?

Thanks again for the info.
Hatch

N2IT

@Pete couldn't agree more. Decision Analysis and Finance were really tough. Strategic management was another beast.

Hatch1921

petedude wrote: »

I haven't been in WGU's MBA-ITM, but I can tell you. . .

Everything I've heard indicates it's a good program. Some coursework is easier than others, but the ones that are challenging are REALLY challenging.

I've been back and forth between WGU and a few other programs. I'm currently leaning towards more general MBA at a college in Northern California that has some similar traits to WGU and is also inexpensive.

Thanks for the info. I'm curious to which sections would be very challenging or what makes them challenging. Interesting. WGU looks like a good fit for my needs... just trying to get a feel for the program.

Thanks again,
Hatch

instant000

j23evan wrote: »

I wonder if WGU would actually post what the percentage of people taking each Masters Degree course.

You can surmise some stats, from looking at the commencement book.

It is very unpopular, based on the commencement books.

At the WGU summer commencement (national), exactly 1 person had MSITNM.
At the WGU-Texas commencement, exactly 1 person had MSITNM.

For comparison, I included the two MBAs mentioned in this thread, as well as the MSISA in a comparison table. The thought is that the same person considering the MSITNM might also consider the MBAs or the MSISA degree.

Note: These numbers may not be totally accurate, as the rows of names don't exactly line up, and it's late at night. Still, you should be able to get a ball park. I'm posting my sources, so someone can come back through and correct my numbers if they are off

This is from the WGU 2013 Summer Commencement:
http://alumni.wgu.edu/s/1110/images/editor_documents/wgu2013programbook.pdf
No. | Percen | National Summer 2013
001 | 000.26 | MS IT Network Management
086 | 022.69 | MS Information Security and Assurance
066 | 017.41 | MBA - IT Management
226 | 059.63 | MBA - Management and Strategy
379 | 100.00 | TOTAL

WGU Texas 2013 Commencement:
http://alumni.wgu.edu/s/1110/images/editor_documents/wgu_texas/2013_wgu_commencement_for_web.pdf
No. | Percen | Texas 2013
001 | 001.41 | MS IT Network Management
017 | 023.94 | MS - Information Security and Assurance
017 | 023.94 | MBA - IT Management
036 | 050.70 | MBA - Management and Strategy
071 | 100.00 | TOTAL

What are your guys thoughts on pursuing the NM degree?

I would not want it for myself. I'd rather get something more operationally- or technically-based if I was getting a Masters for Network Management. If I needed more of a people-management focus, then MBA just makes more sense, especially when you see that the Network Management curriculum only has three courses that even touch on networking: MS IT Network Management Courses . If interested in management, it might be more valuable to take the Decision Analysis and Financial Analysis courses that are found in the MBA programs.

Hope this helps.

CoolAsAFan

Thanks for those stats instant000, very interesting! It seems that if your going to attempt a MBA, that the Management and Strategy degree is the route to go as it's more closely related to management, which is the point of an a MBA I believe? If you want a technical position, go for a technical degree like MSISA.

Hatch1921

Interesting stats Instant000 thanks for the post.
Hatch

demonfurbie

the network management degree is more policy/paperwork based of a degree... it does have a fair bit of networking tech in it as well but its more along the lines of , make a backup policy and implement it... its about 40% tech stuff 60% management stuff

im in that degree and almost done so if you have spec questions and ive had some caffeine ill answer any questions

Hatch1921

Well..... I'm wrapping up the summer and have sent in the application fee for WGU.


@Demonfurbie.... have you finished the degree and what were/are your thoughts about the program if you don't mind sharing?

Any pointers?



***Decision Analysis and Finance were really tough. Strategic management was another beast.*** Makes me nervous... were they a pain?

Thanks all.
Hatch

EasyPeezy

[h=3]What course is the Decision Analysis and finance...? I just looked thru and could only see the details below.... I am looking to do the MBA too...


What You’ll Learn -—Areas of Study:[/h]In this online MBA in technology management, you’ll learn all the essential skills and knowledge needed. This program includes the following areas of study and completion of a capstone project.

• Creating and Maintaining Business Value
• Innovation
• IT Project Management
• IT Strategic Solutions
• Leading People and Teams
• Management and Strategy
• Products and Customer Relationship Management

Total Program: 35 Competency Units (credit equivalents)

petedude

EasyPeezy wrote: »

[h=3]What course is the Decision Analysis and finance...? I just looked thru and could only see the details below.... I am looking to do the MBA too...

There's a PDF you can download from their webpage that explains the courses in better detail.

Hatch1921

STANDARD PATH FOR MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
IT MANAGEMENT EMPHASIS

CODE ASSESSMENTS CUs TERM
QRT2 E-Business 3 1
MGT2 IT Project Management 3 1
JDT2 Human Resources 2 1 MBAITM © 2011 Western Governors University 1/4/13 6
SAT2 Leadership 3 2
JET2 Financial Analysis 4 2
JJT2 Social Responsibility 2 2
JFT2 Organizational Management 2 3
JGT2 Decision Analysis 4 3
JHT2 Strategic Management 2 3
MMT2 IT Strategic Solutions 4 4
HNT2 MBA, Information Technology Capstone Written Project 6 4

crip1087

I am enrolled in the MBA: IT Management program. I have just 3 classes left: Decision Analysis, IT Strategic Solutions, and the MBA Capstone Project.

The workload is definitely a lot more than the Bachelors program, I graduated with a BS in Information Technology from WGU. It took me a long time to debate between the MBA IT or the MS ISA, but I ultimately decided on the MBA IT. Some classes made me regret that decision (Financial Analysis and Strategic Management seriously made me consider quitting school).

But after toughing it out, I'm looking forward to wrapping up this program as it was extremely challenging but I learned a lot. Good luck with your pursuit and I wish you the best!

cs8400

crip1087 wrote: »

I am enrolled in the MBA: IT Management program. I have just 3 classes left: Decision Analysis, IT Strategic Solutions, and the MBA Capstone Project.

The workload is definitely a lot more than the Bachelors program, I graduated with a BS in Information Technology from WGU. It took me a long time to debate between the MBA IT or the MS ISA, but I ultimately decided on the MBA IT. Some classes made me regret that decision (Financial Analysis and Strategic Management seriously made me consider quitting school).

But after toughing it out, I'm looking forward to wrapping up this program as it was extremely challenging but I learned a lot. Good luck with your pursuit and I wish you the best!

How many hours a week would you say that you are devoting to the MBA:ITM? I'm trying to decide between the MS:Information Technology Management or the MBA:Information Technology Management from WGU. The MS is more technically oriented while the MBA is business oriented. My enrollment counselor explained the difference to me as...

"If you did the MBA program you could end up as a project manager however the IT management program puts you in a more technical field. So the question is whether the technical part of the program works best for you or management."

IIIMaster

netsysllc wrote: »

I am in the second term of the WGU MBA Information Technology Management program. Being very technical I am finding some of the leadership and business stuff dry but I am learning new stuff. The workload is considerably higher than the BS program for sure. Down the road I see myself in a CIO/CTO possition I think it aligns well for my needs.

I been looking into this degree myself. Is a MBA from WGU well respected?

IIIMaster

netsysllc wrote: »

I am in the second term of the WGU MBA Information Technology Management program. Being very technical I am finding some of the leadership and business stuff dry but I am learning new stuff. The workload is considerably higher than the BS program for sure. Down the road I see myself in a CIO/CTO possition I think it aligns well for my needs.

I myself is very interested in that degree myself. As im rapping up my IT Mgt degree, is the MBA from WGU respected?

IIIMaster

netsysllc wrote: »

I am in the second term of the WGU MBA Information Technology Management program. Being very technical I am finding some of the leadership and business stuff dry but I am learning new stuff. The workload is considerably higher than the BS program for sure. Down the road I see myself in a CIO/CTO possition I think it aligns well for my needs.

To be honest the management stuff was the best stuff about my degree IT Mgt degree, besides the online ccnp labs. I learn alot about people skills and management.

mzx380

I'm looking to enroll in this program so I'm dusting off this thread. If anyone has additional info, please share

Hatch1921

Any questions about the program? Let me know

---

On another note... Finance is complete... this class and Global Econ for Managers have proven to be the most challenging for me to complete/pass. If you have taken an economics or finance class in the past... you should be fine... if not... it's a rough ride.

Two more classes and the Capstone... if all goes well, I'll wrap this up in December.

Hatch