Feed back on Master of Industrial Technology and Management Program 1

[huda79]

Hello,

I would like some feedback on this program from fellow engineers. I have a BSEE, have been out of school for 6.5 yrs and want to stay in engineering. I currently work as a certification engineer where I apply basics of my engineering education and a lot of common sense. I have never worked in design and am not interested in pursuing a MSEE but I want to remain technical.

Is this better than pursuing an MBA? I am not interested in going into Finance or Business. I want to know more about engineering without all the theory. I want to work in industry and have enough knowledge to understand the basics of accounting and finance that any engineering manager should.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

I also included the link to the curriculum.

http://www.iit.edu/cpd/intm/programs/MITO_curriculum.shtml

The Master of Industrial Technology and Operations (MITO) is a professional degree designed for individuals who plan to make their careers in industry. The purpose of the MITO program is to enhance the ability of the students to pursue their professional goals by providing up-to-date knowledge of the technologies and modern management approaches used in world-class industrial companies. The MITO curriculum prepares students to move into management, supervisory and staff positions in industry

 

[huda79]

anyone?

 

[xnuke]

This is what other schools sometimes call "Engineering Management." It is essentially an MBA targeted for engineers. There is usually little theoretical technical content related to engineering. This sounds like what you posted you are interested in - a program to introduce you to the business side of engineering. Also, if you do want additional engineering theory, the program curriculum page says you can take up to 12 credits in a different field of study, so grad level EE classes could be included if you'd like, since you did say "I want to remain technical."

xnuke
"Live and act within the limit of your knowledge and keep expanding it to the limit of your life." Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged.
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[huda79]

Thanks for the response. How would this compare to an MBA from an average school? I am looking Northern Illinois University. They are #6 in the chicago region. The cost of the MBA vs the above are almost the same.

 

[jenniferwhite]

Hi Huda,

There are two main reasons that someone in your career stage would engage a masters in business administration or management of technology.

The first is the recognition and potential career advancement that comes with an MBA or related program and title. The second is the knowledge itself that can advance your career by advancing your ability to perform new and varied job duties you would not before your Masters.

Based on what you described it seems like you are mostly interested in the knowledge and ability you would get out of the degree you describe. So from this perspective it seems like a very good option.

On the other hand the MBA has a stronger market value if you want to move into management. An MBA has become a "brand" and it can open doors. It also affords you the opportunity to develop strong professional connections with your fellow students that can last a lifetime and open more doors as they move up in their organizations. I have seen this over and over.

So in summary if you think that the knowledge is the primary factor for you then this seems like a good option. If you expect to use the degree as a door opener and as a spring board to a career in management then the MBA will have a higher market value especially if it is from a highly ranked university.

Regards and best of luck,
Jenn

 

[zdas04]

I think that Jennifer nailed it. To me the key item in the original post is that they've been working as an Engineer for 6.5 years. At that point in a career any advanced degree has the potential to improve employability and advancement potential.

One caution from someone who has an unusual degree (in my case it is BS in Industrial Management), often times people have not heard of the degree and won't sit still for an explanation. The MITO may be the perfect degree for you, but it doesn't have the name recognition of an MBA or MSEE so there are venues where it will be undervalued.

David

 

[huda79]

Thanks Jenn and David. I just got done with the GMAT and will be applying to schools. I hope to start the MBA in January.