Dear All,

I'm writing here to get some feedback from you. I have a PhD in Biomedicine and I have lived and worked across continents and currently employed as a senior research scientist in one of the top pharmaceutical companies in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Although being a science graduate, my interest towards learning business has always been there. I think a traditional MBA is not what I'm looking for (still in dilemma though) but at the same time I don't want to pursue some non-credit courses. Budget is very limited and leaving the job is not an option.

So, I want to ask if EMIB program from ESCP Europe would fulfill my thirst for business knowledge? I also bumped into MSM online MBA for which I'm eligible for an 80% scholarship. I have looked into Illinois iMBA and BU online MBA as well.

Any input is much appreciated.

Best,

Madhan

University of London has designed online degrees called "Graduate Diploma" for people of other disciplines with very limited budget (~3000e). They are nowhere near the knowledge or value of an MBA, but good value for the price.

Maybe an option worth checking out.

Thanks George! I'm looking for something at the master level.

University of London has designed online degrees called "Graduate Diploma" for people of other disciplines with very limited budget (~3000e). They are nowhere near the knowledge or value of an MBA, but good value for the price.

Maybe an option worth checking out.

Based on my recent check, MBA from UoL doesn't have any of the typical accreditations like AMBA etc. In that aspect, MSM online MBA, Illinois iMBA and BU online MBA are all accredited.

Based on cost, flexibility and personal personal prefernce, I see Executive Master in International Business from ESCP may suit me better. MSM MBA will be of interest if I get the scholarship.

Any other thoughts?

I am not clear why an MBA is not a fit. The CBS HD might work. The EMIB is rather lightweight. You would learn more from Coursera or Edx.

Also see https://find-mba.com/board/distance-learning/value-alternatives-to-unaccredited-mbas-58288

Thanks Duncan! Having a full-fledged MBA after PhD is not a bad idea. I think it depends on how I want to position myself - A scientist with business acumen or a professional with both science and business background. I have considered HD in CBS before but my heart is going towards masters with brand.

Take a look at https://find-mba.com/board/distance-learning/20-yrs-of-experience-which-way-now-58858

With this person, I suggested the new BU MBA. It seems that module 2 of the MBA will be available as a MicroMasters (https://www.edx.org/masters/online-master-business-administration-mba-bux#curriculum) and that could reduce the cost further.

Yes, I think BU online MBA may be the way to go. Better brand than Illinois I guess, at least within pharma and life science sector.

Hi Duncan,

Below are the micromaster program offered by BU. i can't see any program that corresponds to module 2 in MBA. Am I missing something?

https://www.edx.org/course?search_query=micromaster&school=BUx%3A%20Boston%20University

The implication is that Module 2 will soon be available as a Micromasters. Ask them?

Ok, thanks!

Hi Duncan,

I'm back again - I just need your opinion on Birmingham online MBA compared to BU online MBA. Birmingham MBA is AMBA accredited and the school itself has triple-crown accreditation. While, BU only has AACSB. The cost is more or less the same for both programs. So, in this case, which one would you recommend? Madhan

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/taught/business/online-mba.aspx#CourseDetailsTab


Best,

Madhan

Tricky. These are two of the world's top 100 universities.

Unlike Birmingham, Boston is ranked as one of the top 100 MBAs, ranked by the FT, and for a few years recently its EMBA was also highly ranked by the FT. Boston has an innovative integrated design, fully made of required modules. Each module has a capstone project.

Birmingham is one-third required, one-third elective and one-third dissertation. So, that makes it less of a general management degree and more of a tool for focussed specialisation.

I'd say Boston is a better option for general management and Birmingham is better for focussing in one business discipline, like marketing or finance.

[Edited by Duncan on Nov 30, 2019]

Thanks Duncan! I also like BU university curriculum design what they called capability modules :-). I will apply for this I think.

Hi Duncan,

Just curious - why there is not much buzz around Imperial college online MBA relative to iMBA and BU online MBA? Any particular reason?

From my perspective Imperial has much more brand value.

Best,

Madhan

BU and Illinois have much stronger, older, richer business schools which outperform Imperial's business school in almost every way, and their price performance is exceptional. The Imperial brand might be better in the UK and former colonies but there is little comparison except in scientific research.

Thanks Duncan! :-)

Hi Duncan,
From my perspective Imperial has much more brand value.