UT Dallas MS FERM (STEM) as an budget alternative to an MBA?


jshiw

I am looking for the next step in my career. I am trying to leverage my background in technology to transition into finance.

I would like to study in the US and while an MBA would be preferable they are quite expensive. Instead, I have been checking out the Master of Science in Financial Engineering and Risk Management from UT Dallas, which is a STEM program.

My questions for the experts here:

1. would this be a good alternative to an MBA to live and work in the US for a couple of years? Even if I don't make $100,000 per year after I graduate, would it be a decent investment?

2. I guess what I am mostly curious about is, what kind of jobs can I get after a degree like this?

3. Could I use this degree as a stepping stone in case I want to do an MBA in the future?

Thank you for any advice.

I am looking for the next step in my career. I am trying to leverage my background in technology to transition into finance.

I would like to study in the US and while an MBA would be preferable they are quite expensive. Instead, I have been checking out the Master of Science in Financial Engineering and Risk Management from UT Dallas, which is a STEM program.

My questions for the experts here:

1. would this be a good alternative to an MBA to live and work in the US for a couple of years? Even if I don't make $100,000 per year after I graduate, would it be a decent investment?

2. I guess what I am mostly curious about is, what kind of jobs can I get after a degree like this?

3. Could I use this degree as a stepping stone in case I want to do an MBA in the future?

Thank you for any advice.
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Inactive User

I'll let the experts answer in details, but in summary
1. would this be a good alternative to an MBA to live and work in the US for a couple of years? Even if I don't make $100,000 per year after I graduate, would it be a decent investment? 
Yes, but will depend on how much $$$ you end up paying. Tuition - Scholarship + Cost of living + Opportunity costs - Graduate Assistantship (or other on campus) jobs. Based on how much you put in and how much you make after tax, only then can you conclude if it was decent or not.

2. I guess what I am mostly curious about is, what kind of jobs can I get after a degree like this? Not sure, better ask current students. Depending on your current tech background -e.g if it's in cyber security then this degree could work for you to put you into Big 4 firms.

3. Could I use this degree as a stepping stone in case I want to do an MBA in the future?
Yes.

I'll let the experts answer in details, but in summary<div><br></div><div>1. would this be a good alternative to an MBA to live and work in the US for a couple of years? Even if I don't make $100,000 per year after I graduate, would it be a decent investment?&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Yes, but will depend on how much $$$ you end up paying. Tuition - Scholarship + Cost of living + Opportunity costs - Graduate Assistantship (or other on campus) jobs. Based on how much you put in and how much you make after tax, only then can you conclude if it was decent or not.<br><br>2. I guess what I am mostly curious about is, what kind of jobs can I get after a degree like this? Not sure, better ask current students. Depending on your current tech background -e.g if it's in cyber security then this degree could work for you to put you into Big 4 firms.<br><br>3. Could I use this degree as a stepping stone in case I want to do an MBA in the future?<br></div><div>Yes.</div>
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Razors Edg...

This actually looks like an interesting program, especially for international students. 
However, this degree will probably not lead to the same kinds of careers as a traditional MBA would. Not only does it look like this is aimed at early-career professionals, it's a decidedly tech-focused degree. You'd definitely be able to aim at Big 4 firms but my sense is that you'd be relegated to back office. 
It could suit your goals though, depending on your current seniority level and your expectations. No, I doubt you would be making $100k after this degree. You might want to ask the school if they have any post-degree career statistics, so you can better judge the ROI. 

This actually looks like an interesting program, especially for international students.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>However, this degree will probably not lead to the same kinds of careers as a traditional MBA would. Not only does it look like this is aimed at early-career professionals, it's a decidedly tech-focused degree. You'd definitely be able to aim at Big 4 firms but my sense is that you'd be relegated to back office.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>It could suit your goals though, depending on your current seniority level and your expectations. No, I doubt you would be making $100k after this degree. You might want to ask the school if they have any post-degree career statistics, so you can better judge the ROI.&nbsp;</div>
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