It’s not uncommon for professionals
without any formal management training to find themselves taking on management roles as they rise through the
ranks in their career. Improving their management skills can help them better deal
with everyday workplace challenges and
issues, and also sets them apart as highly
skilled employees in an increasingly competitive workplace.
However, for those without an undergraduate business degree, obtaining a
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
can be a daunting task. But the Master of
Science in Management (MSM) may be the
perfect solution for those with no formal
management education, according to
Tomas H. Parks, Ph.D., dean of the School
of Business at Mount Vernon Nazarene
University.
“The MSM prepares people to excel as
managers in any number of industries,” he
says. “Unlike an MBA, an MSM provides
advanced training in business without
requiring as many number-crunching
courses, focusing instead on organizational
and personnel management.”
Smart Business spoke with Parks about
the MSM program and who would benefit
from receiving such a degree.
What is the MSM program?
The MSM is a graduate program requiring
36 credit-hours that looks at many of the
different areas and challenges faced by
today’s managers. It is designed for people
who did not necessarily foresee themselves in management roles, but through
career progression have taken on greater
management responsibilities. While the
MSM program has been around for a very
long time, many people aren’t aware of it
because there has been so much focus on
MBA programs.
What are the benefits of receiving an MSM
degree?
The MSM is applications oriented. While
students do spend some time learning the
theories of management, they really benefit from gaining tools they can use in their jobs. The program is structured as a building process, beginning with the foundations of executive management and moving ultimately into strategic management
and looking at the organization from a big-picture perspective.
One of the things I really like about the
MSM program is that many managers think
the organization’s strategies are irrelevant
to them, but organizations really benefit
when every manager thinks strategically.
How does the MSM program differ from an
MBA program?
In terms of the length of programs, the
MSM and MBA both take the same amount
of time to complete, but there are significant differences in content. The MBA program is much more quantitative, which is
great for those with a background in
accounting, statistics and finance. Also, in
most cases, the MBA is for somebody with
an undergraduate business degree because
it builds on that foundation of knowledge.
The MSM, on the other hand, has no prerequisites, so an undergraduate business
degree is not required. Anyone with any
major can earn an MSM, which focuses
more on the people side of the organization
rather than the numbers side.
Who should consider the MSM program?
In addition to being a better fit for someone without an undergraduate business
degree, the MSM is also better suited for
those in certain business segments — such
as not-for-profit organizations — because
of its strong focus on people management.
The MSM is also ideal for those who come
from nontraditional management positions
in industries like nursing, engineering,
computer science and education. People
who progress throughout their careers in
these industries often don’t have the traditional foundation of business classes that
those with an undergraduate business
degree have. The MSM is a great way to
augment and strengthen their management
skills.
How can obtaining an MSM degree help
employees who are looking to move into
leadership roles?
The MSM program offers working adults
significant opportunities for career
advancement. In fact, a number of our
graduates have received promotions as a
direct result of having obtained their MSM
degree.
How can working adults earn an MSM while
working full-time?
The MSM program at Mount Vernon
Nazarene University is set up specifically
for working adults. It is offered in an accelerated format, allowing students to complete the program in 22 months. Students
attend class one night per week for four
hours a night. This program is ideal for this
accelerated format because it integrates
students’ work experience with their class-work. We tap into the real issues and challenges that they face during their workday
and make them a part of the learning
process.
TOMAS H. PARKS, Ph.D., is the dean of the School of
Business at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Reach him at
(740) 392-6868, ext. 3310 or [email protected].
