Debunking The Myths Of Graduate B School

B School Myth 1: I can’t get a business graduate degree – I don’t have a business undergraduate degree.

While it’s true that some graduate business programs require an undergraduate business degree, not all do. In fact, many students in some of our programs studied a host of different topics as undergraduates, and many do not have business degrees. The MSM and MSTM programs were designed with people holding non-business undergraduate degrees in mind. And our iMBA program brings in students from a host of different backgrounds. Look at our programs, and we’re sure you’ll find something that resonates with what you know and points you in a direction you want to go. At Illinois, we want all backgrounds, whether music, engineering or agriculture.

B School Myth 2: Going back to school would be impossible with a full-time job, a family and still have time for a social life.

Gies Business offers a number of programs that do not require students to be on campus full time. The iMBA and iMSA are created with flexibility in mind. Both are 100% online and can be worked into your schedule. But the classes are not passive – students actively engage with the instructors and with their classmates, who could be across the street or across the globe. Our students tell us that the opportunity they have to advance their education and careers while also maintaining their job and family situation are major advantages of these programs. In addition, some programs do offer scholarships, and there are part-time jobs on campus to help offset expenses if you’re looking for a residential program.

B School Myth 3: A graduate degree will just give me more student debt without really changing my future.

One of the most important parts of any graduate program is the networking and connections you make. Through our programs, you start a network of connections that can help advance your career. Your classmates will be part of that network – but so will the alumni network of Gies Business, which is among the largest in the nation. Our iMBA and iMSA programs are among the most affordable graduate business programs around. And the potential return on investment for these programs is high. Plus, our Career Services is ranked among the best in the country by students.

B School Myth 4: It will take me forever to complete a graduate degree.

Not true. The length of time to complete a graduate program can depend on the program, and on you. Some of our programs are designed to be completed within 12-18 months. For our online programs, the length of the program can depend on how much flexibility you need. You can take as many or as few classes as will fit comfortably in your schedule and within your life circumstances. It’s not a race, and success is under your control.

Read more about Gies on our Partner Publisher page.