Costello Online MBA program

MBA military veterans share how the Mason MBA impacted their careers

Marianne Klinker — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 20:01:54 +0000

MBA military veterans share how the Mason MBA impacted their careers Marianne Klinker Thu, 11/09/2023 - 15:01

The Donald G. Costello College of Business at 911�� is committed to the active-duty military service members and veterans who come to Mason to enhance their education.

We caught up with some military veterans who recently graduated from the Mason MBA program who shared the impact the MBA program has had on their career already, and how the Mason MBA could be beneficial for others.

Matthew Scott

Matthew Scott, MBA ’21

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Acquisition Modernization Program Manager, Defense Logistics Agency

Earning an MBA from 911�� assisted with my transition from military to civilian life. The comprehensive management and technical skills acquired during my MBA journey significantly contributed to my hiring as the new Acquisition Modernization Program Manager for the Defense Logistics Agency.  

I believe one of the most valuable factors in gaining an MBA from Mason is expanding your real-time knowledge basis in critical areas to further develop and achieve current strategic goals while concurrently orchestrating future value in an ever-changing world. 

Matt Munsch

Matt Munsch, MBA ’22

Military Branch: United States Air Force 
Current Role: Director, Dark Wolf Solutions 

After graduating from Mason's MBA program, I was able to enter the next phase of my career.  

Shortly after graduating, I joined Google as a Technical Program Manager. After learning and growing with Google, I was able to continue propelling my career forward, joining Dark Wolf Solutions as a Director. 

The Mason MBA program gave me the skills, qualifications, and confidence to continue up leveling my career. Going back to school after more than a decade in the workforce was daunting but I do not regret my decision! 

Bradley B. Son

Bradley B. Son, MBA ’21

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Product Manager, Cyber Platforms & Systems, Defensive Cyber Operations, United States Army 

For myself, the MBA was more than career progression and networking. The aspect of my job in the Army Acquisition Corps requires me to fundamentally understand the aspects of business management to make decisions not only on behalf of my organization, but for the Army and the Department of Defense. My experience at 911�� greatly assisted me in many facets of my profession, which includes leadership, ethics, economics, marketing, information systems and operations management, project management, and many more! I can't thank the incredible organization, my outstanding cohort, and more importantly, the incredible instructors that helped guide me throughout my journey!

John Goetchius

John Goetchius, MBA ’21 

Military Branch: United States Army, Retired 
Current Role: Company Manager 

The Mason MBA program imparted new, useful technical and analytical skills—and the confidence to solve current, real-world business and management problems. I benefited from contact with an engaged, dedicated, highly competent faculty and a smart, diverse group of fellow students. Inside a well-planned curriculum, I found the program challenging—and deeply rewarding. 

Connor Mallon

Connor Mallon, MBA ’23 

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Strategy Consultant, NOVACES 

An MBA and the skillset that accompanied the degree helped me stand out in a saturated and competitive market. The program gave me the edge I needed to hit the ground running in a new career and the confidence to navigate complex challenges and demanding stakeholders. 

Ramon Walker

Ramon Walker, Jr., MBA ’23 

Military Branch: United States Air Force  
Current Role: Intelligence Research Specialist, United States Custom and Border Protection 

The Mason MBA program gave me an opportunity to network and I gained experience and skills that could be applied to reaching the upper echelons of my career field. 

Douglas Chapman

Douglas Chapman, MBA ’22 

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Vice President of Operations, CoreSys Consulting Services, LLC 

The MBA program at Mason enabled me to improve my business skills and expanded my aperture as related to strategic thinking.   

Did you know 911�� is a Yellow Ribbon Participant? Mason provides additional funds to eligible service members to pay education costs without charging your GI Bill® entitlement. Visit Mason's Office of Military Services to learn more about education benefits for veterans.

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Is it the right time to pursue an MBA?

Jennifer Anzaldi — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:57:04 +0000

Is it the right time to pursue an MBA? Jennifer Anzaldi Tue, 10/11/2022 - 09:57

If you’re looking to fast track your skills and career potential, an MBA from 911�� may be just what you need. Mason is conveniently located in the Washington, D.C. metro area, and our MBA program is designed to give working professionals intensive and personal learning experiences that can be applied on the job the next day.

But how do you know if you have what it takes to pursue an MBA? Or if an MBA is the right master’s degree for you? Your answers to these questions should help you decide:

Is now the right time? If you’re ready to move your career to the next level, then it’s the right time to pursue an MBA. MBA programs equip you with skills in multiple business disciplines. At Mason, you’ll take classes in accounting, marketing, business strategy, leadership, finance, and information systems and operations management. These skills will help you advance your standing in your current organization or help you to advance to a new one.

Why do I want an MBA? Ask yourself what career or personal goals you hope to achieve by earning an MBA. If your answer involves fast-tracking your leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills then move to the next question.

How much experience do I need to have before pursuing an MBA? Required work experience varies by program. Applicants to Mason’s MBA program must have at least two years of professional work experience, but many typically have 3 to 8 years of professional experience. Many of our students are mid-career and looking to move into team lead or executive roles.

What age should I be to pursue an MBA degree? There is no specific age that is considered “best” for pursuing an MBA. The average age of students in Mason’s MBA program is about 29.

What’s the return on investment? Although the cost of earning an MBA can be high, our program alumni consistently credit their degree for advancing their careers. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), MBA graduates nationwide give their MBA degree credit for career success, including:

90% for increasing earning power
80% for faster career advancement
92% for preparation for leadership positions

The takeaway? If the time is right for you, pursue an MBA. Regardless of the economic climate, demand for educated, well-rounded MBA graduates remains strong. Learn more about Mason's MBA program here.

Learn more about Mason's MBA program

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School of Business Grad Programs Get Boost in U.S. News Rankings

Marianne Klinker — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:26:02 +0000

School of Business Grad Programs Get Boost in U.S. News Rankings Marianne Klinker Wed, 01/26/2022 - 13:26

911�� School of Business online MBA Program jumped 25 spots in two years with a new ranking of #98 nationally for Best Online MBA (#70 among public universities) from U.S. News & World Report. Launched in 2018, the online MBA program, which offers the same high-level curriculum as the in-person MBA, first landed on the rankings list in 2020 at #123 out of 335 schools. This impressive leap is a testament to Mason’s ability to develop high-quality programs in formats that are flexible and responsive to the needs of today’s students.

In addition, the online MBA program was also ranked #17 for Best Online Business Analytics MBA Programs (#11 among public universities), #19 for Best Online General Management MBA Programs (#11 among public universities), and #64 for Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans (#49 among public universities).

“We are glad that our efforts to create an online MBA program that facilitates affordable access to a rigorous and transformative education are recognized,” says Ioannis Bellos, director of Mason’s MBA program. “Through a curriculum that is responsive to market needs, our program prepares well-rounded leaders equipped with both analytical and soft skills. The online Business Analytics certificate is an example of such responsiveness.”

The School of Business was also ranked #35 for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (non-MBA) for the Master’s in Accounting Program, moving up three spots from its previous ranking.

“We are proud of and humbled by the recognition our program receives and believe it reflects our commitment to provide an outstanding education in Accounting that reflects current trends and technology in education and is delivered with a global perspective,” says Kevin Jones, Master’s in Accounting program director. “We continually review, revise, and improve our program to reflect these goals and ideals which allows us to attract top students who move on to or continue with successful careers.”

“These rankings reflect that our programs are part of a thriving ecosystem that the School of Business and the University have developed,” says Bellos. “This is where our talented students, whether online or face-to-face, can connect with renowned faculty, industry centers and passionate professionals dedicated to their success.”

“Mason has always worked to provide the learning and development working professionals need, when, where, and in the way they most need it,” says Dean Maury Peiperl. “Our online MBA continues to do that, and to improve with deeper and deeper engagement with our customers, most of whom are in the Washington region.”