MPA MBA in China is it worth it?

[spock]

hey guys im having little concern about choosing mayor for my master degree

Because im going to obtain bachelor degree in Public administration I've been thinking about MPA or MBA.

Recently one of my professors told me that these programs are for experienced managers and they are not a good fit for unexperienced person like me.

I need advice on this one, is it worth it ?

[Cat Jones]

I can't speak for the MPA, but for the MBA you will be required to have some work experience under your belt. Generally in China they only require you to have about 2 years experience (depending on the school - CEIBS, and HK Universities will have a higher requirement), which is less than the MBA's in the West. So, yes it probably wouldn't be suitable for you to do an MBA straight from your undergraduate degree.

Without the experience, you are a) unlikely to be admitted on to the program b) will struggle to apply theory to real life work situations.

[Hro]

I think an MBA in China is an OK idea but watch out, if you intend on using it here in China you'll face a very fierce competition. It also depends which business school you're looking at. Respectable ones (CEIBS, HK, UCLA, Manchester, Tsinghua, Beida, Fudan) are all very good options in China but stay away from minor/secondary schools. Tuition fees can be hefty and you want to do a sensible choice in terms of investment...

[spock]

thank for answer, I want to apply for government scholarship so I was thinking about secondary schools.... I think my chances of getting scholarship in Beida or Fudan are none

[Cat Jones]

How much work experience do you have?

Do you mean the Chinese Government scholarship? Bare in mind that these scholarships don't cover the full course fees, as MBA fees are higher than other MA/MSc courses in China. You will still need to find the remainder of the funding.

Also heed the warning from Hro - an MBA from a secondary school is not going to be a valuable qualification, especially outside China.

[smossey88]

I'm applying for an PhD in Public Administration in China, and from what I have found out about the MPA it is useful but much like the MBA not so much outside of China. Still, I would venture that depending on the position you are going for the MPA could be very useful...or not. I'm not sure you if you are from the U.S. Spock, but if you want to work in municipal or state government then I would say DO NOT get your MPA in China. If your goal is working for the federal government then it may not be so bad an idea. With the amount of MPA's being churned out lately through online programs (much like the MBA), and MPA from China in these positions is going to raise alot of questions.

As for experience it really depends on the school. I know of MPA programs in the U.S. that will take you with no experience and give you excellent training (my current situation), and I know of some that do want years of experience. This is best done by researching said program. I think Chinese schools tend to focus on the latter, and require a few years experience. Personally I think it is rather ridiculous...having experience gives you an edge in these programs, but you can still learn the material without said experience.

Still...from what I have read on these forums, and like the above posters said its unfortunately an uphill battle, and you may struggle with such a degree in China and in the U.S.