My impression with masters level coursework is that a lot of the benefit comes from the contacts and networking you can do during the process. I have a friend

My impression with masters level coursework is that a lot of the benefit comes from the contacts and networking you can do during the process. I have a friend who worked with blockbuster while he got a degree in journalism. A year after he finished his degree, he was a regional manager with the company, and being primed to move up again. He started small, and demonstrated a natural ability to handle employees, increase productivity, meet and exceed long-term goals, and otherwise improve the situation of anything he touched in the company. Perhaps, if you really believe in the practical applicability of the mba coursework, you could try to get a lower-level job while you teach yourself the theory and constantly try to apply it to your position in order to demonstrate practical skill? Eventually you still might need the diploma on your wall, but at a certain point you might be able to get your employer to pay for part of it. I'm not sure how common that is, though Just a few thoughts