Computer lab at Niagara University Photo Credit: Brian Garman

In today's tough job market, you need to do everything you can to get ahead. One step you can take is to enroll in and complete coursework for an MBA.

There are five schools in Western New York which offer some form of an MBA program.

Two of the most obvious places WNY'ers will think of when you mention MBA's are UB and Canisius. Both offer a range of formats, including evening programs, full-time day student programs, and curriculum specially formulated for professionals and executives. Canisius College's MBA information is at www.canisius.edu/business/graduate_programs.asp, and you can get more information about UB's offerings at mgt.buffalo.edu/home/prospective.

Medaille College may not be the first college you think of when considering your MBA, but it's got an excellent, flexible program - I know, I'm an alumnus of the program! More information about Medaille's MBA program can be found at www.medaille.edu/mbaprogram/.

Niagara University is another off-the-beaten-path MBA program. At Niagara you can take evening and weekend classes and finish your MBA in about 16 months. (Other area colleges do offer similar programs.) To see what Niagara is all about, go to 64.30.240.38/.

Lastly, St. Bonaventure operates an MBA program in conjunction with Hilbert College. If you'd like to know more what choices St. Bonaventure has, check out www.sbu.edu/graduate_Admissions.aspx.

An MBA may not be your golden ticket, but it certainly doesn't hurt to have more eggs in your employment basket!