The Tyra Banks MBA Non-troversy And Why A College Degree Isn’t Always Necessary

August 28th, 2012 - By Alissa Henry
"Tyra Banks"

Source: FanPop.com

Say what you will about Tyra Banks’ prominent forehead or her talk-show in which the only thing she ever talked about was herself or the fact that her ANTM franchise is a thinly-veiled attempt to get young women to worship her. No matter what you think of the former swimsuit model, the fact that she was able to go from the cover of a Victoria’s Secret catalog to launching one of the most successful post-modeling careers to date is downright incredible and arguably unmatched.

So why is the savvy businesswoman, celebrating America’s Next Top Model’s nineteenth season, making headlines for not having an MBA?

Apparently, six months after Tyra Banks tweeted a picture of her Harvard Business School diploma, people are realizing that “diploma” is not an MBA and so they feel that Tyra needs to stop lying.

"Tyra Banks Diploma"

Source: bostonmagazine.com

To be fair, Tyra Banks never said she was getting an MBA. She said she was going to Harvard Business School. Only people unfamiliar with business schools would think that going to one automatically means studying for an MBA. Or would think getting an MBA comes before getting an undergraduate degree. Clearly, people with no understanding of higher education are mad because they assumed she was getting an MBA when in fact she received a ‘Certificate of Completion’ for a nine-week course in the Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management non-degree extension program. What’s that? According to their website,

“OPM is ideal for CEOs, COOs, presidents, and managing directors of companies with annual sales of at least $5 million. Candidates must be actively involved in running the business and hold a significant equity stake in their firms.”

To me that just reads, this program is for people who either already have or don’t need an MBA.

That’s right. Do. Not. Need.

For some reason, people are still stuck on the idea that a college degree equals worth when in fact, scores of college graduates are saddled with an extraordinary amount of debt, un-or-under employed, and therefore are (monetarily) worth nothing at all. Going to college is an excellent way to learn and become successful in life, but it’s just one way. A person can also learn through reading books, travelling the country, visiting other countries, getting out of their self-imposed box and generally exposing themselves to the world around them. A person can find success by working hard and “studying” their craft be it sports or music or interior design. For some people a formal education is vital, but for others it’s just not. And if those “others” are positively contributing to society then why is skipping college such a huge deal?

In the world we live in today, 1+1 doesn’t always equal 2. Sometimes it equals 20 and sometimes it equals negative 16. You can do everything the “right” way and still end up on the wrong side of luck or do things a different way and end up surpassing your wildest dreams. Are we really still buying Apple products, updating Facebook, voting for a political campaign run by David Plouffe, paying to see Woody Allen movies, celebrating The Ellen Show’s tenth year, and watching X-Factor with Simon Cowell yet still shaming people about not having a degree?

Earlier this year, Beyonce was spotted entering the Adult Educational Complex in midtown Manhattan where General Education Diplomas are granted. She never did confirm she was getting her GED, but word got around that she didn’t have a HS diploma. Apparently, the singer dropped out of high school at 14 or 15 to pursue her singing career and has had astonishing success ever since. Still, that doesn’t stop people who, if given the chance, would trade their diplomas for her life in a heartbeat from sneering about her “not even having a GED” as though the lack of a GED somehow erases the validity of her success or her life.

High school and college are still the very best pathways to success, but the truth for some people is that they don’t have to go to college to be successful. I first thought about this when the news broke that Spelman was reaching out to Gabby Douglas. If she decides to go to college, that’s great, but if she doesn’t, that’s great too. She could spend the four years she would have spent in college, financing her post-gymnastics career goals, never darkening the door of a university classroom and be just fine.

There’s a whole list of people who don’t have college degrees or high school diplomas and those people are incredibly successful and ironically motivate others to finish high school and college in an effort to reach that same success. So, there’s no validity to the argument that people publicly admitting they’ve dropped out of school effectively encourages others to do the same. In fact, these people often promote staying in school despite not having needed it to get where they are.

Education is valuable, but the means of getting that education doesn’t have to be the same much like the results of education aren’t the same. Just because a person goes to college doesn’t make him or her “better” than the person who didn’t. There are many reasons why a person may forgo schooling for either a short time or forever.  And maybe if we “elite college graduates” didn’t look down our nose at those who went a different route, then we wouldn’t be so shocked at the idea of a person being genuinely excited about getting a certificate. Who says that’s not an accomplishment worth celebrating anyway?

What do you think? Do you think college is always necessary? Do you believe that people are unfairly criticized for not earning a college degree?

Follow Alissa on Twitter @AlissaInPink or check out her blog This Cannot Be My Life.

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  • Staci B

    My dear, I’m still going to make my kids finish high school, go to college & maybe even grad school too. Black people have to work twice as hard to make it in life. Yes you mentioned the Tyra & Beyonce but with all her success Beyonce does not sound smart when she’s interviewed. It makes me cringe. I’m glad she was was lucky to get where she is but does every black person have to be a singer to make it in life?

  • tae t

    I know people who say if you don’t have a Master’s, they won’t be bothered with you….so sad

  • http://www.facebook.com/jason.f.vorhees Jason Fangz Vorhees

    highschool/ged diploma should be had by everyone. a college degree only if its necessary. I dont need my automechanic to be a harvard grad. College isnt always necessary but some form of higher education is. And even with that its case by case. If im going to be a vendor selling lunch foods/snacks from a cart/truck downtown im probably not going to need that higher education. Every person is case by case.

  • Nope

    I think a lot of Americans have this false delayed millionaire/CEO mentality. While it’s true you can’t access either of those without believing, regardless of one’s level of education, statistically most people will never, ever be either. Hell capitalism isn’t based on everyone succeeding to begin with.

    Also the founders of Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, etc. are horrible examples to use on either side of the college debate in general. Each one had access to state of the art technology at the time way before college and at least two of them came from $$$$ and had connections, then you sprinkle in a lot of luck.

  • fitnessforlife

    My thinking was that she may have gone back to get her bachelors degree online or something. With all her money, it’s something she could easily do. I actually thought she was going for her MBA and did find it strange that she finished ‘so fast’. But, again, I figured she must have been pursuing her degree(s) on the down low all these years. People do it all the time.

    She has enough money and, seemingly, smarts to get as many degrees as she wants. With all the online programs available, the possibilities are wide open. I know, I would. If I had the money and time, I’d pursue so many online programs just for the thrill of having those suckers framed and hanging on my wall.

  • Nope

    I’m still wondering why a lot of people went back to school for their MBA immediately after the economy tanked. And on a random note, Black people are especially proud of their MBAs. It becomes their twitter handle, Facebook name, it’s all up in their email signature. In a lot of cases you wouldn’t know a White person had one unless you asked them.

    • PA-TX

      A lot of ppl go to graduate school when they can’t find a job or have lost a job and to give themselves a competitive edge when they re-enter the workforce. Although it seems counterintuitive, applications to and enrollment in graduate programs actually increase during tough economic times.

      I agree. It is annoying when ppl “advertise” their MBAs but I get it. Unlike actually needing a MD or JD AND passing the boards/bar to be a doctor or lawyer, you don’t need a MBA to run a company or hold any significant position in business. Ppl advertise MBAs to bolster their credentials and distinguish themselves. Blacks do this especially because we generally have to be “twice as good”. My husband and I don’t advertise our credentials. But I do find it funny and frustrating that at his firm there are ppl in his same position that do not have advanced degrees and/or went to “lesser” schools. He has a BS, MS and MBA from two of the top-ranked universities in the country. Many of his white peers got on bc of the good ol’ boy network (their dad, frat brother, neighbor, in-law, etc) whereas my husband got the job because of his great credentials. Not saying his peers aren’t as “good” but most of them had to do a lot less to get where they are. While we’re still scraping by paying off ivy league loans, they’re literally buying boats. In due time…

      • Nope

        I can see what you’re saying, but IMO attending grad school in a longterm terrible economy is literally just buying time, with money most of the students don’t have. I would put that money towards attending some conferences, joining professional associations, and some good old fashioned networking. Get the job, and then go to school on their dime. Instead a lot of people are basically trying to ‘degree themselves’ into a job and are going to be overqualified for nonexistent jobs. And you hit the nail on the head about the significance of a JD or MD vs and MBA.

        • PA-TX

          Yup! It’s really competitive out there and getting into more debt by going back to school IN A RECESSION doesn’t usually make sense. Companies are looking at the best of the best. It’s only worth it in the long run if it’s paid for (fellowship, employer) and/or you’re getting that MBA from a top school (I think MN put out an article about this a while back). LOL, we are totally off topic! Kudos to Tyra for completing the program, but she was a bit coy and misleading, and a little over the top in her “Harvard”-ness. But who am I to say she shouldn’t be excited about it?!

  • thegoodluckpig

    Apparently my views on this are a little different. Tyra said she was taking extension classes at Harvard (she doesn’t have a bachelors so how people think she could’ve gotten an advanced degree is beyond me.)
    I mean for all intensive purposes she doesn’t have a diploma she was in a certificate program. I think the thing that bothered me most, was the fact that she floated this Harvard thing for too long. I would never downplay someones accomplishments, furthering your education is a wonderful thing but Tyra received attention because she was Tyra. I have several Black American and African American friends who worked tirelessly to go to Harvard and their stories are never told. Truth be told she doesn’t need the degree but her consistently referencing Harvard and wearing Harvard sweatshirts just didn’t sit right with me because she hadn’t put in the same amount of sacrifice and didn’t face the same racism and bigotry many Blacks at Harvard see.

  • ashley79

    Graduating from college is DIFFERENT than from high school. The author is trying to lump both of them together. While I agree that college is not for everyone a high school diploma is. The first thing someone that is looking to higher someone is a high school diploma. This is article sounds like the author is complaining that she is getting criticized for not graduating college.
    No you don’t need to go to college, but I would recommend going to a some type of school/classes to learn a craft. I wouldn’t want someone playing with my electricity in my if they never went to school.

  • dixy

    yeah yeah and how many ppl do you know who have succeeded without a degree? How many Beyonces do you know? As I say to my little cousins, the Facebook or Apple guys didn’t graduate but were accepted in some very prestigious programs and the hardest part isn’t graduating but getting in. I’m sorry but I’m a soon to be mum and am sick of hearing that education is not important. Education is important and it’s the only way black people will shine. Do you think we would have had an African-American president if he didn’t go to college and grad school.

  • Candacey Doris

    While Tyra doesn’t need an MBA(area having the connections and money to make it) others may. And while you shouldn’t shame someone for not having a degree, you should encourage them to increase their knowledge in the field they’re in or want to go in. That doesn’t necessarily mean college though. It could mean actually cracking a book.You can never know enough.

  • Shameka P.

    This is one of the dumbest articles ever. Any form of higher education beyond high school is amazing and shows determination. The fact tyra took a class to further her education on her businesses at HARVARD should be praised no matter what. Unfortunately the society we live in is so damn judgemental. Last week it was Gabbys hair while winning GOLD at the Olympics now its Tyra technically not having a degree?? I wouldn’t even ask the peoples opinion anymore. I went to a very prestigious high schoo predominantly white, Asian and Indian. All of our parents were hell bent on us going to college. While everyone was preparing college visits. I knew I wanted to do hair and makeup for runway shows and beyond. I received a scholarship to cosmetology school. My dad didn’t like it but my mom knew that was me. Bottom line success is nothing unless u love what you do! College I knew was not for me they don’t even have hair or makeup as a major!! But I know I need to further my education as far as the business aspect goes. And I don’t need college for that either!

    • Nope

      I applaud you for that. The common thread successful people have is that they took calculated risks, not necessarily a degree.

  • Miss D

    I agree, somewhat. At the very, very least, you need a GED. A highschool diploma is hardly anything nowadays. While college may not work for everyone, it’s proven that those with degrees have higher earning potential over their lifetimes. As far as the argument that college grads are un/under employed, you have to consider their majors. There isn’t as big of a market for artists as there are for educators and health professionals.

    • Marie

      I commend you on this article and agree 100%. Growing up in a Haitian household with a father as a doctor all you hear from the time you can walk is your going to college to become a professional. I never forgot when I was in elementary I found I had a flair for fashion designing and I told my father he told me I couldn’t do that because it wasn’t a serious profession. Sadly since my passion was not strong enough I never pursued it .After a series of life altering events I dediced to pursue a degree in psychology and eventually a Master’s in human resource management. While I was working on these degrees my family kept telling me over and over again that I would be so successful because of my education. I can tell you sadly as I type this it hasn’t been the case. In fact I have been unemployed for over a year now and my husband, who has a high school diploma, is soley supporting our family. The fact that I did “everything right’ and still ended up not achieving my financial and career goals has nearly broken me……I’m not totally against education but, I believe what makes a person successful is doing what you love and college degree isn’t everything and college isn’t for everyone

      • diggy p.

        Wow. I am currently in the same boat now! It’s actually never too late to pursue what you love. Perception isn’t necessarily everything! I live in Northern NJ and most people work in Manhattan, I decided to do the same thing since I assumed that was where all the money was, preferably Wall Street. My true passion is the arts and everything creative. I received my Bachelors in Finance, even though my desire for the arts grew. I decided to finish, even when my advisor told me Finance isn’t for me. Well, I graduated in 2009 and I do work on Wall Street, but as a temp. I’m very unhappy in Finance, and I don’t even have a dollar to my name, so no lunch for me today. I’m not even married, I live with my grandmother and I feel bad asking her for money! All of my money goes towards helping my retired grandmother and paying bills. If I would have studied Art like I wanted to, I feel like I would have been more successful. I’ve just decided to pursue my Art full time starting next semester and get my Masters in Art History. If I don’t get a job, I would like to repair my credit and open a community art gallery. So I do agree with everything you said. Pursue your dreams since your husband is supporting you, and go back to school

  • DoinMe

    The problem with this is that the majority of people DO need an education beyond a HS diploma to make it. People like Tyra, Beyonce, and other celebrities are NOT the norm. Only a small handful of people have these kinds of breaks and make it that big with no education. Also, you can tell which celebrities have an education and which ones do not. The ones that do are much more well-rounded, articulate, confident, and can hold a conversation about multiple topics. The ones that aren’t, all they can speak about is their career and very little of anything else. I cringe at some of these celebs when they are giving interviews.

    • Dixy

      “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” ― Malcolm X

    • Just saying!!

      Omg THANK YOU!! Now i dont have to type much!! lol

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/thesapphireempress96?feature=results_main A.J.

    I understand part of this argument. Someone’s worth as a person should not be determined based on whether or not they went to college or not. There are different types of knowledge that can’t always be obtained in a classroom. The money can get ridiculous sometimes. And we don’t always know the reasons why someone was not able to go to college. That being said, the people mentioned in this article (Tyra, Beyonce), along with other successful people who didn’t go to college, were EXTREMELY fortunate. We no longer live in the 1940s/1950s, where someone with a high school education could become the CEO of a company. With the way that the economy is now, as well as the ever-changing face of the world, the decision to never go to college is not a viable alternative. True, there are always going to be those who make more than those with degrees, or people with degrees who are out of work. But those degrees provide a buffer, so that if something unexpected does happen, that person will always have something to fall back on. I hope that Gabby Douglas does go on to college, to show other young girls that both things are possible.

  • Indepth34

    I agree with the author to a certain extent. College isn’t for everyone. But at least getting your high school diploma or GED is important. If your going to portray yourself as a role model and not having a high school diploma isn’t a good look. I’m an educator and when I ask my students what they want to be 90% say a athlete or musician. That’s not a problem but how many people actually make a good living being musicians and athletes? Not only that what are you going to fall back on if it doesn’t work. Beyonce started way before she became successful @ 14-15 it took hard work and dedication just like earning your degree. I’m proud of Tyra for going back. There’s a lot of things people can take away from you, your education isn’t one of them.

    • http://www.youtube.com/user/thesapphireempress96?feature=results_main A.J.

      My family tells me that all the time about no one taking your education away, and it’s stuck with me. And I don’t agree with the idea that successful people who don’t go to college don’t encourage others to follow the same path. There are a lot of young kids like your students who think that they’ll just make it, and that’s not the way life is.

  • gracie

    Being African, I get critisized a lot by family and friends because I only have an associates degree. I plan on going back just to stop the scrutiny but I must say I am living way comfortably than my peers who have masters degrees etc.

    • melnel678

      I think education is over emphasized in every African home; African parents don’t play. lol. I think that school is not for everyone and that if you are intrinsically motivated to learn you will do so. School now is more about making you into a great employee rather than making you into a well rounded logical thinker.

    • Sade

      YES! African parents will not let u live in peace if you do not have AT LEAST a bachelors degree.

    • Miss D

      Lol yes! My mom keeps saying I need to go for my PhD. I won’t be doing that for at least another 10 yrs, lol. If you are successful with your current education and job, keep up the good work.

    • staci b

      Actually, in Nigeria, there are still some guys who will not marry you if you have a postgraduate degree. Reason being that they feel you are too big to control. LOL!

  • Think About It

    I had to stop reading this post somewhere in the middle. The author should note that a college degree (i.e. a B.A. or B.S.) is NOT the same thing as an MBA. Let’s get this straight. A BACHELOR’S DEGREE is an undergraduate degree. A MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION is a graduate degree. No a graduate degree is not always necessary. But an UNDERGRADUATE college degree may in fact be necessary given the demands of today’s workplace. The author should rethink her argument here. MAJOR FAIL.

    • ali

      I think what she was getting at was that the perhaps more important than obtaining a degree (at whatever level) is having work ethic. In this economy especially our thinking needs to shift from getting a degree to get a job to being job creators. We’ve bought into this college by any means necessaa ry and for some it profits them nothing, but costs a whole lot (student loans, useless, not applicable degrees etc). So while we with degrees make a ton more in a lifetime than those who stop at a high school diploma, the true path to sucess is having a business plan for your life and working hard to make it a reality.

      • ali

        Oops Lots of typos…typing on my phone.

      • http://www.youtube.com/user/thesapphireempress96?feature=results_main A.J.

        True, but I would argue that a higher education plan helps provide a better, well-thought out business plan for one’s life, rather than a H.S. degree or less.

      • elsebeth

        It’s true that work ethic is more important than ever, but despite our economy, we STILL need doctor’s, teacher’s, engineers and others who REQUIRE a college degree to do their jobs. Were not so far gone as a society that we need to change every high school into a technical school and forget about learning for the sake of learning. I will never buy into that “you don’t need an education beyond technical skills” nonsense. The average person can’t be a job CREATOR on a global scale without that MBA!

        Beyonce and Tyra Banks are apart of that lucky 1% out of over three hundred million people in the United States. The rest of us have to do whatever it takes to pay the bills, while Ms. Banks earns her certificate to feel good about herself. Please don’t ever tell your kids to not consider educating themselves. They may never be a brain surgeon, but no one can take their knowledge away from them, and that is more important than ever in this abysmal economy full of idiots only going for self.