Mediocre But Aggressive (“MBA” backronym)

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree doesn’t always impress everyone and has been infrequently given the backronym (back acronym) of “Mediocre But Aggressive.” The article “Business School Myths” by Richard Nason in the Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice (2011) mentioned “the often quoted statement that ‘MBA stands for mediocre but aggressive.’”
 
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree is sometimes called “Bachelor of Fuck All.” The Bachelor of Science degree is frequently called B.S. (“bull shit”) and the Master of Science degree is called M.S. (“more shit” or “more of the same”), with both referenced in print since at least 1932.
   
Other backronyms for the M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration) degree include “Massive Bank Account,” “Master Bullshit Artist” and “Mediocre But Arrogant.” M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) degree backronyms include “Money Doctor” and “Much Deeper.”
 
Ph.D. backronyms include “Papa Has Dough,” “Permanent Head Damage,” “Piled Higher and Deeper,” “Pizza Hut Deliveryman,” “Poor, Hungry and Determined,” “Poor, Hungry Doctor,” “Poor, Hungry and Driven”  and “Pretty Huge Debt.”
   
   
Wikipedia: Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration (MBA or M.B.A.) is a master’s degree in business administration (management). The MBA degree originated in the United States in the late 19th century when the country industrialized and companies sought scientific approaches to management. The core courses in an MBA program cover various areas of business such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources and operations in a manner most relevant to management analysis and strategy. Most programs also include elective courses.
 
The MBA is a terminal degree and a professional degree. Accreditation bodies specifically for MBA programs ensure consistency and quality of education. Business schools in many countries offer programs tailored to full-time, part-time, executive, and distance learning students, many with specialized concentrations.
     
North American Business Press
2011 (vol. 11, no. 4), Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, “Business School Myths” by Richard Nason of Dalhousie University, pg. 25:
The consequence for business school education is that students acquire a false expectation and confidence in their business skills knowledge that is at odds with the realities of the typical workplace. This leads to conflicts and disillusionment of graduates when they first enter the workforce. It has also contributed to the often quoted statement that “MBA stands for mediocre but aggressive”. The mismatch of having a curriculum based on optimization also creates the reputation of business school graduates as being arrogant.
 
Twitter
Jason Leroux
‏@jsnleroux
MBA = mediocre but aggressive. I Payed lots of money to make people think I’m smart by being assertive. #profquotes
4:16 PM - 1 Nov 2011
 
Twitter
JESleeth
‏@OPCErgo
@HRIQ Remember MBA = Mediocre But Aggressive; dime a dozen, 21 years as consultant gave me at least 3 of them!
4:15 PM - 23 Dec 2011