Ask the Recruiter

First, let's clear up your impression about the job market for MBAs, because the compensation level you quote seems wildly optimistic. For one thing, when salary information is quoted, it generally represents average salary levels -- certainly not a minimum salary level. There are no such guarantees in the job market.

In turn, those averages need to be taken with a grain of salt--they vary widely by region, and by the educational pedigree of the individual. Overall, my impression is that the salary level you quote is unrealistically high, especially for a new MBA's starting salary.

Meanwhile, if you get good grades and earn your degree from a respected program, you'll find that science and engineering can also be lucrative fields. While a degree in material science may not be as versatile as an MBA, it is certainly more specialized--which can mean higher pay once you land a job.

One way to hedge your bets would be to pursue an MBA with an eye toward getting into the business side of engineering, via either management or sales. The mixture of general business and specialized technical knowledge can be a lucrative one indeed.