What degree should I seek, MBA, MS in Social and Applied Economics, or
a dual degree?  My undergraduate degree is a BS in Management
Information Systems.  The MBA consists of 17 courses, Economics degree
consists of 15 courses, and the dual degree would require a total 26
courses.  I plan to take 6 courses per year; therefore the dual degree
would require an additional 18 months to complete.  I have two young
children at home, so the additional 18 months to complete the dual
degree is a high price to pay.  I’m currently working as a technical
writer.  In the future, I could see myself in upper management (maybe
finance) or as a market analyst.

Dear MWB,

If I were you with the children, I would do the degree that required
the least amount of time.  I would also do whichever program, MBA or
MS, would be most respected by the industry you plan to go into.  You
need to ask around to determine this: ask your peers, career
management, and read industry publications.

Honestly, to be in upper management or to be an analyst you don't need
a graduate degree at all, however, it depends on your personal
situation.  If you feel that you personally need the degree for
advancement, then you should definitely continue going to go school. 
The value of an MBA is highly dependent on the reputation of the
school to which you go.  The value of an MS is less dependent.

However, be certain about what you would like to do in the end. How an
MBA is taught is more suited for upper management (emphasizing
communication skills), whereas an MS would probably be more suited for
an analyst.  Although there's nothing to restrict you from going to
either regardless of what degrees you have.  What you achieve is more
dependent on your performance in your job, than the type of degree or
number of degrees you have.

Good luck,
Claudietta

Excellent answer above.
I would suggest that you consider the field you want to be in and your
age:
the older you are, the less time you have to earn back the money and
time you spend getting an advanced degree.  Its really not worth it if
you are older than 40.  Also, you should consider the fact that even
the top MBAs are having a very difficult time finding ANY job for the
last 2 years.  This could be a difficult employment market for some
time.  Perhaps consider getting a job that offers some tuition
reimbursement as a benefit.  Good luck.