A master of business administration degree is called an MBA. Once individuals complete high school, they must earn a bachelor’s degree to qualify for this graduate degree program.
MBA programs typically take two years to complete. It’s possible to earn an MBA in 12 months through an accelerated study program, and you may also opt to study part-time and earn your MBA in three years. Although it’s possible to enter the business field with a bachelor’s degree, earning an MBA will increase your career opportunities.
Benefits
MBA programs include studies in a wide range of subject areas, including marketing, finance, and management. The practical focus of the courses included in this master’s degree program ensures graduates have relevant skills suitable for the workplace. The wide range of subject areas covered ensures MBA graduates will have career opportunities in almost every field.
Customized Programs
MBA students can also choose to emphasize specific disciplines in their studies. Specialization options include internal management, operations management, finance leadership, and strategy. Specialization options offer MBA students the opportunity to earn a practical master’s degree that can open doors in multiple career fields while acquiring specialized skills that will enable them to compete for leadership opportunities in their areas of interest.
Refer to the MBA guide to learn about post-secondary institutions that offer this master’s degree program. The MBA guide identifies programs tailored to MBA students with a specialization area. This guide uses rankings and program guides to provide potential students with a clear picture of each school and program. You can also access information about class sizes and teaching methods. You can also use the MBA guide to find an MBA program with internships or cooperative learning opportunities.
Opportunities
Graduate studies in marketing equip MBA graduates to pursue opportunities in marketing. Marketing and sales staff are crucial in most fields, which means MBA graduates can pursue education, healthcare, manufacturing, and government opportunities. Marketing professionals include social media managers, marketing coordinators, and market research analysts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2019 that the median annual income for marketing managers was $136,850, while market research analysts took home $63,790. The BLS reported that marketing managers should see 7% job growth from 2019 to 2029, while job opportunities would increase by 18% for market research analysts during the same period.
MBA programs include courses in finance and accounting. MBA graduates who concentrated on financial studies may pursue a career as a financial analyst, accounting manager, or chief financial officer. The BLS indicates financial managers should see 15% job growth from 2019 to 2029. It also reported the 2019 median income for these professionals was $129,890 per year.
You’ll be qualified to pursue opportunities as a computer and information systems manager if you opt to specialize in technology management. According to the BLS, computer and information systems managers earned median annual salaries of $146,360 per year in 2019. From 2019 to 2029, job growth for these professionals is expected to be more than double the average job growth rate for all occupations.
Individuals with an MBA are also qualified to pursue opportunities as chief executive officers, school superintendents, politicians, and operations managers.
Application Tips
The MBA guide provides information about the application process, which you can use to increase your chances of being accepted to the MBA program of your choice. In addition to providing the school with an application and letter of recommendation, you may be required to attend an interview with the school’s admissions board.
Dress to impress when you go for your interview. Review spring fashion tips for the workplace and wear a pantsuit or white dress and jacket when you meet with the admissions committee. Prepare a list of questions you may want to ask and practice your listening skills. You can improve your interview performance by reviewing critical information about your accomplishments that may impress the admissions board. Practicing your public speaking skills to ensure you don’t rush your answers or speak too softly will also help you make a good impression.
The broad range of disciplines covered in MBA programs ensures graduates will have practical skills in several subject areas. Consequently, MBA graduates are equipped to work in several career fields and can pursue a wide range of management, IT, and finance opportunities.