The business world is very attractive to people who want to make it big and aren’t afraid to take risks and assume responsibility. Whether you want to be a manager at an international corporation or start your own business, an MBA degree is a great choice to:
expand your knowledge
sharpen your skills
meet like-minded business people and entrepreneurs
learn how to approach business situations from different perspectives
General or regular MBA programmed include courses in Finance, Marketing, Management, Strategy, Economics, and so on. They have a holistic approach and don’t focus on one subject in particular. The professors’ goal is to make you an overall better businessman/businesswoman and provide the necessary support to take the next step in your career.
But what if you want to take an MBA and specialize in a certain subject, like Marketing or Finance. Is it possible?
Yes! There are many specialized MBA courses, designed to advance certain skills which are relevant in your chosen business area. Here are some of the most popular
MBA specializations:
MBA in General Management
MBA in Marketing
MBA in Human Resource Management
MBA in Consulting
MBA in Entrepreneurship
MBA in Finance
MBA in Operations Management
MBA in Management Information Systems
MBA in Global Management
MBA in Engineering Management
MBA in Technology Management
1. MBA in General Management
MBAs in General Management are very popular and teach students skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and risk management. These skills allow future graduates to occupy management or administrative positions in different types of organizations (private, public, NGOs).
Some of the courses you will take include Professional Development, Business Analytics, Project and Quality Management, Marketing Management, Economics for Managers, Organizational Behavior, etc.
Most MBAs in General Management take 1 or 2 years to complete. You can also find online MBAs in General Management.
2. MBA in Marketing
MBAs in Marketing are a great choice if you’re interested in a managerial or administrative marketing position. While the Marketing MBA includes general business courses, it places a high emphasis on developing your marketing-related skills and knowledge.
Typical subjects include Marketing Research, Branding, Advertising Management, Product Development, Digital Marketing, etc. After graduation, you can occupy various positions.
MBAs in Marketing take 1-2 years to complete. If you cannot enroll in a traditional on-campus programs, you can look into
online MBA in Marketing.
Young people in a business meeting
3. MBA in Human Resource Management
Human Resource Management is one of the most popular MBA specializations. This MBA degree allows students to take their human resource skills to the next level while gaining a better understanding of business administration, strategy, and other business-related subjects.
Popular courses during an MBA in Human Resource Management include Organizational Behavior, Negotiation, Business Law, Managerial Finance, and others.
MBAs in Human Resource Management take 1 or 2 years to finish. You can also find online MBAs in Human Resource Management, which allow you to have a more flexible schedule and handle other responsibilities as well.
4. MBA in Consulting
MBAs in Consulting combine traditional business courses with classes on Business Strategy, Organizational Behavior, Business Communication, Consulting, Negotiations, Ethics, and others. This approach allows students to better understand the impact of business dynamics and human relations.
Consulting MBAs are a great fit for people who enjoy verbal and written communication, who are good listeners and know how to evaluate actions and provide feedback.
It normally takes 1-2 years to complete an MBA in Consulting. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to apply for an on-campus degree, you can explore online MBAs in Consulting.
5. MBA in Entrepreneurship
MBAs in Entrepreneurship aren’t for everyone. If you decide to start your own business or take charge of a family endeavor, you need to be very ambitious, perseverant, and willing to take on big responsibilities.
6. MBA in Finance
If you want to study a Master of Business Administration and you enjoy working with numbers, budgets and have great attention to details, an MBA in Finance might be what you’re looking for.
This type of MBA combines traditional business courses with classes on Fund Management, Investments, Fundraising, Portfolio Management, Corporate Budgeting, Investment Analysis, etc.
You will invest 1 or 2 years in a Finance MBA. .
7. MBA in Operations Management
MBAs in Operations Management develop the students’ analytical skills and teach them how to use mathematical models and systems. This knowledge allows future graduates to improve the quality of products and services while reducing production costs.
These are some of the specialized courses you’ll take: Business Analytics, Mathematical Modelling, Data Logistics, Analysis & Interpretation, Operations Strategy, etc. Here are several jobs for graduates with an
MBA degree in Operations Management:
You’ll finish an Operations Management MBA in 1 or 2 years. Don’t have enough time for a traditional degree? You can always check out online MBAs in Operations Management.
8. MBA in Management Information Systems
MBAs in Management Information Systems teach future graduates how to design, implement, and use various advanced programs and systems which manage the constantly growing amount of data used by companies.
Management Information Systems (MIS) are used to collect, store, and organize information. Based on the analysis of this information, users can generate detailed reports and use them to evaluate the overall performance, make changes, and offer feedback.
During an MIS MBA, you can expect to take courses in Business Analytics, E-Strategy & Management Information Systems, Data Management, Data Visualization, Risk Management & Decision Making, etc. After graduation, you can work as a:
9. MBA in Global Management
The Global Management MBA (or International Management MBA) is another popular specialization among Masters of Business Administration. Courses focus on helping students understand the differences between cultures and how international/multinational organizations need to adapt their approach to different countries and markets.
You will normally finish an MBA in Global Management in 1 or 2 years. If you have other responsibilities, you can choose an online MBA in Global Management and study from the comfort of your home.
10. MBA in Engineering Management
MBAs in Engineering Management teach future students how to make better business decisions while taking into account engineering concepts, practices, and systems. Students learn how to compare different engineering solutions, evaluate risks, and implement solutions that improve the performance of organizations from highly technical engineering areas.
You can study subjects like Innovation and Leadership, Research Strategies, Performance Measurement, Manufacturing Methods, Product Development, Experience Design, Systems Lifecycles, etc. After graduation, you will find numerous job opportunities, such as:
11. MBA in Technology Management
MBA in Technology Management are ideal for students who are passionate about technology and understand its potential, impact, and risks. This type of MBA teaches future graduates how to find new ways through which software and hardware improve the efficiency of companies, products, and services.