Program Overview

Introduction to Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Management (MSM) Degrees

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Management (MSM) degrees are two distinct graduate programs that cater to different groups of business professionals. While the MBA has been a long-standing career enhancer for many professionals, the MSM has gained popularity in recent years as a leadership-emphasizing alternative.

General Differences Between an MBA and a Master of Science in Management

According to a 2019 report from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the demand for Masters in Management degrees has increased by 5.4 percent year over year. The MBA is geared toward individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree in a business discipline and have spent multiple years in the workforce, while the MSM benefits professionals with a somewhat different profile, including those who have recently finished a bachelor's degree in a non-business field and have limited work experience.

Target Audience for MBA and MSM Programs

• MBA programs are designed for professionals with at least three years of related business experience, who are looking to transition into a management position.
• MSM programs, on the other hand, are geared toward recent college graduates with limited work experience, who are looking to transition into an entry-level business role or move up to a higher-level position within their existing organization.

Admission Requirements for MBA and MSM Programs

• MBA programs frequently expect professionals to have at least three years of related business experience and require GMAT results.
• MSM programs, meanwhile, do not stress the requirement of business experience and may not require standardized tests, although GRE scores may be sufficient.

Post-Graduation Outcomes for MBA and MSM Programs

• The Masters in Management helps professionals with a few years of experience transition into an entry-level business role or move up to a higher-level position within their existing organization.
• MBA graduates, already on the track to advancement, often transition from a lower- or mid-level finance role to a department head or management personnel.

Course Content and Structure of MBA and MSM Programs

MBA Program Structure

• MBA programs focus on functional business disciplines and allow students to select a concentration.
• The result combines a comprehensive overview of higher-level business knowledge with an area of specialization geared toward their current or desired career path.
• MBA curricula vary between schools, formats, and concentrations, but programs cover advanced accounting, marketing, economics, operations, strategy, and finance concepts.

MSM Program Structure

• MSM degrees spend less time on functional subjects and emphasize leadership and management aspects.
• These programs aim to graduate professionals ready to lead and effectively manage teams in a range of organizations and environments.
• Masters in Management students refine their communication, team-building, and decision-making skills and learn to become effective, transformational leaders.

Length of MBA and Masters in Management Programs

• The length of MBA and MSM programs varies, with MBA programs typically taking two years to complete and MSM programs designed as a one-year course of study.
• The number of credits required for each program reflects these differences, with MBA programs sometimes having double the credits of MSM programs.

Full-Time and Part-Time Program Options

• MBA programs often offer part-time or online formats, while MSM programs offer less flexibility due to their design for recent college graduates.
• Students evaluating both choices should consider how much time they can afford to take off from the workforce and choose a program that fits their needs.

Evaluating Career Goals for MBA and MSM Programs

• For mid-career business professionals, a Masters in Management may be redundant, as they have already gained a general understanding of business through their bachelor's degree and work experience.
• The MBA degree is more suitable for mid-career business professionals, as it builds on their past education and work experiences and prepares them for more on-the-job responsibilities.
• Both degrees can give professionals a boost, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 7% increase in demand for management professionals between 2018 and 2028.