Get Matched With MBA in Business Intelligence Programs
Graduate students who are looking for an MBA that will provide one of the best returns on investment (ROI) should consider looking into MBA Business Analytics programs.
Data is becoming one of the most important assets for any company to own. And students completing MBA programs have a wide range of choices to consider when they are looking at specializations they may be interested in. If any MBA students previously earned a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or a data science field, they may be particularly well-suited to an MBA with a business analytics concentration. A large part of these MBA’s work responsibilities include data mining business information to determine what upcoming trends are in the future and using business analytics and business intelligence to help management make the best decisions. This specialization also means that business analysts will be able to find inefficiencies so that they can be corrected. They will also be able to predict business challenges before they become an overwhelming problem.
If this professional majored in math, computer science, statistics, or engineering, they will be a good fit in this role. They may also be ready to move into a project management position.
What is an MBA in Business Analytics?
This MBA specialization is specific to learning and using tools to extract the pertinent data you need to find issues, make your business’ outcomes even better, and predict what results you’ll see in the future.
This degree may also qualify as a STEM program. Because you’ll likely be taking plenty of classes in science, technology, engineering, or math, this degree may be identified as an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
This specialization also requires that you learn how to use the expert features and functions within Excel. You’ll have to show proficiency in Macro operations, Sparklines, VLOOKUP, and HLOOKUP. You should also be able to work easily with pivot tables and charts so that you can share your findings with board members or stakeholders in meaningful ways.
Some programs provide additional flexibility for your business analytics goals. You may choose to take electives in your business courses, information studies, engineering, or computer science. Your technical electives are likely to focus on Introduction to Data science, data administration concepts and database management, data analytics, big data analytics and data warehouse. This allows you to obtain skills in data visualization and collection, data mining, and statistical and pattern analysis you’ll need on the job.
Compare Popular Online MBA in Business Intelligence Programs
Top 25 Best MBA in Business Analytics Programs
University of Pennsylvania
Score: 89.94
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,544
- Out-of-State: $41,544
- Net Price: $26,123
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 28,201
- Undergrad Students: 11,250
- Graduate Students: 16,951
- Grads Salary: $94,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
University of Notre Dame
Score: 85.69
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,030
- Out-of-State: $62,030
- Net Price: $28,474
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 13,105
- Undergrad Students: 8,971
- Graduate Students: 4,134
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of California-San Diego
Score: 85.5
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,264
- Out-of-State: $27,366
- Net Price: $16,111
- Acceptance Rate: 24%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 42,006
- Undergrad Students: 33,096
- Graduate Students: 8,910
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of California-Davis
Score: 82.89
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,264
- Out-of-State: $27,366
- Net Price: $17,385
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Total Enrollment: 39,679
- Undergrad Students: 31,532
- Graduate Students: 8,147
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Villanova University
Score: 82.88
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,261
- Out-of-State: $21,261
- Net Price: $34,837
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 10,383
- Undergrad Students: 6,989
- Graduate Students: 3,394
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
University of Chicago
Score: 82.25
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,145
- Out-of-State: $65,145
- Net Price: $36,991
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Retention Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 18,339
- Undergrad Students: 7,595
- Graduate Students: 10,744
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
Binghamton University
Score: 82.24
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,310
- Out-of-State: $23,790
- Net Price: $19,535
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 18,312
- Undergrad Students: 14,402
- Graduate Students: 3,910
- Grads Salary: $90,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Wake Forest University
Score: 80.81
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,650
- Out-of-State: $38,650
- Net Price: $26,197
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 8,963
- Undergrad Students: 5,447
- Graduate Students: 3,516
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Babson College
Score: 80.69
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,600
- Out-of-State: $54,600
- Net Price: $28,400
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Total Enrollment: 3,989
- Undergrad Students: 2,761
- Graduate Students: 1,228
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Virginia Tech
Score: 79.99
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,234
- Out-of-State: $30,702
- Net Price: $19,301
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Total Enrollment: 38,170
- Undergrad Students: 30,434
- Graduate Students: 7,736
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Georgia
Score: 78.34
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,878
- Out-of-State: $25,186
- Net Price: $17,180
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 40,607
- Undergrad Students: 30,714
- Graduate Students: 9,893
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Connecticut
Score: 77.5
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,834
- Out-of-State: $40,746
- Net Price: $23,985
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 27,003
- Undergrad Students: 18,983
- Graduate Students: 8,020
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Case Western Reserve University
Score: 77.31
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,360
- Out-of-State: $52,360
- Net Price: $38,279
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Total Enrollment: 12,201
- Undergrad Students: 6,017
- Graduate Students: 6,184
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
Score: 77.27
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,834
- Out-of-State: $43,804
- Net Price: $24,286
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 33,767
- Undergrad Students: 24,420
- Graduate Students: 9,347
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Score: 77.07
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,723
- Out-of-State: $32,434
- Net Price: $22,291
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 32,229
- Undergrad Students: 24,391
- Graduate Students: 7,838
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
The College of New Jersey
Score: 77.01
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,167
- Out-of-State: $16,167
- Net Price: $22,273
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Total Enrollment: 7,629
- Undergrad Students: 7,039
- Graduate Students: 590
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Santa Clara University
Score: 76.43
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,873
- Out-of-State: $25,873
- Net Price: $50,551
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 9,178
- Undergrad Students: 6,115
- Graduate Students: 3,063
- Grads Salary: $96,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
The Pennsylvania State University
Score: 76.36
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,956
- Out-of-State: $43,266
- Net Price: $26,747
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 50,028
- Undergrad Students: 41,745
- Graduate Students: 8,283
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Clemson University
Score: 76.17
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,220
- Out-of-State: $23,372
- Net Price: $24,577
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 28,466
- Undergrad Students: 22,566
- Graduate Students: 5,900
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Bentley University
Score: 75.99
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,720
- Out-of-State: $44,720
- Net Price: $44,233
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 5,165
- Undergrad Students: 4,131
- Graduate Students: 1,034
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
California State University-Fullerton
Score: 75.76
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,176
- Out-of-State: $16,680
- Net Price: $7,925
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 40,386
- Undergrad Students: 35,432
- Graduate Students: 4,954
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
University of San Diego
Score: 75.14
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,854
- Out-of-State: $28,854
- Net Price: $36,008
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 8,815
- Undergrad Students: 5,669
- Graduate Students: 3,146
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Michigan State University
Score: 74.3
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,808
- Out-of-State: $40,884
- Net Price: $22,803
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Total Enrollment: 50,023
- Undergrad Students: 39,201
- Graduate Students: 10,822
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Thomas Jefferson University
Score: 73.69
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,202
- Out-of-State: $23,202
- Net Price: $28,110
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 8,286
- Undergrad Students: 3,771
- Graduate Students: 4,515
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Illinois Chicago
Score: 72.99
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,108
- Out-of-State: $25,481
- Net Price: $10,384
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 33,747
- Undergrad Students: 21,807
- Graduate Students: 11,940
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
What Can You Do With an MBA in Business Analytics?
Marketing Manager
In this position, you will supervise and help with the creation of advertising and sales campaigns for your employer. You may be assigned to one product or an entire product line or you may be responsible for a brand with many products under its umbrella.
Your responsibility is to weave input from various teams, such as research and sales. With your experience and knowledge in data analysis, you’ll be able to examine the data from previous campaigns to see what was the most successful. Your experience will be vital as you schedule the various steps in your marketing campaigns. Careful data analysis should yield successful campaign results.
Find Your Online MBA in Business Intelligence Program
Finance Manager
As a finance manager, your background in data analytics is particularly valuable. Because you develop and oversee departmental budgets, you’re likely going to spend time looking at previous budgets; your ability to mine data will help you to look through budgets of previous years and delve more deeply into how they were structured and what parts of these budgets worked and what didn’t. You’ll also ensure that all budgets meet required deadlines.
Once you have done this, you’ll track expenses and new budgets. If you see that a department’s budget has been exceeded, you’ll be able to figure out why and then make actionable suggestions for that department going forward.
Business Analytics Specialist
This role may also be known as a senior data analyst. They often work within a finance or marketing department, collating, and organizing data. They also analyze the data and report what they learn to the managers of other departments so they can make the best decision possible for their department and the company. At this level, the senior analyst may oversee a small team. They may also work as a go-between or liaison between the data analysis department and other areas of the company.
While a bachelor’s degree is the usual requirement, it’s becoming more and more common for businesses to require a master’s degree.
Management Consultant
A management consultant strives to help their employer improve areas of the company that may be lacking in productivity or even positive company image. It’s their job to find and identify ongoing problems; they work with data analysis to find these problems and any risks in order to help the company correct them.
In this role, proficiency with data analysis, computers, and math is mandatory. The consultant will be conducting high levels of research across the entire company. they may also create specialized forecasts to help predict the company outlook or find different ways of measuring company performance in various areas.
Business Intelligence Analyst
In this role, the business intelligence analyst specifies the actions a company has to take to improve collaboration between its departments. This professional should have a strong understanding of both professional and managerial skill sets. They will collaborate with several cross-departmental managers. For this reason, they need strong leadership abilities.
They should also be familiar with every area of business administration. Their presentation skills should be top-notch as their leadership and presentation skills will be used during frequent meetings, where organizational data and scenarios for future directions will be discussed.
Types of Business Analytics MBA Degrees
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Postgraduate or post-MBA Certificate in Business Analytics
Average Salary: $86,000
By taking a post-MBA certificate program in business analytics, you can boost your annual pay to $86,000. You’ll spend another 12 months in certification classes, which generally consist of business data mining, product innovation and development, financial statement analysis and valuation and business forecasting. After you complete all four courses, you’ll be awarded a certificate and some schools allow you to also earn a certificate in Data Mining Using SAS.
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MS in Business Analytics
Average Salary: $73,000
Once you earn your MS in Business Analytics, you’ll be ready to guide the decisions that company managers or officers have to make as they move their companies forward. As you analyze the data needed to make your decisions, you’ll do so knowing that you have the ability to transform what you uncover into a strategic tool. In your role, backed by your Master of Science degree, you’ll earn somewhere around the average annual salary of $73,000 for this position.
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MBA in Business Analytics
Average Salary: $76,000
Earning your MBA in Business Analytics allows you to learn valuable skills that travel with you from position to position: networking, leadership, and data analysis. An MBA program in business analytics is focused toward students who already have a business background including finance, accounting, strategy, or marketing. You’ll take the business analytics courses as electives, which will zero in on business applications. With your degree, you can expect to earn around $76,000 annually.
Sample Curriculum & Courses for Business Analytics
- Analytics Edge:
How does data analytics get used in helping businesses to transform themselves? Using examples and case studies in different business environments, you’ll learn how you can use analytics to help businesses make the best decisions.Find Online MBA in Business Intelligence Schools
- Machine Learning Under a Modern Optimization Lens:
This teaches you how to develop algorithms to address central problems in machine learning. This brings analysis into a current optimization framework. - From Analytics to Action:
In this course you’ll learn how to appreciate organizational dynamics as you develop competence in working with social networks. You’ll learn teamwork, how to make rewards and incentives easy to understand, and to use the crowd. - Communicating with Data:
Here, you’ll learn the tactics and strategies you’ll need as you work with quantitative information and teach and guide your peers and managers. You’ll learn how using data helps to convince others, a dual MBA in economics can also help you with this. - Analytics Capstone Project:
Here, you’ll prepare a practical application of business analytics issues in a real company. You’ll be matched to company projects, then visit them to determine your project and its scope of work.
Online Vs. On-Campus for an MBA in Business Analytics
An online MBA in Business Analytics is virtually the same as the on-campus version. You will learn how to examine and analyze vast amounts of electronic data that come into a company and that are generated by the company so that you can develop an effective strategy for the company to use as it makes plans for the future.
In an online degree program, you’ll develop the computer, data analytics, and predictive modeling skills you’ll need for a career as a business analyst. You’ll also learn how to compile all that data so you and company managers can craft strategies that will allow them to make better business decisions and learn about making decisions based on ethics as you aid managers in directing their company forward. The decisions you make will be based solely on the evidence you have found.
An on-campus MBA in Business Analytics teaches you both general business and analytics (which are introduced in elective courses) so you can grow toward your goals. If you want to become more competitive, you are best able to do this using available data resources. Your degree can be used in fields as diverse as finance or healthcare administration.
The main difference between online and on-campus is the ability to practice your presentation skills more easily in an in-person environment. Taking the courses online may not fully prepare you to present your findings to a company board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Certification Should I get in Addition to an MBA in Business Analytics?
When you hear data analytics, do you know what it means? If not, you’re not alone. In data analytics, you examine large amounts of data in data sets. This helps you to find and identify trends, then create presentations to help business leaders see what they need to understand before they make major decisions.
As you explore various MBA programs, look for certificates that would complement your degree and allow you to work in a data analyst’s position. You might consider getting certified to work with a specific software suite so that, if you apply for a position with a company that uses this software, you will be in the best position possible to move smoothly into that position.
What are the Differences Between an MBA in Business Analytics and a Regular MBA?
A generalized MBA gets you in the door with an employer. You’ll obtain a broad range of knowledge in business so you’re ready to work in any industry of your choosing. If you already have industry experience, this can be more than enough to earn you the position you seek.
However, if you are interested in moving into data analytics and you have no experience with data, it’s best to specialize.
Many MBA programs require that you complete a set number of electives credits. Along with required courses, why not add some elective courses in data analysis? If you choose an MBA with business analytics, you’ll take computer and programming-related courses along with your core business courses.
Who Should Consider Getting This Degree:
Students wanting an MBA program as well as a STEM-related program are the ones best suited to choosing an MBA Business Analytics degree. You must be sure that you have the aptitude to go through the most minute detail to find trends and develop business solutions. For instance, one group of students worked on a real healthcare issue with a health services provider. This issue involved cardiac patients and the probability that they would need an eventual re-admission to the hospital for treatment. By helping the health services provider identify these patients, the provider was able to give additional care at a lower cost.
How to Choose the Right Program
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Do You Have to Go Back to School?
Going back to school for an MBA means you’re going to devote about two years to studying and earning your degree. If you want to add a concentration such as business analytics to your degree program, you’ll likely be in school somewhat longer.If you don’t have two years available in which to earn your MBA, you might want to consider earning stackable certificates that will earn you those credits. You’ll also be able to earn micro-credentials as you are earning your MBA.
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Is This a Long-Term Career Path for You?
It isn’t a good investment of your time and money to go back to school and earn your Business Analytics MBA if you’re not going to use your degree. So, you need to be certain that the positions you would be able to hold with this specific degree are of interest to you. You might want to discuss whether your current company would be interested in promoting you and maybe even shadow whoever does this work at the company now. This would allow you to understand the day to day duties you could expect if you earn this degree.This business analytics field is growing more and more; job openings are waiting for the right professional to fill them. Just make sure that the jobs that will be waiting for you are the jobs that you want.
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What Kind of Networking Opportunities are Available?
While you’re in your MBA program, you’re going to make connections with professors and fellow students. And, as you get closer to graduation and a full-time MBA position, you’ll want to maintain these friendships.These connections can and should become networking opportunities. In addition, the graduate career management center at universities often work to set up networking events for students. By checking into a school’s calendar of events, you should be able to find out if there are events that are meant to benefit you. You’ll want to attend a school that will help you in the long run, not just with your degree, but by helping you form important connections.
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Does Earning this MBA Provide a Significant Return on Investment (ROI)?
Someone who earns a general MBA will command an excellent salary. But the graduate with an MBA-Business Analytics could expect even more. In 2018, the average base salary for an employee with a business analytics degree was $110,000; in 2019, this was $123,000. While an MBA with more work experience earns a higher salary, the MBA-Business Analytics puts you in a much better position to move up.Looking at the payback period, which leads to the question of gaining a return on investment (ROI), a graduate with an MBA focused in business analytics sees their payback period lasting around 73 months. This is if the graduates are from Canada or the US. Globally, the payback period is 88 months.
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Consider the Student Outcomes for Each Program
Consider the fact that online degree programs don’t always operate on fall to spring academic calendars. Instead, they may run year-round, with short breaks for students as they progress through their programs.On average, the graduation rate for ranked online-only MBA programs was 63%. These programs had at least 25 students enrolled. Some of the better graduation rates ranged from 85% up to 100%.
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Make Sure the Program is Accredited
If you’re wondering whether you really need to seek out and enroll in an accredited MBA-Business Analytics program, the answer is yes. This is definitely a necessary recognition.If you want to access federal financial aid, if you want to have a potential employer look at you more seriously than candidates who may have gone through unaccredited programs, or if you think you might need to transfer to another school; accreditation is a must.
Working in a field like business analytics means you’ll do even better if you get into an AACSB-accredited program. Accreditation is the formal recognition that your chosen program is high-quality.
Professional Organizations
- Data Science Association
This organization offers a visible leadership role, helping to support the data science community. This organization has also strengthened its focus on activities so that they fit the needs of members. - International Institute of Business Analysts
This non-profit organization supports the business analysis profession. Using a global network, IIBA helps to connect more than 29,000 members with corporate members and chapters. - Data Science Association
This organization’s mission is to support and promote data science so that it improves life, government, and business. DSA operates by a few principles such as setting standards for ethical, professional practice and others.Search Programs Offering MBA in Business Intelligence Majors
- American Statistical Association
This is the world’s biggest community of statisticians. It is also the second oldest continuously operating all over the country. For 181 years, the ASA has supported excellence in statistical science via several venues.
Potential Scholarships to Consider
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Big Data Science & Analytics Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Offered by: The Master’s of Business Analytics websiteStudents who are working toward an MBA in Data Analytics are eligible if they are enrolled full- or part-time in the same year they apply for this scholarship. They must be enrolled in a US-based campus or online degree program.
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Informs Analytics Society Student Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Offered by: The Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (InFORMS)The institute offering this scholarship partners with SAS annually to host an Analytics Society Student Scholarship Competition every spring to the student who has submitted the most compelling analytical project proposal.
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Fisher Family Fund Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Offered by: Fisher Family FundThis scholarship is specific to students at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, who are pursuing degrees in data science or business analytics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you choose the right program for you?
This is highly dependent on your timeframe for earning your degree, your previous education and experience, and how you’d like to attend your classes. There are a variety of types of degree programs, and you should have an idea of what you’re looking for when you begin your school search. By having a plan in mind, you can look for a program that best fits your overall needs.
Should you complete an MBA or a master’s degree?
This also depends on what you need to succeed and your background. In this case, a master’s will give you specialized knowledge if you know you are looking to progress in your field. An MBA will provide you with more generalized business knowledge and management skills. If you are looking to gain a supervisory position, an MBA with a specialization might be just what you’re looking for.
What can you expect from online MBAs?
An online MBA is likely to have all the same courses that an in-person program would offer. However, there will likely be less hands-on learning, fewer interactions with prominent businesspeople in your local area, and they may require a few in-person sessions for group work or networking. Be sure you find out if there are any in-person requirements before you start an online master’s program.