Master of Business Administration (MBA)

<p>You'll take courses in business theory, decision making, ethics, creative thinking and business valuation, among other topics. Your courses might be taught using simulations and real-life cases. Because some MBA programs are designed for working professionals, you might find that your classes are primarily available late afternoons, evenings and weekends. </p> <p>Depending on the program, you may be able to choose a specialization. Specializations can include finance, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/MBA_in_International_Business_Your_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html">international business</a> and entrepreneurship. Some programs allow you to design your own concentration. You can do this by combining specialization courses, fieldwork or a study abroad element. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Ethics, creative thinking, decision making, business theory, business valuation</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Online programs available in traditional (2-year), part-time, or accelerated format</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td> An internship or field study is typically required within the program</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree is required; schools may require a minimum GPA or standardized test scores for admittance</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (May 2020)*</b></td><td> $98,890 (<i>for Administrative Services Managers</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td> 6% (<i>for Administrative Services Managers</i>)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreMyDistanceLearningOptions">What Are My Distance Learning Options?</h3> <p>Just like campus-based MBA programs, online MBA programs vary from school to school. Some are professional programs designed for managers with work experience in business, healthcare, engineering or technology who seek career advancement. Some are designed specifically for former business majors who are making an immediate transition into graduate school. </p> <p>The time required to complete these programs varies also. Some can be completed in the normal amount of time, which is approximately two years. Others, which may be available on a part-time basis, may take three years or more to complete. If you majored in business at the undergraduate level, you might be able to enroll in an accelerated MBA program, since some of your undergraduate business courses may exempt you from some MBA core courses. </p> <h3 id="section---IsThereAPracticalComponentToThesePrograms">Is There a Practical Component to These Programs?</h3> <p>Both on-campus and online programs offer a practical component. Practical training can be in the form of an internship or a field study. A field study involves collaborating with a professor to develop a project on a particular area of interest that you can apply to the company where you work. Practical training can also be in the form of a study abroad program where you use international business management techniques. Still, you might also complete a capstone course in which you'll get to work on a real-world business project. </p> <h3 id="section---WillIBeRequiredToMajorInBusinessAtTheUndergraduateLevel">Will I Be Required to Major in Business at the Undergraduate Level?</h3> <p>Business schools typically accept students from all majors. Of course, you'll need to meet certain requirements, but they can usually be met outside of the business major. What's most important to business schools is your grades, achievements, standardized tests scores and a well-rounded education at the undergraduate level.</p>