MBA Concentrations and Popular Specializations

Master of Business Administration degrees, commonly known as MBAs, are some of the most popular types of master's degrees. These degrees are for those wanting careers in business.

Since business is a wide field, many MBA programs offer concentrations and specializations so students can tailor their degrees to their career goals. Keep reading to learn more about common MBA concentrations and specializations.

In-Demand MBA Concentrations and Specializations for 2025

Students earning their Master of Business Administration degree can choose a concentration or specialization in several different areas of business. We've listed some of the most in-demand concentrations and specializations below.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the action of starting a new business. MBA students who choose an entrepreneurship concentration will learn how to start a brand new business and how to help new businesses thrive.

This specialization often covers topics such as:

• business management
• developing a business plan
• expanding businesses
• securing capital

A concentration in entrepreneurship is a great concentration for MBA students who want a career that gets them on the ground floor of new businesses, enterprises, and start-ups.

Business Analytics

Businesses use analytics for a variety of things, including marketing, operations, and general decision-making. A business analytics concentration teaches students how to analyze and utilize business data.

Coursework for business analytics concentrations often covers:

• business analytics technology
• data science
• descriptive business analytics
• predictive business analytics

Students who love working with data will likely enjoy a concentration in business analytics. Business analysts are able to work in a variety of fields, including finance, government, and healthcare.

Healthcare Management

Healthcare management concentrations are for MBA majors who want to work in the field of healthcare. Students learn how to manage various business departments within a healthcare setting.

Topics covered in this specialization include:

• health administration
• healthcare economics
• healthcare information systems and informatics
• global health

Project Management

MBA students studying project management will learn management skills for leading projects. This includes learning how to plan, budget, and execute a project.

Project management concentrations will usually include courses that cover:

• decision-making
• leading people
• project management
• strategic analysis

Project management students can find career paths in areas like technology, construction, manufacturing, and more.

Financial Management

Financial management refers to the different aspects involved in managing a business or individual's finances. A financial management concentration prepares students for roles within an organization's finance department.

Coursework often covers topics like:

• accounting
• corporate finance
• financial modeling
• investments and portfolio management

An MBA with a concentration in financial management can lead to careers as a financial advisor, financial analyst, financial manager, and more. It can also create a good foundation for careers in economics or accounting.

Human Resources

Human resources is the department within a business that deals with the business's relationship with its employees. They often handle hiring, payroll, benefits, and more.

A human resources concentration will usually cover things like:

• employment law
• human resources management
• leadership
• payroll and benefit analysis

Those who study human resources are often looking for a career path in a human resources department. This can include roles like hiring coordinator, recruiter, payroll specialist, or HR manager.

International Business

International business, also called global business, is a concentration that covers how to conduct business with and in other countries. Students learn to understand cultural, economic, and political environments.

Topics covered in the international business specialization often include:

• international marketing
• international financial policy
• international trade
• multinational corporations

A global business concentration prepares students for roles in international management. These roles are available in a range of industries that conduct international business.

Supply Chain Management

The supply chain is the series of steps that it takes to get a product made and placed in a customer's hands. There are a lot of things that can influence the supply chain.

A student who chooses a supply chain management concentration will often learn about topics like:

• innovation and strategy
• logistics
• operations management
• quantitative analysis

A supply chain management concentration can lead to multiple roles, like that of a supply chain manager, logistics manager, or project manager.

Information Technology

Information technology refers to using technology systems to store, access, and send information. An information technology concentration is for students who want to learn how to use IT for business.

Information technology concentrations within an MBA program will train students in competencies like:

• business analytics
• databases and big data
• digital innovation
• technology management

Someone with a concentration in information technology will work within an organization's tech department. They can pursue careers such as IT director or chief technology officer (CTO).

How To Choose the Right MBA Concentration for You

Each MBA concentration and specialization is different, and there are many options to choose from. To help you narrow down what MBA specialization or concentration is right for you, you can ask yourself these questions:

• What are my career goals?
• What are my strengths?
• What are my interests?
• What industry do I want to work in?
• What are my salary goals?
• What concentrations are in demand in the job market?

These questions can all help you narrow down which concentrations or specializations are best for you.

Other Common MBA Specializations

The concentrations listed above are only a fraction of the concentrations available in an MBA degree program. Other common concentrations include:

• economics
• environmental management and sustainability
• general management
• marketing
• nonprofit management
• operational management
• strategic management

Colleges and Universities Offering MBA Concentrations and Specializations

Multiple colleges and universities in the United States offer MBAs with concentrations and specializations.

Duke University

Duke University, located in North Carolina, offers MBA concentrations in the following:

• decision sciences
• diversity
• equity and inclusion
• energy and environment
• energy finance
• entrepreneurship and innovation
• finance
• financial analysis/accounting
• financial technology
• leadership and ethics
• management
• marketing
• operations management
• social entrepreneurship
• strategy

New York University

New York University has many specializations for MBAs.

• accounting
• banking
• brand management
• business analytics
• corporate finance
• digital marketing
• economics
• entertainment and media
• entrepreneurship and innovation
• finance
• global business
• healthcare
• management
• marketing
• real estate
• strategy
• supply chain management and global sourcing

University of Chicago

Another accredited university, the University of Chicago, has the following MBA concentrations:

• accounting
• analytic finance
• behavioral science
• business analytics
• econometrics and statistics
• economics
• entrepreneurship
• finance
• general management
• healthcare
• international business
• marketing management
• operations management
• strategic management

University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill has MBA concentrations in the following areas:

• business analytics and management science
• capital markets and investments
• consulting
• corporate finance
• energy
• entrepreneurship
• family enterprise
• healthcare
• managing people and organizations
• marketing
• operations management
• real estate
• sustainable enterprise
• technology and innovation

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia has many MBA concentrations as well.

• asset management/sales and trading
• corporate finance/investment banking
• entrepreneurship and innovation
• marketing
• strategy consulting
• supply chain management
• business analytics
• environment
• social
• governance
• management science

Many of these colleges and universities offer online MBA programs, although not all concentrations are available online.

FAQs About MBA Concentrations and Specializations

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about MBA concentrations and specializations.

Do MBA Concentrations Matter?

MBA concentrations do matter somewhat. While the courses in your concentration make up only a small percent of the courses within your degree program, a concentration can give you a competitive advantage in the job market.

When Do I Pick an MBA Specialization or Concentration?

Often, MBA programs will have students choose a specialization or concentration after they've completed their core MBA coursework. However, it can vary between programs.

Is It Worth It To Study an MBA Specialization?

For many students, it's worthwhile to study a concentration since it can offer a boost in the job market. Concentrations often take the place of electives, so you aren't taking on additional coursework. Some programs may also require you to choose a specialization.

What Are the Most Popular MBA Concentrations?

According to Pepperdine University, some of the most commonly chosen MBA concentrations include general management, finance, marketing, strategy, operational management, and entrepreneurship.