Earning a master’s degree can be an excellent way for individuals in any profession to deepen their understanding of their field, strengthen their skills and showcase a commitment to their education and professional endeavors. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) program builds upon students’ existing skills in leadership and decision-making, finance, marketing and other vital aspects of business operations.
Earning a master’s degree can be an excellent way for individuals in any profession to deepen their understanding of their field, strengthen their skills and showcase a commitment to their education and professional endeavors. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) program builds upon students’ existing skills in leadership and decision-making, finance, marketing and other vital aspects of business operations.
In addition to advancing a student’s credentials, earning a master’s degree in business administration can expand their career opportunities. Discover the types of MBA degrees available to students continuing their educational journeys.
Why Pursue an MBA Degree?
Individuals interested in furthering their education and experience in business administration will find that earning an MBA can provide them with a number of benefits, including more career options, a wider professional network and a higher earning potential.
Greater Variety of Career Options
Business administration skills are applicable to a large range of industries. While the type of MBA degree an individual pursues can influence which industry is best for them, earning an MBA in any concentration enables students to broaden their understanding of business principles and their leadership skills, making them attractive candidates for employers across industries. There are many advanced career paths available to professionals with a master’s in business administration.Strengthened and Expanded Professional Network
Pursuing an MBA provides individuals with an invaluable opportunity to expand and diversify their professional network. Connections with their peers, professors and mentors as well as with alumni can be helpful to students as they complete their master’s program and throughout their career.
Higher Earning Potential
An MBA can help candidates stand out to employers who are hiring for advanced positions that offer high salaries. An individual’s earning potential depends on their field within business administration and their industry. According to Indeed, fields and industries that typically offer the highest salaries for MBA graduates include consulting, finance, technology management and marketing.
What Are the Types of MBA Degree Concentrations?
Individuals who have decided to take the next step in their educational journey should consider the different types of MBA degree concentrations. Understanding the differences between degree programs can help applicants determine the concentration that best aligns with their professional goals. Some of the concentrations available in MBA programs include the following:
General Management
An MBA program in general management focuses on business strategy, operations, finance and marketing. By providing a broad understanding of essential business functions, this type of MBA degree program prepares students for leadership roles in a wide range of fields and industries rather than in a specialized field. Students interested in having flexibility throughout their careers may want to consider a general management MBA as it emphasizes versatility and overall management knowledge and skills.
Potential Career Outcomes
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for individuals with an MBA in general management was approximately $96,000 as of October 2024. The following are examples of positions that use the leadership and decision-making skills developed throughout an MBA program with a general management concentration:- Project manager
- Marketing manager
- Director of operations
- Customer relations consultant
Accounting
Students who are drawn to the financial aspects of business and who enjoy working with numbers may find a master’s program in accounting useful for their professional goals. Primary responsibilities in roles best suited for graduates with an MBA in accounting include evaluating budgets, auditing, reconciling accounts, forecasting economic trends and ensuring company compliance with state and federal statutes, rules and regulations.
Potential Career Outcomes
Payscale reported in January 2025 that the median annual salary for individuals with an MBA with an accounting concentration was approximately $83,000. Potential career options for graduates with an MBA in accounting include the following:- Chief financial officer (CFO)
- Accounting manager
- Financial controller
- Senior financial analyst
Health Administration
Health administration lies at the crossroads of healthcare and business operations. Earning an MBA in health administration exposes students to the business operations of healthcare organizations and effective workflow methods within those organizations. Leaders in health administration may oversee a medical facility’s finances, develop and implement its policies and procedures, or assist with its employee onboarding.
Potential Career Outcomes
As of December 2024, Payscale reported that MBA in healthcare administration graduates had a median annual salary of approximately $89,000. Common roles for graduates of an MBA in health administration program include:- Hospital administrator
- Operations manager
- Chief operating officer (COO)
- Practice manager
International Business
A master’s program in international business is a specialized degree program that allows students to explore foreign economies and cultures. It offers a curriculum that has students assess markets at both the national and global levels. Advanced roles that professionals with an international business MBA may pursue involve developing and implementing sales or investment strategies, maintaining client accounts, creating and analyzing revenue reports and providing financial planning services.
Potential Career Outcomes
Payscale reported that the median annual salary for graduates with an MBA in international business was approximately $100,000 as of January 2025. Positions that these graduates pursue include the following:- Global product manager
- International business development manager
- Portfolio manager
- International sales manager
Advance Your Business Administration Education With Southeast Missouri State Online
A master’s program in business administration focuses on business principles and leadership skills, making it a valuable educational experience for students of varying backgrounds. The different types of MBA degree concentrations available allow individuals to tailor their degree to their professional goals and interests, with each program offering students the opportunity to expand their career options and grow their professional network.
Southeast Missouri State University Online’s MBA program is a great choice for individuals who are ready to advance in their careers. With no undergraduate business degree required and a fully online format, SEMO Online’s MBA program is accessible and flexible, providing a high-quality educational experience that meets the diverse needs of its students. The program includes emphasis areas in general management, accounting, health administration and international business.
Find out today how one of SEMO Online’s MBA program options can help you achieve your goals.
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Sources:
Earnest, “How Much Does an MBA Increase Your Salary?”
Indeed, “Accounting Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”
Indeed, “Fields and Factors That Increase Salary if You Earn an MBA”
Indeed, “Hospital Operations Management: Definition and Career Paths”
Payscale, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Accounting Degree
Payscale, Master of Business Administration (MBA), General Business Degree
Payscale, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Health Care Administration Degree
Payscale, Master of Business Administration (MBA), International Business Degree