12 types of MBA specializations you can pursue

The MBA or Master of Business Administration is one of the most popular master’s degrees among graduates seeking to further their education by obtaining a business-related master’s. It's also the go-to choice for many professionals looking to upgrade their skills or make a career change by pursuing a business-oriented role.

An MBA is a general business degree. Yet, there are many different types of MBA programs that offer a broad business education paired with a specialization in a particular field, such as marketing, finance, etc.

Many MBA candidates have already chosen their field or even a specific profession, so, it makes sense for them to acquire business knowledge and specialize in their preferred field at the same time, by pursuing a specialized MBA program. The specialized MBA programs are also targeted at business graduates who may want to follow a more focused career path.

If you’re uncertain about which specialization to choose, take our free aptitude test, explore your strengths and interests, and discover the programs that best suit your personality!

How many types of MBA courses are there?

As business studies draw more students to the postgraduate level, universities enhance their study programs with more types of MBA specializations that cover every possible field or industry. As a result, there are many different types of MBAs you can pursue, depending on your particular interests or future career plans. So, if you’re wondering what types of MBA specializations are available at universities worldwide, here are some of the most popular right now:

1. MBA in Finance

Business goes hand in hand with turning a profit, so it makes sense that finance majors are among the most sought-after MBA graduates in the world. They comprise the backbone of the banking, fintech, and investment sectors while their deep knowledge of micro and macroeconomics, corporate-level accounting, international markets, investment management, etc., also makes them essential to building successful businesses across every industry. In a few words, an MBA in finance opens up a world of exciting professional opportunities that simply cannot be overlooked.

Read more: What is actuarial science and why study it?

What jobs can you get with an MBA in Finance?

Some popular jobs you can pursue after completing an MBA course in Finance are listed below:

• Investment Banker
• Corporate Financial Analyst
• Financial Planner
• Asset Manager
• Risk Manager
• Financial Services Professional
• Insurance Specialist
• Commercial Banker
• Private Equity Associate
• Venture Capitalist

2. MBA in Marketing

Being an essential part of every successful business, marketing is one of the most high-demand specializations in the job market. So, it's not strange that it's also among the most popular types of MBA courses in the world. Learning the ins and outs of turning market research and consumer behavior analysis into powerful marketing strategies can give graduates a competitive edge for top marketing positions across all industries. With an MBA in marketing, you have the opportunity to build a longstanding and lucrative career in an ever-changing and exciting business field.

What jobs can you pursue with an MBA in Marketing?

With an MBA in Marketing, you can work in a variety of industries and organizations, in positions such as:

• Marketing Manager
• Brand Manager
• Product Manager
• Digital Marketing Manager
• Advertising Manager
• Market Research Manager
• Sales and Marketing Director
• Customer Relationship Manager
• Marketing Director
• Market Intelligence Manager

Additionally, you may be able to start your own marketing consulting business or work as a freelance marketing consultant.

3. MBA in HRM (Human Resources Management)

Nowadays, corporations invest a lot in their human resources and need qualified executives to organize, manage, and optimize the workforce. Human resources management is vital to running a medium or large business, because keeping people satisfied and productive is a decisive factor for reaching and maintaining business success. Organizational tactics, business transformation, performance strategies, team leading, and personnel evaluation are only a few things holders of an MBA in human resources are qualified to do. So it’s not surprising that they are usually highly compensated for their knowledge and abilities.

What jobs can you get with an MBA in Human Resources Management?

Here are some of the jobs you can get with an MBA in HRM:

• Human Resources Manager
• Talent Management Specialist
• Compensation and Benefits Manager
• Employee Relations Manager
• Training and Development Manager
• Human Resources Director
• Recruitment Manager

4. MBA in Business Analytics

Business analytics is the art of extracting valuable lessons from past performances to optimize current and future business strategies and facilitate short and long-term success. In a few words, in today's data-driven world, it is essential to know how to use analytical models and data-centered technology to analyze historical data, draw specific insights, predict possible outcomes, and prescribe optimal tactics. Business analysts work on the front line of business growth, so it's not surprising that earning an MBA in business analytics can land you one of the highest-paying jobs in any industry.

What jobs can you get with an MBA in Business Analytics?

Here are a few examples of jobs you can apply for after graduation:

+Data Analyst
+Business Intelligence Manager
+Data Scientist
+Marketing Analyst
+Operations Analyst

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5. MBA in Healthcare Management

Healthcare is one of the largest, fastest-growing industries today. Technological advancements bring rapid changes to every sector, from services and equipment to pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and, as a result, modern healthcare organizations have a growing need for people with deep knowledge of how to lead them to success. Doing so without compromising their primary objective to provide superior health services, whether curative, palliative, rehabilitative, or preventive, is also essential. In other words, they need experts holding a specialized MBA in healthcare management.

Where can you work with an MBA in Healthcare Management degree?

• Healthcare Administration
• Healthcare Finance
• Healthcare Policy
• Healthcare Information Technology
• Healthcare Consulting

6. MBA in International Business

Multinational companies dominate global and local markets, while tech-based startups spread their activity everywhere across the globe. Companies take their business beyond their country's borders and start reaching larger and more diverse audiences than ever before. That means more and more experts in international markets are needed to spearhead such ventures and lead them to success. So, if you long for a career that takes you on a professional adventure around the globe, you can begin your journey by studying for an MBA in international business.

What can you do with an MBA in International Business?

Here are some of the things you can do with an MBA in International Business:

• International Business Management
• Global Trade
• Foreign Investment
• International Market Entry
• Cross-cultural Management

7. MBA in Supply Chain Management

Inside the vast international markets network, just moving a product from place A to place B seems complicated. Now think that the same product had to be assembled in A with parts manufactured in locations C, D, and E. That's even more complex, right? Maybe, but not for a qualified supply chain and logistics manager with lightning-quick problem-solving reflexes and deep knowledge of international commerce, procurement, and transportation. As businesses grow, their supply chain needs to grow accordingly, and capable managers are essential for their success. So, it's a no-brainer that an MBA in supply chain management can lead to a prosperous business career.

What are the career opportunities an MBA in Supply Chain Management can lead to?

Here are the top 5 fields where you can work with an MBA in Supply Chain Management:

• Supply chain management
• Operations management
• Consulting
• Procurement
• Logistics

8. MBA in Entrepreneurship

To put it roughly, businessmen create companies, but entrepreneurs create those companies nobody else has thought of creating. With an MBA in entrepreneurship, you will learn more than launching and running a business in traditional ways. Instead, you will learn to turn your vision into action, actively seek innovation, embrace risk, and acknowledge opportunities. Entrepreneurs are behind some of the most brilliant products and services of our time. Also, they are responsible for many business ideas that have challenged and even altered the status quo in gargantuan business sectors like banking.

What can you do with an MBA in Entrepreneurship?

Here are some of the things you can do with an MBA in Entrepreneurship:

• Start your own business
• Work for a startup
• Become an angel investor or venture capitalist
• Become an advisor to entrepreneurs
• Teach entrepreneurship

9. MBA in Technology Management

An MBA in Technology Management combines traditional business administration education with a focus on technology and its application to various business operations and processes. The goal of this program is to prepare students for leadership roles in the technology industry, where they can use their knowledge of both technology and business to drive innovation, manage technological projects, and make strategic decisions that drive growth and competitiveness.

What opportunities are there for those with an MBA in Technology Management?

Here is a list of jobs you can do with an MBA in Technology Management:

• Technology Product Manager
• IT Project Manager
• IT Business Analyst
• IT Business Relationship Manager
• Technology Operations Manager
• Solution Architect

Graduates may also work in technology-focused startups as Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Director of Technology.

Read more: What is computer engineering and why should you study it?

10. MBA in Engineering Management

An MBA in Engineering Management covers a range of topics, including technology strategy, project management, operations management, engineering economics, and entrepreneurship. Students learn about emerging technologies and their impact on businesses and gain practical skills such as using engineering principles and techniques to solve complex business problems. Additionally, students learn about managing technology-related risks and making data-driven decisions, as well as how to lead cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical concepts to stakeholders with no technical knowledge.

What are the career paths for those with an MBA in Engineering Management?

Here are some of the career paths for those with an MBA in Engineering Management:

• Engineering Management
• Technology Management
• Operations Management
• Manufacturing Management
• Product Development

11. MBA in AI (Artificial Intelligence)

An MBA in AI covers a range of topics, including AI strategy, data analytics, machine learning, and entrepreneurship. Students learn about the latest AI technologies and their impact on businesses and gain practical skills in using AI tools and techniques to analyze data, make predictions, and automate business processes. Additionally, students learn about managing AI-related risks and making data-driven decisions, as well as how to lead cross-functional teams and communicate complex AI concepts to stakeholders with no relevant knowledge.

What can you do with an MBA in AI?

AI is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and there is a high demand for professionals with expertise in both AI and business. Graduates with an MBA in AI can pursue careers in AI-focused roles such as:

• AI Strategist
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• AI Product Manager
• AI Consultant
• AI Technical Manager
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialist
• Computer Vision Engineer

12. MBA in Data Analytics

An MBA in Data Analytics combines traditional business administration education with data analytics and its application to various business operations and processes. The goal of a program like that is to prepare students for leadership roles in the data analytics industry, where they can use their knowledge of both business and data analytics to make informed decisions and drive growth.

What can you do with an MBA in Data Analytics?

Graduates with an MBA in Data Analytics can pursue careers in data-focused roles such as:

• Data Analyst
• Business Intelligence Manager
• Data Scientist
• Analytics Manager
• Data and Operations Manager
• Marketing Analytics Manager
• Financial Analyst

Of course, there are many more types of MBA specializations offered by universities worldwide, covering every possible aspect or trend in today’s job market. All you have to do is explore the available options and choose an MBA that fits you best, according to your goals and aspirations.

How long do you need to study for the various types of MBA specializations?

No matter what type of MBA you choose, you need to take the duration of the program into consideration, in order to make an informed decision. Specialized MBA courses may be more focused than general MBAs, but they are similarly structured and offer the same duration options: full-time, part-time, accelerated, or executive.

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Full-time or part-time MBA?

A full-time MBA program usually takes two years to complete, and its classes take place during regular university hours. A part-time MBA takes three to five years to complete, and classes are scheduled outside of normal business hours, so students can work full-time.

Accelerated MBA

Another option to pursue one of the many types of MBA specializations is to enroll in an accelerated program. Such courses usually require a business-related bachelor's degree since it provides a solid theoretical basis for speeding up your postgraduate education. If you meet that requirement and have enough time (it's a full-time program), you can have your MBA in just 12 months.

Executive MBA

For professionals who want to get a specialized MBA and enhance their skill set, there's also the option of an executive MBA. That's a two-year program as well, but classes mostly take place on weekends.

Picking one of these arrangements depends on your time and current employment situation. The most important thing is to go for the specialization that best fits your professional aspirations and career plans.

Choosing one of the many types of MBA specializations

If you have decided to pursue some type of MBA, you may also consider combining it with a specialization that matches your skills, interests, and ambitions. Fortunately, there are many different types of MBA specializations and most of them will give you a great advantage in the race for your dream job. Yet, if you're not sure which one to pursue, just take a step back and think about the following:

• Would you like to launch your own business?
• Where would you like to build a career, in the domestic or the international market?
• Would you like to work primarily on-premise or move around overseeing various business operations?
• What aspect of business excites you more, building strategies or implementing them?
• Do you have your eyes set on a specific industry, or do you want a more versatile professional profile?

These are only a few of the questions you can ask yourself before deciding what type of MBA specialization to pursue. Feel free to think of your own questions and answer them honestly, and you will surely reach the optimal decision for building a bright professional future in the accelerating world of business.