MBAs

An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a graduate degree that provides broad management training for professionals seeking leadership roles. Most programs combine core business topics with electives, allowing some specialization. Core courses typically cover accounting, finance, marketing, operations, economics, statistics, organizational behavior, and strategy; electives may focus on entrepreneurship, data analytics, finance, healthcare management, technology management, or international business. Full-time MBAs commonly run 12 to 24 months; part-time and online formats extend over a longer horizon. Executive MBAs (EMBA) serve experienced managers and usually meet on weekends or in modular sessions over about 18 to 24 months.

Admissions typically require an undergraduate degree, several years of work experience, letters of recommendation, a resume, essays, and a job interview. Most programs require GMAT or GRE scores, though some schools offer waivers for extensive professional achievement or prior graduate work. Accreditation bodies such as AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS evaluate business schools and their MBA programs. Programs may include experiential components, such as case discussions, consulting projects, internships, or capstone projects; many offer online or hybrid delivery.

Outcomes include careers in management consulting, finance, marketing, operations, product management, and general management, as well as entrepreneurship. The return on investment varies by program, school reputation, industry, and prior experience, and can be affected by tuition costs and opportunity costs. Global demand for MBAs remains strong, with leading programs in North America, Europe, and Asia and ranking systems published by Financial Times, QS, and The Economist. Critics point to high cost and uncertain ROI, prompting growth in online MBAs and specialized master’s programs as alternatives.