MBA vs MS: What’s the Difference?
When deciding between an MBA vs MS for your graduate degree in business, it’s important to understand the differences. While these two business degrees are similar, the differences can include topics covered, curriculum, and the option of choosing a concentration.
Regardless of which you decide, earning a masters degree requires an investment in time and money.
Both MBA and MS degrees in business may help you kick-start your career or help you change paths. Therefore, use your previous education, professional experience, and career goals to help you decide between a MBA vs MS.
MBA vs MS: What’s the Difference?
When deciding between an MBA vs MS for your graduate degree in business, it’s important to understand the differences. While these two business degrees are similar, the differences can include topics covered, curriculum, and the option of choosing a concentration.
Regardless of which you decide, earning a masters degree requires an investment in time and money.
Both MBA and MS degrees in business may help you kick-start your career or help you change paths. Therefore, use your previous education, professional experience, and career goals to help you decide between a MBA vs MS.
Compare and Contrast MS vs MBA
Is an MBA better than a Master’s for me?
By and large, the question of an MBA vs MS degrees comes down to a question of breadth or depth. MBAs cover a diverse range of business areas, while MS degrees may help you become the resident expert on a particular subject.
Some students don’t realize that a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) isn’t the only way to earn a masters degree in business. In fact, for some students, earning a master of science (MS) in a particular subject, such as marketing, accounting, finance, or international business may be a better option than an MBA.
While MBA programs cover a number of subjects, many offer the option to fine-tune your degree by choosing a concentration, which usually consists of about three courses related to a specific subject.
- Some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access
What Is an MBA?
In essence, a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) covers a wide range of business fields to prepare you for leadership positions. An MBA degree is universally recognized, so you can expect it may always be a highlight on your resume, no matter who’s looking at it.
As alluded to earlier, an MBA has breadth and you can expect coursework in subjects as diverse as:
- Finance
- Organizational behavior
- Leadership
- Technology
- Management
If you’re looking for career flexibility or management training, then an MBA is the way to go. Through varied classes, case studies, and a diverse student body, you maybe be exposed to a whole range of subjects, then industry opportunities.
Generally speaking, you might even begin your degree with one career in mind, and finish with an entire list of other options. Therefore, unless you are absolutely sure of your subject, or you are being trained specifically for your current job, an MBA degree may be a safer option – and yes, affordable MBA’s do exist!
What types of MBA programs are there?
The flexibility of an MBA may even extend to the way you earn the degree itself. MBAs appeal to a greater number of people than MS degrees, most universities will be able to offer a wider range of academic options including:
- One or two-year programs
- Part-time
- Evening programs
- Weekend programs
- Executive programs
Keep in mind that these options are usually available for MS degrees as well, but to a lesser extent.
Top Universities for Business Administration and Management By Degrees Awarded
Below, we have gathered a list of 10 schools from 2019 NCES data who have awarded the most business administration and management, general degrees. For added context, we have also included acceptance rate data from College Scorecard.
- Earn your degree from a university with a “Whole Human Education” approach that focuses on assisting you in all aspects of your education: academic, emotional, career, financial, and family.
- Choose from 75+ programs: Whether you’re starting fresh or seeking advancement, our career-focused programs are designed to help you make an impact in your chosen field.
- National University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
What Is a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Business?
A Master of Science degree typically digs deeper into a specific subject, compared to an MBA concentration which may only feature a few classes. While pursuing an MS, expect rigorous material that may be more theoretical or math-based.
For example, marketing may seem straightforward: figuring out how to sell a product or service. However, pull back the curtain and you’ll find an incredibly intricate discipline that employs aspects of:
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Product design
- Distribution
- Plus others
Because it’s a more specialized degree than an MBA, business MS programs may be smaller and may offer less flexibility in course options and schedules. Many MS degree programs are designed to prepare students for specific certifications or exams, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam for those studying finance.
By comparison, an MBA may cover the relevant knowledge and skills, but won’t necessarily focus on the ins and outs of certification exams. If you are really sure of your subject, then an MS will give you the chance to explore it with great depth.
Top Graduate Schools for Management Sciences By Degrees Awarded
Below we have gathered a list of 10 schools from 2019 NCES data who have awarded the most management sciences degrees. For added context, we have also included acceptance rate data from College Scorecard.
How to Decide Between an MBA vs MS Degree
Here are 5 ways to break MS vs MBA down.
1 – Research: Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between a Master of Science in Business Administration and an MBA, how do you determine which one has your name on it? The best thing you can do is research all of your options. You can start by checking out some MBA programs and MS programs to find different options at each school, the differences between courses for an MBA vs MS, and when the next starting date is at each school.
2 – Network: Next, talk to your managers at work to see which degrees, if any, they have and whether their colleagues at other companies have an MBA or MS. They can also share what types of skills and knowledge they look for in management candidates.
3 – Requirements: Know your requirements. Start with the career you are working towards, then find out what degrees and certifications are required. You can also spend time on job posting sites to see which degrees are required or recommended for your desired career.
4 – Prerequisites: Do you have the necessary prerequisites? Because of the more rigorous curriculum, MS degrees may require more specific experience, such as prerequisite coursework or a specific undergraduate degree. For instance, an MS in Operations Research may require undergraduate work in science, math, or engineering.
5 – Joint Degrees: Many universities offer a joint degree, such as an MBA/MS in finance. Your education will take slightly longer, but you’ll have the breadth of the MBA and the depth of the MS.
When running a MBA vs MS analysis, try not to sweat it. You’re wise to pursue either degree. Whether you earn a masters degree in business administration or masters in science in finance, you should find yourself well-positioned for success.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs
Many colleges and universities offer an MBA degree. However, not all schools offer all concentrations and some have more options than others.
Master of Science in Digital Marketing
If you know that digital marketing is your desired career, and would prefer the in-depth analysis of an MS in Digital Marketing instead of an MBA, check out some of the sponsored programs below for more information.
Master of Science in Accounting
Typically, masters degree in accounting programs prepare you for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. These masters programs also go by several different names, which you may come across in your research, such as:
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Professional Accountancy (MSPA)
- Masters of Accountancy (MACC)
- MBA with a Concentration in Accounting
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
Organizational leadership masters programs focus on how to manage teams and make strategic decisions that could impact the whole organization. Typically, courses in these programs cover topics such as:
- Conflict management
- Business ethics
- Project management
- Organizational behavior
- Change management
Master of Science in Human Resources Management
While pursuing a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, courses teach:
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Data-driven decision-making
- Strategic management skills
- Empathy
- Ethics
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | 30,430 | $0 |
| Florida | 19,350 | $182,360 |
| Illinois | 13,920 | $201,580 |
| New York | 12,440 | $0 |
| Massachusetts | 9,790 | $0 |
| Metro Area | Annual Mean Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $207,440 | 500 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $207,150 | 280 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $207,090 | 0 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $206,580 | 300 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $205,630 | 530 |
Consider Earning Your Masters Degree Online
If you’re overwhelmed by the time commitment or don’t like the available masters programs in your area, there are many online masters degree programs in business available and many masters degrees that you can earn in only a year.
Earning your master’s degree online is a convenient way for many to fulfill needed credits or complete a master’s degree without having to relocate to attend a specific school. Online programs also allow you to perform coursework around your professional and personal responsibilities.