Philadelphia Business Masters Schools

Deciding whether to pursue a generalized MBA, an MBA with concentrations or a specialized Business degree such as a Masters of Finance or Master of Taxation is a debate that many students are having with themselves. Knowing whether to follow one route or the other is a matter of one’s personal goals, and whether these will be met by an educational curriculum.

FUN FACT: For advanced Financial Analyst positions, employers often require a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a master’s degree in finance. Knowledge of options pricing, bond valuation, and risk management are important.

Why Choose a Campus-Based MBA or Masters in Business Program?

Whereas distance-learning programs involve online interaction, study and communication, an on-campus program may be an enriching blend of real-time networking, participation, learning and study. If you would enjoy a hands-on approach, want the perks of using the university’s facilities such as libraries, gymnasiums, study labs and social services, a campus program is for you. Many Business Masters Programs actually design their programs around the needs of their working students, so earning an MBA at a graduate business school may quite convenient and plausible, even if you have other demands on your schedule.

What is an MBA?

The Master of Business Administration, or MBA, provides a graduate education in foundational business practices, such as accounting, finance, marketing and management. Students can specialize the degree in fields as diverse as health care, international business, technology and sports management. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to learning, MBA programs are not only meant to deepen students’ understanding of business management, but also to further develop their critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.

If you are currently working and still asking yourself whether you should go back to school to earn your MBA, consider the following: Although a bachelor’s degree and work experience are invaluable commodities on any resume, a graduate-level education is a good indicator to employers that you have the knowledge, abilities and motivation that will be demanded of you in a higher-level position.

Other than an MBA, what types of Masters in Business Programs are there?

First of all, many MBA programs allow you to concentrate your studies around a specific area, such as finance, so they may be work looking into. This being said, other options include, but are not limited to a:

Master of Science in Finance: If you aspire to a career as a financial analyst or financial manager, and need an in-depth understanding of market conditions, statistical analysis derivatives, actuarial science and securities law, earning an MS in Finance may be a wise academic choice and good investment of your time.

Master of Accountancy (MAcc): If you aspire to a career as a CPA, or chief financial officer, as a business student in this field, you will study financial planning, market forecasting, corporate finance and business taxation. You'll also learn how to read and create financial reports, and use this information in a business internship before graduation

Many universities are very willing to help advise prospective students to help them choose courses, so while it may seem daunting, the right Masters in Business degree is searchable, and findable!

Searching for a Masters in Business or MBA program: Where to Begin?

GradSchools.com has some really helpful tools that you can use to pinpoint the right Business Masters Program or MBA for you. The ‘Subject Selection’ is a great directory to narrow down your chosen field of study. For instance, are you interested in Public Administration and Policy? If so, a Master if Public Administration: Sustainable Communities might be a good choice. Hoping to work as an Accountant? A Master of Accounting (MAcc) offers specialized education. Do you love working with people? Perhaps an MBA-Human Resources emphasis (Master’s Degree) is the best choice. Once you have decided on the field of study, you can look for accredited schools by location. Use the city, state, or country tabs to find Business Schools and Universities with the type of master’s program you want to enroll in. The plus is that you can often visit the school’s site or request info directly from GradSchools.com. This makes it easier to build a list of interesting options.

Accreditation For Business Graduate Schools and MBA Programs

The importance of choosing a school that is accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education is well known.The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation is given to business and accounting schools.The most significant benefit to attending an AACSB-accredited school is peace of mind. It is commonly understood in the business industry that AACSB accreditation is one of the world’s most selective and rigorous types of evaluation for business schools.

Potential Careers For MBA and Masters in Business Graduates

Depending on your education, experience and interests, MBA graduates or graduates of other related Business fields may find careers as:

• Chief Executive Officers
• Chief Operating Officers
• General Managers
• Accountants
• Financial Analysts
• Human Resources Managers
• Labor Relations Directors
• Personal Financial Advisors

Many of these fields are fast growing: Employment of personal financial advisors is projected to grow 30 % from 2014 to 2024 compared to 11% for Accountants and Auditors (BLS)

Ready to Search For a Masters in Business Campus Program?

Whether you are interested in finance, taxation, management, or Healthcare administration, there are MBA and other Masters in Business programs that will give you the knowledge and skills that your chosen profession requires. Graduate School may be a time to widen your networks, find a mentor, study rigorously, and enjoy participating in campus life. Start looking into programs today!

Sources: bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm | bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm | bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm | bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm | bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm