2018 Master Degree Programs in Business in Illinois

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There are a wide variety or Business Masters Programs to choose from but MBA Programs, or Masters in Business Administration Programs are perhaps the most well-known. Whether you are interested in management, finance, marketing, accounting, health administration, the entertainment industry, sports management or conflict resolution, Masters in Business Programs encompass these fields as well as others. Students who enter one of these masters degree programs receive an education in business concepts and practices, corporate finance, financial planning and market analysis.

Masters in Business Programs Overview

The most common Masters degrees in Business include the Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and Master of Science (MS) in Finance.Typically, a relevant undergraduate degree is needed to apply for admission, although accelerated MBA programs allow students to earn a bachelor's and master's degree simultaneously. Some MAcc programs require students to take the Certified Public Account (CPA) exam before acceptance, while others request that the exam be completed before finishing the program. While there are accelerated one-year masters programs, the average length of most Masters in Business Administration and Business Masters Programs is between 12 and 24 months. Some programs may require an internship or thesis.

EXPERT INSIGHT: Why Consider an MBA?
We asked Co-founder Andrew Haller, of software design consultancy AirDev, about what he learned from his MBA program:

“Through an MBA, I learned the principles of lean development, running experiments to find product-market fit. Second, it gave me the space to try (and fail) as an entrepreneur in a lower-risk environment. Finally, I met my co-founder, Vlad Leytus, at school!”

~Andrew Haller, Co-founder/Co-CEO of AirDev Click to Tweet

Choosing A Masters in Business Program: Online, On-Campus or Hybrid?

With the plethora of options to choose from, looking for Masters in Business Programs may seem daunting. Try to narrow your focus by initiating a search for Masters in Business Administration programs by location; use the city, state, or country tabs to browse listings in each area, and also select format type such as online, on-campus or hybrid - or you can search for MBA programs that don't require a GMAT.

Are you looking to attend a top accredited Business school on-campus, or would you prefer to earn your Masters Degree in Business online? Some universities also have hybrid programs that combine distance-learning with on-campus courses in one flexible format. You can always check that the school itself is accredited by the AACSB.

Remember to keep in mind your professional goals. For instance, do you want to manage money or manage people or both? Furthermore, general masters in business administration degrees will usually cover aspects of accountancy and finance. But if you wish to pursue a career in accounting or finance, you'll usually need to gain further qualifications.

Masters in Business Administration MBA
Concentrations for a master's in business administration include finance, management, marketing or human resources, as well as specialized business areas, such as healthcare. Students typically choose a program that is aligned with their career goals, whether these are general or very focused. Employers in today’s competitive marketplace often prefer candidates with an MBA.^[i]
Masters in Business Administration (MBA) programs accept students with a four-year degree in accounting, management or business; however, students might also seek to earn an MBA in order to advance their career in other disciplines.
The goal of the MBA curriculum is to develop the organizational, leadership and communication skills required for upper management or executive positions. Concentrations are usually available in finance, marketing, human resources or specialized business areas. In an accelerated MBA program, learners usually complete prerequisites for their master's degree before taking elective courses in such areas as accounting, management and finance. Masters in Business Administration programs also comprise math courses in statistics, economics, econometrics and calculus. Other business requirements may include those in:
- Information technology
- Organizational behavior
- International business
- Monetary policy
- Business law
- Strategic business planning
- Contract negotiation
Alternative Masters in Business programs
While the MBA may be perfect for some, others may instead be more suited to either a more specialized and technical program or a more research-intensive, academic program. There is an abundance of advanced Masters in Business Programs being offered by colleges and universities across the United States. You can search the ‘subject selection’ directory for full listings of associated programs. For instance, a professional can obtain a Masters in Business degree in the following fields:
- Master of Accounting
- Master of Taxation
- Master of Finance
- Masters in Marketing/Advertising
- Master of Statistics
- Master of Actuarial Science
- Master of Risk Management / Insurance
- Master of Organizational Behavior
- Masters in Management
- Master of Economics
Fun Fact:
A master’s degree in business administration or a related field can enhance a manager’s opportunities to advance to a higher-level position, such as director of administrative services.^[ii]
Road Map to Business Masters Programs: From General to Concentrations
To see how extensive your options are, make sure you open up the core masters program to view possible areas of concentration. Graduate School is the time to focus in on the area that you are most passionate about, want to conduct research in, or hope to get the best possible preparation for your next step (workplace or doctorate degree).
Why Consider a Masters in Business Program?
Career choices in Business vary depending on a graduate’s interests, skill-sets, education, experience, and a host of other factors. Some graduates are interested in entrepreneurship, others in executive roles, consulting, banking, marketing or analyst roles. Some of the potential career paths might include:
- Management Analyst
- Accountants and Auditors
- Administrative Manager
- Budget Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Top Executive
- Marketing Manager
Ready to Pursue a Masters Degree in Business?
Whether you pursue a traditional MBA or choose from one of the other Masters in Business Programs, you will likely fine-tune your analytical and decision-making skills, learn effective communication and managerial skills, and generally set yourself apart from candidates who have lesser training. A business degree is a great way to develop many of the transferable skills needed for use in a business environment, as well as to leverage the skills and strengths you have cultivated in your undergraduate years. Why not invest in your future by looking into Masters in Business and Masters of Business Administration programs on GradSchools.com today!
Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm | bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm | bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm | bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm | bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm | bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm

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Illinois Masters in Business Programs

Masters in Business Programs Overview

Choosing A Masters in Business Program: Online, On-Campus or Hybrid?

Masters in Business Administration MBA

Alternative Masters in Business programs

Road Map to Business Masters Programs: From General to Concentrations

Why Consider a Masters in Business Program?

Ready to Pursue a Masters Degree in Business?

Lewis University

Benedictine University

Loyola University Chicago

Colorado Technical University

American InterContinental University

Loyola University Chicago

North Central College

University of Northwestern-St. Paul

Northern Illinois University

National Louis University

Bradley University

McKendree University

Rockford College

Quincy University

Illinois State University

Illinois Institute of Technology

Rush University

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville