Types of Graduate Business Degrees
Business graduate degrees such as the MBA and DBA provide a broad business education. However, there are many PhD and Specialized Masters programs for business which could harness a student’s interest in a particular profession or industry. Naturally, being clear about your goals is useful.
Alternatively, if you want to electrify a resume without committing to a full business graduate degree, check into a postgraduate certificate. These often explore a narrow slice of business such as internet marketing, and usually require a few courses.
How Long Is Graduate School for Business?
A popular question many busy and at work students have is: Just how long is it going to take me to earn a business graduate degree? While there is no ‘one’ answer, today’s business grad school wants to encourage students to take the next step in their education and offer both part-time and full-time options.
As a general rule of thumb with many exceptions, students may need from one to two years for business masters programs. PhD and DBA programs could take roughly from three to five years, post-masters. Graduate certificates in business are often planned-out as short (one to two semester) programs.
Business Grad School Requirements
Applicants to graduate-level business degree programs need an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Apart from a completed form, every business grad school may ask for some supportive documents. Standards for admission really vary, but keep time aside to prepare, and be aware of some common requirements
- Minimum GPA
- Official transcripts
- Test scores (e.g. GRE, GMAT)
- Reference letters
- Professional resume
- Interview
MBA Application Advice
Download a free copy of the GradSchools.com MBA Admissions Guide, which features advice and tips from admissions professionals from over 20 MBA programs.
Search through thousands of Business graduate programs and MBA programs in the US and worldwide, including One Year MBA Programs and Dual MBA Programs! Continue your search by selecting a Subject on the left or use the quick links to the left to select from our most popular MBA categories.
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Kirk Hazlett
PR Professional & Professor at Curry College
Expert Insight
We asked Kirk Hazlett how business graduate programs can advance your career:
As a former PR pro now teaching the next generations of PR practitioners, I encourage my own students to take undergraduate business courses and consider enrolling in a graduate degree either in an advanced PR-related field or in one of the many business graduate programs so that they, too, will have an insider's look at how businesses operate and business leaders think.
MBA Programs
MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs are professional degrees. A hallmark of MBA degrees is that it takes a managerial lens to day to day operations. Students take a good portion of their courses in core topics like finance, accounting, economics, personnel and operations. A smaller number of elective courses could provide a means to study one area in depth and then, learn to apply strategy to problem-solve in that field.
Business Masters Programs
Masters in Business degrees are conferred in many subjects and could be used to advance a career or prepare for a doctorate program. Students could gain the specific expertise and industry know-how to propel a career. Master of Science (MS) business degrees typically focus on applied sciences and may help students research and make use of proven tactics. There key difference with Master of Arts (MA) in business programs is they may include a more humanities-infused syllabus.
Different types of Masters Programs For Business:
DBA Programs
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs are applied doctorate degrees for business professionals. Participants could expand their ability to make data-driven decisions as they gain new perspectives on everyday business challenges. Through the tools of applied theory and research, DBA graduate may be able to approach problems as a thought leader and evidence-based manager.
PhD in Business Programs
PhD in Business programs are research doctorates with a scholarly focus in business. Candidates usually receive a broad and deep education as they work to advance the state of their fields through research, innovation and teaching. Applicants may need some past experience with statistical analysis but may not need a graduate degree as a condition of acceptance.
Graduate Certificates in Business
A graduate certificate in business is a non-degree award but credential in its own right. Shorter programs are much like a master’s concentration – a series of very targeted courses that help people add to their knowledge and skill sets. In some cases, a certificate may help students bridge the credit gap needed to pursue professional certifications in areas such as human resource management (HRM) or certified financial planner.
Find a Business Graduate School
There are many ways to find a business grad school other than exploring business school rankings. Business school rankings are methods that survey and score participants based on a set of criteria. U.S. News, for instance, gathers data on
- Quality assessment
- Placement success
- Student selectivity
When considering a business graduate school, you might first decide what you want to study and/or research. Also, whether you want to look for a campus-based or online business program. This could help to narrow your results.
One could also find some of the top Business Grad Schools, by location; enter the city, state, or country to determine where accredited colleges and universities with the type of business degree program you want to pursue is offered.
Graduate Degrees for Business Majors
There are a full range of graduate degrees for business majors. Discover your edge and propel your career as you build skills in one of these areas.
Accounting
Accounting graduate programs could prepare students to sit for the CPA exam. Extend studies in auditing, taxation or forensic accounting. Common paths: Master of Accounting (MAcc), Master of Taxation, MBA, PhD in Accounting.
Business Administration & Management
Business administration and business management graduate programs include MBA, DBA, Doctor of Management (DM) and PhD degrees. Students could refine executive decision skills and may learn to conduct business research that could positively impact the world of commerce.
Business Information Systems
Computer systems and management disciplines come together in business information systems grad programs. MS in Information Systems, MS in Business Analytics and DBA in Management Information Systems are some options.
eCommerce & Social Media
Ecommerce and social media graduate programs could ready students to run successful web-based businesses. MS in Digital Marketing, MBA in E-business Management are some choices.
Economics
Economics graduate programs delve into the methods and theories used to solve and address modern economic problems. Students could focus on economic development or applied economics through a MS or PhD in Economics program.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship graduate programs could help students understand what it takes to start-up a new venture. Explore the world of business plans, venture capital, and leadership through an MS in Product Development or discover your inner executive through an MBA or DBA degree.
Environment & Agriculture
Environment and Agriculture Graduate programs discuss the interplay between ecology, environmental policy and agricultural production. Study green and sustainable energy or focus on the business side of farming in a certain region. Common degrees include DBA in Social Impact, PhD in Sustainability and MS in Agriculture.
Finance
Finance graduate programs confer degrees in banking, financial planning and corporate finance. Common degrees include the MS in Finance, MBA Finance, DBA and PhD in Finance. Some programs could provide the academic prep work for students who want to pursue the CFP® Certification Examination or licensure as CPA.
Healthcare Administration & Management
Healthcare administration graduate programs explore the leadership skills and business savvy needed in the health industry. Though non-clinical in nature, students might learn about healthcare law and systems, health policy, advocacy and suitable managerial tactics. Many degrees to consider not limited to Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Doctor of Health Administration (DHA), and MBA healthcare.
Hospitality Management
Hospitality management graduate programs explore the business side of hotel and restaurant management as well as tourism. Gain overall business skills through an MBA or pursue a MS in venue and event management or in the entertainment business.
Human Resources Management
Human resources management (HRM) explore the finer points of staff management, recruitment and training. Studies in this field encourage students to understand workplace behavior and may help them hone skills leadership qualities. Pursue a masters or MBA in HRM, or study at the doctoral level through a PhD or DBA. Alternatively, pursue a graduate degree in conflict resolution to refine your ability to negotiate.
International Business
International business graduate programs could ready students to conduct commerce in the global marketplace. Students often refine finance, tactical and managerial skills as they study diverse cultures, theories and economic transactions. Degrees in this field range from MA, MS, and MBA to PhD and DBA programs.
Marketing & Advertising
Marketing and advertising graduate programs could foster a deeper grasp of buyer behavior, public relations, digital platforms, marketing analytics and campaign strategy. Degrees in these areas include MBA and DBA programs with a focus in marketing or advertising. Other popular forms include the MS in Digital Marketing and PhD in Marketing Management.
Non-Profit Administration
Nonprofit management graduate programs discuss the unique challenges and tactics used in not-for-profit enterprises. Course plans often address issues like fundraising and could help students learn how to set budgets, manage staff and build relationships with donors and communities. Common degrees include the MBA; MA and MS in Organizational Leadership with a focus in nonprofit; PhD in Public Policy and Administration and Master of Public Administration (MPA).
Operations Management
Operations management graduate programs take a look behind the scenes at logistics, supply chain, quality control and risk. Students could also enhance their ability to negotiate contracts as they build the skills needed to manage a facility. Or, pursue a focus in construction to more deeply understand industry needs. Common degrees include MS in Facility Management, DBA in Global Supply Chain Management, MS in Construction Management (MSCM) and more.
Organizational Leadership
Organizational leadership graduate programs examine the functions and processes used to manage teams, resolve conflicts and make strategic decisions to further business growth. One could tailor an education to a specific industry or career path (like risk management). Popular options include MS-DNP Executive Leader, MA in Organizational Leadership, MBA/MS in Leadership (dual degree). Heading to the top of the corporate ladder? PhD and DBA degrees are also available.
Project Management
Project management (PM) graduate programs help students develop the skills to plan, execute and take the lead on complex projects. Participants could learn how to negotiate, mitigate risks and complete a project on time and on budget. Pursue a MSPM degree, a postgraduate project management certificate, or look into PhD and DBA degrees in this field of study.
Public Administration & Policy
Public administration graduate programs target the skills needed by managers in the public and private sector who want to implement policies that serve community interests.
Common degrees are the MBA, Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) which students could tailor to interests not limited to criminal justice, homeland security and emergency management.
If you prefer to problem solve concerns of society and analyze policy, a Master of Public Policy (MPP), PhD in Public Policy and Administration or DBA are among your options.
Real Estate & Property Management
Real estate graduate programs such as the MBA often look at real estate development and finance though students are often able to choose electives to more deeply understand the industry. Courses often explore the relationship between government policy and private development and international real estate markets. Electives in real estate economics, urban fiscal policy, real estate law, and housing markets make this a dynamic choice for business graduate students.
Sports Management
Sports management graduate programs look at different angles of the sports industry. Course plans often focus on brand building and revenue generation though students could also learn how to recruit athletes, promote events and navigate the specifics of sport law. Among the paths to consider are the MBA, and Doctor of Education (EdD) in sports management.
Technology Management
Technology management graduate programs meld business strategy and finance courses with computer architecture, networking and database management. Degrees to consider include Master of Technology, MS in Management (IT), DBA in Management of Engineering and Technology.
Take the Next Step with our List of 119 Business Graduate Programs in Houston
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