How to Choose Between an MBA and a Master’s in Your Field

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Jagpreet

27 July, 2024

How to Choose Between an MBA and a Master’s in Your Field

Academic decisions could be challenging and confusing. After a bachelor’s degree, you might go for a job or further studies. A master’s degree is a two-year programme which focuses on polishing your skills and enhancing your ability to interact and manage better in the latest job market. In this blog, we are going to tell you the big factors which you need to consider before deciding on an MBA and a Master’s degree in any field.

Before we discuss the choices between MBA and Master’s it is important to know each of them individually.

What is an MBA?

An MBA full form is Master of Business Administration . It is a 2 years postgraduate programme which focuses on introducing your skills in business management, leadership, and different administration role training. An MBA is an extensive 2 years programme which may consist of workshops, internships, and projects. Master of Business Administration, is a versatile and comprehensive postgraduate degree. It has various business specialisations such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, sales, management, and IT.

The programme aims to enhance your skills in technical, managerial, and leadership skills necessary for successful company management. The MBA course is delivered in three different ways, full-time, part-time and online. You can select one based on your preference, budget, location, and career aspiration. There are multiple specialisations in MBA, you can pick what suits your preference based on the job market, skill enhancement and more.

Top Specialisations in MBA:

Finance Human Resources
Marketing Information Technology
International Business Operations Management
Healthcare Management Entrepreneurship
Supply Chain Management Strategic Management
Hospitality Management Retail Management
Digital Marketing Business Analytics
Project Management Rural Management

Career Prospects of MBA

There are many opportunities that you would have after completing an MBA under any specialisations. There are multiple roles and salary packages that you can get after completing an MBA from a recognised university.

Highly Rewarding Jobs After MBA

Here is a closer look at the job role and salary scale that you can expect after completing an MBA in different specialisations from a recognised college.

Please note that the salary scale may differ based on many factors such as job market updates, location, skills and experience.

Job Role Salary Scale (INR)
Project Manager 4.2 – 30 lakh
Business Analyst 2.9 – 16.8 lakh
Financial Manager 3.5 – 32 lakh
Investment Banker 7 – 20 lakh
IT Director 14 – 99 lakh
Marketing Manager 12.2 lakh (avg)
Health Services Manager 0.6 – 23.6 lakh

Also read: Top 7 Highest-paying jobs after MBA

Advantages of an MBA:

  • High salary potential

  • Advancement opportunities

  • Diverse sectors: banking, consulting, healthcare, technology

  • Leadership roles requiring expertise and experience

  • Earning potential influenced by location, demand, and performance

What is a Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree is a 1-2 years post-graduate programme. A Master’s degree is also an extensive course which focuses on specialising in one discipline/subject. Master’s degree could be in multiple subjects. It is mostly encompassed with research towards the last year. A Master’s degree is a great opportunity if you want to develop skills in one subject with an in-depth perspective. This postgraduate degree focuses on professional skill development in one field. There are various Master’s degree specialisations including, Arts, Science, Commerce, political science, computer application, social work, psychology, mathematics, public health, policy etc. You can select any based on your career aspiration, preference and future goals.

Top Specialisation in Master’s Degree:

Engineering Management
Computer Science Marketing
Biology Finance
Mathematics Operations
Biotechnology Human Resources
Physics Supply Chain
Chemistry Business Analytics
Public Health International Relations
Health Sciences Corporate Law
Educational Leadership Criminal Law
Philosophy Special Education
History Educational Psychology
Fine Arts Sociology
Arts & Humanities Psychology
Cultural Studies Political Science
Public Health International Relations
Intellectual Property Rights Fashion Design
Urban Design Graphic Design
Interior Design Biomedical Sciences
Fashion Design Healthcare Management

Career Prospects of Master’s Degree

A Master’s degree is popular and known for its establishment in providing students with the right skill sets. A master’s degree would prepare you towards the latest job market, and further academic and profound research skills. There are multiple job roles that you can apply for after completing a master’s degree. You can work in multiple sectors and industries across the globe including finance, medical, banking, IT and more.

Highly Rewarding Jobs After Master’s Degree

Job Role Salary Scale (INR)
Data Scientist 6-20 Lakhs
Management Consultant 8-25 Lakhs
Marketing Manager 7-22 Lakhs
Financial Analyst 5-15 Lakhs
Software Developer 4-12 Lakhs
Project Manager 10-30 Lakhs
Human Resources Manager 6-18 Lakhs
Business Analyst 5-18 Lakhs
Product Manager 12-35 Lakhs
Operations Manager 7-20 Lakhs

Advantages of a Master’s Degree

  • Diverse career opportunities in various fields

  • Potential for high salary packages

  • Opportunities for career advancement and specialisation

  • A strong foundation for further academic research

Which One to Choose: Factors to Consider

Before you choose between an MBA and a Master’s degree make sure that it ticks these 5 factors.

Tick based on your skills, career dreams, focus, time and experience.

✅ Skills Wanted: Tick here if you’re craving all-around business savvy and leadership flair. MBA’s your pick! If you’re after niche skills and deep knowledge in a specific field, a Master’s degree fits the bill.

✅ Career Dreams: Got big dreams of managing teams and climbing the corporate ladder? Go for an MBA! Want to dive deep into a particular subject? A Master’s degree is your go-to.

✅ Focus Factor: Check if you want to be a jack-of-all-trades in business. If yes, an MBA is your match. If you’re set on becoming an expert in one area, tick off a Master’s degree.

✅ Time on Your Hands: Full-time or flexible study? Both MBA and Master’s degrees usually take two years, so decide how much time you can invest and if you need online options.

✅ Experience Check: Got work experience? An MBA loves it and can help you lead with confidence. No experience yet? A Master’s degree is perfect for starting fresh after your undergrad.

Logging Out

Alas, the journey of choosing between an MBA and a master’s degree could be a tough one, however, if you are sure about your career goals, realise your skill sets and ability to pursue one specialisation then it would get easier for you to select. A master’s degree provides greater in-depth knowledge and skill development in any one subject, however, an MBA provides a top skill development programme which focuses on the latest job trends. Whichever one you select make sure you select the right recognised college which fits your budget and has a robust curriculum and placement support. Take your pen and tick the boxes to begin your journey!

FAQs

Q1. Which is better MBA or Master’s degree?

It depends on your career goals. If you want to enhance your skills in business management, entrepreneurship, and management skills then an MBA is the right option for you. However, if you want to become an expert in one field and get a higher position then a master’s degree is the right choice for you.

Q2. Is it better to do Masters before MBA?

If you want to enhance your skills in one subject then a master’s degree is a great choice. Moreover, if you are looking to upgrade your skills and work in business or management then doing an MBA could be one of the choices.

Q3. Does it make sense to do MS after an MBA?

It depends on your career goal. If you want to work in business, management, administration or entrepreneurship then MBA is enough. However, if you want to gain more skills, study further or change your career then you can go for an MS after an MBA.


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