Learn About the Many Master's in Business Degrees

Learn about the many types of Master's in Business degrees, and read how they can help you advance in your career.

By Sarah Stevenson

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Business Degree Types

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Everyone has heard about MBA degrees and how they can help kick-start your career in the business world. But what about other types of master's in business? Besides Master of Business Administration degrees, many graduate schools offer a plethora of specialty master's in business—degrees that enable you to work in specialized fields from accounting to real estate development, in traditional business sectors and beyond.

Master's in Business Fast Facts

Compared to an MBA program, which can take up to three or four years to complete, a specialty master's in business usually takes an average of two years to finish. The program generally requires around 36 credits, most of them in the student's area of specialization or in related elective subjects.

A graduate degree such as a master's in business builds on the expertise gained during the bachelor's degree program, making the degree holder competitive for more challenging, more prestigious and higher-paying positions. In addition to regular coursework, a master's in business may also require independent study, internships or preparation for tests such as the CPA exam.

A Selection of Specialty Master's in Business

Master's in Business in Accounting: MAcc

A Master's in Accounting (MAcc) consists of specialized accounting coursework that will prepare you for a management-level position in the field, as well as courses geared toward preparation for the CPA exam or the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. Public and management accounting are only two of the possible careers that a master's in business can prepare you for—accountants can also work for the government, for non-profits, for educational institutions, or even for law enforcement as forensic accountants.

Master's in Business in Taxation

A master's in business in taxation is a Master of Science degree that usually prepares the holder for a career as a tax accountant or tax adviser. More experienced taxation degree holders can even rise to six-figure positions such as tax manager or tax director. Big accounting firms like Deloitte and Touche as well as smaller corporations, government agencies, and consulting firms employ master in taxation degree holders.

Master's in Business in Finance

If you're interested in working in the financial services industry, either in banking or in financial planning and analysis, the best preparation is a master's in business that specializes in finance. In this degree program, students learn various skills and concepts related to finance, including international and corporate finance, investment management, and financial strategy.

Master's in Business in Human Resources

Human resources careers can demand a highly specialized master's in business: the master's in human resource management. Rather than focusing on general business management skills like an MBA program would, a master's in business in human resource management also focuses on HR issues such as organizational behavior, compensation, recruitment and employment law. Graduates may enter a variety of positions, including HR Generalist, HR Specialist, HR Manager and Recruiter.

Master's in Business in Marketing

A master's in business in marketing is usually a Master of Science degree, either with a specific concentration like international marketing or a more general approach such as integrated marketing communications. Degree holders are prepared for high-level marketing positions across a number of different industries. Advertising, product management, public relations, and non-profit marketing are just a few of the careers possible with a master's in business in marketing.

Master's in Business in Health Care Administration

Senior or executive-level positions in health care administration, from hospitals to pharmaceutical companies to community agencies, generally require a highly specialized master's in business, whether it's a Master's in Health Administration (MHA), a Master of Public Administration (MPA), or a Master of Public Health (MPH). Managers at all levels in the field of health care are critical to making sure the delivery of health care is planned and coordinated smoothly.

Master's in Business in Operations Management

With a master's in business in operations management, you'll be specifically trained in the planning and coordination of a company's operations, including facilities, inventory and distribution, and logistics and scheduling. An operations manager needs to be expert at managing both projects and personnel, and jobs are often highly competitive, making a master's in business a must.

Spotlight Schools

Northeastern University - College of Business Administration

Northeastern offers its AACSB-accredited MBA program in a 100 percent online format. They are a world leader in practice-based education focused on expanding students' managerial skills and knowledge base.

Select a Campus: Online

Walden University

Walden University has unique and flexible online delivery models, world-class faculty and customizable programs which are all geared to help adult learners achieve their career goals.

Select a Campus: Online

DeVry University - Keller Graduate School of Management

When you earn a degree from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management, you can gain the professional credibility and essential skills necessary to advance your career.

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