Master’s in Management vs. MBA: Which Degree Is Right for You?

illustration of businessmen paddling in boat

There is a global trend towards enrollment in Master in Management programs, and there are several good reasons as to why. Alternative business programs like our Master of Science in Management (MSM) at Brescia University require less work experience and are much more affordable than traditional MBA programs. Many younger students are choosing these programs due to these reasons, making graduate management degrees more and more common in the marketplace. But what exactly is a MSM degree and what makes it different from an MBA? Read on to find out.

What Makes an MBA?

Traditional MBA course work includes topics like accounting, financial analysis, microeconomics, macroeconomics, marketing strategy, statistics and business policy. They usually require that students take mathematics courses and score highly on the quantitative section of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Professionals who are interested in advancing their career in areas like finance, economics, accounting, information technology or operations will benefit the most from this type of traditional business program. Career paths such as these are largely quantitative in nature, so MBA coursework is well-suited to them.

However, more and more professionals are taking a different approach to advanced business education. If you find yourself wondering if higher level math, production and these other types of MBA courses are relevant to your career, a different kind of graduate business degree could be a better choice for you. If you are interested in advancing your career in human resources, training, development, advertising or entrepreneurship, you may be better suited to a master’s in management. Rather than focusing on the strictly quantitative side of business, this course of study emphasizes the organizational structure of a business and how to optimize human capital. Creating innovative work environments and motivating people are what the MSM is designed to teach you. This degree is more about leadership and innovation, rather than quantitative analysis of business theory.

What is an MSM All About?

Rather than only being applicable to the business world, a MSM degree is designed to be an advanced education for professionals from any field that are interested in management positions. In most MSM programs, the main emphasis is the people within an organization rather than the numbers and data involved. This means that coursework is more rooted in the liberal arts and includes topics like leadership, organizational design, human resources development and organizational development. This, along with the relaxed professional experience requirements, makes MSM degree programs a popular choice for recent graduates, those who haven’t worked long in their field and those who are looking to branch out into new positions.

illustrated businessman enjoying work

Management at BUonline

Our Master of Science in Management degree program is designed for professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and are ready to move up into management positions. It is a two-year, 32 credit hour program that provides early and mid-career professionals with the skills and abilities they need to succeed at the management level. It offers an international perspective because of the global nature of modern business. You’ll learn to be aware of global competitive strategies and economics.

As you work toward your degree, you’ll collaborate with your peers to solve real-world problems. Our study groups apply real-life business cases to prepare you for today’s work environment, so you’ll learn how to maximize a group’s ability to find solutions to common problems. We offer classes in a flexible, convenient online format so that that you can complete your degree on your schedule. You can complete your degree in as little as few years and get on track to the career you want faster.

Admissions Requirements to our MSM Program

Submit the following materials for admission into our MSM degree program:

  • A completed MSM application
  • Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended
  • A transcript showing a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above for the undergraduate degree
  • Evidence of completion of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to Brescia University’s Office of Admissions. An applicant must have a total of at least 900 points based on the formula: 200 times the overall GPA plus the GMAT score, or have at least 1300 points based on the formula 200 times the overall GPA plus the GRE scores.

If you think graduate study in management is the right choice for you, find out more about BUonline’s quality, affordable program.