According to the National Center for Education Statistics, almost 35% of master's degrees granted in the USA in the last 5 years were in business. It is not surprising that more people are interested in postgraduate business education. It gives a high ROI and good career growth. However, understanding whether to pursue a general or a specialized MBA can be tricky. The choice depends on your career goals.
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Table of Contents |
What is a General MBA?
A General MBA is a graduate-level degree. It provides broad knowledge and skills in business management. Unlike specialized MBA programs, a General MBA covers a wide range of subjects to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of business operations. In a General MBA, students are exposed to multiple business disciplines to gain a thorough understanding of company management, administration, and leadership techniques. If you’re unsure about what kind of career you want to pursue, or if you want to broaden your skills to appeal to various employers, getting a General MBA degree can be an excellent choice. For instance, obtaining a general MBA degree can increase an IT specialist's marketability for an executive role.
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General MBA: Pros & Cons
With a General MBA, in the first year, you study general management. Second year onwards, you can choose subjects you’re more interested in. Although a General MBA gives you a holistic understanding of management, it also has some demerits.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Diverse career opportunities |
You don’t gain expertise in one domain |
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More holistic learning |
Very high competition |
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More areas of networking |
You need to go to a top B-school |
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Universal application |
The tuition fee is higher |
What is a Specialized MBA?
A specialized MBA is a graduate-level degree that focuses on a specific area of business or industry. It provides in-depth knowledge and skills tailored to that field. Unlike a General MBA, which offers a broad business education, a specialized MBA allows students to concentrate on a particular discipline or sector. This prepares them for more specific career paths like Consulting, Finance, and Marketing. Most top business schools like HBS, INSEAD, and Sloan offer MBA specializations. Although these specialization areas differ from university to university, they frequently cover subjects like project management, human resources, entrepreneurship, marketing, organizational leadership, data analytics, accounting, finance, healthcare management, information technology, and international business.
However, note that you can still get a comprehensive business education even if you enroll in a specialized program. Topics including finance, business law, analytics, marketing, economics, project management, and leadership will be covered in your first year of core MBA coursework.
Suggested: MBA in the USA for Indian Students: Cost, Top Programs and Scholarships.
Specialized MBA: Pros & Cons
If you are determined to build your career in a specific domain, a Specialized MBA is a good option for you. Here you get a focused curriculum where courses are tailored to your chosen specialization, providing detailed knowledge and skills relevant to that area.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Gain expertise in a specific area |
Limited job options |
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Industry-specific skills |
Need to stay constantly updated on emerging trends |
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Higher pay than general MBA |
Less comprehensive business education |
From the Desk of Yocket
Whether you pursue a General MBA or a specialized MBA, the best choice for you will depend on your career aspirations. If you have decided what to pursue, then know that getting into the top business schools worldwide is not a piece of cake, especially because of the highly competitive acceptance rates. You need to be an early bird and build a strong application to get considered for admission. Moreover, knowing the hows and whens of university, visa, and scholarship application deadlines is very important.
If you are overwhelmed with all these responsibilities, our Yocket experts are here to share them! Get end-to-end and personalized assistance for shortlisting universities and applications. Moreover, stay up-to-date with every deadline regarding university, exams, scholarships, and visas! Schedule A FREE Video Consultation Call Today!
