Standing out in the business field today requires more than just experience — it demands specialized knowledge and advanced credentials. 

Earning a master’s degree in business can significantly enhance your career potential, opening doors to higher-paying opportunities. With only 26% of professionals in business settings holding an advanced degree, those who do are strategically positioned for growth in the field. 

The opportunity to specialize in advanced and in-demand skills can help secure a fulfilling career in line with your personal and professional goals. While finding meaning in your job in today’s world is difficult, it is still possible when equipped with the right degree.

Because of the vastness of the field and with trends constantly changing, deciding which graduate business degree can prove challenging. From considering your career goals to financial aid opportunities, we've arranged a list of 6 steps to find the right graduate business degree.

Step 1: Consider Your Business Career Goals

The first step in discerning an advanced degree is to align the program with your long-term career and personal aspirations. Where you want your degree to take you should ultimately inform which master’s degree in business you choose. Consider the following questions to help identify your career goals:

• What specific role or position am I aiming for in my business career?

• What skills and knowledge am I currently lacking to achieve these goals?

• What sectors of business intrigue me the most and why?

• How do I envision my ideal work-life balance, and what career paths support that vision?

The answers to these questions will provide a solid foundation for you to begin exploring the different types of master’s degrees in business. 

Step 2: Explore Specialized Master's in Business Degrees 

Once you've clarified your career goals, the next step is to explore specialized business master’s programs that align with your professional ambitions. Each graduate business program offers unique specializations and curriculum tracks designed to prepare you for specific career paths. Below are some of the most sought-after master’s in business degrees to consider:

1. Master of Business Administration: Equips students with a broad understanding of business operations and the skill set to manage them effectively.

2. Master of Business Analytics: Teaches data-driven decision-making and how to use analytics to solve business challenges across various industries.

3. Master of Cybersecurity: Focuses on building specialized knowledge and skills to protect information systems from cyber threats and manage security strategies.

4. Master of Finance: Specializes in the financial aspects of business, including financial markets, investment strategies, and financial analysis and planning.

5. Master of Accounting: Provides in-depth knowledge on accounting principles, audit ethics, and financial reporting. 

Step 3: Examine Program Format and Flexible Learning Options

After identifying the degrees that align with your goals, the next step is to compare program formats and learning options. Choosing a program that fits your lifestyle is essential. For full-time professionals balancing family commitments, flexibility may be the top priority. On the other hand, some students may find that in-person classes offer the best learning experience.

Common options include:

• Full-time: Perfect for those who want to finish the program quickly, on-campus, full-time classes provide an intense, supportive learning experience that leads to a degree in as little as 18 months.

• Part-time: For those who are working, but interested in pursuing an evening program on-campus, part-time solutions are available. They allow those with work obligations to have an on-campus experience.

• Online: For those who work better at their own pace or remotely, online degrees offer the most flexibility. It can be a great option for those whose schedules are hectic.

• Hybrid: For those who prefer a blend of remote and on-campus work, hybrid options offer a mostly online experience, with certain in-person program requirements. This format can be a good solution for people who want on-campus connections, but cannot fit most coursework into their schedules.

Step 4: Research and Identify AACSB Accredited Programs

The next step is to assess the program’s reputation to determine if it’s a valuable investment. This includes connecting with faculty, students, and alumni to gain insight into their experiences, as well as verifying the school’s accreditation status.

One respected organization for business school accreditation is AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). With only 6% of business schools worldwide awarded this accreditation, programs that meet the AACSB standards excel at demonstrating accountability to strategic management, leader success, thought leadership, and societal impact.

Step 5: Understand Networking Opportunities and Career Development Resources

Aside from degree focus and program format, examining your desired program’s offerings outside of the classroom is key. Many schools provide networking and career placement opportunities to help you leverage your degree effectively.

Experts suggest at least 80% of all jobs are filled through a professional network connection, so establishing a network is imperative for success. 

Explore whether your program of interest offers:

• Alumni network or mentoring programs to utilize the school's alumni connections and enable post-graduate continuing education

• Industry networking events to develop confidence and leadership skills through conference and workshop attendance

• Clubs or professional organizations for students that encourage experiential learning, leadership, and entrepreneurship

Business graduate programs may also offer career placement opportunities including:

• Career services to provide guidance, resources, and interview preparation

• Internship and job placement programs that connect students with opportunities

Step 6: Gain Insight into Graduate School Financial Aid Options

A core, and often deciding, factor for many students considering a graduate business degree is finances. While cost is a primary concern, there are options beyond paying out of pocket. 

Graduate school can become more affordable through a combination of financial aid sources, including:

• • Scholarships for students, usually based on merit or academic potential

  • Grants for need or to fulfill the purposes of the foundation hosting the grant

  • Loans taken by the students to pay their tuition and repay at a later time

As with undergraduate education, a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required for many types of financial aid. Complete this form first to understand all available options.

Elevate Your Career with a Graduate Business Degree from UDallas

When selecting a business graduate degree, the most successful outcomes come from programs that cultivate leaders with a holistic perspective. The UDallas College of Business offers a range of in-demand master's degrees, featuring a competitive curriculum, flexible learning options, and career assistance, all while prioritizing the development of virtue in its students. Explore our programs below: 

To learn more about how UDallas cultivates ethical leadership in business education, download Cultivating Ethical Leadership: A Guide to the UDallas College of Business.

You can also schedule a meeting with an admissions counselor or request more information to learn more.