Business is the most common field for earning a master’s degree—and for good reason. Having an advanced degree can greatly improve your chances of getting hired and lead to higher-level positions and salaries throughout your career. For those interested in pursuing a graduate-level business degree, the selection process often leads to one of two choices: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science (MS).
By understanding the distinctions between these two degrees, their potential career paths, and the education each provides, you can make an informed decision based on your interests and goals.
An MBA provides a broad education in business and leadership.
Some MBA programs offer concentrations, allowing for specialization in an area of interest.
An MS degree is a specialized graduate education that provides in-depth knowledge and skills in a particular field.
To choose the right degree, consider both short- and long-term career goals.
Those interested in obtaining a broader business education may opt for an MBA.
If there’s a specific niche of business you want to gain, an MS may be a better option.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate-level degree that provides a broad education in business and leadership, covering core disciplines such as marketing, accounting, and analytics. Some MBA programs offer specializations or concentrations that allow students to focus on a specific area of interest. Common MBA concentrations include:
Marketing
Finance
Leadership
Data Science
Cybersecurity
Quality MBA programs offer a host of benefits for aspiring business leaders. Earning an MBA will allow you to:
develop a well-rounded skill set that includes critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving;
learn through practical learning experiences like internships and consulting projects;
earn the qualifications and credentials that employers highly value.
MBA graduates frequently advance to upper management and leadership roles, such as CEO, CFO, director, advisory or consulting roles, or even pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
MS programs are graduate-level degrees that provide in-depth, specialized knowledge in a specific area of business, technology, science, or engineering. Designed to offer a focused education, certain programs include research or practical components related to a student’s chosen field.
Common MS degrees include:
MS in Finance
MS in Cybersecurity
MS in Accounting
MS in Marketing
MS in Business Analytics
Similar to an MBA, an MS degree offers paths to career advancement, providing a tailored education in high-demand fields, allowing you to build expertise in a niche.
Students in MS programs participate in specific areas of research and innovation, contributing to advancing knowledge and technology in their field.
MBA |
MS |
|
Curriculum and Focus Areas |
Provides a broad view of business management and leadership, covering areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management Offers a well-rounded education and often includes practical experiences such as internships or consulting projects |
Offers a specialized curriculum focusing on a specific field such as finance, information technology, or engineering Tailored to provide in-depth knowledge and skills relevant to a particular industry or job function |
Career Outlook and Opportunities |
Opens up opportunities for leadership and management positions across a wide range of industries, including roles like CEO, business development manager, or management consultant |
Positions graduates for specialized roles within specific industries, such as financial analysts, IT project managers, research scientists, or accountants |
Time Commitment and Program Structure |
Typically structured to accommodate students with varying levels of work experience, offering full and part-time formats |
Programs typically range from one to two years, depending on the field and the specific program's requirements |
Cost Considerations and Potential ROI |
Can offer a potentially higher return on investment (ROI) in the long run, especially for individuals aiming for executive-level positions |
Can provide a strong ROI by offering specialized skills that are in high demand, like artificial intelligence, leading to career advancement and higher earning potential in targeted industries |
Understanding your long-term career objectives can help you determine which degree aligns best with your goals. If you aspire to hold top-level leadership positions, an MBA may be the right choice for you. If you have a clear interest in a specific field and aim to become an expert in that area, an MS may be the better choice.
As you consider which business degree is best for you, ask yourself the following questions:
What are my long-term career objectives, and which degree aligns best?
Do I prefer a broad skill set (MBA) or specialized expertise (MS)?
How do industry trends impact the relevance of each degree in my desired field?
How will the time and financial commitments of each program fit with my lifestyle and budget?
Once you’ve honestly and successfully answered the questions above, your path forward should be clear. Neither an MBA nor an MS is superior—but only one is best for you.
Depending on where your talents and passions lie, the MBA or the MS could be the route that leads you to personal and professional fulfillment.
The University of Dallas College of Business proudly offers rigorous MBA and MS programs designed to prepare you to lead and succeed in the future of business.
36 credit hours
Fully remote or on-campus
Can be completed in 1-2 years
Nine available concentrations
Our MS programs provide students with an intensive, technical education, focusing on the development of business acumen and character. These programs include:
Each program at the UDallas College of Business is designed to empower you to use your expertise for organizational success and, above all, to promote the common good.
To learn more about earning an MBA built for the future of business, download our guide, Using Business as a Force for Good: A Guide to the Flexible MBA at UDallas.
For those interested in exploring career outcomes for our MS degrees, download our guide: A Guide to AI, Data, Cybersecurity Careers: How to Set Yourself Apart in a Tech-Driven World.