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 most students interested in pursuing a graduate-level degree within the business field, the selection process often leads them to one of two choices: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science (MS).
Both an MBA and an MS degree can significantly elevate your career prospects. These graduate business degrees equip professionals with advanced knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and practical skills essential for success in the competitive business landscape. However, the two degrees are distinct from one another and prioritize different sets of skills.
By understanding the distinctions between these two degrees, prospective students can make an informed decision based on their unique career goals and aspirations.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate-level degree that provides a broad education in business and leadership that covers core business disciplines like marketing, accounting, and analytics. Additionally, some MBA programs offer specializations or concentrations that allow students to focus on a specific area of interest. Students looking for general knowledge, but want to work in a specific field or industry may find these MBA concentrations valuable.
MBA programs develop a well-rounded skill set that includes critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. Programs often include practical learning experiences, like internships, consulting projects, and global immersions. This degree equips graduates with the qualifications and credentials that are highly valued by employers across all sectors.
MBA graduates frequently advance to upper management and leadership roles, such as CEO, CFO, Director, or even pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, the expertise gained through an MBA program gives professionals the all-encompassing knowledge to work in consulting and advisory roles.
MS programs are graduate-level degrees that provide in-depth, specialized knowledge in a specific area of study within the realms of business, technology, science, or engineering. They are designed to offer a focused education and may include research or practical components related to a student’s chosen field.
There are many benefits to a business MS degree that lead professionals to select this path as a way to advance their careers. MS degrees often offer specializations in specific fields, developing advanced expertise and skills relevant to an industry or niche. Students pursuing an MS degree can partake in specified areas of research and innovation, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and technology in a given field.
To fully appreciate what sets these two degrees apart, here, we will examine how each degree compares against the other.
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 |
Tends to open up opportunities for leadership and management positions across a wide range of industries, including roles such as CEO, business development manager, or management consultant Emphasizes skill development in strategic decision-making, problem-solving, and team leadership |
Positions graduates for specialized roles within specific industries, such as financial analysts, IT project managers, research scientists, or accountants Equips students with advanced subject-specific skills that are highly sought after in targeted sectors |
Time Commitment and Program Structure |
Typically structured to accommodate students with varying levels of work experience, offering full and part-time formats Full-time programs often require a significant time commitment, ranging from one to two years, while part-time formats allow for flexibility to accommodate working professionals |
Programs typically range from one to two years, depending on the field and the specific program's requirements May be available in both full-time and part-time formats, with some programs offering accelerated options for students seeking a faster completion |
Cost Considerations and Potential ROI |
Generally involves a higher financial investment upfront Can offer a potentially higher return on investment (ROI) in the long run, especially for individuals aiming for executive-level positions |
Often involves lower tuition costs, reducing the overall financial investment compared to MBA programs Can provide a strong ROI by offering specialized skills that are in high demand, 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?
It's important to select a degree that aligns with your individual goals and aspirations. Once you’ve honestly and successfully answered the questions above, your path forward should be clear. An MBA or MS, neither degree is superior — but only one is best for you.
The Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science are both prestigious degrees that can help you achieve a meaningful business career. 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.
At the University of Dallas, we offer both MBA and MS programs that equip students with knowledge, skills, and ethical principles essential to accomplish their goals. Our flexible MBA program can be completed 100 percent online, 100 percent on campus, or in a combination.
Our five MS programs provide students with an intensive, technical education rooted in business acumen and ethical decision-making. These programs include:
Master of Science in Accounting
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Finance
Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Coming Fall 2025!)
Each program at the UDallas College of Business is designed to guide our students to use their expertise not only for organizational success but also for the common good. We believe that business can, and should, be used as a force for good.
To learn more about earning an MBA rooted in virtue ethics, download our guide, Using Business as a Force For Good: A Guide to the Flexible MBA at UDallas.