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

If you're looking to grow as a leader, an advanced degree could be an investment in that goal.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), management occupations are projected to have a faster-than-average growth rate through 2034 compared to all occupations.*

Most management positions require at least a bachelor's degree, BLS notes, but a master's degree could deepen your knowledge and skills, prepare you for real-world challenges and support your career growth.

But which degree should you choose?

What is the Best Master’s Degree for Business Leaders?

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science (MS) in Management are both advanced degrees well-suited for aspiring business leaders, according to Dr. Michelle Caron, CPC, an associate dean at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with experience overseeing business programs.

"While both degrees prepare graduates to lead, manage, and contribute effectively in organizational settings, my advice for prospective students would be to clarify target roles for their desired industry," she said. "The best choice of program would be the one that best supports the kind of work they would find most fulfilling in their day-to-day."

Here's a deeper breakdown of the two degrees:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The Master of Business Administration degree is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of business principles and practices. It can be a great choice for anyone looking for a broad business education.

"The curriculum typically focuses on data analysis, strategy, performance and sustainability, to name a few,” Caron said.

What you'll learn:

• Managing business on a broad scale
• Strategic leadership
• Transferable business skills

"The MBA is designed for professionals seeking advanced leadership, strategy and executive decision‑making skills, with a broader and more applied business focus," Caron said.

There are also more types of MBA concentrations at SNHU than in any other business-related academic program at the university, "providing students with the ability to truly customize their degree," Caron said.

Just a few MBA concentration options at SNHU include:

• Accounting
• Business analytics
• Human resources
• Leadership
• Marketing

Read more: Is an Online MBA Degree Worth It?

Master of Science in Management (MSM)

The Master of Science in Management is designed to help you build the skills needed to manage diverse people and projects.

"The MSM degree focuses on day-to-day operations of the core functional areas of a business," Caron said. “This program emphasizes decision making, managing conflict, project management and resource planning — all of which are necessary to deliver on the organization’s mission."

What you’ll learn:

• Direct operations
• Project management
• Resource planning and decision making

"An MS in Management is well-suited for early to mid‑level management roles such as team lead, project manager, supervisor or department manager, with a focus on people management, organizational effectiveness and day‑to‑day managerial execution rather than enterprise‑wide strategy," Caron said.

Concentration options for the online master's in management program at SNHU include:

• Construction management
• Emergency management
• Healthcare

Is It Better to Get an MBA or an MS?

When it comes to an MBA vs an MS, the decision won't be the same for everyone. It should depend on you.

"Each degree serves a different purpose, as they align to different career goals," Caron said.

Your opinion matters most when you're choosing a graduate program, and talking to an admission counselor at the school you plan to attend can help you make a more informed choice. You can ask questions, or just have a conversation about your goals to help you decide.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor’s and master’s, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon’s short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.