Types of MBA Programs: Which One Is Right for Me?
For those who wish to succeed in the business world, earning a graduate-level degree can provide a vital set of competencies and skills. The Master of Business Administration degree, or MBA, is regarded as one of the most versatile degree paths. This degree allows aspiring entrepreneurs or executives to hone their abilities in people management, finance, marketing and other essential business areas.
In fact, business students have many types of MBA programs to choose from, including both standard and accelerated tracks, along with a number of specializations and concentrations. Each type of MBA program can provide the foundation for long-term impact and success, yet it’s important for prospective students to determine which program is best suited to their career goals.
What is an Online MBA Program?
An MBA is a graduate-level business degree program, which means that it provides more advanced training for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree. These undergraduate degrees may be in business or in any related field, like marketing or health administration.
Students enrolled in an MBA program will learn both practical and theoretical concepts that relate to business management. They will also learn how to apply these concepts in business settings.
Some MBA programs offer specific concentrations, allowing students to focus on topics such as sports management, the entertainment business or banking. Others are more general in nature, designed to provide a broad set of skills that can translate across virtually any business setting.
Why Pursue an Online MBA?
While there are many types of MBA programs available in a traditional classroom setting, online programs are an increasingly popular option. There are a number of benefits to pursuing an MBA in an online setting, such as:
- Flexibility - Online programs may be more accessible for current professionals, making it easier to complete coursework while also working a full-time or part-time job.
- More program options - The online nature of an MBA makes it easier to choose certain programs, concentrations or instructors without being limited by geography.
- Collaboration - Online programs also open the door to networking with fellow students from across the country or worldwide.
Choosing Between Traditional and Accelerated MBAs
One of the most significant distinctions among the available types of MBA programs is between a traditional and accelerated path. There are two basic differences between these two MBA paths, including time to completion and options for specialization.
MBA Timeline
One of the distinctions between these two MBAs is the timeline to completion. Students can usually complete a traditional MBA in 12-24 months, depending on the number of courses they take each semester. Meanwhile, an accelerated MBA program may be completed in as little as 10 months.
Specialization Options
Another important distinction is the potential for specialization. A standard MBA program will usually offer greater opportunities for students seeking a specialized MBA education. For example, the program from Walsh University Online offers students the choice between Data Analytics, Healthcare Management, Management or Marketing designations. The accelerated path, meanwhile, is more general in nature, offering broad exposure to business concepts but no option to specialize.
How to Specialize in an MBA Program
Specialization is certainly a consideration for students weighing different types of MBA programs. Consider some of the options available from Walsh University Online.
Data Analytics
One option to consider is an MBA focused on data analytics. Today’s businesses have greater access than ever before to large volumes of data and knowing how to interpret that data can enable smart, strategic decision-making. A data analytics track provides those skills and can translate into success in virtually any business setting.
Healthcare Management
In the ever-changing healthcare landscape, it’s essential to have the right set of management skills. An MBA with a healthcare management specialization can provide the expertise needed for success in this field. This specialization includes analyzing data and learning the tools needed to implement strategies and facilitate decisions.
Management
Walsh University Online also offers a more generalized management track, providing students with modern foundational business knowledge in data, finance, marketing, research, communication and ethical leadership.
Marketing
Marketing is crucial for the success of any business. An MBA with a marketing focus will ensure essential skills in branding, strategy and segmentation, all making it possible to construct effective integrated marketing plans. This option is another degree path that can be useful across almost any type of business setting.
Accelerated
Unsure which specialization to choose? Walsh University Online offers an accelerated track, which is a good fit if you are looking for a fast-paced, cost-effective MBA that combines elements from a wide variety of specializations.
Students in this track can choose courses from any of the 4 other MBA tracks offered at Walsh. For example, one could combine their interest in marketing with developing their management skills; or gain a better understanding of data analytics to thrive in a healthcare management role.
For more information about any of these tracks, feel free to reach out to our admissions team.
Explore Different Types of MBA Programs at Walsh University Online
An MBA program can furnish the knowledge and competencies needed to enjoy a long-lasting career in almost any business setting. Before choosing a program, determine which track is best, and also learn more about traditional versus accelerated options. Walsh University Online offers an online MBA with an accelerated track option, as well as other tracks to choose from in Data Analytics, Marketing, Management and Healthcare Management. Each one of these options offers students the opportunity to specialize their education to fit their business goals.
Learn more about pursuing an online graduate business degree today and find the right type of MBA program is right for you.
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