An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree focused on business administration. It is a graduate-level business and management degree with a focus on leadership and management. The core courses in an MBA program cover various areas of business administration such as accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and operations management. MBA programs in the United States typically require completing about forty to sixty credits, much higher than the thirty credits typically required for degrees that cover some of the same material such as the Master of Economics, Master of Finance, Master of Accountancy, Master of Science in Marketing, and Master of Science in Management.

MBA programs are designed to help graduates gain a better understanding of general business management functions. During an MBA, students build their business knowledge, grow their professional network, and boost their career and salary prospects. MBA students may enter their programs from a variety of backgrounds, and there are different types of programs to suit a range of needs. Typically, MBA students enter their programs after gaining a few years of work experience and have long-term goals of working in any area of business, and particularly in leadership roles.

MBA graduates can work across a variety of industries, though there is high demand for MBA graduates in the energy, consulting, products and services, and manufacturing industries. Pursuing an MBA can be a significant financial commitment, but it can also expand your professional network, elevate your career prospects, and increase your earning potential. MBA concentrations are a great way to strengthen the skills most relevant to you, and they are designed to help you gain the fundamental business understanding you need to be flexible and think strategically in today’s ever-changing economy.