- Some MBA specialisations are more in demand than others—fields like Finance, Technology Management, and Consulting offer strong career prospects and high salaries.
- Choosing the right specialisation is crucial—consider industry demand, career goals, and future trends to maximise your investment.
- General vs specialised MBA: A general MBA offers broad business knowledge, while a specialised MBA provides targeted expertise for specific industries.
When it comes to advancing in your career, an MBA is one of the most valuable degrees. It makes accessing leadership roles and industry expertise way more easily and it almost guarantees a bigger salary. To make sure it is worth it, besides aiming to study an MBA at the best business schools in the world, you must also choose the right specialisation. Whether you aim to start your own business, change jobs or manage a multinational company, an MBA can help in these five ways:
- Strengthen your leadership and business skills
- Expand your professional network with global connections
- Gain expertise in high-demand fields like Finance, Marketing, or Technology
- Develop strategic problem-solving abilities
- Qualify for scholarships and funding opportunities
You’ll find thousands of MBAs available on Mastersportal. Here’s a list of the most popular ones:
- MBA in General Management
- MBA in Marketing
- MBA in Human Resource Management
- MBA in Consulting
- MBA in Entrepreneurship
- MBA in Finance
- MBA in Operations Management
- MBA in Management Information Systems
- MBA in Global Management
- MBA in Engineering Management
- MBA in Technology Management
How to choose the right MBA specialisation
An MBA is a big commitment, so picking the right specialisation can help you stand out. Looking into job opportunities, salaries, and industry trends will help you choose wisely and set yourself up for long-term success. Before applying, ask yourself:
- Which industries are the most likely to stay strong in the future?
- Where do you want to get in your career?
- What skills do you need to get there?
- Which specialisation is best aligned with the above?
General MBA vs specialised MBA: what’s the difference?
A general MBA provides a broad foundation in key business areas, including finance, marketing, management, strategy, and economics. This is ideal if you want to develop a well-rounded skill set and explore different career paths.
A specialised MBA, however, allows you to focus on a specific industry or function, such as technology, healthcare, finance, or entrepreneurship. This can give you a competitive edge in your chosen field by helping you develop targeted expertise.
Here's a clearer comparison of a General MBA and a Specialised MBA, focusing on the most relevant aspects for prospective students:
| General MBA | Specialised MBA | |
| Curriculum | Broad coverage of core business functions (finance, marketing, operations, strategy, leadership, etc.). | Core business subjects plus in-depth courses in a specific field (e.g., finance, marketing, healthcare, tech). |
| Career flexibility | High – prepares you for roles across industries and functions. | Lower – best suited for careers in a specific industry or role. |
| Salary potential | Competitive, varies by industry and experience. | Often higher in industries with strong demand for specialised skills. |
| Networking opportunities | Diverse network across industries and job functions. | Stronger industry-specific connections. |
| Industry demand | Preferred for leadership and executive positions requiring broad business knowledge. | Valued in industries that require deep technical expertise and industry-specific skills. |
Let’s explore each of the most popular specialisations:
1. MBA in General Management
MBAs in General Management are very popular and teach students skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and risk management. These skills allow future graduates to occupy management or administrative positions in different types of organisations (private, public, NGOs).
- Top universities for an MBA in General Management:Harvard Business School, INSEAD, IESE Business School, University of Melbourne – Melbourne Business School, University of St. Gallen.
Some of the courses you will take include Professional Development, Business Analytics, Project and Quality Management, Marketing Management, Economics for Managers, Organisational Behaviour, etc. After graduation, you can apply for various management and administrative positions:
- Business Development Manager – 72,100 USD/year
- Real Estate Manager – 77,100 USD/year
- Risk Management Manager – 94,100 USD/year
Most MBAs in General Management take 1 or 2 years to complete. You can also find online MBAs in General Management.
2. MBA in Marketing
MBAs in Marketing are a great choice if you’re interested in a managerial or administrative marketing position. While the Marketing MBA includes general business courses, it places a high emphasis on developing your marketing-related skills and knowledge.
- Top universities for an MBA in Marketing:Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Columbia University Business School, ESADE Business School, Warwick Business School, Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University.
Typical subjects include Marketing Research, Branding, Advertising Management, Product Development, Digital Marketing, etc. After graduation, you can occupy various positions. Here are a few popular examples:
- Marketing Manager – 64,850 USD/year
- Market Research Director – 79,000 USD/year
- Director of Sales – 90,950 USD/year
MBAs in Marketing take 1-2 years to complete. If you cannot enrol in a traditional on-campus programme, you can look into online MBAs in Marketing.
3. MBA in Human Resource Management
Human Resource Management is one of the most popular MBA specialisations. This MBA degree allows students to take their human resource skills to the next level while gaining a better understanding of business administration, strategy, and other business-related subjects.
- Top universities for an MBA in Human Resource Management:Michigan Ross School of Business, London School of Economics and Political Science, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Monash Business School, Tilburg University.
Popular courses during an MBA in Human Resource Management include Organisational Behaviour, Negotiation, Business Law, Managerial Finance, and others. Here are a few examples of jobs you can apply for after graduation:
- Human Resources (HR) Manager – 66,900 USD/year
- Employee Relations Manager – 75,400 USD/year
- Human Resources (HR) Director – 88,000 USD/year
MBAs in Human Resource Management take 1 or 2 years to finish. You can also find online MBAs in Human Resource Management, which allow you to have a more flexible schedule and handle other responsibilities as well.
4. MBA in Consulting
MBAs in Consulting combine traditional business courses with classes on Business Strategy, Organisational Behaviour, Business Communication, Consulting, Negotiations, Ethics, and others. This approach allows students to better understand the impact of business dynamics and human relations.
- Top universities for an MBA in Consulting:INSEAD, University of Chicago Booth School of Business, IE Business School, HEC Paris, University of Mannheim Business School.
Consulting MBAs are a great fit for people who enjoy verbal and written communication, who are good listeners and know how to evaluate actions and provide feedback. With an MBA in Consulting, you can enjoy high-paying jobs, such as:
- Business Development Manager – 72,200 USD/year
- Business Consultant – 73,500 USD/year
- Management Consultant – 87,200 USD/year
It normally takes 1-2 years to complete an MBA in Consulting. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to apply for an on-campus degree, you can explore online MBAs in Consulting.
5. MBA in Entrepreneurship
MBAs in Entrepreneurship aren’t for everyone. If you decide to start your own business or take charge of a family endeavour, you need to be very ambitious, perseverant, and willing to take on big responsibilities.
- Top universities for an MBA in Entrepreneurship:Stanford Graduate School of Business, Babson College – Olin, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, University of Cambridge – Judge Business School, EMLYON Business School.
In addition to the general business courses, Entrepreneurship MBAs also include classes on Business Innovation, Generating Start-up Ideas, Venture Feasibility, Sustaining a Start-up, Resource Management, Entrepreneurial Strategies, as well as Product Design & Marketing.
After graduation, most students either start their own company or choose to use their new skills and knowledge to better manage their existing start-up. If you want to work for another company, you can choose from various roles. Here are a few examples:
- Management Consultant – 87,200 USD/year
- Senior Product Manager – 123,600 USD/year
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – 156,900 USD/year
Like most MBA degrees, MBAs in Entrepreneurship takes 1-2 years to complete. You can also find online MBAs in Entrepreneurship.
6. MBA in Finance
If you want to study a Master of Business Administration and you enjoy working with numbers, budgets and have great attention to details, an MBA in Finance might be what you’re looking for.
- Top universities for an MBA in Finance:University of Pennsylvania – Wharton, London Business School, University of Zurich, ESCP Business School, Bocconi University – SDA Bocconi School of Management.
This type of MBA combines traditional business courses with classes on Fund Management, Investments, Fundraising, Portfolio Management, Corporate Budgeting, Investment Analysis, etc. Some of the most popular careers for graduates include:
- Financial Advisor – 58,800 USD/year
- Accounting Manager – 71,200 USD/year
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – 132,800 USD/year
You will invest 1 or 2 years in a Finance MBA. There are also online MBAs in Finance you can apply for.
7. MBA in Operations Management
MBAs in Operations Management develop the students’ analytical skills and teach them how to use mathematical models and systems. This knowledge allows future graduates to improve the quality of products and services while reducing production costs.
- Top universities for an MBA in Operations Management:MIT Sloan School of Management, Carnegie Mellon University – Tepper School, ETH Zurich, Technical University of Munich – TUM School of Management, Politecnico di Milano Business School.
These are some of the specialised courses you’ll take: Business Analytics, Mathematical Modelling, Data Logistics, Analysis & Interpretation, Operations Strategy, etc. Here are several jobs for graduates with an MBA degree in Operations Management:
- Supply Chain Analyst – 59,900 USD/year
- Operations Manager – 64,700 USD/year
- Supply Chain Manager – 82,200 USD/year
You’ll finish an Operations Management MBA in 1 or 2 years. Don’t have enough time for a traditional degree? You can always check out online MBAs in Operations Management.
8. MBA in Management Information Systems
MBAs in Management Information Systems teach future graduates how to design, implement, and use various advanced programmes and systems which manage the constantly growing amount of data used by companies.
Management Information Systems (MIS) are used to collect, store, and organise information. Based on the analysis of this information, users can generate detailed reports and use them to evaluate the overall performance, make changes, and offer feedback.
- Top universities for an MBA in Management Information Systems: University of Arizona – Eller College of Management, University of Texas at Dallas – Naveen Jindal School of Management, University College Dublin – Smurfit Graduate Business School, University of Twente, University of Auckland Business School.
During an MIS MBA, you can expect to take courses in Business Analytics, E-Strategy & Management Information Systems, Data Management, Data Visualisation, Risk Management & Decision Making, etc. After graduation, you can work as a:
- Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst – 67,900 USD/year
- Information Technology (IT) Consultant – 78,700 USD/year
- Information System (IS) Manager – 83,400 USD/year
Most MBAs in Management Information Systems take 1 or 2 years to complete, but you can find some programmes that last longer. You can also apply for online MBAs in Management Information Systems.
9. MBA in Global Management
The Global Management MBA (or International Management MBA) is another popular specialisation among Masters of Business Administration. Courses focus on helping students understand the differences between cultures and how international/multinational organisations need to adapt their approach to different countries and markets.
- Top universities for an MBA in Global Management:Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, IE Business School, ESCP Business School, University of Sydney Business School, University of Geneva – Geneva School of Economics and Management.
In addition to the regular Business Administration classes, you can expect to study subjects like Business Analytics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Global Management, Global Economics, International Legal and Tax Framework, International Accounting, and others. After graduation, you can choose from numerous work opportunities, such as:
- Marketing Manager – 64,850 USD/year
- National Sales Manager – 83,000 USD/year
- Senior Business Analyst – 84,600 USD/year
You will normally finish an MBA in Global Management in 1 or 2 years. If you have other responsibilities, you can choose an online MBA in Global Management and study from the comfort of your home.
10. MBA in Engineering Management
MBAs in Engineering Management teach future students how to make better business decisions while taking into account engineering concepts, practices, and systems. Students learn how to compare different engineering solutions, evaluate risks, and implement solutions that improve the performance of organisations from highly technical engineering areas.
- Top universities for an MBA in Engineering Management:Duke University – Pratt School of Engineering and Fuqua School of Business, RWTH Aachen University, Technical University of Denmark, Arizona State University – W.P. Carey School, TU Berlin – School of Economics and Management.
You can study subjects like Innovation and Leadership, Research Strategies, Performance Measurement, Manufacturing Methods, Product Development, Experience Design, Systems Lifecycles, etc. After graduation, you will find numerous job opportunities, such as:
- Project Engineer – 68,500 USD/year
- Engineering Consultant – 79,500 USD/year
- Engineering Project Manager – 92,300 USD/year
MBAs in Engineering Management usually take 1-2 years to complete. You can also explore online MBAs in Engineering Management.
11. MBA in Technology Management
MBAs in Technology Management are ideal for students who are passionate about technology and understand its potential, impact, and risks. This type of MBA teaches future graduates how to find new ways through which software and hardware improve the efficiency of companies, products, and services.
- Top universities for an MBA in Technology Management: University of California, Berkeley – Haas School of Business, Nanyang Technological University – Nanyang Business School, RWTH Aachen University, Maastricht University, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, University of Oxford – Saïd Business School.
While you will take business and management courses, there will also be classes on Technological Innovation, Building Effective Teams, Professional Communications, Technology Management, Research & Development (R&D), Manufacturing Strategy, etc. After graduation, you can choose from jobs like:
- Information Technology (IT) Consultant – 78,700 USD/year
- Product Development Manager – 81,400 USD/year
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – 159,600 USD/year
You know the story by now: it takes 1-2 years to graduate with an MBA degree in Technology Management, and you can also find online Technology Management MBAs.
Which MBA specialisation has the best future prospects?
The business world is constantly evolving, and some MBA specialisations are more in demand than others. If you want to future-proof your career, consider these fast-growing fields:
- Technology & Innovation Management – AI, blockchain, and digital transformation are reshaping industries, making this a highly valuable specialisation.
- Business Analytics & Data Science – Companies need professionals who can analyse big data and use insights to drive business decisions.
- Sustainability & Environmental Management – With growing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concerns, businesses seek leaders who can implement sustainable strategies.
- Healthcare Management – The global healthcare sector continues to expand, increasing demand for business leaders in this field.
- International Business – As global trade grows, companies need experts in international markets, cross-border strategy, and supply chain management.
If you don't know where to start, here are a few business schools we recommend for MBA studies:
- Northeastern University, the US
- Hult International Business School, the UK
- Robert Kennedy College, Switzerland
- BI Norwegian Business School, Norway
- Maastricht University, the Netherlands
There are also good online options you should consider:
- Nottingham Trent University Online, the UK
- University of Birmingham Online, the UK
- Lebanese American University Online, Lebanon
- Tel Aviv University Online, Israel
Being admitted to an MBA: the GMAT exam
Typically, students who are applying to MBAs are aware that most business schools will require them to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of their application requirements. However, more and more schools have removed this test from their admissions requirements.
Here are some MBA programmes that don't require the GMAT in the US but may require additional materials or experience to replace the GMAT exam.
- One-year MBA at Hult International Business School in Boston, San Francisco and New York City
- The Public Accounting - CPA Preparation at Pace University
- The Professional MBA Online with a Specialization in Sports Management and the Professional MBA Downtown at Florida International University
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which MBA specialisation offers the highest salary?
Salary potential is an important factor when selecting an MBA specialisation. While earnings depend on location and experience, these MBA specialisations typically offer the highest salaries:
- Finance – Investment banking, private equity, and hedge funds offer six-figure salaries, with experienced professionals earning in the millions.
- Consulting & Strategy – Leading firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain pay MBA graduates salaries exceeding $150,000 per year.
- Technology Management – As companies embrace digital transformation, roles in product management, IT strategy, and AI leadership command high salaries.
- Healthcare Management – The healthcare industry is expanding, creating demand for business professionals in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and hospital administration.
- Entrepreneurship – While salaries vary based on business success, many MBA graduates launch profitable startups or secure venture capital funding.
Do employers prefer an MBA over work experience?
Employers value both an MBA and work experience, but the preference depends on the industry and role. If you already have several years of experience, an MBA can help you move into leadership roles faster. If you're earlier in your career, gaining work experience before or during your MBA can make you a stronger candidate.
What is the best MBA format: full-time, part-time, or online?
The best MBA format depends on your career goals, financial situation, and availability.
- Full-time MBA: Best for career changers or those looking to immerse themselves fully in business education. Typically takes 1-2 years.
- Part-time MBA: Ideal for working professionals who want to continue earning while studying. Takes longer to complete but offers flexibility.
- Online MBA: Perfect for those who need maximum flexibility, especially if balancing work, family, or travel. Provides the same knowledge but requires strong self-discipline.
Is an MBA worth it if you don’t want to work in corporate business?
Yes! While MBAs are traditionally associated with corporate leadership, they offer skills useful in many fields. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, an MBA can teach you how to start and scale a business. If you prefer nonprofit or public sector roles, an MBA can help with financial management, strategy, and leadership. Business skills can give you a competitive edge in management or operations roles even in creative industries like media or fashion.
