Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is now widely seen as the gateway to management- and executive-level positions in today’s business world. 2009 and 2010 career placement data analyzed by U.S. News & World Report indicates that almost 76% of MBA holders found jobs within three months of graduation, up from about 71% the previous year.
Traditional and online MBA programs are both generally acceptable, as long as they are offered by a business school accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). But there are many different specialties to choose from, so which types of AACSB-accredited MBAs
Stand out from the Crowd with an In-demand MBA Degree offer the most opportunity?
Here are three concentrations that typically provide exceptional value to graduates:
1. Business administration (general MBA). A general MBA program can provide you with a broad understanding of advanced business practices. Coursework generally includes accounting, human resources, marketing and a variety of other topics. A general MBA is ideal if you want to pursue positions such as general manager or chief executive officer (CEO).
Sample career: Administrative services manager, $73,520 median annual salary*
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2. Healthcare administration (healthcare MBA). Advancing medical technology and a rapidly growing elderly population have created huge demand for well-trained healthcare professionals. This includes those in nonclinical positions, such as managers and researchers. An AACSB-accredited MBA in healthcare administration prepares you for management and executive roles in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.
Sample career: Health services manager, $80,240 median annual salary*
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3. Technology (technology MBA). Technology managers combine administration skills with information technology know-how to help businesses and other organizations achieve their goals. Coursework typically focuses on how to manage IT personnel, anticipate future technology needs and trends, and plan complex IT projects. An AACSB-accredited MBA in information technology prepares you for careers such as director of information technology and chief technology officer (CTO).
Sample career: Information systems manager, $112,210 median annual salary*
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* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011