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

Wondering what the difference is between an MBA and a master’s degree in management? Ready to figure out which one is right for you?

Adrienne Garabedian, EdD, Strayer University business faculty, helps define the differences. “A Master of Management degree is specific in its specialty with a focus on people. The MBA has a broader-scope—it’s all about managing all the dimensions of a business.” 

Compare and contrast the two Strayer degrees:

  Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Science in Management (MSM)
Concentrations
  • Accounting
  • Acquisition
  • Business Data
  • Digital Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Global Management
  • Health Services Administration
  • Human Resource Management
  • IT Security Management
  • Marketing
  • Professional Studies
  • Project Management
  • Public Administration
  • Sales 
  • Leadership
  • Marketing Management
  • Project Management
This degree is...

Broad, giving you a wide-ranging business education

 Specific, focusing on how to best manage people and teams
Core abilities and job fit Accounting, data analysis, math, leadership  Communication skills, managing, and leading people
# of courses to complete 10 12

Does the program include math courses (accounting and statistics)?

 Yes No
Reputation Globally recognized degree with significant prestige Newer degree (about 20 years old) with a reputation that’s still growing
You should pursue this degree if…
  • You enjoy analyzing data and managing financials
  • You want the full flavor of what the business world has to offer
  • You want to position yourself for a promotion
  • You want to be a leader in a specific field of business (e.g., Finance, Marketing)  
  • You have 3+ years of job experience
  • You enjoy working with people
  • You have strong communication skills
  • You’re a recent undergraduate with 2 years or less of job experience

What if you like managing data AND people?

Consider an MBA with a concentration in Management. You’ll take a balance of data-centric and people-centric courses.

Whatever degree you choose, you’re helping to position yourself for success.

Learn more about the Strayer MBA and the Strayer Master of Management degree.

Category: Value of a Degree

Published Date: October 4, 2019