After earning an undergraduate degree, those who are looking forward to continuing their study will surely encounter a split road. You can continue your studies by pursuing an MBA or you can also choose a master’s degree. If you are unsure which path to take, then we are helping you in deciding by comparing the two programmes in numerous categories, right from the programme formats they are offering to the costs of pursuing each one. Our motive is to figure out the programme that best fits your schedule and career so that you can gain success in whatever field you choose.
However, before we can also start comparing these two-degree programmes, so we first need to understand what the programs are about. Hence, where do the differences lie? Let’s dive into this blog to know more.
MBA vs. Master’s Degree: Format
While e are discussing MBA vs. master’s, it is also crucial to take into consideration the formats they offer. Usually, both MBA and master’s are full-time programmes. However, to accommodate students who work or have other responsibilities, they also offer part-time courses.
Whereas if you are seeking for tackling MBA part-time, then you would also pursue an an Executive Master of Business Association (EMBA) degree programme. These programmes are slowed-pace and particularly designed for employed people who have at least some years of work experience in their respective fields of study.
MBA vs. Master’s Degree: Course Duration
Additionally, a difference between MBA and a master’s is the time it takes to complete them. The duration of your MBA completely depends on the format of the programme you choose. A standard full-time MBA takes generally two years to complete. However, if you decide to study the above-mentioned EMBA programme, then it will take longer.
On the other hand, it can take normally one to three years to obtain a master’s degree as a full-time student. The exact duration of this programme entirely varies on the institute you choose, the format and its curriculum. Some schools have unique ways of arranging their academic schedule, and some even have certain requirements that will affect the course duration, such as a thesis at the end of the course or internships.
MBA vs. Master’s Degree: Career Pathways
When choosing between an MBA or a master’s degree programme, the goals you have for your career are vital factors to consider.
MBA programmes are particularly designed for candidates who have some work experience but still want further their knowledge and skillsets in the field. Whereas in the case of a master’s degree, it is pretty normal for learners to pursue without having prior work experience right after they completed their undergraduate studies.
If you aim to develop leadership skills and partake in hands-on training then an Executive MBA can offer you that. Whereas, if you would prefer a more theoretical approach and stay focused on a single thing in more depth, then opting for a master’s degree in a specific subject is a wiser choice.
It might be confusing for you to choose between an MBA and a master’s degree. Depending on what your career goals are, your expectations and what you are capable of managing right now? So, in combination with the information we provided, we hopefully provided you with clarity to choose a course between these two.
