An MBA, also commonly known as a Master of Business Administration, is one of the most popular tertiary degrees that can be undertaken at a university. It is often considered a must for individuals who aspire to become leaders in the industry and field of business management. An MS Degree, or Master of Science (also often referred to as an MSc) on the other hand, is an equally popular area of study, and one that differs to an extent from the coursework involved in an MBA, as well as differing in its vocational purpose and, in most cases, a student’s end goal upon graduation and completion of each respective degree. But which of the two popular degrees is the best choice for you, and your progression in your chosen career path? Just read on to learn more!
What is a Master of Business Administration, or MBA?
A Master of Business Administration is a tertiary qualification that equips and enables graduates to acquire the skills required to develop new ideas, learn advanced managerial and management techniques, and acquire high-level decision-making capabilities – which are specifically related to the field of business management. Importantly, students can choose to complete MBA coursework through on-campus, in-person, and face-to-face tutorials and seminar attendance at their educational faculty or tertiary institution of choice. Alternatively, students can also choose to undertake the completion of an MBA online.
Coursework, Course Units, and Areas of Study
The completion of an MBA involves undertaking various course units and areas of study.
Of course, the most common and ‘core’ course units that an MBA student will undertake and complete within an MBA’s coursework usually include areas of study such as Managerial Leadership and Management, Design Thinking for Business, Financial Analytics for Managerial Decisions, Marketing for Managers and Leaders, Leadership Strategy Development, Business Data Analytics, Technology Innovation Management, Business Consulting, and Marketing for Managers – just to name a few.
Course Outcomes, Vocational Purpose and Career Progression
The end goal or vocational purpose of undertaking the study of an MBA varies for every student. For the most part, many students of a Master of Business Administration intend and aspire to become managers and leaders within their field of business – and the managerial course units and areas of study undertaken in an MBA are essential in forming and developing these skills, techniques, and capabilities. For students wanting to advance their career progression in business leadership and management, a Master of Business Administration is the ideal tertiary qualification that will enable them to pursue a career in this field.
What is a Master of Science, or MS?
A Master of Science – also known as an MS, or MSc – is a degree that offers more specialised education in a particular field of business. For instance, the areas of specialisation offered within the study of an MS degree can quite often include management and leadership training and education specific to certain industries – including Civil Engineering, Health Care Administration, Business Marketing and Economics, Computer or Data Science, Occupational Therapy, or even Business Entrepreneurship, for example.
Coursework, Course Units, and Areas of Study
Commonly, the typical course work and units of study that are involved in the completion of a Master of Science will include both foundational core units focusing on leadership and management (similar to the coursework undertaken in an MBA). However, MS coursework differs from coursework involved in an MBA in that a Master of Science’s areas of study will also offer and include a deeper dive into more specialised coursework that is relevant and specific to the Master’s student’s chosen industry field, or vocational career path.
Course Outcomes, Vocational Purpose and Career Progression
As discussed earlier, because an MS degree offers more specialisation within specific fields and areas of study, a Masters’s student who has already chosen the industry within which they wish to apply the business management skills, capabilities, and knowledge they acquire during their tertiary studies may well be better suited to undertaking a Master of Science, rather than a Master of Business Administration.
So, MBA Vs MS: Which is Right For Me?
Although these two courses do have some notable overlap, the are, in practice, quite different degrees with different intended goals. While both offer training in business leadership and managerial duties, the Master of Science will appeal more to certain industries with its emphasis on specialisation within a chosen field.
So, if a student has a particular industry they are looking to grow and excel within, the Master of Science will likely prove valuable. The Master of Business Administration, however, will appeal to those that require more generally applicable business management and leadership skills, allowing them a broad, expansive area of expertise that will prove beneficial in myriad circumstances.
In other words, neither is the better choice for everyone, and each will provide you with access to different opportunities in the short and long term. With that said, whether you decide on proceeding with an MBA or an MS course, you can feel secure in the knowledge that you will have a well-rounded understanding and education within the field of business management and its required specialty skills.
