Should You Get a Specialized MBA or a General MBA?

A specialized master of business administration (MBA) degree can help you break into niche fields or hone your skills in fast-growing areas.

Business schools usually offer MBA concentrations or specializations that allow you to focus on a specific area, such as finance, project management, or entrepreneurship. But you don’t have to pick a specialization: A general MBA includes broad instruction in business management and leadership principles.

Learn more about specialized vs. general MBAs and whether it’s right for you.

In general MBA programs, students are exposed to a variety of business disciplines to gain a broader understanding of business management, administration, and leadership practices.

A general MBA degree is a good option if you don’t already have a career in mind, if you plan to change career fields, or if you want to make yourself marketable to a variety of employers by building expertise across different fields. For example, an IT expert can make themselves more marketable for an executive position by getting a general MBA degree.

Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University, told BestColleges that students have a lot of flexibility to study different topic areas within a general MBA.

“If the student is not set on a particular industry, then pursuing a general MBA would make sense,” Gutiérrez said. “Students can take electives as part of their MBA program so while they may choose not to have a specialization or concentration, they’ll still have an opportunity to take classes that may be of interest beyond the required core classes.”

Most business schools offer a variety of MBA specialties or concentrations. Choosing a concentration is similar to declaring a major. These concentration areas vary by university, but often include options like accounting, finance, data analytics, healthcare management, information technology, project management, human resources, entrepreneurship, marketing, organizational leadership, and international business.

A growing number of business schools are embracing MBA specializations in emerging areas, like artificial intelligence, financial technology (fintech), and data analytics. Some business schools have incorporated STEM and data throughout their MBA curriculum.

“Based on what I see, most employers are looking for specialists, job candidates who have skills and knowledge in specific areas. For this reason, pursuing an emphasis or concentration in an MBA program would be more appealing,” Gutiérrez said.

You should consider several personal and career factors when deciding whether to pursue a specialized or general MBA.

A specialized MBA can lead to high-demand training in a niche skill set, while a general MBA can prepare you for various managerial positions. Both include an overview of business concepts to prepare you for career advancement, while a specialized MBA focuses on a particular skill set.

Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed July 10, 2024.