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What is an MBA?

J.Gunsch
J.Gunsch

A Masters of Business Administration (MBA) is a master’s degree issued by many accredited universities throughout the world. It is a degree highly sought after by entrepreneurial students looking to gain an edge in the business world in a variety of different markets and corporations. The program is designed to develop a person’s skills in many areas of business, providing them with an extremely broad knowledge as well as acute abilities. Courses in finance, leadership, organizational behavior, marketing, management, government and economics are some of the required course typically found in an MBA curriculum. Elective courses offer a person the opportunity to develop specialized skills, such as a concentration in the healthcare business.

The completion of an MBA in the United States takes approximately two to three years after attaining a bachelor’s degree. The allotted time for completing this degree is slightly less in most European countries. Subordinate degrees are usually not required to be accepted into a program, but many students begin their academic career with an MBA in mind. Many schools offer MBA programs along with other academic majors, and some focus only on business degrees.

Taking the GMAT is typically required to apply for admission to a program to receive a master's degree in business administration.
Taking the GMAT is typically required to apply for admission to a program to receive a master's degree in business administration.

Although universities that offer MBA programs have their own specific requirements for admission, generally, before a person is accepted into the program, he or she must do well on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Other common requirements include work experience related to business administration, involvement in extracurricular activities and community and a basic understanding of business terminology.

An MBA is a degree highly sought after by entrepreneurial students looking to gain an edge in the business world.
An MBA is a degree highly sought after by entrepreneurial students looking to gain an edge in the business world.

For people who have already begun their career in the business world, including upwardly mobile executives who wish to attain an MBA, many schools offer special programs that differ slightly from the typical curriculum. The Executive MBA is a part time program designed for those who already have extensive business experience. Working around their careers, students in this program have the opportunity to share their practical business experience with others, as well as immediately and directly applying their academic work to their careers.

Discussion Comments

anon302703

@seanjara: I guess it depends. Blowing up bridges and going on assassination missions maybe not as much as the guys that work in the Intelligence sector.

tdwb7476

seanjara -- Any kind of experience would "qualify" as experience, including military experience. Managerial experience, whether in a military or civilian capacity, would be better experience than non-managerial though.

anoniw -- Typically, math, economics, or finance undergrad degrees are preferred before getting a MBA. A variety of subjects will be required including statistics, math, economics, finance, and business administration. Typically, you need to be smart and hard working and comfortable with people and numbers to be successful in business. It may be stressful -- depends on the particular job. Job opportunities are typically good, though this depends on the economy and particular industry you plan to use your MBA in. MBA programs are typically 2- to 3-year programs.

seanjara

Does military experience qualify as experience??

anoniw

I would like to know what are the preferred/upcoming degrees that you can take before going for MBA? What are the subjects I will need to deal with? Is math required? What sort of skills and qualities do you need to have if you are to have a career in the business field? How stressful is it going to be? What are the job opportunities available in this field? Altogether how many years will it take to complete the course?

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    • Taking the GMAT is typically required to apply for admission to a program to receive a master's degree in business administration.
      By: AntonioDiaz
      Taking the GMAT is typically required to apply for admission to a program to receive a master's degree in business administration.
    • An MBA is a degree highly sought after by entrepreneurial students looking to gain an edge in the business world.
      By: Rido
      An MBA is a degree highly sought after by entrepreneurial students looking to gain an edge in the business world.
    • Universities that offer MBA programs typically have their own specific requirements for admission.
      By: Monkey Business
      Universities that offer MBA programs typically have their own specific requirements for admission.