An option for business professionals interested in pursuing a graduate degree is the completion of a one-year MBA. The master of business administration degree is a popular choice in many career paths because of the diversity of its curriculum. The option to complete this degree in one year is beneficial for professional working in business positions as a good way to manage their time and for students moving on from an undergraduate degree who want to get into the field as quickly as possible.
Master’s in Business Administration Degree Requirements
For most one-year MBA programs, graduate students are required to complete approximately 50 credits of approved course work. Many institutions also require students to maintain a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average in order to successfully complete the program and receive a degree. Additional requirements might include completion of a master’s thesis or capstone project. Students complete the courses in the equivalent of three semesters: fall, winter, and spring and/or summer.
Additional information on MBA degrees, accredited institutions, and other information can be found on the Association of MBAs website.
The One-Year Curriculum in MBA Programs
A master’s in business administration covers a variety of concepts and applications in business. The goal of the degree program is to prepare graduates for positions as managers and executives. Some of the areas that students will focus on include accounting, economics, finance, information systems, marketing, and management. While specific program design varies based on program, there are common courses that MBA candidates will complete in one-year programs.
Courses in accounting often include advanced accounting principles and financial accounting. Finance courses might include financial management, advanced concepts in financial management, and ethics in financial transactions. Other courses will likely include offerings such as managerial economic analysis, statistical analysis, marketing information systems, marketing management, business ethics, decision making, and strategic management.
Degree Concentration Options
In addition to core courses, many programs for completing a master’s in business administration also offer options for specializing in a specific area in the field of business. Popular concentrations include marketing, operations, human resources management, strategic management, information systems and technology, and finance. These concentrations often require completion of additional courses or choosing elective courses that are focused solely on that specific area of business or management.
Careers after Completion of the MBA in One Year
Often, the concentration of the MBA degree begins to influence the path that a graduate will take after degree completion. Finance graduates might pursue positions at banking institutions or financial consulting firms. Marketing options include brand management, product management, and marketing research. Strategic management careers include positions in management consulting. Human resource management concentrations prepare graduates for positions in human resources, as well as for staffing firms. An operations management graduate might pursue positions as project manager or performance improvement consulting specialist. Information systems prepares graduates for positions in IT consulting, business analytics, and information systems management.
The MBA degree program is an option that many business professionals will pursue in order to qualify for promotions and upper-level management or executive positions in all types of industries. The one-year MBA offers many benefits for graduates to quickly finish a degree and begin pursuing those challenging, in-demand career opportunities.
