Comprehensive List of 55 MBA Concentrations

MBA Concentrations: Choosing Your Area of Specialization

All MBA students learn core business concepts , such as accounting, finance and marketing. MBA concentrations allow students to focus on a specific area of interest, allowing them to gain an advanced understanding in the chosen field. A student who has completed an MBA degree with a concentration in Marketing, for example, will have taken courses that help him develop advanced skills in branding, advertising and design.

A degree in an MBA concentration usually requires completion of about 30 semester hours (or about 15-18 graduate credits) focused on coursework related to the concentration. The concentration courses are selected or designed by members of the faculty, as determined by the needs and aspirations of the institution and its students.

Selecting a specific concentration or specialization can shape your career trajectory by providing in-depth knowledge in a particular field of business. This tailored learning path can equip you with the specialized skills that employers value, thus giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Importance of Choosing an MBA Concentration or Specialization

Selecting an MBA Concentration or MBA Specialization holds critical importance for several reasons:

• Career Alignment: A specialized MBA can align directly with your career aspirations. By focusing on a particular business domain, you can develop expertise that prepares you for targeted roles and industries.
• Competitive Edge: In a saturated job market, having specialized knowledge can distinguish you from other MBA graduates. Your in-depth understanding of a specific field could make you more attractive to potential employers.
• Personal Enrichment: Beyond career prospects, a concentration or specialization allows you to delve into an area of business that truly interests you. This deep engagement can enrich your learning experience and make your MBA journey more rewarding.

When Do I Choose an MBA Concentration or Specialization

The timing for choosing an MBA Concentration or MBA Specialization can vary based on the program’s structure. However, most MBA programs follow a similar pattern:

1. Year 1: During the first year, students typically complete core courses that provide a solid foundation in various business disciplines.
2. End of Year 1 / Start of Year 2: Towards the end of the first year or at the beginning of the second year, students choose their concentration or specialization. This selection aligns with the elective courses they wish to pursue.

Before this crucial decision point, it’s beneficial to conduct thorough research on available concentrations or specializations, assess your career goals, and consider current and future industry trends.

Your academic advisor can also provide valuable guidance to help you make an informed decision. The concentration or specialization you choose can significantly shape your MBA experience and career trajectory.

Highest Paying Concentrations for MBA Graduates

The value of an MBA degree can be significantly influenced by the concentration or specialization chosen. Below is a table illustrating some of the highest paying MBA Concentrations, along with brief descriptions of each and their respective average annual salaries:

Table 1: Highest Paying Concentrations for MBA Graduates

Concentration	Description	Average Annual Salary
Business Analytics	Involves the use of data and statistical analysis in business decision-making.	$89,541
Consulting	Focuses on developing skills for providing strategic advice to organizations.	$100,966
Energy	Deals with topics related to the production, distribution, and management of energy resources.	$90,858
E-Commerce	Covers the principles and technologies related to conducting business online.	$102,291
Law	Combines business skills with legal knowledge, often focusing on corporate law.	$87,073
Leadership	Concentrates on developing the skills required to lead teams and organizations effectively.	$89,974
Operations Management	Teaches how to oversee production and delivery of goods and services efficiently.	$93,540
Insurance	Delves into risk management, underwriting, and the regulatory environment of the insurance industry.	$86,661
Organizational Behavior	Examines how individuals and groups behave within an organizational setting.	$94,049
Real Estate	Focuses on property development, investment, management, and financing.	$90,802
Sports Management	Covers the business aspects of sports, such as marketing, finance, and event management.	$93,293
Statistics	Uses statistical techniques to aid decision-making in business.	$91,536
Strategic Management	Teaches how to formulate and implement strategies to achieve organizational goals.	$91,869
Taxation	Concentrates on tax law, tax planning, and the tax implications of business decisions.	$88,186

These figures showcase potential earnings for MBA graduates in various specializations. While the decision should be primarily based on your career goals and interests, it’s useful to consider the potential financial benefits associated with each concentration.

Concentrations for MBA Graduates: Depth and Diversity

Another approach to evaluating MBA Concentrations is by examining the variety of MBA Concentrations offered by U.S. schools. below is a table showcasing the most offered concentrations.

Table 2: Most Offered Concentrations from U.S. Schools

Concentration	Description	Number of U.S. Schools Offering
Finance	Teaches the principles of money management and investment strategy.	630
Accounting	Concentrates on the rules and procedures for financial reporting and analysis.	617
Marketing	Covers strategies to create, promote, and deliver goods and services to consumers.	608
Management	Focuses on overseeing resources and operations within an organization.	575
Business Administration	Provides a broad understanding of all aspects of running a business.	523
Information Systems	Explores the use of technology to support and enhance business operations.	474
International Business	Prepares students to operate and make decisions in a global business context.	462
Entrepreneurship	Equips students with the skills to start, manage, and grow their own business.	409
Economics	Delves into how societies allocate resources and the impact of decision-making on an economy.	386
Supply Chain	Teaches the management of the flow of goods and services in a business.	370
Data Analytics	Involves using statistical methods to analyze and interpret complex datasets for business decisions.	287
Healthcare Administration	Focuses on the management of healthcare facilities and systems.	285
Leadership	Develops the skills needed to inspire and direct individuals or teams in a business setting.	249
Statistics	Utilizes mathematical theories to collect, analyze, and interpret data for decision-making.	172

These concentrations reflect the vast array of pathways an MBA student can explore. With such diversity, students can truly align their academic journey with their career aspirations and personal interests. It is worth noting that the number of schools offering a specific concentration does not determine its value. Each concentration carries unique opportunities and should be chosen based on individual goals and passions.

Emerging MBA Concentrations and Specializations

Here are 10 of the most cutting-edge MBA concentrations and specializations that are predicted by the BSL to be highly relevant in the next decade:

Table 3: Emerging MBA Concentrations for the Next Decade

Concentration	Description
Business Analytics	Utilizes statistical and quantitative tools to make business decisions based on data.
Data Analytics	Focuses on the use of advanced analytics techniques like machine learning to analyze and interpret complex datasets.
E-Commerce	Covers the principles, technologies, and strategies related to conducting business online, a sector seeing exponential growth.
Energy	Focuses on the management, distribution, and sustainability of energy resources, increasingly relevant as the world shifts to renewable energy.
Environmental Management	Covers issues like sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility, increasingly important in today’s climate-conscious world.
Healthcare Administration	Deals with the management of healthcare facilities, systems, and policies, relevant in light of global health crises.
Information Systems	Explores the intersection of business and technology, preparing students for a world where digital transformation is key.
Innovation Management	Teaches students how to manage and implement innovative ideas, critical in a fast-evolving business landscape.
Supply Chain Management	Teaches the management of the flow of goods and services, with a new focus on resilience and flexibility in light of recent global disruptions.
Technology Management	Focuses on the strategies and skills needed to manage technology-driven businesses and projects, aligning with the global tech boom.

Each of these concentrations aligns with current trends in business, technology, and societal needs, ensuring they remain valuable and relevant for the foreseeable future. These forward-thinking specializations are designed to equip MBA students with the skills needed to navigate the future of business.

Students focusing on a MBA concentration should expect to take at least 3-5 additional courses beyond the core curriculum that are specifically about the chosen concentration. These courses will either be in the MBA program itself, or may be outside of it.

MBA concentrations require students to complete a capstone experience or project related to the degree, such as a comprehensive exam for finance majors or an interactive simulation for marketing students.

Students often opt for an MBA concentration if they want to focus their studies in a particular area of interest or specialty. If they want to work toward obtaining a professional certification such as the CFA or the CIA, they can choose an MBA concentration that helps them prepare for this.

Do I Have to Pick a MBA Concentration Before I Apply to an MBA Program?

You don’t have to pick a concentration when you apply for an MBA program but you need to decide on one before you complete your first semester.  You might change your mind halfway through or even after you graduate, and it’s always good to have connections with more than one industry, but most students stick with the field they decided on at the beginning.

Should I Do an MBA Concentration?

An MBA concentration allows you to specialize in a specific business area so you’ll really know what you’re doing when you graduate. You’ll also be able to take classes on the subject of your specialization which means more theory and less time spent finding out about companies and industries that are outside of your main field.

Almost every job advertisement requires you to have a graduate degree in business and most MBA programs require an MBA concentration, so it’ll help you get hired.

You can pursue the advanced studies needed for many management positions by completing an MBA concentration.

You might need one if your company requires that you have a graduate qualification or if you want to work in any industry other than banking.

List of 55 MBA Concentrations Offered by MBA Programs

MBA in Accounting – An MBA in accounting is designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in an accounting profession. Courses include, but are not limited to, finance, taxation and valuation of assets. Students also take courses in order to learn how to make critical business decisions that keep a company running efficiently and within the law.

The MBA in Accounting can work for both small and large companies. Some of the skills that graduates acquire through the MBA include topics such as financial statement analysis, cost management, audit services and taxation. An MBA in Accounting can work as a CFO, financial analyst, analyst, accountant, CPA or auditor.

MBA in Actuarial Science focuses on the study of risks. Students might specialize in areas like financial risk management or insurance. Students take courses on risk theory and how to apply these theories to real-world problems. They might also study statistics and probability.

They often take business law classes as well as a few related computer science classes that teach them how to use software programs for statistical analysis, modeling and other tasks.

They might also take classes on subjects like economics, mathematics and computer science if they want to work with these types of clients or employees.

MBA in Agribusiness – Food is not just important for survival; it has become an integral part of our culture – something that everyone needs on some level or another throughout their lives. Food is also one of the industries with high growth potential as populations grow richer.

These programs often include courses based on the markets where food is grown or sold, such as understanding supply chains from farm to consumer. There may also be a specific focus on the various types of crops and animals that are raised, or how a business is managed more generally. Students learn about financial aspects of managing and selling food, advertising to consumers in the local communities where it’s grown, and understanding laws affecting agriculture. An MBA degree can be helpful when they are working for companies that sell farm machinery or supplies, even if they will not be managing the farms or ranches directly.

MBA in Arts is a broad-based course of study. MBA in Art teaches students how to manage the art industry. Students will study marketing strategies of artists and galleries as well as consumer behavior of art lovers. Effective management skills developed through this program can be used in any number of fields like advertising, public relations or finance.

MBA in Asset Management is the study of investments. Students might specialize in areas like corporate finance, tax or economics if they want to work with clients in these fields.

An MBA in Asset Management is a course that uses the principles of financial engineering and mathematics to manage risk and optimize returns. It studies investment strategies through quantitative methods such as stochastic calculus, mathematical programming, and statistical decision models.  MBA in Asset Management students might specialize in areas like corporate finance, tax or economics if they want to work with clients in these fields.

MBA in Aviation Management is a degree that focuses on the aviation industry. The course covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in that field, including topics like air traffic control, logistics and personnel management.  Students might specialize in areas like safety or communication systems if they want to work with specific types of clients.

MBA in Business Analytics  is a degree that focuses on the use of data to inform business decisions. This degree can also be taken with an emphasis on finance or operations research.

An MBA in Business Analytics teaches students how to use statistical tools, standard software packages and mathematical models to create effective strategies based on available information. It can also be taken with an emphasis on finance or operations research.

MBA in Communication is a good choice for business students who want to work in advertising or public relations. Students learn about how companies create a brand, using its products and services as well as the company itself. This includes what makes people choose one over another, such as price or reputation.

This type of program may include courses in advanced writing that teach students how to write press releases, or how to craft a clear message in advertisements. Students learn about digital marketing techniques that use websites and social media like Facebook and Twitter to get their message out there.

This can be a good choice for those who are looking to own their own business in the future.

MBA in Construction is often designed for those who want to own their own construction company or run a section of one. It can also be helpful to people already working in the industry who want to move up higher up into management positions.

The courses that make up this degree ​may include topics like how to start building projects, managing crews and meeting deadlines. Other classes may focus on estimating costs for building homes or managing sales. Students also learn about how to promote their company and work with different contractors that are needed to complete the job, such as plumbers or electricians.

Students can often specialize in a certain area of construction, like commercial development or home remodeling. A business education can be helpful when they are working for a company, but they may also want to be involved in their own construction business someday.

MBA in Corporate Finance is ​for business students who plan to work in the financial sector of a company, like for venture capital firms.

The courses included ​in this program generally focus on topics that are very specific to finance and investing. Examples include: advanced accounting methods, understanding risk factors when it comes to investments, how to assess management of stockholders’ money and the basics of real estate investing.

Those in this field often need to know complex financial concepts quickly, so MBA students are taught how to look at financial statements and reports with a critical eye. This can be very helpful when they have to make decisions about whether or not they want to invest in new projects for their company.

MBA in Data Analytics is ​for students who want to pursue a career in the field of data analysis, which is a growing area. This program usually includes courses like: database management, visualizing processes and making sense of large amounts of data, designing and testing algorithms for complex problems, understanding how analytics services are used by corporations and much more. Business students who have this degree can work for companies that insights into big data and relationship between data and company operations.

MBA in E-Commerce is ​usually for people who want to continue working in business, but are interested in the growing field of e-commerce. Many schools offer concentration tracks specifically designed for digital marketing.  A large portion of the curriculum will cover e-commerce and students are required to take classes that apply these concepts inside a business setting.  Topics include consumer behavior, multi channel marketing, SEO, conversion rate optimization and analytics.  Students will learn how to apply the latest technology to their business and create a unique digital strategy.

MBA in Entrepreneurship teaches students how to start their own companies, or how to move up in the marketing department of a large corporation. Business students learn about topics that include: how to create efficient business plans, effective ways for financing new ventures and managing work teams. Other courses may focus on public relations and promotions that can help them grow their businesses in the future.

MBA in Finance teaches students about the financial industry. They learn about topics that include: ​financial statements and reports, trading stocks, mutual funds, bonds and much more. Students are often taught how to use complex spreadsheets and digital programs to figure out different ways to invest money for their companies or clients. They may also be asked to create new financial products (like credit cards or mortgages) for their company.

MBA in Economics is for people who want to become Economics professors, work in the financial sector or continue working for their company.

Topics that are covered in this program include: basic economic theories, macroeconomics and its effect on markets and companies, political economics (and how it affects businesses), labor economics, statistics and advanced microeconomics. Students also study some of the theories of Adam Smith and Karl Marx.

MBA in Education is for business students who want to become business professors, administrators or work in the field of human resources.

Many business schools offer this degree as well as an Education Specialist degree (EdS). The majority of MBA programs don’t teach education techniques, but focus more on decision making and accounting practices. By studying educational techniques at a graduate level, students can learn more about teaching, how to interact with students and ways to help them succeed in life.

MBA in Energy teaches students how to invest in the growing field of renewable energy. Students learn about ways to make alternative energy profitable while also being environmentally friendly, and this can help them secure jobs with solar panel companies, electric utilities or other green energy organizations.

MBA in Engineering is for engineers who want to become managers, work in the business sector or apply their knowledge from the engineering field.

Students learn about topics that include: how to prepare projects, manage teams and plan infrastructures. They also take courses that give them an overview of how engineering companies operate, so they can better understand what it takes to make things work.

MBA in Environmental Management teaches students about how business can work with the environment in a profitable way. Students study topics that include: recycling, global warming and alternative energy.

By applying their knowledge of the environment to companies, people who have this degree might be able to prevent pollution or find new ways for companies to make money by helping nature.

MBA in Ethics focuses on important values like integrity, honesty and equality. Students usually take a business ethics class as part of their program. These courses cover topics that include: corporate social responsibility, innovation and sustainability.

Business students learn about how to become ethical leaders in their companies. This can be done by helping the community, supporting employees or being a role model for their organization.

MBA in Finance focuses on topics that are closely related to economics. Students learn about how to handle money, manage capital and forecast investments. They may have the option of taking courses in commodities, financial modeling or derivatives.

Students who study Finance can prepare for different careers in the business world: stock brokers, bankers, mutual funds managers and more. The curriculum is flexible, so students can customize their studies to meet their goals.

MBA in Financial Management is for people who want to become business managers. Students look at different topics, such as: how to manage capital and the financial aspects of corporate culture.

Students may learn about topics that include: investing in the stock market, analyzing different financial instruments and planning effective strategies. A lot of topics are covered with a focus on the global perspective.

MBA in General Business is for people who want to become business managers. Students look at different topics, such as: how to manage capital and the financial aspects of corporate culture.

Students may learn about topics that include: investing in the stock market, analyzing different financial instruments and planning effective strategies. A lot of topics are covered with a focus on the global perspective.

MBA in Global Management looks at how business can be done in different parts of the world. Students may take courses that deal with: globalization and import/export businesses.

Business owners who want to expand into other countries or people who already work in international organizations might benefit from this degree program because they learn about how to manage companies across borders, which is something many businesses need to do.

MBA in Health Care Management helps students understand the relationship between business and health care. Students learn about topics that include: public policy, economics, technology and medical ethics.

Students might take this degree program if they want to become executives in hospitals or even high-level administrators for insurance companies.

MBA in Healthcare Administration teaches students how to manage hospitals, insurance companies and other health care providers. Students will learn about topics that include: national healthcare policy, hospital management and medical law.

Students might take this degree program if they want to become executives in hospitals or even high-level administrators for insurance companies.

MBA in Hospitality Management helps students understand the relationship between business and hospitality. Students learn about topics that include: public policy, economics, technology and multi-unit operations.

Students may choose to specialize in different areas of restaurants, lodging or tourism. If they do not want a specialization, students can customize their studies to focus on the areas that will help them meet specific goals like running hotels or planning trips.

MBA in Human Resources Management is for people who want to work with employees and customers. Students learn about topics that include: how to hire and retain quality employees, manage compensation and aid workers.

Students may take courses in professional coaching, employee retention or study the diversity of the workforce. They can choose from many different specializations including people management, talent management, organizational development or global human resources management.

MBA in Information Systems Management teaches students how to create and maintain databases. Students learn about topics that include: computers, information technology tools and software applications.

Students may take classes on topics that include: electronic commerce and data mining. Most programs require a capstone project or another type of major work in the student’s specialty area.

MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship teaches students how to start and run their own businesses. Students learn about topics that include: technology, economics, finance, marketing and leadership.

Students choose an area of specialization like higher education entrepreneurship, which deals with starting a business within a college to generate income for the school or you can focus on innovation entrepreneurship where you develop new products.

MBA in Innovation Management teaches students how to bring new ideas into businesses. Topics cover technology, economics and marketing. Students learn about topics that include: product innovation and intellectual property protection.

Students might choose an area of specialization like developing innovations in the medical field or you can focus on business related innovations such as using information technology to improve operations.

MBA in Insurance teaches students how to analyze risk and determine insurance coverage. They learn about topics that include: the history of the industry, economics, public policy and risk assessment.

Students might take courses on topics like risk management or enterprise risk management if they want to become executives in insurance companies where they will help decide what types of risks should be covered by various policies such as health, life or car insurance policies.

MBA in International Business is a degree for people who want to work with international companies. Topics cover topics that include: international economics and business practices. Students learn about topics like entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility on an international level.

Students may choose to specialize like international marketing, finance, management consulting or international accounting.

MBA in International Financial Management helps students understand how financial markets work around the world. Students learn about topics that include: finance and economics.

Students may take courses on topics like exchange rate risk or emerging securities markets to prepare for a job working with foreign companies or government agencies. They can also choose a specialization like alternative investments or currency analysis.

MBA in International Marketing teaches students about selling and marketing products or services to people in other countries. Students learn about topics that include: international economics, business practices and cross-cultural issues.

Students might take courses on topics like global branding or marketing telecommunications products if they are interested in a job with international companies such as Apple or Samsung.

MBA in Law teaches students how to apply business practices in law offices. Students may study topics like law, ethics and compliance management or intellectual property management.

Students might take courses on topics like legal decision-making or advanced civil litigation.

MBA in Leadership is a degree for people who want to become managers. Students study topics like managing change and diversity and may take classes on topics that include: law, ethics and compliance management.

Students might specialize in a focus area like corporate social responsibility or they can choose a general track if they aren’t interested in a specific type of leadership job such as being the manager of a government agency or a non-profit organization.

MBA in Luxury Brands Management teaches students how to develop and market luxury brands. They may study topics like marketing or operations and may specialize in a field such as art, fashion or wine. Students learn about topics that include: the history of luxury brands and entrepreneurship.

MBA in Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management teaches students how to help manage companies in the manufacturing industry. Students can specialize in fields like business transformation or logistics and may take courses that include: international management, operations research or supply chain strategy.  Students study topics like production systems and industrial information technology.

MBA in Marketing teaches students how to develop and sell products and services. Topics cover topics that include: economics, business ethics and consumer psychology. Students learn about topics like the history of marketing or public relations.

Students can specialize their degree by choosing areas like market analysis or developing strategies for new products. They might take courses on topics like the psychology of marketing or social media and e-commerce marketing if they want to be in charge of a department where they develop new strategies for online advertising campaigns.

Students learn to promote products or services online or other media channels such as television, radio and magazines. Students can specialize in marketing, advertising or public relations and may take courses on topics that include: marketing theory, consumer behavior or e-marketing.

MBA in Media teaches students how to develop or market products for the media and entertainment industry. Students can specialize in topics like information technology, marketing or corporate strategy. They might study topics that include: economics, ethics and public relations

Students might take courses on topics like wireless business models if they want to work with companies such as Apple or Google where mobile phones are a highly popular product.

MBA in Nonprofit Management teaches students how to help lead non-governmental organizations, charities or foundations. Students may specialize in fields like environmental protection, public health or arts administration. They might take courses on topics that include: human resource management or policy analysis and program evaluation.

Students can also choose a specialized focus area such as fund-raising, development or education.

MBA in Operations Management teaches students how to manage supply chains for a company or organization. Students take courses that may include: accounting, statistics and logistics. The focus lies on designing and improving processes that contribute to the overall success of business.  It is therefore imperative that the courses include classes in process design, project management, operations management and supply chain management.  Even though every company has its own way of applying these concepts, this degree teaches students how to analyze and improve any kind of supply chain, whether retail or manufacturing.

MBA in Organizational Behavior teaches students what influences human behavior in organizations. For example, they study employee motivation, leadership skills and team dynamics. They also learn topics like ethics, management and change management.

Students may specialize in fields such as organizational behavior or human resource management. They may take classes on topics that include: cross-cultural leadership or managing diversity in the workplace. If they want to work for a company like Xerox where employees are diverse, students can take courses on topics that include: gender issues, race relations or managing diversity in the workplace.

MBA in Product Management teaches students how to create and market products for a company or organization. Students can specialize in topics like marketing, operations management or technology development.  They may take courses on subjects that include: economics, accounting, ethics and statistics

Students might choose a specialized area of study such as user experience design if they want to work at companies like Apple where products are created for people who use them in their everyday lives.

MBA in Project Management teaches students how to manage projects that involve designing, building or manufacturing a product or service. Students might specialize by choosing topics like strategic consulting, construction management or IT project management. They may take courses on subjects that include: ethics, economics and statistics

Students might specialize in topics like construction management if they want to work in a project-based industry, such as the project management that is required to build skyscrapers or bridges.

MBA in Public Administration teaches students how to run government agencies, programs and projects. They may specialize in fields like environmental policy or public finance. Students learn about topics such as policy analysis, program evaluation and resource allocation

Students might choose a specialized area of study that covers topics like project management or intergovernmental relations if they want to work for the government where funding is critical for success.  If they want to work for a government like the US State Department, where there is always conflict and projects or initiatives require careful planning overseas, students might take classes on topics that include cross-cultural leadership and managing diversity in the workplace.

MBA in Quantitative Methods covers topics that are useful in a math or business-related career. Students learn about subjects like linear algebra, finite mathematics and statistics.

They might specialize in fields like finance if they want to work for a company or organization that uses financial concepts to run budgets or manage investments.

Students can also choose a specialized focus area such as fund-raising or data analysis if they want to work in a field that relies on mathematics.

MBA in Real Estate teaches students how to develop and manage properties, real estate businesses, buildings or other assets. Students can specialize in an area related to their degree like urban planning or market analysis. They may take classes on topics that include: economics, business ethics and commercial law.

Students can also specialize their degree by choosing to study a topic area like urban planning, real estate development, construction management or commercial property. Students might take classes on topics related to the field they choose such as law for someone studying commercial property or architecture if they are interested in urban planning. They may take courses on topics that include: leadership skills, design principles or math.

A lot of topics are covered with a focus on the global perspective.  A degree in real estate might also be referred to as urban studies, land economics or housing management and development.

MBA in Science and Technology Management teaches students how to use technology in a business setting and create new products by using science or technology. They may specialize in fields like biotechnology, chemistry or computer programming. Students might take courses on topics that include: ethics, economics and statistics.

Students can also choose programs related to the field they want to manage, such as those with a focus on the life sciences, information technology or health care. They might take courses that focus on a specific product or technology such as stem-cell research or nanotechnology.  They may also choose to study a topic area like business ethics, entrepreneurship or ethical issues in science and technology.

MBA in Sports Management teaches students how to manage a sports team or other athletic organization. Students might choose an area of interest like marketing, sponsorship or public relations as their specialized focus.  Students can also choose to study a field related to the business they want to enter like actuarial science or accounting.

Students often take courses focused on the product that will be managed, such as marketing, accounting, trademark law or sports management. Students also take courses on topics relevant to their career like event management, design principles and ethics.

A lot of topics are covered with a focus on the global perspective.  An MBA in Sports Management might also be called an MBA in Exercise and Sports Science or one of the following: MBA in Sport Business, Sports Entrepreneurship and Management or Sports Marketing.

MBA in Statistics and Operations Management studies topics that prepare graduates to run businesses. Students might take courses on subjects like math, probability, management and leadership.

Students can specialize in fields like data analysis, operations research or statistical forecasting if they want to work for organizations that use statistics and math.

MBA students might take courses on subjects relevant to their chosen specialty like economics, accounting or business ethics.

All students take courses on the current state of technology and how it applies to the business world. They might also study related product areas and their impact on business if they want to work for a company that innovates new technologies.

A lot of topics are covered with a focus on the global perspective.

MBA in Strategic Management teaches students how to run a business by looking at all aspects of the organization. Students might specialize in fields like accounting, marketing and logistics. They may choose areas related to the type of product they want to work with such as food processing for someone who specializes in supply chain management or metals for an MBA who wants to work with raw materials.

Students might choose to study a specific type of product or technology like business process improvements, supply chain management or materials handling.

MBA in Supply Chain Management programs teach students how to manage the supply chain process. They might specialize in areas like sales and marketing, technology or service by taking courses on topics related to the specialized area they choose.

Students can also learn how to supply and sell products internationally by specializing in international business or marketing.

Graduates will often take digital courses on subjects like e-commerce, financial modeling and mathematical programming as well as how to analyze and solve real-world issues in supply chain management.

A lot of topics are covered with a focus on the global perspective.  An MBA in Supply Chain Management might also be called an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain or an MBA in Global Management Studies.

MBA in Sustainability Management might also be called an MBA in Environmental Management, Social Responsibility or a Master of Business and the Environment. Students might focus on areas like economics, corporate responsibility or environmental policy and law.  Students might specialize in fields like conservation, urban planning or behavior change marketing if they want to work with specific types of clients or organizations.

Students take courses on sustainability initiatives and how to operate businesses ethically and sustainably. They can also choose to specialize in fields like advertising or social media marketing if they want to work in those areas.

MBA in Taxation might also be called an MBA in Corporate Accounting. It teaches students about the tax issues that affect businesses and how to structure a company’s finances in order to reduce its overall tax burden. Students might specialize in areas like accounting or finance if they want to work with these types of organizations.

Students learn about business and financial law by studying areas like contracts, bankruptcy law and intellectual property issues.  This course can also be taken with an emphasis on taxation.

Students take courses on finance, business and management as well as a few law-related classes if they want to work in these areas.

List of MBA Concentrations Offered in the US

• Finance
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Management
• General Business
• Information Systems
• International Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Economics
• Supply Chain
• Healthcare Administration
• Data Analytics
• Leadership
• Statistics
• Human Resources
• Quantitative Methods
• Real Estate
• Operations Management
• Taxation
• Organizational Behavior
• Business Analytics
• Hospitality Management
• Sports Management
• Science and Technology
• Health Care Management
• Law
• Insurance
• Consulting
• Public Administration
• Project Management
• Education
• Ethics
• Manufacturing
• Innovation Management
• Nonprofit
• Product Management
• Communications
• Energy
• Sustainability
• Arts
• E-Commerce
• Global Management
• Actuarial Science
• Corporate Finance
• Financial Management
• Media
• Engineering
• Cybersecurity

Frequently Asked Questions about MBA Concentrations

Further Reading

1. U.S. Department of Labor – Occupational Outlook Handbook: This comprehensive resource from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information on various occupations, including those related to different MBA concentrations, such as management, finance, marketing, and more.
2. MBA.com – Program Types and Formats: This resource from the official website of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) provides an overview of different types of MBA programs and formats, helping you understand which concentration might be the best fit for your career goals.
3. Harvard Business School – MBA Elective Curriculum: Explore a wide range of elective courses offered at Harvard Business School, covering numerous MBA concentrations and providing insights into the subjects you may study in various specializations.
4. Wharton School – MBA Majors & Academic Areas: Discover the list of MBA majors and academic areas offered by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, showcasing the diverse range of concentrations available in top-tier business schools.
5. MIT Sloan School of Management – MBA Tracks & Certificates: Learn about the different tracks and certificates offered by MIT Sloan School of Management as part of their MBA program, highlighting various concentration options and their associated coursework.