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MBA vs Masters - Which Major To Choose?

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Trying to make an impact on the competitive job market takes a lot of effort. You are mistaken if you think completing only graduation will open up gateways for job opportunities. The job market always looks for ‘more,’ and this is where the significance of a postgraduate degree lies. 

When you think of a postgraduate degree in business, the first degree that comes to mind is an MBA. However, you can also get a Master's degree in Science (MS) in many other subjects, such as Languages, Computer Science/Applications, Business, Economics, Healthcare, etc. 

In India, candidates with an MBA have the highest employability rate, at 71%, while those with a Master of Computer Applications rank third, at 64.63%.

Still, the debate about MBA vs. Masters remains unsolved. Keep reading to find out who will win the battle between the two.

 

MBA degree: Understanding the basics

An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is among the most popular postgraduate programs. It provides a complete understanding of administration and business management. 

  • What do you learn in an MBA program?

MBA programs teach various skills, making candidates future-ready for management positions. Some noteworthy components that every MBA program has include:

  • Management and leadership skills

MBA programs (including specializations) focus on developing management and leadership skills. With these skills, students can make strategic decisions, lead teams, and manage available resources efficiently and effectively. 

  • Interpersonal and communication skills

Effective communication skills are mandatory to survive the competitive business world. All MBA programs include interpersonal development, negotiation skills, and business communication. 

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Business problems are often complex and demand smart problem-solving skills. MBA programs help students learn to think critically and find new solutions to tough problems. They use real-life business situations to help students improve their problem-solving skills. 

  • Core business knowledge

MBA programs teach fundamental business subjects, including marketing, human resources, finance, operations, and strategy. These subjects prepare candidates for leadership roles and develop their core business knowledge. 

 

A Master’s degree: Basic overview

A student pursues a Master’s degree after completing an undergraduate degree, also known as a Bachelor’s degree. There are many academic postgraduate programs covering various fields of study. 

Usually, a Master’s degree provides students with expertise and in-depth knowledge in their chosen subject of study. Some common and most popular Master’s degrees include:

  • Master of Science (MS) 
  • Master of Computer Applications (MCA) 
  • Master of Commerce (M.Com) 
  • Master of Arts (MA) (includes a wide variety of subjects) 
  • Master of Education (M.Ed) 
  • What does a Master’s program teach?

Master’s degrees have the following key components:

  • Focus on research

Depending on the subject candidates choose for a Master's degree, they can go for thesis writing or research projects. Along with research-oriented programs, some of the Masters programs are professionally targeted. Such programs prepare students for their professional careers. 

  • Advanced and in-depth knowledge of the subject

A Master’s program is more focused and advanced than an undergraduate program. The course covers various aspects of the chosen subject in detail, helping students gain an in-depth understanding of the subject and its related aspects. 

 

Drawing the differences between MBA and MS

The debate of MBA vs Masters remains incomplete until we compare the two postgraduate programs. The educational aims and career objectives of MBA and MS are different. 

Let us discuss this in detail here:

Master’s MBA
Career Aspirations and Trajectories Candidates completing a Master’s degree have in-depth and adequate knowledge in their field of study. MBA holders mainly work in corporate setups. They can be in managerial and leadership roles in the organization.
They prefer careers in research, academia, consulting, or specialized industries such as the arts, healthcare, hospitality, tourism, etc. MBA is an important stepping stone for promotions and salary hikes in corporate settings. Many candidates also start their own businesses.
Work Experience Most students pursue a Master’s degree after completing their undergraduate or Bachelor’s program. Many candidates pursuing a BBA complete their MBA right after graduation. However, job professionals primarily pursue an MBA for promotions and salary hikes.
There is no need for any work experience to enroll in a Master’s course. Prospective employers value an MBA degree more if it is coupled with some work experience.
Curriculum The curriculum of a Master’s program focuses on specialized knowledge in a specific subject or field. Some popular subjects that MBA programs cover include accounting, organizational behavior, marketing, management theories, and electives.
The programs are research-oriented and in-depth, irrespective of the chosen subject. Some popular MBA specializations are Digital Marketing, Information Technology, Finance, and Marketing.
Admission Process and Eligibility The main factors considered for admission to a Master’s program are undergraduate performance records, standard test scores at different educational levels, and relevant coursework in the discipline. Admission to MBA programs often requires work experience and a bachelor's degree.
Pay Package A candidate with a Master’s degree earns an average annual salary of INR 5.8 LPA. You usually need good scores on tests like the GRE or GMAT, and then you might have to do an interview.
The salary at the entry-level is approximately INR 0.2 LPA, while candidates with 20-25 years of experience earn almost INR 60 LPA. The minimum salary that a candidate can draw after an MBA degree is in the range of INR 2.34 LPA. The salary keeps on increasing with experience and MBA specializations.

Final thoughts on MBA vs MS: Cut out the confusion

With so many discussions and comparisons about MBA vs MS, one thing is clear: both postgraduate programs have unique features. Along with understanding each program, we also drew differences between the two programs. 

If you are still confused about MBA vs Masters, consider your interests, career goals, budget, and the time you can invest. An MBA is ideal for the corporate world, whereas an MS is perfect for academia or research-based careers. 

Candidates looking to enroll in an MBA program can check out ITM Business School. The B-school offers MBA specializations like: 

Visit itm.edu for more information! 

 

Frequently asked questions

1) Who has a higher earning potential at the entry-level - MBA or MS?

At the entry-level, an MBA holder has a higher earning potential. While an MS holder draws approximately INR 0.2 LPA, an MBA holder draws almost INR 2.34 LPA. 

2) What are some of the Master’s programs which are highly in demand in 2024?

In 2024, the most in-demand Master’s programs are:

  • Data Analytics
  • Data Science and Big Data
  • Robotics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science 

3) Which is easier to clear - an MBA or a Master’s program?

Both MBA and Master's programs have rigorous academic standards. No program is easier than the other; a student’s educational background will help decide which program is easier. 

4) Can I pursue an MBA and MS simultaneously?

Pursuing an MBA and MS simultaneously will be quite taxing. If you can pull it off, go for MBA specializations like artificial intelligence, marketing, supply chain, finance, etc. This broadens career opportunities significantly. 

Admin Jun 04, 2024

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