Master’s in management vs. MBA
By: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Valerie Black
Published: January 14, 2025
Master's in management (MIM) programs teach the strategic and analytical skills business managers need. You can also build these proficiencies by pursuing a master of business administration (MBA).
Which option is right for you? This guide will compare MIM vs. MBA programs to help you find out.
What is a master's in management degree?
MIM programs help build proficiency in:
- Managerial analysis and decision-making
- Strategic planning
- Business communications
- Organizational problem-solving
Master's in management programs may appeal to ambitious students interested in challenging careers that will engage their analytical, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. They differ from project management degree programs, which focus on managing the scope, costs, scheduling, and resources of enterprise initiatives.
Many schools welcome MIM applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. While a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related area may help, you don't necessarily need one to pursue your MIM.
What jobs can you get with a MIM?
You can pursue many careers with an MIM degree. See what jobs you can apply for with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Human resources manager
Human resources managers oversee employee recruitment, retention, training, and development initiatives. They also plan and administer salary and benefits programs and ensure the organization follows labor laws and other compliance guidelines.
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$136,350
Management analyst
Management analysts study internal and external data and information resources to find ways of improving and optimizing business operations. Some hold full-time positions with regular employers, while others work as consultants or contractors.
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$99,410
Operations manager
Operations managers handle diverse responsibilities, including cost and efficiency controls, logistics, employee supervision, and business administration. They also contribute to long-term organizational planning, development, and growth strategies.
- Median annual salary (2023):$101,280
What is in an MBA program?
MBA programs also cover management, but in a broader context that also considers many other aspects of business administration. These other aspects typically include accounting, analytics, finance, marketing, and strategic development.
Many schools offer concentrated MBA programs leading to specializations, including management. These programs offer more management courses but still balance them with general business administration topics.
Full-time MBA programs usually lead to graduation in two to three academic years. If you have extensive experience and can accommodate an intensive schedule, you can pursue accelerated and executive MBA programs with graduation timelines in the range of 10 to 16 months.
What jobs can you get with an MBA?
With an MBA, you can pursue a wide variety of professional roles, including positions related to your degree concentration (if you choose one). Find common examples of jobs for MBA generalists below, with salary data from the BLS and O*NET:
Financial analyst
Financial analysts help businesses and investors identify ways to use their money to advance their long-term growth objectives. They draw on both internal and external sources of information to help guide investment portfolio management, budgeting, and capital deployment.
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$99,890
Marketing manager
Marketing managers develop, create, and evaluate promotional campaigns for their employers' products or services. They also work to attract and retain customers through branding and product positioning initiatives.
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$157,620
Supply chain manager
Also known as logistics managers, supply chain managers direct an organization's supply chain activities. They procure materials from suppliers, manage transportation and delivery logistics, and analyze all related data and costs.
- Median annual salary (2023):$99,200
What is in an MBA in management program?
If you're interested in management but still want the transferability of an MBA, you can pursue an MBA with a management concentration. These programs develop leadership-focused management skills covering:
- Strategic management
- Competitive analysis
- Organizational administration
Some programs offer even narrower concentrations in areas like organizational management or strategic management. Organizational management focuses on optimizing day-to-day operational functions, while strategic management emphasizes long-term growth.
In short, management-focused MBA programs combine elements of an MIM program with generalist MBA programs. They don't cover management in quite the same depth as MIM programs but offer a more specialized alternative to a general MBA.
Completion timelines typically align with those you'll find in other MBA programs.
Which one is right for me: MIM vs. MBA?
Deciding between an MIM vs. MBA can be difficult. Both programs cover similar subject matter, and each path has unique advantages and limitations.
Many schools design their MBA programs for learners with multiple years of relevant work experience. Meanwhile, MIM programs tend to carry fewer experiential requirements, making them more suitable for students just preparing to enter the workforce.
MIM programs also focus specifically on organizational and strategic management. They do not generally offer much coverage of accounting, business analytics, finance, marketing, or other subjects covered in MBA programs. MIM programs also tend to be shorter, with most taking about one year of full-time study to complete.
With that in mind, an MIM program might be a better match for you if:
- You have limited professional experience.
- You're targeting entry-level, career-oriented management track positions.
- You'd like to complete your degree in one year.
An MBA program could be a better option for you if:
- You're seeking a broader, more versatile, and complete skillset.
- You have significant professional experience and want to boost your advancement potential.
- You're willing to invest more time in earning your degree.
How much do MBAs and master's in management programs cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average MBA student paid $17,057 in tuition fees in 2020. The same NCES study found that graduate students in management programs paid an average tuition of $15,925.
If you pursue an online MBA or MIM, you could incur additional costs for books, learning materials, computer equipment, software licenses or subscriptions, and technology fees. Factor these potential costs into your budget no matter which degree you ultimately pursue.
You may be able to save money by:
- Seeking scholarships and grants to reduce your reliance on loans.
- Studying online and/or on a part-time schedule so you can continue working as you learn.
- Taking advantage of tuition reimbursement programs your employer may offer.