Entering into graduate school can be a daunting experience. From the degree to classes and length of attendance, the options seem endless. One of the key decisions students make when planning to attend a graduate business program is whether they are entering the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program or if they desire a more niche degree by focusing on a specialty through a Master of Science or an M.S.
So what exactly is an MBA? An MBA at the University of Arkansas offers students a broad and effective learning environment that focuses on overall business motivators. The ecosystem of finance, accounting, marketing, supply chain, and business management come together under this degree for an expansive learning experience. A student attending the University of Arkansas in pursuit of an MBA is going to gain functional knowledge across all aspects of business; the Walton MBA degree is “designed to be a transformational experience.” The overarching goal of an individual gaining their MBA is to become a well-rounded business executive. Corporate landscapes are constantly evolving, resulting in an undulating business environment. Individuals can harness these changes by engaging in comprehensive knowledge of business through their MBA.
Individuals who have specific business pursuits in mind may lean toward a specialty graduate program or a business M.S. This is targeted toward students who have already received decently extensive business base teaching and want to expand their knowledge in one particular business area. The specialty degree is particularly useful to students who already have a specific career path in mind and the desire to target one aspect of business. For students who may not want to limit themselves to one area of study, the MBA offers a wider variety of knowledge and more options post-graduation.
Students should spend time considering what they are hoping to gain from their graduate school experience before determining if they are interested in an M.S. or MBA degree. An individual hoping to pursue a niche part of the overall business scope may want to consider the M.S. for its ability to provide that focused depth. An individual who has a variety of interests, however, would benefit from the broad-based business knowledge that comes with an MBA degree. One of the highlights of the Walton MBA is that it offers the best of both worlds: the ability to focus on one particular aspect of business while still being exposed to the broad business landscape of an MBA. The Walton MBA offers focus study areas in supply chain, finance, retail, and healthcare, and business certificates in business analytics and entrepreneurship and innovation. While this does not require the same level of intensity as a specialized master’s degree, it does allow for students to develop skills in particular areas of interest.
Most MBA graduates end up in management positions. An article by Seb Murray, writer for the Business Because journal, writes that 22% of MBA graduates actually eventually become CEOs as founders of start-up businesses.
“An MBA allows students to enter into a field with a lot of open doors,” said Julie Storing, assistant MBA director at Walton College. “Often, students end up seeing opportunities that they hadn’t even realized they would be able to participate in before obtaining the degree.”
With many options post-graduation, MBA students have the ability to advance their career by stepping into managing and ownership roles. With a Walton MBA, individuals gain variety, business perspectives, and broadened horizons.
Consider both your professional and personal goals when deciding which degree is best for you. Walton College offers full-time and part-time programs to meet our students’ needs. Visit GSB.uark.edu to learn more about Walton College’s graduate programs.
