Before deciding on pursuing a master’s degree, students often ask one simple question, “Which degree is right for me?”

There are many lucrative degrees universities and colleges offer, and selecting the right degree program will open doors to golden opportunities. In the last few years, data Science has been introduced as a new field with a lot of innovation, and along with data science, the analytics field has seen a radical transformation. While the MBA was once a default option, the story is different now.

It is always advisable to thoroughly research before opting for any particular course. Those who want to understand the analytical aspects of marketing can also consider pursuing MS in Marketing Analytics.

Before we understand the difference between an MBA and an MSBA and What are the admissions requirements for an MBA and an MSBA, let us understand each course in detail.

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What is an MBA Degree?

The MBA is a globally-prominent graduate degree that develops the skills needed in business and management. However, MBA is not compulsory for entrepreneurs. MBA can also be useful for those pursuing a managerial career in the public and government sectors. Students usually take an MBA degree with at least a few years of professional experience looking to accelerate their careers or switch functions.

The United States has been considered the center of MBA programs as the country has the top-rated colleges and universities in the world, such as Harvard, Yale, and Columbia. The admissions process is highly competitive.

What is an MSBA Degree?

An MSBA delivers advanced STEM education in research, collection, and interpretation of big data sets that assist businesses in decision-making. MSBA introduces students to data mining, quantitative modeling, analytics, and business application development. MSBA graduates are often well-positioned for data management jobs in several fields, including health care, sports management, media, and entertainment. MSBA degree provides the opportunity to work with leading analytical tools such as Python, SQL, and Tableau. The MSBA program prepares you for various careers, such as data scientist, market analyst, financial analyst, and business intelligence analyst.

What are the Degree Requirements for each?

The degree requirements for each depend upon the college or university’s requirements. The following are the degree requirements for MBA and MSBA:

An undergraduate degree
GMAT or GRE test results
TOEFL/IELTS test results
An official transcript from a university or college
A Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
Application forms

What are the jobs available for MSBA grads vs. MBA grads?

While the titles may vary, jobs available for an MBA and an MSBA graduate generally fall into management, such as managing teams and budgets, managing projects, and analyzing progress and success. Below are the jobs for MBA and MSBA graduates.

Jobs for MBA graduates

Project Manager
Product Specialist
Business Consultant
Financial Analyst
Marketing Manager
Human Resources Manager

Jobs for MSBA graduates

Data Analyst
Data Scientist
Business Intelligence Analyst
Analytics Consultant.

What can you expect your starting salary to be once you’ve earned your MBA or MSBA?

MBA and MSBA differ in the student’s starting package after completion. Apart from that, it also depends upon the position, student experience, corporate, and others. The standard pay scale of an MBA graduate is $88,783, while the standard pay of an MSBA graduate is $73,197.

Which Degree is Right for You?

There is no specific answer, as both programs are designed to develop professional skills in students. To choose the right program, students need to know whether they want to specialize in data analytics or general management.

Get Expert Advice

Both degrees offer promising careers, and understanding the difference between an MBA and an MSBA makes it easy to make an informed decision. Therefore, a student must select the program consciously, as the decision will shape the future. The USA is at the forefront of providing both degrees and career options.

Want to pursue your master’s in the USA but need clarification about which program to study? Don’t sweat, as imperial overseas education consultants have successfully guided many students and provided assistance in selecting the right course. Reach out to us and get the best overseas education counseling.