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MBA Specialization List | Study MBA Abroad Guide (2022)

MBA specialization list (1)
A Complete Guide To

MBA Specialization List

Table of Contents

1 Why Study MBA Abroad

2 Popular MBA specializations

            MBA in General Management

            MBA in International Business Management

            MBA in Strategy

            MBA in Finance

            MBA in Analytics

            MBA in Marketing

            MBA in Entrepreneurship

            MBA in Production/ Operations/Logistics Management

            MBA in Human Resources

            MBA in IT

            MBA in Healthcare Management

            MBA in Accounting

3 Emerging MBA specializations

            MBA in Ecommerce

            MBA in Artificial Intelligence

            MBA in Sports Management

            MBA in Digital Marketing

            MBA in Fashion and luxury management

Chapter 1

Why Study MBA Abroad

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree has long been considered as the holy grail of graduate education. This is due to many factors like program rigour, stringent entry requirements, and enhanced job trajectories. Coupled with the above factors, when you add MBA education abroad, students are guaranteed a life changing experience. Universities abroad compete neck to neck to provide exemplary MBA curriculum, program features, and study experience, in order to attract the creme-da-la-creme of candidates. An MBA Fuels more jobs for international students in countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Germany. For more information about this check the section on career prospects. The table below provides a closer look at the biggest perks of choosing foreign universities for your MBA.

 Quality of Education

Universities abroad have curriculum that is very relevant to market needs, this includes technical acumen and essential soft skills required for managerial roles. Thereby students who pursue MBAs there have the advantage of knowing the pulse of the industry. Many MBA programs offer exchange semester opportunities with other top ranked institutions thereby enhancing the exposure students receive. Business schools also infuse practical internship/ consulting projects/ capstone projects/ apprenticeship options along with the MBA program, enabling the students to test their classroom knowledge

Global Career Trajectory 

The main impetus for candidates applying to B-Schools abroad is the dynamic job market there. Increased yearly earnings, ability to earn in dollars or a higher valued foriegn currency, improved career growth prospects, potential to diversify into leadership/ managerial roles, are all major driving factors that make pursuing MBA abroad highly attractive. Companies are in the look out for candidates with a  wide spectrum of past experiences that will complement the future role they can fill. All MBA programs expect their prospective students to have a substantial portfolio of prior career exposure. Hence such students after completing their MBA programs get absorbed quite quickly into the industry.

Personal Growth

Pursuing an MBA abroad is not just an indication of the individual’s intellectual attainment but also an evidence of the candidate’s personal growth. Being a part of a rigorous MBA cohort enhances individual world view and opinions on many subjects. MBA classes are very diverse with students from all over the world. They bring with them a mosaic of professional and personal happenings. These are valuable instances that peers can learn from while engaging with each other in the classroom. This type of interchange cannot be substituted in any other setting. This is what makes MBA schools remarkable. As many brilliant entrepreneurial plans are hatched while at B-school, discussing dynamic solutions with one’s peers.

Chapter 2

Popular MBA Specializations

MBA programmes come with certain curriculum specializations. Students can choose the majors as per their personal choice, future career ambitions, and past work experience. In order to appeal to a wider spectrum of prospective applicants and to keep the coursework modules in tune with the industry/economic trends, all b-schools offer an assortment of MBA concentrations. The traditional MBA in ‘General Management’, though still quite popular, has been nudged to make space for other budding streams such as marketing, information systems management, healthcare management, strategy & consulting management, etc. Particularly, in recent years, quantitative concentrations that are quite programming/ technology intensive have made their way to the list of MBA course syllabus. 

 

STEM MBA: In terms of the US STEM-OPT visa stipulations, certain MBA programs and their specializations will have the STEM classification as per their mathematics, programming, statistics, allied technology course load in their curriculum. Such concentrations include Finance (Quantitative Finance, Financial Analytics); Analytics (Data Science, Big Data Analytics); Marketing (Marketing Analytics, Consumer Science); Operations/ Production/ SCM/ Logistics Management; IT/Technology Management; Accounting, etc. STEM MBA programs assume more prominence due to the increased job availability and lucrative remuneration packages associated with them. Read our blog on MBA Job Prospects for more information. MBA aspirants must bear in mind that STEM pathways in MBA programs are not for everyone, meaning unless you have studied the prerequisites in terms of the math/statistics/programming/technology course load, already say in your undergraduate coursework or separately as certificate program, you cannot apply for the said STEM designated MBA courses.  

MBA in General Management:

This is the commonplace general management specialization. Also one of the popular MBA choices. Many candidates wishing to acquire a holistic view of general managerial principles take on this major.  This versatile MBA degree enables students to apply for leadership roles in any kind of industry. Students will study the mainstay of management principles, along with courses on  marketing, strategy, consulting practices, and business development, to enrich their managerial acuity. 

Skills required for MBA in general management

  • Good communication skills
  • To be able to manage the operations that take place in a company
  • Leadership skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Good subject knowledge

Careers after MBA in General management

  • Marketing
  • Operations
  • Human Resource
  • Finance
  • Research and Business analyst

Countries with good scope for MBA in General Management

  • US
  • UK
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Germany

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MBA in International Business Management/ Global Business Management:

Skills required after MBA in International business management

  • Cross-cultural communication skills
  • Flexibility
  • Good networking abilities
  • Adaptive thinking
  • Emotional intelligence

Careers after MBA in International business management

  • International marketing
  • Compliance management
  • International Logistics management
  • Export-import management
  • International trade compliance manager

Countries with good scope for MBA in International business management

  • Berlin
  • Frankfurt
  • Munich
  • Canada
  • Singapore

MBA in Strategy/ Strategic Management:

This specialization is also quite sought after and lucrative. Aiming to attract individuals who wish to spearhead growth and tactical development roles in dynamic organizations. This MBA specialization ensures candidates are empowered with necessary knowledge to help enterprises navigate complex deals and calculated acquisitions.

Skills required after MBA in Strategic management

  • Statistical and mathematical knowledge
  • Decision-making ability
  • Communication skills
  • Financial structure knowledge
  • Analytical skills

Careers after MBA in Strategic management

  • Senior strategic manager
  • Senior product manager
  • Management analyst
  • Operations management
  • Investment fund management

Countries with good scope for MBA in Strategic management

  • USA
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Singapore

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MBA in Finance

MBA in Finance is definitely one of the more popular specializations. Students who wish to break into the Finance, Banking, and Investments sector, get placed in top banks, hedge funds, and asset management firms, aspire to pursue the MBA in Finance. A quantitative specialization, this degree requires its candidates to be adept with their numerical skills. Moreover, the finance industry is notorious for being competitive with long working hours.
STEM Classification: In terms of the US STEM-OPT visa stipulations, certain MBA in Finance programs will have STEM classification as per their mathematics, programming, statistics, allied technology course load.

Skills required after MBA in Finance

  • Leadership abilities
  • Data interpretation and analytic abilities
  • Logical reasoning
  • Management experience
  • Innovative

Careers after MBA in Finance

  • Financial analyst
  • Corporate controller
  • Investment banking associate
  • Cash manager
  • Credit manager

Countries with good scope for MBA in Finance

  • UK
  • US
  • Europe
  • Italy
  • Canada

MBA in Analytics

MBA in Analytics/ Data Science has been a coveted specialization in recent times. Important decisions are gleaned from large data sets using sophisticated data science techniques, ML algorithms, and statistical modelling. This MBA emphasizes the vitality of quantitative research methods in running businesses for the modern day workplace, such as use of past data for predicting future stock returns, impact of advertisement analytics on product sales.
STEM Classification: In terms of the US STEM-OPT visa stipulations, certain MBA in Analytics programs will have STEM classification as per their mathematics, programming, statistics, allied technology course load.

Skills required after MBA in Analytics

  • Data analysis
  • Logical reasoning
  • Critical thinking
  • Statistical languages
  • Problem-solving ability

Careers after MBA in Analytics

  • Marketing manager
  • Financial analyst
  • Operations analyst
  • Management consultant
  • Business intelligence analyst

Countries with good scope after MBA in Analytics

  • US
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Singapore

MBA in Marketing/Marketing Analytics

Marketing is a long standing academic discipline and an integral part of the business process. Across all sectors be it healthcare or finance, marketing services are always in demand. MBA with a marketing specialization will enhance students’ understanding of consumer behaviour, market trends, product performance, market share, competitor analysis. Additionally, the advent of data science has propelled marketing techniques infused with quantitative methods to exponential levels. Marketing analytics enhances everyday sales and marketing decisions with the use of statistical methods on past data.
STEM Classification: In terms of the US STEM-OPT visa stipulations, certain MBA in Marketing Analytics programs will have STEM classification as per their mathematics, programming, statistics, allied technology course load.

Skills required after MBA in Marketing

  • Communication
  • Leadership abilities
  • Technology skills
  • Strategy 
  • Innovative

Careers after MBA in Marketing

  • Customer relationship management
  • Channel head
  • Brand manager
  • Asset manager
  • Corporate communications head

Countries with good scope for this degree

  • Australia
  • UK
  • Ireland
  • US
  • Canada

MBA in Entrepreneurship:

The MBA in Entrepreneurship is sought after by self-starting students keen on turning their ideas/business proposals into viable enterprises. Family-business runners, corporate entrepreneurs, individual business owners will benefit from this specialization. Apart from valuable knowledge on management principles and entrepreneurship skills, students will also study important subjects for entrepreneurs such as negotiation, innovation, strategic partnerships, venture implementation, entrepreneurial marketing, etc.

Skills required after MBA in Entrepreneurship

  • Assertiveness
  • Communication
  • Negotiation abilities
  • Decision-making ability
  • Business strategy

Careers after after MBA in Entrepreneurship

  • Business consultant
  • Department manager
  • Corporate supervisor
  • New venture developers
  • Sales manager

Countries with good scope after MBA in Entrepreneurship

  • USA
  • UK
  • Germany
  • Singapore
  • Spain

MBA in Production/Operations Management/ Supply Chain Management/Logistics Management:

This specialization will enable learners to acquire in depth understanding on quality control, manufacturing, product line optimization, operations research, logistics management and many more. Students with industrial, production, mechanical engineering, applied math, statistics backgrounds find this MBA concentration to be a natural progression towards attaining managerial positions. After this MBA students can work in managerial roles/supervisory capacity in big factories, manufacturing plants, and production houses or head the operations & logistics divisions of MNCs across a wide variety of sectors including pharmacy, technology, and finance.
STEM Classification: In terms of the US STEM-OPT visa stipulations, certain MBA in Operations/Logistics programs will have STEM classification as per their mathematics, programming, statistics, allied technology course load.

Skills required after MBA in Production/SCM

  • Project manager
  • Flexibility
  • Market dynamics analysis
  • Technological skills
  • Communication

Careers after after MBA in Production/SCM

  • Strategic Sourcing Manager
  • Chain Performance analyst
  • Supply chain Performance analyst
  • Global sourcing manager
  • Logistics analyst

Countries with good scope after MBA in Production/SCM

  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • Finland
  • Hong Kong

MBA in Human Resource (HR)/ Organizational Behaviour/ Labour Relations:

This is a dynamic MBA concentration that has been around for quite some time. Human resource management is now known by many other terms such as human capital consulting, organizational behaviour & performance, labour relations management, etc. If you aspire to reach leadership roles within the HR domain, an MBA specializing in it would be prudent. Students are taught on leveraging employee potential and enhancing social growth within the organization keeping in mind the long term and short term enterprise development plans.

Skills required after MBA in human resources:

  • Communication
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Strategic thinking
  • Recruitment and hiring
  • Management skills

Careers after MBA in human resources:

  • Human Resource manager
  • Staffing director
  • Technical recruiter
  • The chief human resource officer
  • Senior Executive HR

Countries with good scope after MBA in human resources

  • Canada
  • USA
  • UK
  • Belgium
  • Netherlands

MBA in IT/Technology Management:

A very popular concentration of recent times. This MBA teaches students management of IT firms, technology consulting, software service management, etc. Technology Management MBA curriculum is quite varied including topics such as AI management, fintech, ML algorithms for business, strategy for technology innovation etc. Learners pursuing the technology management MBA will be well placed to head modern day IT enterprises.
STEM Classification: In terms of the US STEM-OPT visa stipulations, certain MBA in IT/Technology Management will have STEM classification as per their mathematics, programming, statistics, allied technology course load.

Skills required after MBA in IT

  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Decision-making ability
  • Stronghold of subject knowledge

Careers after MBA in IT

  • Software project manager
  • Help desk manager
  • Program manager
  • Project manager
  • Information technology manager

Countries with good scope for MBA in IT

  • US
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Singapore

MBA in Healthcare Management:

This is an essential MBA for students interested in the healthcare industry. In today’s times with the Covid 19 induced pandemic, management of healthcare resources has acquired greater importance. After this MBA students will be well positioned to take on leadership roles in hospital management, healthcare delivery services, pharmaceutical enterprise management, health insurance, biotechnology and allied health-tech administration. 

Skills required after MBA in Healthcare Management

  • Problem-solving ability
  • Communication
  • Relationship building skills
  • Industrial knowledge
  • Empathy

Careers after MBA in Healthcare Management

  • Hospital administration
  • Healthcare Management
  • Hospital CEO
  • Hospital CFO
  • Healthcare consultant

Countries with good scope after MBA in Healthcare Management

  • USA
  • UK
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • Singapore

MBA in Accounting:

The MBA with accounting concentration empowers students to tackle conventional auditing and financial aspects of a business. The Accounting concentration enables students to harness the power of empirical data in analysing and maintaining financial health of enterprises. With relevant courses such as corporate accounting, financial statement analysis, portfolio management, accounting fraud detection,  systems based accounting & auditing, etc, learners will be well on their way to become CFOs, Chief Auditors, Financial Heads of companies across sectors.
STEM Classification: In terms of the US STEM-OPT visa stipulations, certain MBA in Accounting programs will have STEM classification as per their mathematics, programming, statistics, allied technology course load.

Skills required after MBA in Accounting

  • Strategic thinking
  • Leadership ability
  • Analytics
  • Planning ability
  • Mathematical skills

Careers after MBA in Accounting

  • Management analyst
  • Financial manager
  • Personal financial advisor
  • Chief financial officer
  • Business development manager

Countries with good scope for this degree

  • USA
  • UK
  • Singapore
  • Germany
  • France
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New and Emerging MBA specializations

MBA in E-Commerce

The way we shop has changed a lot since online shopping came into existence. For this field a good graduate in MBA. E-commerce will be required. This type of MBA program equips the students with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully manage a business online. They also teach on the operations relating to online businesses. They learn several strategies, tools and methods in this program.

Skills required

  • Strategic thinking
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Marketing
  • Business

Careers after this specialization

  • Customer relation manager
  • Project Manager
  • Database administrator
  • Supply chain manager
  • Health service manager

Countries with good scope for this degree

  • USA
  • UK
  • Australia
  • Singapore
  • France

MBA in Artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is the intelligence that is demonstrated by machines. This is an upcoming field with a lot of innovations on board. It is almost like a computer-controlled robot. They perform tasks and answer questions for the humans. This field also requires an MBA. Hence MBA in artificial intelligence is a blend of business management with artificial intelligence.

Skills required

  • Leadership
  • Chain management
  • Decision making
  • Analytical skills
  • Planning
  • Global marketing

Careers after this specialization

  • Analysts
  • Engineer head
  • Product managers
  • Human Resource manager
  • Senior executive

Countries with good scope for this degree

  • Germany
  • USA
  • UK
  • Japan
  • South Korea

MBA in Sports management

If you are interested in sports and business then an MBA in sports management is the right course for you. You will learn to manage, execute and plan efficiently with sports management. Sports is a field that has been constantly growing and the salary in this field is significantly higher when compared to other fields. 

Skills required

  • Communication
  • Passion
  • Sports lover
  • Leadership skills
  • Managerial skills

Careers after this specialization

  • Marketing
  • HR manager
  • Broadcasting
  • Sports management
  • Sports marketing

Countries with good scope for this degree

  • UK
  • USA
  • Europe
  • Germany
  • France

MBA in Digital marketing

Digital marketing is a part of the marketing field which is online and based on the internet. Several fields and businesses are flourishing and thriving with their good marketing strategies. This field is an ocean of opportunities and there is so much to explore and learn. An MBA in digital marketing will make you the head officer of these operations and equip you with adequate skills.

Skills required

  • Planning
  • Strategy 
  • Leadership abilities
  • Communication
  • Innovation

Careers after this specialization

  • Account manager
  • Social media manager
  • SEO manager
  • Media manager
  • Consultant

Countries with good scope for this degree

  • UK
  • USA
  • Europe
  • Germany
  • France

MBA in Fashion and luxury brand management

Fashion is a field that is filled with creativity is what you think then you’re almost right. After the product is done marketing is very essential and for this an MBA in Fashion and luxury brand management will help the company to overlook the operations in this field. This field deals with studies from brand awareness to the image of the brand portrayed to the public.

Skills required for MBA in fashion and luxury brand management

  • Creativity
  • Innovative
  • Planning
  • Strategy
  • Communication

Careers after MBA in fashion and luxury brand management

  • Fashion Brand Manager
  • Fashion Consultant
  • Product Manager
  • Personal fashion consultant
  • Retailing manager

Countries with good scope after MBA in fashion and luxury brand management

  • France
  • US
  • UK
  • Germany
  • Singapore

Written by  Galvanize In-house Experts

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