Which Degree Is Better: Master’s in Management vs. MBA

Key takeaways

A master’s in management focuses on the foundational aspects of business careers, while an MBA focuses on advanced business topics. 

• Master of Science in Management (MSM) candidates are typically entry-level, while MBA candidates generally have three to five years of work experience.

• Management degrees allow you to grow your accounting and finance skills, while an MBA focuses on a wider range of business skills, like business strategy and analytics.

• You can determine which business master’s degree is right for you by considering your career aspirations and where you are in your career currently.

Learn more about a master’s in management versus an MBA, including potential salaries and the time it takes to complete each program.

What is a master’s in management vs. an MBA?

Both a master’s in management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) are advanced business degrees that some professionals seek in an effort to propel their careers forward.

An MBA degree program will focus on broad-level business leadership and managerial skills. Typically, these programs are designed for individuals with a few years of professional experience who are looking to advance their careers. Programs will likely cover a wide range of business topics through a core curriculum, such as management, strategy, and finance, and will give students the opportunity to specialize in areas such as business analytics or accounting.

A master’s in management, or a Master of Science in Management (MSM), focuses on the particular area of business management. It is one type of master’s degree in business, alongside options such as accounting, finance, business analytics, or marketing. MSM programs may offer some general business courses; however, the majority of the coursework will concentrate on management.

Read more: Master's in Marketing: A Guide

What is the difference between a business management master’s degree and an MBA?

The key differences between a master’s in management and an MBA stem from the expected business experience of an incoming student. The program structure and post-graduation career path align with that level of experience.

Here is a quick comparison:

MBA vs. MS in management student profile

The biggest difference between the average MSM student and MBA candidate is their professional experience:

MSM: 

• Designed for students with little to no professional experience.

• Entry-level management professionals with less than three years of experience, or who have recently graduated from a non-business bachelor’s degree, go for an MSM.

MBA: 

• Targets professionals with several years of experience.

• Professionals with three to five years of business experience go for an MBA.

Master of business in management vs. MBA program comparison

MSM and MBA programs are designed with varying levels of experience in mind.

MSM programs are designed for individuals who are preparing for entry-level positions on a management track. Generally, that includes people who have recently earned their undergraduate degree or are working toward a career change. These programs typically take one year of full-time commitment, with an intensive focus on management skills.

MBA programs assume a certain level of established business acumen. Candidates may already hold leadership positions or are looking to advance into management or executive-level positions. Full-time MBA programs are generally a two-year commitment and will explore how various business departments interact within a company.

In addition to classes on management, MBA programs may also include core courses in areas such as:

• Strategy

• Finance

• Marketing

• Ethics

• Communications

Many MBA programs also offer further opportunities to specialize in a variety of areas, including:

• Accounting

• Business analytics

• Entrepreneurship

• Health care management

Because MSM programs are shorter, the total cost will likely be less than the total cost of an MBA program.

Online MSM and MBA degrees

Online MSM and MBA programs can offer some flexibility should you prefer a part-time schedule. These programs can also be less expensive, as there are fewer campus and housing fees associated with attendance.

MBA vs. MS in management: Salary and career opportunities

Because MSM graduates tend to be closer to the beginning of their careers while MBA graduates tend to be moving toward mid- or upper-level positions, it’s hard to do a direct comparison of salary outcomes.

In 2025, one survey estimated that the median salary for MBA graduates was $125,000 [1]. For MSM graduates, the median salary was $90,000 [1]. This salary disparity is likely more a reflection of experience level than value of the degree, as MBA candidates typically have more than a few years of work experience, while MSM graduates are closer to entry-level.

Whether you choose to pursue an MSM or MBA, you may find yourself in demand. The same survey reported that 93 percent of companies surveyed globally anticipated hiring MBA graduates, and 83 percent anticipated hiring MSM graduates [1]. Hiring projections for MSM graduates were high in the finance and technology sectors, while hiring projections for MBA graduates were high in consulting, finance, and technology sectors.

Is a master’s in management worth it?

A master’s in management is worth earning when you want a bridge between your undergraduate degree and professional leadership roles. In an MSM program, you can prepare for leadership, managerial, and human resources positions across industries by developing your skills in strategic planning, economic analysis, and systems planning. Plus, holding a master’s degree can increase your earnings. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that master’s degree holders earn a median pay of $1,840 weekly, compared to $1,543 weekly for bachelor’s degree holders [2].

Which is better, an MBA or a master’s in management?

When it comes to comparing MSM degrees to MBA degrees, neither is necessarily better than the other, but one may be better aligned with your immediate career goals. If you are looking to further develop your leadership skills, depending on where you are in your career, either an MSM or an MBA can help you do that.

Both degrees are designed to develop the business skills necessary to ultimately move toward management positions. Generally, a recent graduate or someone looking to make a career shift into business may find an MSM more helpful, while a professional a few years into their career may find an MBA more relevant.

For a more specific comparison, take a look at the iMBA and iMSM programs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Gies College of Business, both available on Coursera.

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