You might consider earning your masters in management degree if you are a recent graduate or a working professional eager to step into a managerial role.
Managers are often strong communicators who have an interest in business and enjoy solving conflicts and collaborating with and leading teams of people.
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Earning your management masters degree can also be a strategic way to advance your career or stand out to future employers.
Online Masters in Management Programs
If you are interested in a career in business, an M.S. in Management could be a beneficial degree to pursue. Typically, a management masters program will teach you foundational leadership skills that are necessary for managing a company.
You generally do not need any work experience to apply for a management masters program, though some applicants have already launched their careers.
Why might you pursue a masters in management?
You might consider this degree program if you are a working professional who is interested in moving toward a leadership position at a company. You may also find an advanced management degree beneficial if you do not have any professional experience but would like to hold a leadership role in the future.
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Colleges offer unique curriculums for their management degree programs, but these are some common subjects your courses will likely cover:
- Management communication
- Foundations of management
- Strategic marketing
- Financial accounting
- Company law
In addition to your core courses, you may also have the option to focus on areas of study that are the most exciting to you. These could include but are not limited to the following:
- Entrepreneurship
- International business
- Human resources
- Artificial intelligence
- Corporate social responsibility
After earning a masters in management, many graduates go on to work in leadership roles for a wide range of companies. The options available depend on previous education and experience.
Potential professional titles include:
- Finance manager
- Marketing manager
- Business analyst
- Consultant
- Manufacturing manager
Pursuing an advanced degree in management can help you build a strong foundation in communication, teamwork, and negotiation. As a result, this degree path can help open up managerial opportunities in a variety of fields.
Management and Leadership Careers & Salaries
While earning your management degree does not guarantee a specific position or salary, it can help you qualify for various leadership opportunities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some of the careers that are frequently pursued by management graduates:
| Careers | Annual Mediaagersn Salaries |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $133,380 |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $119,860 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $103,150 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $94,170 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Financial Analysts | $81,410 |
Many of these roles require strong interpersonal skills as well as the ability to build cohesive teams and deliver constructive feedback. Depending on the field you enter, you may also have to learn skills specific to the industry.
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While the above chart shows the median annual salaries for management positions, salary does vary depending on your location, previous work experience, and individual skillset.
Management Master’s Curriculum & Courses
Although every management master’s degree program has a unique curriculum, you may find some of these common courses offered between schools:
- Financial Accounting: This course is intended to provide you with a foundational understanding of financial accounting, including how to prepare and analyze financial statements.
- Strategic Marketing: This class covers how to tackle management marketing issues through smart decision-making and plan development.
- Management of Information Systems: This course explores the management of information systems, covering topics like enterprise resource planning, e-commerce, and business analytics.
- Foundations of Management: The purpose of this course is to teach you the basic skills and principles of a successful manager.
- Managing Organizational Performance: This class explores the organizational challenges of running a company and covers topics such as communication, culture, and policy process.
- Contract Law: This course will give you the opportunity to analyze and explore contract law.
- Operations and Supply Chain Management: This course covers topics related to the development of goods and services, such as inventory control, quality management, and strategic decision-making.
- Statistics and Econometrics: This class discusses how to evaluate data by using descriptive statistics and modeling data.
- Business Analytics: Focusing on the tools needed to analyze the performance of a business, this class covers risk analysis, forecasting, and data mining.
- Talent Management: This course explores the skills and processes needed to recognize, manage, and retain talented employees.
In addition to your core courses, you’ll likely have the option to dive deeper into your areas of interest by taking electives.
Admissions Requirements
Although every school has a unique set of admissions requirements, here are some commonly required items across institutions:
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
Colleges want to know that you can be successful in the programs they offer, and your application is your chance to highlight your academic and personal strengths. You’ll likely be asked to submit a small application fee along with the required admissions materials.
Master’s in Management Programs Accreditation
The accreditation review process helps to ensure that colleges and universities are providing educational programs of high quality. An external agency performs this review, evaluating areas such as curriculum, funding, and facilities.
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There are many benefits to attending a regionally accredited university. For instance, it helps ensure that you receive a high-quality education that meets industry standards. It also allows you to remain eligible for federal financial aid, should you need to apply.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you are interested in receiving federal financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see how much monetary support you are eligible for. Eligibility is determined by several factors, including enrollment status and family income level.
You can also apply for scholarship opportunities through your school. Every college offers its own scholarship opportunities. You can explore available grants from public and private organizations as well.
What Is an MIM Degree?
A master in management (MIM) degree program is a graduate program designed to provide students with the skills needed to enter the workforce in a variety of sectors, including public and private.
These programs typically cover soft skills, such as communication and collaboration skills, and hard skills, like data analytics and strategy. Most programs also offer the opportunity to take elective courses so you can study topics that best align with your future career aspirations.
An MIM degree program can help you become better prepared for business management and leadership roles in a number of different industries and companies.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Management?
A master’s in management could lead to managerial positions in a range of fields. This program can help you develop your expertise in areas like marketing, communication, and management.
Management graduates often go on to become financial or sales managers, using their managerial skills to lead successful teams. Others choose to pursue management positions in the fields of human resources or advertising.
If you would like to go a different direction, your degree program can also help prepare you for non-managerial roles. Common business positions include financial advisor and business analyst.
Should I Get a Masters Degree in Management?
Whether or not a graduate degree in management is the right choice for you will depend on your personal career goals. There are several positives to earning your advanced degree in management.
Many MIM students have the opportunity to learn from leaders in the world of business. Additionally, most programs don’t require much work experience to be admitted, making it a strategic option for aspiring professionals.
While salary does vary based on location and professional title, many of the jobs connected to a degree in management have higher than average median annual salaries, as listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Management Online?
A master’s degree program can generally be completed in 1 to 2 years. A business online degree program that consists of 36 credit hours may be able to be completed in 1 year if there is no thesis requirement and you are enrolled full-time, including summer courses.
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If your program does require a thesis, that will often extend the time it takes you to complete your degree. Additionally, attending school part-time can also lengthen your program. Based on your current availability and work schedule, you can select an online business management degree program that aligns with your needs.
What’s the Difference between an MBA vs. Masters in Management?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a masters in management (MIM) are both degrees that can help you advance your career. Here are some key differences between the two programs.
| Master of Business Administration | Masters in Management |
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The right program for you depends on your career aspirations and prior professional experience.
What’s the Difference between an MA vs. MS in Management?
An MA in Management and an MS in Management differ in the approach they take toward the topic of management.
- Master of Arts in Management: An MA explores management topics through a humanities lens.
- Master of Science in Management: An MS explores management topics through a scientific and technical lens.
While there are differences between the curriculums of an MA and an MS in Management, you’ll likely cover similar topics, such as advanced business structures and marketing management.
Is a Masters in Management Worth It?
Yes, a masters in management is worth it for many students. Not only can earning an advanced degree in management help prepare you to enter the workforce, but it can also open up professional opportunities in a variety of fields.
Many graduates pursue positions as marketing or sales managers for companies and businesses in both the public and private sectors. In addition to diverse job opportunities, many careers related to a degree in management are experiencing employment growth at a rate as fast, or faster, than the national average.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations overall are expected to see 9% job growth over the next ten years.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Management Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Babson College offers a Master of Science in Management in Entrepreneurial Leadership. Applicants do not need to provide GRE or GMAT scores or have any prior work experience. The program lasts 9 months, or two semesters that are each 14 weeks long.
Courses include Data Exploration (Quantitative Methods), Entrepreneurial Economics, Finance for Entrepreneurs, and more.
Babson College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Colorado State University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Management. The program covers strategic planning, budget development, negotiation, and leadership. Numerous specializations are available.
Some of the most popular specializations are Project Management, Human Resource Management, Finance, and Organizational Leadership and Change Management.
Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Faulkner University offers a Master of Science in Management. This accelerated, fully online program is designed for working adults. Coursework includes Organizational Behavior, Business Analytics, Personnel and HR Management, Marketing Perspectives for Management, and more.
Faulkner is a Christian liberal arts school that aims to provide a strong ethical framework.
Faulkner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Minot State University’s College of Business offers a Master of Science in Management. The program aims to teach students how to make managerial decisions, communicate effectively, and apply technology in the workplace.
The degree can be completed on campus or online. Students typically complete the program in 9 to 18 months.
Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Master’s in Management online program. Students can work at their own pace and potentially finish in just 15 months. Concentrations are available in Construction Management, Emergency Management, and Healthcare.
There are five terms each year, and admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Stevens Institute of Technology offers an online program for an MS in Management. This convenient program can typically be completed in just 1 year. Courses are taught by the same faculty as on campus.
In addition to live online classes, the program also includes online skill development workshops, networking sessions, and more.
Stevens Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Alabama offers an online program for a Master of Arts in Management with a concentration in Global Business.
The program consists of 30 credit hours of coursework and requires no thesis. Courses include Effective Negotiations, Strategic Human Resources Management, Advanced Export-Import Strategy, Managerial Economics, and more.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Management program requires no campus visits. It can typically be completed in one year. Coursework is tailored to students who have received their bachelor’s degree within the past two years, but students with more work experience are welcome.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Illinois—Urbana Champaign offers a Master’s in Management that can be earned fully online. The program consists of 36 credit hours of coursework and can potentially be finished in 1 year. It is designed to provide flexibility for working professionals. The courses include weekly live sessions.
Applicants need to submit transcripts, a resume, an essay, and two references to apply.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Texas—Dallas offers a Master of Science in Management Science. Courses can be taken online or in person. A variety of specialization areas are available, including Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology Management, Energy Management, and more.
The University of Texas at Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Master of Management Degree Online
If you have just finished your undergraduate program and are eager to begin your career, earning your advanced management degree can help you qualify for professional leadership roles.
Many students who earn their master’s in management degree leave their program with advanced managerial, marketing, and accounting skills. Graduates go on to apply these skills in a wide variety of roles and companies.
Some even go on to earn an on-campus or online PhD in Management to advance their skills even further.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward an advanced degree in management studies, you can begin by exploring online masters in management degree programs from accredited universities.
