Degree Overview: Master’s Degree Program in Strategy
Majors Overview June 4, 2015Concentrations in business strategy are often available in Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree programs. Those in strategic management will learn how to improve performance through implementing processes to achieve goals, and developing those goals. This article talks about master’s degree programs in strategy and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and job and wage outlook.
Master’s Programs in Strategy
Students enrolled in MBA programs are trained to be decision-making leaders at organizational levels, with the key objectives including anticipating competitor response and maximizing profit. Students can expect to become adept at assessing and evaluating business needs and implementing techniques to achieve success. Schools often offer programs in weekend and evening formats as well as through traditional daytime courses. Students take two years to complete most programs.
Students enrolled in MBA programs with a concentration in strategy, often combined with leadership, are offered a great deal of flexibility to satisfy their needs through courses. Coursework may cover areas such as global management strategy, executive leadership, team building, and managing diversity in an organization.
Education Requirements
Applicants for admission to competitive MBA programs are typically required to meet undergraduate grade point average standards, submit GMAT scores and meet professional experience requirements. Incoming students with prior professional experience are preferable. Many currently employed professionals enroll as MBA students and become adept at applying the skills learned in their current careers.
Coursework
The primary focus of program coursework is on a global or domestic stage, and the educational emphasis is adhered to in the class topics. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Game theory
•Global strategy
•Corporate valuation
•Marketing strategy
•Strategic management
•Strategic implementation
•Product management
•Market research
•Organizational dynamics
•Industry analysis
Career Choices
Program graduates gain expertise in developing goals throughout the organization and implementing plans to achieve the goals. They may choose from job options such as:
•Financial strategist
•Brand manager
•Product manager
•Functional leader
•Business analyst
•Consultant
•Marketing executive
•Global strategist
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a faster-than-average job growth rate of 19% has been predicted for management analysts (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $78,600 (BLS). Financial analysts, who are expected to see 16% job growth from 2012 – 2022, earned an average annual wage of $76,950 in May 2012.
