Degree Overview: Master’s Degree Program in Applied Management
Majors Overview May 11, 2015Get information about master’s degree programs in applied management and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Degree Programs in Applied Management
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Applied Management program is devised to suit the needs of students seeking advanced management and leadership skills aimed at pursuing top executive positions.
Students enrolled in this two-year degree program gain broad training in real-world settings affecting managers; coursework covers topic areas such as organizational behavior, economics, and strategic planning. Students can expect to become adept at solving problems, executing strategic plans, developing teamwork, and managing people.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher education school. Students seeking admission to some schools may be expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a business-related major.
Alternatively, a minimum number of business courses may have to be completed by the applicant before he or she can begin core coursework. Applicants may also have to submit letters of recommendation and a detailed listing of professional development and work experience. Some schools may also require submission of Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores.
Coursework
Students enrolled in M.B.A. degree programs can expect to become adept at evaluating business decisions through the use of business analytical tools, critical reasoning, and research as well as in mapping out long-range strategies. Core courses are usually requirements in graduate programs, in addition to a capstone research project or a master’s practicum. Core coursework in an M.B.A. program in Applied Management may include topic areas such as:
•Business finance
•Operations and information management
•Marketing
•Law and ethics
•Business technology
Career Choices
With a master’s degree, graduates can seek advanced positions within their current places of employment or pursue new career options within the management field. Nearly all industries offer management positions that are available in both small and large businesses. M.B.A. holders can pursue popular career choices such as:
•Executive manager
•Financial manager
•Operations manager
Continuing Education Choices
Those who currently have an executive manager career may seek professional certification by earning the Certified Manager credential through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers. To obtain the credential, interested individuals would need to pass three exams devised to assess their knowledge as well as decision-making and analytical skills. There may also be education and experience requirements. Armed with professional certification, managers can showcase their competency and leadership ability.
