The Difference Between an MBA and Master's Degree?
MBA vs. Master's: What's the Difference?
If you're thinking about going back to school to advance your education or strengthen your business skills, you've likely come across two common options: a Master's degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). While both are graduate-level programs that can help you deepen your knowledge and expand your potential opportunities, they serve slightly different purposes.
Understanding the differences between these degree types can help you choose the one that fits your academic goals, background, and learning style.
Why go back to school at all?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a master's degree earn 19% more per week on average than professionals with a bachelor's degree alone.1
What Is a Master's Degree?
A Master's degree is an academic credential that builds on the foundation of a bachelor's degree. It allows students to gain specialized knowledge in a particular field–ranging from education and healthcare to information technology, criminal justice, or business.
Most master's programs combine coursework, projects, and sometimes research or a capstone project to help students develop practical and theoretical experience in their area of study. Depending on the program, completion typically takes one to two years of full-time study (or longer if part-time).
Some types of master's degrees include:
- Master of Science (MS) – Focuses on technical, scientific, or analytical fields (e.g., data analytics, information technology, or management).
- Master of Arts (MA) – Often emphasizes social sciences, humanities, or communication disciplines.
- Master of Education (MEd) – Designed for current or aspiring educators looking to enhance teaching or leadership skills.
- Master of Healthcare Management (MHCM) – Concentrates on healthcare leadership.
Each of these programs typically offers in-depth study in one discipline, which can make them a great fit for students who want to build their knowledge in a specific area.
What Is an MBA?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a specific type of master's degree that focuses on the strategic, financial, and leadership aspects of running an organization.
Rather than concentrating on one single subject, MBA programs aim to provide a broad overview of business operations–covering areas such as:
- Accounting and finance
- Marketing and sales
- Operations and project management
- Human resources and leadership
- Business strategy and decision-making
Many MBA programs are designed for working professionals who already have experience in the workforce. MBA students often work on real-world business cases to develop problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking skills that can apply across industries.
Deciding Between a Master's and an MBA
Both Master's degrees and MBA programs can be powerful tools for personal and professional growth. The key difference lies in focus: a master's program is designed to help you specialize in a particular area, while an MBA is designed to help you strategize and build skills that can be applied to many industries.
If you're exploring your options, check out our Master's Degree Programs and MBA Program to see which path aligns best with your experience, interests, and academic goals.
1Current Population Survey, Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (visited 10/15/2025).
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REQ2171070 – 10/2025