If you are looking to advance your career, increase your earning power and expand your business skills, an online MBA program might be right for you. With an online degree, you can complete coursework when it is convenient for you, often at an affordable price. While many MBA programs can give you the business skills, tools and experience to become a well-rounded manager, some degree programs also offer the added bonus of focusing your MBA studies on a specific concentration.
Choosing an MBA emphasis can help you develop a specialized skillset that can set you apart and give you an edge in today’s competitive job market. Below is a look at a typical MBA program, as well as four in-demand specializations offered by the University of West Florida (UWF): accounting, entrepreneurship, information security management and supply chain logistics management.
General Curriculum in an MBA Degree Program
Topics in a general MBA program include marketing, public policy, accounting, organizational behavior and management of information systems and resources. Many MBA programs are designed to provide experiential learning that you can apply to a variety of real-world work situations. A few even provide the opportunity to focus your studies on a particular industry and develop a portfolio of work that showcases your new-found knowledge.
Emphasis in Accounting
Perhaps you want to specialize in a certain business field. An MBA emphasis is a great way to focus on a specific area. Accounting is a popular MBA emphasis. In addition to the coursework described above, you will study advanced managerial accounting and economics, financial accounting, corporate tax and advanced auditing, among other topics. Completing this degree program can help prepare you to take the CPA exam. Because of the specialized nature of this degree, a background in accounting may be a prerequisite.
Emphasis in Entrepreneurship
If you have always dreamed of owning your own business or turning a great idea into a successful enterprise, you may want to consider an MBA emphasis in entrepreneurship. An entrepreneurship specialization will offer coursework in venture development, marketing management and small business management consulting, in addition to the basics such as accounting, finance and organizational development. Through this MBA emphasis, students can learn how to develop a business from concept to initial public offering (IPO).
Emphasis in Information Security Management
An MBA emphasis in information security management could be a good choice for those interested in the intersection of technology, security, problem-solving and managing an organization’s information assets. Augmenting general MBA studies, specialized coursework in this area of emphasis helps students develop expertise surrounding the essential functions and principles of information security. Studies focus on topics like cybersecurity, information systems design and management, risk management and business data communication.
Notably, information security professionals are in extremely high demand and are compensated well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33% between 2020 to 2030 – much faster than the average job growth of all occupations. BLS also reports that computer and information systems managers (including information security managers) made a median annual salary of $159,010 in 2021.
Emphasis in Supply Chain Logistics Management
If you have a knack for logistics, an MBA emphasis in supply chain logistics management may lead to a rewarding career. Through your coursework, you will learn how to develop strategic business processes for logistics management, especially as it relates to the global distribution of goods and services. In addition to the typical MBA coursework, you will take classes in logistics systems and analysis, global logistics management and strategic management and policy formulation. Case studies and experiential learning opportunities will give you hands-on lessons that you can quickly apply to your current or future job.
The advanced knowledge and skills gained from these studies and experiences can also help you guide your organization through mitigating, adapting to and recovering from supply chain disruptions. Circumstances surrounding the pandemic have highlighted the vital importance of supply chain management in disruptive times, reshaping the future of the field.
An MBA can be a great way for you to take the next step in your career. Choosing an MBA emphasis can enhance your knowledge in a specific area so that you have the confidence and skills that employers value. UWF offers all of the above MBA emphasis options in addition to emphases in human resources management, finance and business analytics, helping you tailor your advanced business studies to the modern career of your choice.
Learn more about UWF’s online MBA programs.
