Which Business Master's? How To Choose The Right Business Degree For You

Download the free BusinessBecause Which Master’s Guide 2024, in which we discuss the top business master’s programs from across the world to help you decide on your next steps. 

Inside, you’ll find a breakdown of the four most popular master’s degrees for business school students, as well as the top programs on offer—including rankings, career outcomes, and the relevant skills you will learn. You will also find information on specialized master’s courses, which feature future-forward topics such as AI and sustainability.

We also have testimonials from both alumni and students to give you a greater insight into what’s in store on each program.  

Download our free Which Business Master's Guide

Key Skills You Can Gain From Your Master’s

1. The Master In Management

A Master in Management (MiM) is a generalist degree covering all the fundamentals of business such as strategy, finance, marketing, economics, and human resources. MiM programs are typically targeted at recent graduates with less than two years’ professional experience. 

The program pairs business knowledge with essential managerial skills in communication, negotiation, teamwork, and responsible leadership. Students test their skills through company projects and case studies.

2. The Master In Finance

Master in Finance (MiF) degrees are typically geared towards recent graduates with little to no work experience. Applicants don’t need to hold a bachelor’s degree in finance. 

MiF courses provide a solid grounding in the key concepts of finance including data analytics, mathematics, and financial accounting. You’ll gain strong quantitative and statistical skills but also soft skills such as communication and negotiation, which are essential for dealing with stakeholders.

3. The Master In Business Analytics

A Master in Business Analytics (MSBA) can set you up to enter one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. When looking to do an MSBA, there is a wide range of programs to choose from. Although some MSBA programs require you to have a degree in a quantitative discipline like mathematics or computer science to apply, there are many that accept any bachelor’s degree. 

The key is to be interested in technology, and to have an aptitude for solving data-based problems, as you’ll study courses in statistics, problem solving, and visualization. 

4. The Master in Accounting

For those looking to enter the lucrative world of accounting, a Master in Accounting (MAcc) will provide you with not just the specialist knowledge, but the problem-solving and managerial skills required to succeed in the industry. 

MAcc programs typically cover core modules such as financial reporting, advanced management accounting, and research methods. There are also degrees designed to prepare students for the Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) exam, which is a globally recognized certificate allowing holders to practice accounting. 

The MAcc programs you can apply to will depend largely on your level of experience. While many programs accept students with little or no accounting experience, others—such as the Executive Master of Accounting at Cambridge Judge—are tailored towards building upon existing knowledge of those have spent at least two years in the industry.

Find out more about these master's programs and more, including the career options, typical salaries and top-ranked schools by downloading our free Which Business Master's guide.