When enrolling for a graduate business degree, many potential students are quick to click the MBA option. But what about a master’s degree in science (MS)? Which one is the better match? While both are suitable for working professionals, they both provide a distinct educational experience and programme elements that may be tailored to your specific objectives and achievements. Students considering a graduate education abroad are sometimes torn between MBA vs MS and do not know how to make an informed decision. Both provide opportunities to move between regions, learn useful skills, and advance into a high-paying and gratifying profession.
Their areas of interest in an MBA vs MS, however, are completely different. This misconception is especially prevalent among scientific graduates who are capable of pursuing both. In this article, we will look at the difference between MS and MBA and related issues in order to address the burning question of whether you should pursue an MBA or an MS following graduation.
Masters’ Of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA programme teaches students with broad business knowledge in a variety of fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, and organisational behaviour. Students may frequently take a few classes in a variety of areas and themes, becoming specialists at perceiving the “big picture.” They are frequently in charge of leading a group of people and making choices that influence the entire business. This is an excellent alternative for someone with professional job experience who want to develop in their career.
Master Of Science Degree
Master of Science is a postgraduate degree easily available from educational institutes to give applicants specialised knowledge in a certain field of study. MS degrees are typically two years long; however, several colleges offer one-year MS programmes as well. To pursue a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, one must first have a bachelor’s degree in that field.
MBA Vs MS: Specializations
MBA or MS: Which is better? In order to dive into the depths of this, let us have a close look at the specialisations each has to offer. An MBA is a degree that may be obtained after graduating from any subject, ranging from science to the arts. You may think it unusual, but one of the few reasons why management degrees have the upper hand in an MBA vs MS is that several students apply for an MBA after MBBS or even after MS to give their careers a boost. Whereas, MS degrees are only available in a variety of STEM fields.
| MBA Specialisations | MS Specialisations |
| MBA in General Management | MSc Electronics |
| MBA in Travel and Tourism | MSc Mathematics |
| MBA in Finance and Banking | MSc Technology |
| MBA in Sports Management | MS in Machine Learning |
| MBA in Entrepreneurship | MS in Mechanical Engineering |
| MBA in Aviation Management | MSc Clinical Psychology |
Universities For MBA Vs MS
Pursuing a study from a prestigious university not only gives fantastic job opportunities but also instils applicants with confidence and expertise. Here is a list of some of the top colleges that provide the best executive MBA programmes in a variety of specialisations:
- Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University
- Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
- MIT Sloan School of Management
- Harvard Business School, Harvard University
- HEC Paris
- INSEAD
- London Business School
Careers
The following are some of the most popular jobs that applicants might consider after completing their degrees:
For MBA –
- Managing Consultants
- Data Analysts
- Healthcare Management Experts
- Entrepreneurs
- Human Resource Manager
- Entrepreneurship Experts
- Marketing Professionals
- Financial Analyst
- Information System Expert
For MS –
- Researcher and Accountant
- Quantitative Developer
- Researcher
- Scientist
- Field Officer
- Statistician
- Engineer
- Assistant Professor
- Chemical Analyst
- Biochemist
- Mathematician
You can potentially get a job after college in the above fields if you’ve secured good grades.
MBA Vs MS: Differences
A postgraduate degree, with its wide and complex curriculum, not only assists in developing in-depth knowledge of the topic but also boosts your chances of being employed by top firms. Here are some crucial considerations to consider while deciding between an MBA and an MS degree programme:
Focus
MBA: To learn about business and management and develop managerial skills thereat
MS: Developing technical, theoretical, and research skills in the field of Science
Duration
MBA: Takes 1-2 years depending on the course requirements
MS: 2 years
Scope
MBA: Anyone with an MBA degree can get into Business, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Banking, Consulting
MS: Teaching, Research, Engineering, Science, are a few of the common fields
Eligibility Criteria
MBA: Bachelor’s degree, relevant job experience, GMAT/CAT scores, GDPI, resume, SOP, LOR Proof of language proficiency (if opting to study abroad)
MS: GRE scores, a bachelor’s degree in a related subject Proof of language proficiency (if studying abroad, LOR, SOP, and resume)
Salary
MBA: In India, the starting wage ranges from INR 6 to 18 lakhs per year. It is possible to earn up to INR 55 lakhs a year with years of job experience and skill acquisition. The salary will be higher if you choose to work overseas.
Recommended Read: Get To Know The Difference Between MBA vs MIM
Deciding Between An MBA Vs MS
We understand that deciding on a professional path can be tough at times. Choosing between an MBA and a Master’s degree is also a difficult decision. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Aspirants considering pursuing a master’s degree should examine the following aspects while deciding between an MBA and an MS degree:
Return On Investment
MBA and MS degrees both pave the way to higher compensation, better career possibilities, and the possibility to relocate. If you are presently employed, you should think about the opportunity cost of pursuing either option. The opportunity cost accounts for missed income as well as the cost of returning to school. MBA programmes have been shown to yield a significant return on investment 2-5 years after graduation.
Career Goals
Which is better: MS or MBA? A master’s degree in business administration provides students with a strong foundation in business and management fundamentals. Most MBA programmes allow you to focus on a certain industry or function, such as finance, operations, or human resources. If you have the patience to gain relevant employment experience in your field of interest and build a profile worthy of admission to a top business school, an MBA is a way to go. An MS, on the other hand, is ideal if you wish to study more technical skills in a sector before entering the market.
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1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further