Business: More than an MBA (but also an MBA)

Develop a Competitive Edge in the Market with a Graduate Business Degree from UC Online

We’re sure that the MBA is the first degree that comes to mind when you think of graduate business school — after all, it’s consistently one of the most popular online degrees. But did you know there are several other types of master’s specializations that provide the knowledge and skills employers are seeking, and that translate across many roles and industries?

When it comes to your future, choosing the right degree concentration is vital. Pursuing a specialization provides both a solid business foundation and a career-focused curriculum within a specific discipline, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning, grow your experience, and combine your passions in a variety of trades. So, whether you’re passionate about sports, healthcare, technology, or something else altogether, we at the University of Cincinnati Online can help you discover your ideal career path in the business world and make it a reality. Plus, our subject matter lends itself to online learning so you can tailor your education around existing work and family commitments, and progress at your own pace.

Is a Business Degree Worth It?

No matter the career path or industry, there is a business component to everything we do — which is why earning a graduate business degree is an excellent investment if you’re looking to enhance your knowledge, build your network, and stand out to employers.

—Brianna B., recent online MBA graduate

Better yet, by earning your master’s in business you’ll not only develop a competitive edge in the market and garner a strong professional network — you’ll also position yourself to negotiate a higher salary. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median weekly salary for people with a master’s degree is $1,497 ($77,844 a year), compared to those with a bachelor’s degree of $1,248 ($64,896).

What are the Different Master’s Degrees in Business?

With so many master’s programs available, including generalist and specialized degrees, it can be difficult to identify which area of business is best for you. While both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (MS) in business offer a comprehensive business education, there is a distinct difference between them:

• The MBA prepares you for management, focusing on broad-level business leadership and managerial skills.
• The MS in business prepares you to be an expert in a specific field, offering a depth of knowledge in one chosen area of business.

Before you choose a program to apply to,  it’s best to reflect on your career aspirations and factor in the industry you’re considering — take time to investigate positions within that industry, consider the requirements listed in job postings, and research the credentials of individuals who hold positions which you aspire to take on. At UC Online, we offer the following flexible degrees so you can create the academic path that suits your lifestyle and career goals:

• Master of Business Administration: This program blends academic, research-intensive learning with real-world experiences to give you the core skills you need to tackle today’s business challenges. Many of our graduates are working as marketing managers, business operations managers, financial analysts, budget analysts, and information systems managers.
• Master of Science in Business Analytics: Ranked the #1 MS data science school in the country by Predictive Analytics Today, this program provides expertise in descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. Many of our graduates are working as data scientists, business analysts, optimization analysts, market research analysts, and consultants.
• Master of Science in Finance: This program blends theoretical and applied knowledge, enabling you to grasp theory and develop the skills to apply financial concepts in real-world situations. Many of our graduates have found positions in investment banking, corporate finance, wealth management, financial risk management, and portfolio management.
• Master of Science in Marketing: With an innovative and specialized academic curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, you’ll undergo experience-based learning to acquire practical, hands-on knowledge that will further — or establish — your career in the marketing profession. Many of our graduates have taken on positions in companies such as Procter and Gamble, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Accenture, Johnson & Johnson, and GE Healthcare.
• Master of Science in Taxation: This program prepares you for a career as a professional tax adviser, equipping you with a comprehensive and specialized understanding of the complexities of tax law that are applicable to any size firm. Many of our graduates are working as financial planning consultants, financial advisers, IRS revenue agents, tax consultants, and senior auditors.
• Dual Degrees: We also offer several dual degree options where you can gain both breadth (MBA) and depth (specialized master’s) of business acumen, setting yourself apart in the job market with double the knowledge in as few as two years.

“My main motivation … was to facilitate a career change. The Lindner College of Business is unique in that it is the only UC college with a dedicated Career Services Center of its own, which was an excellent resource for me as a student and continues to be as an alumnus.””

—Emily S., recent online MBA graduate

Why Should I Choose UC Online?

For over 100 years, our students and graduates have achieved success in business and service; our academic programs have earned national acclaim; and our faculty and subject matter experts have sparked innovation and insights through cutting-edge research. U.S. News and World Report ranks our online business programs the highest in Ohio and among the highest ranked in the United States — and, in 2021, our specialized master’s programs were ranked #21 in the nation.

But rankings are only part of the story. In 1906 we invented cooperative education and, today, our commitment to “learning by doing” has never been stronger. Paid, professional work experiences allow you to practice theories learned in the classroom so you’ll graduate with not just a degree, but experience to form an impactful resumé.

Take the Next Step in Your Business Career Journey

At the University of Cincinnati Online, our programs deliver on what you want and expect from an online master’s — a quality business education delivered in the modality that lets you live your life. Designed to allow you to continue working full-time while taking advantage of one of the best educations in the country, we’ll prepare you to address business challenges and lead with confidence, whether you specialize your degree in a specific field or expand your capabilities with a degree in business management.

Either way, your journey to becoming an inclusive leader awaits. So – are you ready to take the first step? Explore our online programs to discover how you can achieve your goals with a business degree from the University of Cincinnati Online; or take the leap in advancing your career by beginning your application today.