The Importance of a Business Degree in Today’s Job Market

Earning Credentials that Hold Their Value

Considering an MBA, but wondering if a business degree is “worth it” in terms of  commitment and money? If you’re a working professional looking to advance your career, an MBA could be the missing link you need to increase your job prospects, advancement opportunities, and income.

Often seen as a transformative experience, the flexibility of the MBA can be applied to nearly every industry, allowing you to transition between roles and business functions throughout your career. And while it provides both immediate and lifetime value unmatched by lower-level credentials — with an average starting salary of $105,684, according to U.S. News & World Report — it also offers you the chance to improve your soft skills, the personal attributes that affect workplace relationships, communication, and, ultimately, your professional development.

What is an MBA?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate-level business degree with a focus on leadership and managerial skills. By blending research-intensive learning with real-world experiences, it provides both foundational and specialized learning to prepare graduates for today’s complex business challenges.

What is the ROI of an MBA?

While countless factors can influence the ROI of a business degree, one thing is constant: the demand for MBA talent remains high amongst organizations in the US. According to a 2021 Statista report, 97 percent of surveyed companies hired MBA graduates, up from 80 percent in 2020 and 50 percent in 2009. This growing demand leads to a high ROI through not only increased job offers, but also an accelerated career trajectory, heightened earning potential, and strong personal and professional connections.

University of Cincinnati’s MBA Program

Consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the country for its value, UC’s MBA program, provided by the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, prepares its graduates to be problem solvers in the real world of business. How? By utilizing experience-based learning to impart the strategic leadership skills, decision-making skills, and core skills necessary to succeed in:

• accounting
• economics
• finance
• operations management
• business analytics
• information technology
• and marketing.

Led by the same award-winning faculty as on-site programs, it can be completed in as little as 12 months, with the option to take in-person courses at UC’s Uptown Campus. Plus, with no GMAT required to apply, taking the first step in advancing your career is easier than ever before.

“As a recent graduate of UC’s Lindner College of Business online MBA program, I can attest to the value of the program. The pace can be intense at times, but the structure allows for logical progression. The curriculum is rich and useful; the professors are first-rate.”
— Jim T.

“I’m really happy with my choice to pursue my MBA at UC Online. 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.

So — is an MBA worth it?

While this is a personal decision, the time has never been better for MBA holders in the workplace. Graduates are in high demand, and businesses are eager to hire individuals with the foundational and specialized skills gained in these programs. So, whether you dream of leading a Fortune 500 company or turning your own business into one, the online MBA from the Lindner College of Business can help you open doors you may not have previously considered.

Ready to learn more? Explore our online business programs or take the first step in advancing your career by beginning your application today.