An MBA is a master of business administration. It's a graduate degree in business that's general in nature, so it can be applied across a range of industries, such as products and services, finance and accounting, technology, and leadership roles in other industries. An MBA helps you learn managerial, technical, and leadership skills. Completing an MBA can take one to two years if you attend classes full time, but you have the option of spreading your studies out over several years if needed to accommodate balance in your work-home-school life.

How do I know if getting an MBA is right for me?

Earning an MBA might be right for you if you're hoping to transition to a managerial role within your current field or earn a higher salary. An MBA degree is very useful if you want to advance in your career, transition to a new career, or start your own business. It can help you qualify for a senior, executive, or C-level position in particular. If you're an engineer and want to advance into the management aspect of your career, earning an MBA is especially advantageous since curricula for engineering degrees do not typically cover entrepreneurial and management skills.

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to earn an MBA?

To be accepted into an MBA program, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree. Generally, this can be from any field. You may also be required to have maintained an above-average grade point average at the bachelor's level, such as a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, for example. Many MBA programs will want you to explain how earning an MBA degree will help you achieve your future career plans. To further demonstrate your commitment to the program, you may be asked to provide professional letters of recommendation from colleagues and supervisors who can attest to your management or leadership abilities. MBA students also usually need work experience that includes managerial responsibilities before starting to earn an MBA.

How can online courses help me earn an MBA?

Through flexible scheduling, online courses can help you meet the requirements of earning an MBA that will help you learn how to apply both creative and abstract approaches to leadership. Online courses can help you learn core business concepts, such as finance, accounting, marketing, and economic statistics and operations. You'll also have the opportunity to learn concepts of teamwork, accountability, and ethics as well. MBA programs also ask you to choose specializations that you want to concentrate on. These can be pursued through online courses in topics like digital marketing, value chain management, financial management, global challenges in business, innovation, and more.

What jobs can I get with an MBA degree?

Some of the jobs that require an MBA degree and have the highest job security, according to US News and World Report are marketing manager, medical and health services manager, financial manager, database administrator, and business operations manager. Some of the most in-demand jobs for MBA graduates, according to the AIMS Institute are financial advisor, management analyst, investment banker, information technology manager, marketing manager, HR manager, and business consultant.

Best MBA Courses & Certificates [2025]

Find the best MBA course for your goals

Status: Preview
University of Glasgow
MBA Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Business Administration, Leadership Studies, Supply Chain, Marketing Strategies, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Financial Data, Innovation, Corporate Sustainability, Accounting, Business Modeling, Change Management, Business Economics, Project Management, Business Strategies, Global Marketing, B2B Sales
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
222 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Emory University
MBE Mastering Business Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Return On Investment, Business Strategy, Cash Flows, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Financial Analysis, Income Statement, Corporate Finance, Balance Sheet, Corporate Strategy, Six Sigma Methodology, Business Valuation, Organizational Strategy, Gross Profit, Marketing Strategies, Market Dynamics, Marketing Communications, Target Market, Lean Six Sigma
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
IIMA - IIM Ahmedabad
Pre-MBA Statistics
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Probability, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Statistics, Data Literacy, Statistical Visualization, Probability Distribution, Statistical Methods, Statistical Inference, Estimation, Descriptive Statistics, Sample Size Determination, Data Analysis, Data Science
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
291 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IESE Business School
Foundations of Management
Skills you'll gain: Value Propositions, Financial Statements, Marketing, Financial Statement Analysis, Branding, Leadership Development, Business Analytics, Marketing Strategies, Income Statement, Business Analysis, Strategic Marketing, Intercultural Competence, Financial Analysis, Accounting, Conflict Management, Financial Management, Financial Acumen, Financial Data, Leadership, Finance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Emory University
Math for MBA and GMAT Prep
Skills you'll gain: Regression Analysis, Data Visualization, Business Mathematics, Descriptive Statistics, Microsoft Excel, Statistics, Business Analytics, Excel Formulas, Statistical Analysis, Algebra, Calculus, Arithmetic, Business
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
48 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management, Empathy, Leadership Development, Personal Development, Leadership, Self-Awareness, Professional Development, Adaptability, Relationship Building, Team Management, Self-Discipline, Communication, Active Listening, Stress Management, Decision Making, Mindfulness
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
142 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Free Trial
Illinois Tech
Marketing Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Global Marketing, Brand Management, Marketing, Strategic Marketing, Branding, Customer Relationship Management, Marketing Strategy and Techniques, Digital Marketing, Marketing Communications, Marketing Channel, Business Ethics, Market Research, Value Propositions, Consumer Behaviour, Corporate Sustainability, Innovation
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
106 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Illinois Institute of Technology
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Skills you'll gain:
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: Free Trial
University of London
International Business Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Business Planning, Sampling (Statistics), Management Training And Development, Descriptive Statistics, Organizational Structure, Change Management, Data Presentation, Professional Networking, Business Mathematics, Verbal Communication Skills, Team Building, Team Management, Business Strategy, Professionalism, Resource Allocation, Competitive Analysis, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Modeling, International Finance
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Universidad de Palermo
Maestría en Dirección de Empresas (MBA)
Skills you'll gain: Performance Measurement, Financial Accounting, Business Planning, Business Modeling, Human Resource Strategy, Data Storytelling, Selling Techniques, Portfolio Management, Strategic Marketing, Business Analytics, Digital Transformation, Corporate Sustainability, Creative Thinking, Entrepreneurial Finance, Marketing Planning, Enterprise Resource Planning, Equities, Branding, Innovation, Teamwork
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: Preview
University of Geneva
International Organizations Management
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Leadership and Management, Strategic Partnership, Marketing, Fundraising, Leadership, Governance, Public Policies, Business, Organizational Strategy, Organizational Structure, Diplomacy, World History
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Career Success
Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Goal Setting, Negotiation, Business Planning, Project Controls, Feasibility Studies, Leadership and Management, Entrepreneurship, Team Leadership, Business Correspondence, Creative Problem-Solving, Scheduling, Problem Solving, Project Planning, Concision, Smart Goals, Financial Analysis, Project Management, Communication Strategies, Communication
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
45K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months