Gain the skills and knowledge you need to move up the corporate ladder or make a career change with a Master of Business Administration degree from Fitchburg State.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is now a standard requirement for many leadership positions in business, from front-line managers to executives in the C-suite. Having an MBA can help you move up in your current industry, change careers, or even start your own company. MBA graduates also tend to see a significant return on their investment, in the form of higher salary and a wider field of job opportunities.
Earning your MBA, however, can be a challenge—especially when you work full time.
At Fitchburg State University, it’s possible to complete a master’s in business without disrupting your life. You can choose from multiple 100% online MBA programs, all designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Fitchburg State’s accelerated online courses also give you the freedom to study at your own pace and finish faster than you might in a traditional on-campus MBA program.
MBAs remain in high demand across the globe and continue to see excellent job growth in a variety of industries. According to the most recent Corporate Recruiters Survey released by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), MBA graduates are in high demand.
MBA graduates are in demand. 93% of the Fortune Global 500 and 91% of all public companies plan to hire MBA talent in the year ahead.
— Graduate Management Admissions Council
National employment data from Burning Glass Technologies indicates that two of the top states for MBA recruiting – New York and Massachusetts – are in New England. Project management is the most sought-after MBA skill among that region's employers, and Certified Public Accountant is the credential most frequently requested.
MBAs impact every area of business, but you'll find more of them working in some fields than others. Here are the top industries seeking MBA graduates, according to GMAC.
Source: Business School Hiring Report, Graduate Management Admissions Council
Figures represent employment opportunities in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island.
Source: Burning Glass Technologies, 2019
Yes, many MBA graduates see a welcome increase in their earning capacity post-MBA. Business school news site Poets & Quants notes that in certain industries, the MBA salary bump can be huge. Some physicians, for example, can actually double their salary with an MBA, by moving into executive positions with hospitals or healthcare systems, or starting a new medical business. P&Q also reports that consultants and investment managers are likely to see a nice pay increase after earning their degree, as are professionals in private equity, marketing and HR.
More than half of all companies responding to GMAC's Corporate Recruiter's Survey plan to increase their MBA starting salaries in the year ahead. In fact, the median base salary for new MBA graduates is approaching a record-breaking high of $115,000.
Glassdoor recruiting data from New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts (2019) provides a snapshot of some typical MBA occupations, and what you might earn in different New England cities.
| Position | Average Base Salary | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Boston | Manchester | |
| Finance Director | $146,266 | $138,712 | $121,571 |
| Controller | $126,485 | $121,017 | $97,224 |
| Sales Director | $125,703 | $125,382 | $106,964 |
| Human Resources Director | $122,052 | $118,094 | $99,692 |
| Audit Manager | $110,905 | $106,458 | $90,728 |
| Health IT Project Manager | $110,813 | $105,627 | $94,245 |
| Product Marketing Manager | $108,148 | $101,674 | $95,857 |
| Strategy Consultant | $108,108 | $108,165 | $94,429 |
| Regional Manager | $99,702 | $91,687 | $86,110 |
| Accounting Manager | $99,510 | $94,105 | $79,107 |
| Senior Financial Analyst | $94,493 | $82,120 | $78,385 |
| Senior Business Analyst | $94,209 | $90,464 | $80,287 |
| Logistics Operations Manager | $85,767 | $83,766 | $80,230 |
| Project Manager | $81,910 | $78,161 | $68,223 |
| Healthcare Analyst | $76,920 | $74,036 | $70,999 |
Remember that base salary is just part of what you can earn with an MBA. Many positions that require a master's degree also come with additional financial perks, such as profit-sharing and bonuses that can raise your total annual compensation.
Here are some of the top jobs for MBA graduates in the New England region, and their expected growth rate through 2028:
| Occupation Group | Growth Projected Through 2028 | 25th Percentile Salary | Average Salary | 75th Percentile Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Specialists | 18.8% | $80,606 | $96,978 | $103,548 |
| Financial Managers | 18.6% | $95,127 | $98,930 | $107,396 |
| Business Analysis | 14.4% | $77,148 | $90,906 | $97,866 |
| Data Analysis and Mathematics | 14% | $89,792 | $103,952 | $116,145 |
| Human Resources | 11.4% | $62,136 | $74,289 | $89,627 |
| General Managers | 10.4% | $97,422 | $120,787 | $131,602 |
Source: Burning Glass Technologies, 2019
If you're ready for the next step up in your business career, an online MBA from Fitchburg State University can help you get ahead faster, and without breaking the bank.
Get started on the online program that’s right for you.
