It is important to understand and be confident in your decision to opt for an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management program rather than a general MBA. Various factors may — and should — enter into your decision-making process, such as whether to generalize or specialize and whether to enroll in an on-campus program or a more flexible program like the one offered fully online by Fitchburg State University. You may even want to speak with MBA in Management graduates. Be sure to consider the following criteria when considering what type of MBA will be most valuable to you:
- Schooling background
- Career goals
- Curriculum
- Type of program, convenience and duration
- Return on your financial and time investment
- Market demand
- The types of jobs you seek
To Generalize or Specialize: That Is the First MBA Question
Preparation holds the key to success in life in general, especially in business. In the work world, people with different backgrounds, work styles and personalities come together to contribute to a common purpose and shared goals. It is the manager’s responsibility to clearly define goals and inspire employees to get on the same page and work toward desired outcomes.
At the MBA in Management level, you learn to guide and improve the health of a company itself while also providing value to your employees as they work to fulfill organizational goals.
The online MBA in Management from Fitchburg State University offers insight into project and people management, even more so than a general MBA. You will still take the same core courses required in a general MBA to build a broad understanding of important business functions, but the MBA in Management takes you further for that extra edge and expertise in the area of managing people and projects.
Seeking Job Opportunities
Many seek an MBA in Management for the job opportunities associated with this degree, the knowledge gained and the boost in career and salary. Below are some management jobs that Fitchburg State’s MBA in Management prepares you to excel at:
- Medical and health services manager
- Business operations manager
- Sales manager
- Marketing manager
- Management analyst
- Logistics manager
- Project manager
Studies in an MBA in Management help you gain decision-making skills that employers seek — skills that can make you more useful, marketable, productive and valuable to many organizations. An MBA in Management from Fitchburg State University prepares you to address key topics that often arise in advanced managerial positions.
Address Specific Management Topics
Studies in Fitchburg State’s MBA in Management cover key topics to help you develop in-demand managerial skills and knowledge. Beyond core MBA studies in areas like organizational behavior, marketing management and managerial accounting, the specialized management program includes the following concentration courses:
- Leadership and Culture. In this interactive course, you will learn about theories and methodologies for leading diverse groups. Course studies focus on the intersection of business leadership practices and cultural challenges, emphasizing how to confront and deconstruct personal biases. You’ll also explore critical leadership topics like conflict resolution, communication, teamwork and management styles.
- Management Theory and Process. This course involves the study of management theory as an evolving body of knowledge influencing managerial practices. Management theories are examined to identify and understand each theory’s assumptions and applications. The course focuses on theory in context of the different environments in which firms operate. In today’s highly competitive and rapidly changing business world, it’s important to understand current trends and how to adapt — and if it makes sense to do so or to follow a different direction.
- Selected Topics in Management. This course explores specific trends, current research and contemporary opportunities and challenges in management. With other students, you’ll research, discuss and present reports on problems in management. Even though the course and entire program are online, you can still collaborate with classmates and professors using modern learning management systems.
You will likely manage remote employees in the real world, especially given the post-pandemic shift toward hybrid workplaces. If so, your coursework and management skills may prove to be even more important and useful.
Why Choose an Online MBA in Management?
Earning the online MBA in Management from Fitchburg State University makes great sense for working professionals. While it is the same degree earned on campus, you can take advantage of the convenient, flexible and accelerated online format.
According to alumna Erin LaPrad, who balanced a job, a family and a musician’s life while in the program, “Going for an MBA — particularly in management — not only creates more opportunity for me in my career, but it gives me those transferable skills that can be applicable anywhere in life … Flexibility in the program was key,” she said. “Being an adult with a full-time job and a family with competing responsibilities and demands for time, I was looking for an online program … it was a no-brainer when I found Fitchburg State. It has that mix of flexibility, quality and affordability along with the reputation of the university. It was a high-value option.”
Learn more about the Fitchburg State online MBA in Management program.
