Compare pathways to your MBA
While finishing a formal MBA program can boost your business career, it isn't the only way to progress in the field. Explore alternative MBA pathways and find the right program for you.
MBA certificates vs. MBA degrees: Find out which is right for you
MBA certificates
Advantages
- A master of business administration (MBA) certificate program can be a quick, cost-effective way to gain fundamental knowledge and build targeted business skills. These programs usually require 1-2 semesters of full-time schooling, or less than half the time it takes to earn a typical full-time MBA degree.
- Given their compressed structure, MBA certificate programs cost much less than most MBA degree programs.
- You can pursue pre-degree MBA certificates, which focus on fundamentals, and post-degree certificates that further develop desirable skills.
Considerations
- MBA certificates do not cover graduate business coursework in the same depth or detail.
- Employers do not generally consider certificates equivalent to a full degree.
- MBA certificates have variable value, which generally depends on the provider's reputation. Earning a certificate from a little-known school or unaccredited provider may not deliver the returns you would otherwise expect.
MBA certificates
Advantages
- A master of business administration (MBA) certificate program can be a quick, cost-effective way to gain fundamental knowledge and build targeted business skills. These programs usually require 1-2 semesters of full-time schooling, or less than half the time it takes to earn a typical full-time MBA degree.
- Given their compressed structure, MBA certificate programs cost much less than most MBA degree programs.
- You can pursue pre-degree MBA certificates, which focus on fundamentals, and post-degree certificates that further develop desirable skills.
Considerations
- MBA certificates do not cover graduate business coursework in the same depth or detail.
- Employers do not generally consider certificates equivalent to a full degree.
- MBA certificates have variable value, which generally depends on the provider's reputation. Earning a certificate from a little-known school or unaccredited provider may not deliver the returns you would otherwise expect.
Find your pathway to an MBA
Certificates
Business certificate programs offered through edX partner providers typically cover about six courses. You can graduate in as few as 10 months with academic credentials that you can later apply toward a full MBA degree.
Executive education
Management-focused executive education programs explore targeted topics with immediate practical applications, leading to non-academic awards in as few as 6-8 weeks.
Degree programs
Regularly paced MBA programs typically require about four semesters of full-time study, but experienced professionals can qualify for accelerated and executive MBA programs with graduation timelines ranging from 1-2 years.
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Certificates
Related Topics
Online MBA program curriculum
An MBA is an all-encompassing degree program designed to prepare learners for the rigors of running a business. Courses in your online MBA are designed to help you develop business management skills, such as:
- Financial accounting
- Managerial accounting
- Marketing
- Supply chain management
- Operations management
These courses may also focus on soft skills that can be equally crucial to a business manager's success, such as leadership and communication. Business courses can help students learn from real-world success stories and failures while allowing them to test their own business concepts.
MBA program curricula will vary based on the focus of the degree and professors' expertise. Some commonly covered topics include:
- Marketing management
- Business analytics
- Financial accounting
- Organizational behavior
- Business law
- Supply chain management
- Business ethics
- Human resource management
Jobs that use MBAs
Below, find jobs that you can pursue after earning an MBA, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Computer and information systems managers
Computer and information systems managers, also known as information technology (IT) managers, supervise an organization's tech needs. They install hardware and software, conduct maintenance, and implement cybersecurity measures.
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field; some employers may prefer an advanced degree
- Certification or licensure requirements: Employers may prefer certification
- Median annual earnings (2024): $171,200
- Job Outlook (2024-34): +15%
Computer and information systems managers
Computer and information systems managers, also known as information technology (IT) managers, supervise an organization's tech needs. They install hardware and software, conduct maintenance, and implement cybersecurity measures.
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field; some employers may prefer an advanced degree
- Certification or licensure requirements: Employers may prefer certification
- Median annual earnings (2024): $171,200
- Job Outlook (2024-34): +15%
Your next steps on edX
MBA certificates and degrees can both unlock opportunities and open doors to meaningful career advancement. You can get started on edX today:
- Build foundations with essential pre-MBA courses.
- Explore MBA and business certificates.
- Enroll in an online MBA degree program.