What can you do with an MBA?

Earning an MBA can open the door to many high-salaried positions in industries like finance, tech, and marketing. The leadership and strategy lessons you can learn in an MBA program can benefit a variety of management roles.

By: Jennifer Cuellar, Edited by: Andrew H. Rice, Ph.D.

Last updated: June 25, 2025

What is an MBA?

An MBA — a master of business administration — focuses on the core principles of business, including operations, analysis, and leadership. These programs often prepare graduates for management roles and can be a helpful step on an executive career path.

MBA programs come in both in-person and online formats, with online MBA programs gaining popularity due to their flexibility. Many of these programs offer part-time, evening, and fully remote options.

What types of jobs can you get with an MBA?

MBA graduates develop strong leadership and organizational skills. Job titles that MBA program graduates can pursue include:

Financial analyst

A financial analyst helps a business make financial decisions based on economic and market trends. On top of market research, they also analyze the company's budget to forecast profits or losses. This type of role may appeal to workers who enjoy analyzing data and recommending strategies.

Operations manager

An operations manager keeps a business running. They oversee the internal production flow by hitting key metrics and maintaining company policies. This role is ideal for people who like juggling multiple responsibilities to get the job done.

Marketing director

A marketing director coordinates a company's marketing efforts — usually by leading a team of creative specialists. The director may oversee a company's social media strategy, press coverage, brand awareness, and sales. This may appeal to professionals who love creativity and communication.

Human resources manager

A human resources manager oversees the people side of a company's operations. Typical duties include recruiting new employees, maintaining a strong company-employee culture, and keeping a pulse on benefits and compensation. This type of role is best suited for organized professionals who can balance company interests with employee needs.

Chief executive officer

The chief executive officer is the head of the company. They shape business goals, lead the overarching company strategy, establish proper teams, and make large-scale financial decisions. This role suits individuals who enjoy growing a business and shouldering major responsibilities.

Salary expectations

MBA graduates who pursue management and executive roles can expect higher-than-average salaries. For instance, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial analysts make a median salary of $99,890 a year. Additionally, operations managers earned $101,280 a year, and human resources managers made more than $136,350 annually.

Career outlook

According to the 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey, MBA graduates were hired at a rate of 91% in 2022. This was higher than candidates with industry experience (88%), a bachelor's degree in business (84%), and a non-MBA master's degree focused on management (78%). Earning an MBA can improve your career outlook.

Is an MBA worth it?

While the value of a degree varies from person to person and depends on your career goals. MBA programs can lead to high-paying positions and high employment rates. Earning this degree can also help you pursue management or executive-level positions. However, given the high cost of these programs, it's often recommended to have some work experience and clear career goals before you apply to an MBA program.

Frequently asked questions about MBAs

Is it worth it to get an MBA?

MBA degrees often prepare professionals for executive and management-level jobs. According to the 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey, MBA graduates earn an estimated median salary of $125,000. However, the return on investment of earning an MBA can also depend on your industry, role, and location.

How long does it take to get an MBA?

It takes about two years to complete an MBA on a full-time schedule. However, it can take three or four years if you enroll as a part-time student. Alternatively, you can look into an accelerated MBA program or a one-year MBA program if you want to complete your degree faster.

What is the difference between an MBA and a master's degree?

Master's degrees can focus on a wide variety of subjects, such as data science, education, and social work. An MBA program focuses solely on business principles, such as strategy and leadership.

Which pays more, a master's or an MBA?

Jobs that require applicants to hold an MBA tend to pay high wages, and MBA graduates tend to make more than those with many other types of master's degrees. The 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey reports the average estimated salary for someone with an MBA as $125,000 in 2023, while the BLS reports the average salary for all master's degree grads is $90,324 in the same year.