Whats the difference between an MBA and a masters

Written by: Doug Wintemute, Edited by: Valerie Black

Published: January 28, 2025

An MBA and a master's degree offer many of the same career benefits, but they usually differ in focus. While an MBA focuses on developing business leadership skills, a master's degree, like a master of science (MS), develops specialized and technical skills.

Explore the differences between an MS vs. MBA to figure out which one suits you best.

What is in an MBA program?

MBA programs explore the core pillars of business from a management perspective. You'll study marketing, finance, and human resources and develop the leadership and decision-making skills that contemporary organizations demand.

Most MBA programs feature 30-60 credits and take about two years to complete. Unlike general master's programs, MBAs encourage or even require students to have professional experience to improve classroom discussions and real-world applications.

What jobs can you get with an MBA?

Here are some potential career paths you might pursue with an MBA, along with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Financial manager

Median annual salary (2023): $156,100

Projected job growth (2023–33): +17%

Financial managers oversee the financial operations and health of an organization. They help businesses develop profit-maximizing strategies, adhere to financial laws and regulations, and set and meet financial goals.

Human resources manager

Median annual salary (2023): $136,350

Projected job growth (2023–33): +6%

Human resources managers coordinate an organization's administrative functions, including staffing, payroll, and labor relations. They can also oversee training and development, employment laws and regulations, and compliance.

Management analyst

Median annual salary (2023): $99,410

Projected job growth (2023–33): +11%

Management analysts help organizations improve efficiencies, strategies, and operations. They analyze the organization's existing financial data, processes, and systems to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement and make suggestions based on their findings.

What is a master's degree?

A master's degree is a 1-2 year and 30- to 60-credit graduate degree that follows a bachelor's degree. These programs typically explore more advanced and specialized topics than undergraduate programs. They often include coursework, research, and a thesis or final project. Some disciplines may also require you to complete a practicum.

Available in many subjects, a master's degree can help students acquire a wealth of skills, but many programs focus on developing leadership and problem-solving abilities in graduates. As a result, master's degrees often help graduates advance their careers and boost their earning potential.

What jobs can you get with a master's degree?

Here are some potential career paths you might pursue with an master's degree, along with salary data from the BLS:

Postsecondary education administrator

Median annual salary (2023): $102,610

Projected job growth (2023–33): +3%

Education administrators may handle many tasks depending on the school, including admitting new students, maintaining student records, and managing student events. They may work within a specific department or oversee all school administrative functions.

Nurse practitioner

Median annual salary (2023): $126,260

Projected job growth (2023–33): 46%

Nurse practitioners provide advanced care to patients, including assessing and diagnosing conditions, developing care plans, and analyzing test results and progress. These professionals also consult with other healthcare professionals and provide patient counseling.

Economist

Median annual salary (2023): $115,730

Projected job growth (2023–33): +5%

Economists analyze economic issues and trends to create forecasts and advice for organizations and governments. Their research and reports inform policies and decision-making at various levels.

Which one is right for me - MS vs MBA?

The choice between a master's and MBA depends on your career goals and interests. Both degree types can have many similarities, including program length, cost, and course load.

However, these degrees often appeal to different interests.

Get a master's if …

You want to develop a specialization or pursue certification and/or licensure, particularly in a non-business field.
You want to pursue a doctorate in the future.
You want a more interdisciplinary education.
You want to develop more technical skills.

Get an MBA if …

You want a leadership role in a business-related field.
You want to build on existing business experience.
You want the prestige and recognition that comes with an MBA degree.
You want an interactive program with more networking opportunities.

How much do an MBA and master's degrees cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual graduate tuition for all degree types was $20,513 in 2021-22. While many schools offer affordable options, MBA programs typically have higher tuition rates than other master's programs.

For example, Stanford University charges quarterly tuition of $20,365 for most of its graduate programs and $27,485 for its MBA program. On top of tuition, you also have to consider room and board, student fees, and travel costs.

Regardless of your degree type, consider applying for financial aid. This process starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which could qualify you for federal loans and grants, plus numerous other scholarships.

Frequently asked questions about MS and MBA degrees

Are master's degrees relevant?

Earning a master's degree can be worth it, especially for those pursuing leadership positions. Some fields require master's degrees for licensure or certification.

Does an MBA get you more money?

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, MBA graduates earn an estimated 1.75 more than the average starting salary of bachelor's graduates. They also earn about 1.3 times more than the starting salary for graduates with other master's degrees.

Is a master's degree as good as an MBA?

In business, MBAs are worthwhile because of how much employers value the practical leadership skills they help students develop. However, master's degrees can be just as valuable, especially in specialized and non-business fields.

Is an MBA worth it if I already have a master's?

If you already have a master's in a business-related discipline, earning an MBA may not offer the same return on investment as it would for someone with just a bachelor's degree. However, earning an MBA can still help you transition your career or advance into a leadership position.

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