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A bachelor’s degree in business may help you get your foot in the door, but a graduate degree like an MBA in Professional Studies can help you go even further.
When you decide to enroll in one of these graduate programs, you have the right to select a concentration that applies to your career and helps you meet the goals you have in place for your future. A professional studies program is one that colleges design specifically for students who are already working in the business industry.
How the Program Works
If you have a full-time job, you might think twice about going back to school because you know that your schedule doesn’t leave you a lot of time to do homework or attend classes. A professional studies program is one designed and built for students just like you who have less free time than they would like. Some colleges offer programs that meet at night and on weekends. Instead of taking a shorter class a few times a week, you might spend three hours in a classroom on a Wednesday night or on a Saturday afternoon. A growing number of professional MBA programs are now available online too.
Benefits of Professional Programs
The biggest benefit of one of these professional programs is that you can base your work for school around your work schedule. You might do homework and assignments on your lunch break, before the kids get up for school in the morning or even right before going to bed at night. Many corporations and employers offer tuition assistance for employees going back to school too. Your employer may pay for a portion of your costs or for your entire tuition. These programs also help you learn specialized skills that apply directly to your current job and the job you want to have.
Concentration Options
When you decide to earn an MBA in Professional Studies, you need to decide on the concentration you want to select once you enroll. Some colleges offer a more general program that does not let you specialize your degree but will give you a good overview of many business topics. A marketing concentration is best for those who want to work in advertising and dictate the direction that a company takes when advertising to customers. Other concentrations that may interest you include international business, economics, finance, human resources management and technology management.
Salary Range for MBA Holders
Earning an MBA may lead to better job offers from future employers and a higher salary from your current employer. The amount you can expect to make often depends on the field you study and the concentration you choose. Jen Hubley Luckwaldt found that those who earned the highest salaries were those who chose a concentration in finance. These professionals earn more than $120,000 a year. The author found that other concentrations that came with a high rate of pay include international business, marketing, information systems and technology management.
While some students enroll in business school the year after leaving college, others like the idea of taking some time away from school to further their careers. If you have one or more years of experience in the business field, you might consider enrolling in an MBA in Professional Studies program that offers flexible classes for professional students.
