Top 14 MBA Specializations in Demand for 2023

MBA Courses and Specialization

Here is a list of the top MBA courses and their career progression.

• MBA in Digital Marketing
• MBA in Business Analytics
• MBA in Data Analytics
• MBA in Entrepreneurship
• MBA in Finance
• MBA in Strategy
• MBA in International Business
• MBA in Human Resource Management
• MBA in Risk Management
• MBA in Operations

Also Read: Top MBA Career Paths and Job Opportunities

1. MBA in Digital Marketing

As we continue with the growth of digital media, more and more traditional methods of marketing will move to online and digital platforms. From big companies like Apple and Nike to the general stores near your area, everyone uses digital platforms in one way or the other. This has caused a rise in the demand for digital marketing professionals, which will continue to grow at a rapid pace. An MBA specialization in Digital Marketing will help you cover the more in-depth branches of digital marketing such as content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and so on. You’ll also learn a range of skills that can be applied across marketing and sales roles at B2C and B2B companies.

Who Should Opt for an MBA Digital Marketing Course?

If you have an interest in the in-depth branches of digital marketing, such as content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and so on, you must choose this MBA specialization. You will be able to learn a range of skills that can be applied across marketing and sales roles at B2C and B2B companies.

Top MBA Colleges

• IIM Ahmedabad, India
• IIM Calcutta, India
• IMT Ghaziabad, India
• Indira Gandhi National Open University, India
• Annamalai University, India
• Sikkim Manipal University, India
• Adamas University, India 

Profiles and Roles Offered

• Product management
• Industrial marketing management
• Sales management
• Marketing research
• Head of digital marketing
• Media planner

Top Recruiters

• Accenture
• Google
• Cognizant Technology Solutions
• Tata Consultancy
• Amazon
• IBM
• Infosys

2. MBA in Business Analytics

As the demand for big data professionals continues to grow, the importance of MBA specializations in Business Analytics has begun to rise. Business analysts provide data-driven recommendations to help to bridge the gap between information technology and business.

Who Should Opt for an MBA Business Analytics Course?

This requires a deep understanding of business coupled with a strong understanding of data, statistics, and computer science. So, those with strong analytical skills, command of statistical techniques and information system software and a keen interest in augmenting their understanding of this upcoming management field must opt for this program.

Top MBA Colleges

Most top business schools offer an MBA in Business Analytics either as a part of their full-time program or as a specialized management program. Some of the top MBA colleges offering exclusive PGDM/MBA in Business Analytics are as follows:

• University of Dayton, USA
• IIM Bangalore, India
• IIM Calcutta, India
• Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, India
• LBSIM Delhi, India

Profiles and Roles Offered

High placement opportunities are available for students pursuing MBA in Business Analytics. They are open to a broad range of lucrative entry-level and leadership positions, including

• Business Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Personal Financial Advisor
• Operations Analyst
• Supply Chain Analyst
• Management Consultant

Top Recruiters

• Accenture
• Global Analytics
• Crayon data
• Fractal Analytics
• Mu Sigma
• AbsoluteData
• LatentView
• Gramener  

3. MBA in Data Analytics

Data analytics is all about using data to find solutions and predict outcomes for business problems. This includes using machine learning algorithms to text, images, video, audio (basically, data in any format) and draw various conclusions from them. The basic difference between business analytics and data analytics is that data scientists perform more robust analytics with data, whereas business analysts are more involved in addressing business needs and recommending solutions. An MBA specialization in data analytics will help you learn all about data infrastructure, testing, machine learning, and decision-making. 

Who Should Opt for an MBA Data Analytics Course?

A candidate with a basic understanding of data infrastructure, machine learning, testing, and decision-making can choose this MBA specialization. You will require a technical bent of mind and knowledge of SQL and data visualization.

Top MBA colleges

Some of the best colleges across the world and in India are as follows:

• IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany
• Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom (Online Masters) 
• Utica College, USA
• University of Maryland Baltimore, USA
• IIM Calcutta, India
• Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, India
• IIM Bangalore, India
• IIT Kharagpur, India
• IIT Dhanbad, India

Profiles and Roles Offered

• Data Scientist
• Data Deployment Strategist
• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Data Architect
• Data Developer

Top Recruiters

• Wipro Technologies
• Deloitte
• HCL Technologies
• Mahindra Satyam
• Dell
• PayPal
• Infosys

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4. MBA in Entrepreneurship

The demand for specialists in managerial and leadership roles who can effectively manage an organization continues to grow. 

Who Should Opt for an MBA Entrepreneurship Program?

Whether you are focused on starting your own company in the future or looking to bag a leadership role in an organization, an MBA specialization in Entrepreneurship is the perfect fit for you. This program focuses on equipping students with innovative thinking and essential strategies to achieve them.

Top MBA Colleges 

• Westminster Business School, London, United Kingdom
• Durham University Business School, Durham, United Kingdom
• Imperial College Business School, London, United Kingdom
• Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, India

Profiles and Roles Offered

Apart from being a business owner, candidates can target a range of industries, including banking, IT, advertising, and automobile, amongst others, for positions like:

• Business Reporters
• New Venture Developers
• Business Consultants

Top Recruiters

You can land remunerative packages at:

• Wipro
• Reckitt Benckiser
• Dell
• TCS
• Infosys
• Reliance
• Heidelberg Cement

5. MBA in Finance

An MBA in finance is one of the most popular MBA specializations as it has immense growth prospects. No company can grow without proper accounting and control. Hence, professionals skilled in financial management are required to plan and control the financial resources of any organization. 

Who Should Opt for an MBA Finance Course?

If you have completed your graduation in Commerce, Humanities, or Science, or have done CA/CS/ICWA/Engineering and wish to make finance management your career, you can opt for MBA in Finance. The course has no age bar but demands a quick understanding of numbers.    

Top MBA Colleges

• Xavier School Of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur
• Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow
• MIT School Of Management, Pune
• IIM Calcutta
• IIM Ahmedabad
• Entrepreneurship Development Institute Of India, Gandhinagar

Profiles and Roles Offered

After completing an MBA in Finance, you can also opt for various jobs in banks, financial institutions, investment banking, merchant banking, corporate finance, international finance, and so on. Some of the popular job profiles offered to MBA Finance pass outs are as follows:

• Financial Analyst
• Finance Manager
• Senior Business Analyst
• Senior Finance Analyst 
• Credit Risk Manager
• Portfolio Manager
• Treasury Manager
• Assistant Vice President – Finance/Corporate Banking

Top Recruiters

• KPMG
• Deloitte
• Boston Consulting
• ICICI
• Goldman Sachs
• Morgan Stanley
• CRISIL
• JP Morgan
• Barclays
• McKinsey
• Merril Lynch

6. MBA in Strategy

An MBA specialization in Strategy is a popular choice because this is a highly transferable skill relevant to almost every sector. This means that it will give you a greater competitive advantage within the jobs market.

Who Should Opt for an MBA Strategy Course?

Since strategy focuses on what is popular at the moment and taking advantage of it, this MBA specialization is practical for those working in evolving professions such as marketing or HR.

Top MBA Colleges

• Hitotsubashi University Business School, Tokyo, Japan
• IIM Calcutta, India
• IIM Kozhikode, India
• Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Profiles and Roles Offered

• Chief operating officer (COO) 
• Strategy Consultant
• Director of Strategy
• Strategy Manager
• Innovation Consultant
• Innovation Director
• Managing Business Consultant

Top Recruiters

• IBM
• Deloitte
• Amazon
• Microsoft 
• Intel 
• AT&T Inc

Also Read: How to Select an MBA Stream That Is Right for You?

7. MBA in International Business

Most businesses work with clients across the world. Hence, there is a high demand for professionals who know how legislation works in different countries and how cultural differences can impact a business. 

Who Should Opt for an MBA International Business Course?

An MBA specialization in International Business is a popular choice for students who are interested in working globally. This program will help you develop a global outlook towards trade, become more open to other cultures, and hone your communication skills. 

Top MBA Colleges

• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi/Kolkata
• MDI Gurgaon
• IIM Calcutta
• IIM Lucknow
• Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), Pune
• K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai

Profiles and Roles Offered

As more companies continue to grow their businesses abroad, this MBA specialization has gained popularity in the last few years. You can land the following job opportunities:

• Manager International Business
• Manager International Operations
• Manager Export
• Manager International Finance
• Manager Imports
• Manager Logistics

Top Recruiters

National and International recruiters seek candidates with an MBA degree in International Business, including

• Amazon
• Britannia
• Citibank
• Godrej
• Goldman Sachs
• HP
• ICICI
• Royal Enfield
• Wipro Technologies 

8. MBA in Human Resource Management

One of the most important processes of an organization is hiring new employees and training them for the maximum benefit of the business. An MBA specialization in Human Resource Management trains students on how to manage the workforce, compensation strategies, performance assessment, and lots more. 

Who Should Opt for an MBA Human Resources Course?

If you are someone with strong organizational skills and an interest in the most sensitive ‘human’ side of an organization, then an MBA in HRM is an ideal choice for you. It develops in you the critical skills, knowledge and sensitivity for managing core business and human resource-related challenges efficiently and effectively. 

Top MBA Colleges

• XLRI Jamshedpur
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai
• IIM Indore
• MDI Gurgaon
• NMIMS Mumbai
• IMI New Delhi
• XAHR-Xavier University, Bhubaneswar
• IIM Ranchi
• IIM Tiruchirappalli

Profiles and Roles Offered

• Director-HR 
• Team Leader
• Assistant HR Manager
• Regional HR Manager

Top Recruiters

The demand for professionals in human resources has gained more importance as people started working from home, and newer strategies were required to handle employees. The top recruiters are:

• Aditya Birla Group
• Reliance
• L&T
• Accenture
• Wipro
• KPMG
• Infosys
• ICICI 

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9. MBA in Risk Management

Every organization is prone to organizational risks due to unstable markets, liability issues, cybercrimes, etc. Especially in this data-driven world where everything is going online, there is a huge need for professionals skilled to handle such problems. 

Who Should Opt for an MBA Risk Management Course?

With outstanding observational skills, problem-solving, and strategic planning, you can easily excel in the management sector once you pursue an MBA in Risk Management. An MBA specialization in Risk Management enables students to identify potential risks that can affect the operations and value propositions of any organization and implement strategies to mitigate those risks. 

Top MBA Colleges

Some of the best colleges you can aim for in India and abroad are:

• Banaras Hindu University, India
• MIT School of Technology Management, India
• Terry College of Business At University of Georgia, Athens
• Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Profiles and Roles Offered

• Risk Management Consultant
• Risk Manager
• Senior Risk Manager
• Strategy Manager

Top Recruiters

• Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)
• HDFC Life
• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
• Kotak Mahindra
• Microsoft
• Deloitte
• Cisco
• Dell

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10. MBA in Operations

Operations is one of the core pillars of a business. An MBA specialization in Operations is ideal for candidates who want to run a business efficiently and effectively. You will learn about different strategies to manage and organize companies so that they reach their maximum output. The typical curriculum in this specialization includes business forecasting, operational and supply chain management, project administration, and managerial economics.

Who Should Opt for an MBA Operations Course?

An individual with analytical and organizational skills can opt for this MBA specialization. It is one of the top MBA courses that produce professionals who form the backbone of the company’s day-to-day operations. They help in delivering quality products/services on schedule and at the right cost. 

Top MBA Colleges

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan School of Management)
• The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (Ross School of Business)
• Stanford University – Stanford Graduate School of Business
• Purdue University – West Lafayette (Krannert School of Management)
• Ohio State University (Fisher College of Business)
• NMIMS, Mumbai, India
• IIM Calcutta, India
• IIM Lucknow, India

Profiles and Roles Offered

• Purchasing manager
• Operations consultant
• Warehouse operations manager
• Inventory coordinator
• Logistics/supply chain manager
• Sales or marketing operations manager

Top Recruiters

Major industries hiring MBA professionals for operations roles include non-profit/government (26%), product and services (29%), and healthcare (30%). Some top companies for MBA professionals with this specialization are:

• Amazon 
• HSBC
• JP Morgan Chase
• Accenture
• Nissan Motor Company
• McKinsey & Company
• L&T
• Wipro

Also Read: What Is Operations Management?

11. MBA in Rural Management 

Rural management contributes to over 50% of India’s finance, marketing, and human resources management. The MBA in Rural Management applies the management theories and practices with their modified process meant for rural areas that can be converted into high potential markets in future.

Who Should Opt for an MBA in Rural Management?

If you have an interest in learning and managing the rural markets that are predominantly dominated by agriculture and allied products using locally available raw materials, you should go for MBA-RM.

Profiles and Roles Offered

MBA in Rural Management comes with a track record of 100% placement owing to the increasing demand for rural managers. The most reputable job profiles are as follows:

• Research Officer
• Business Development Executive
• Consultant 
• Project Coordinator
• Rural Development Officer
• National Sales Development Manager

Top Recruiters

An increasing number of multinationals are attracted to skilled professionals with an MBA in Rural Management. Some top Recruiters include:

• Godrej Agrovet
• Ninjacart
• Cloudtail
• IBM
• ICICI
• TATA
• Nokia
• Amazon
• Microsoft

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12. MBA in Agri-Business 

Recently MBA courses by IIMs have included a full-time MBA in Agri-Business. A career in Agri-Business opens doors to a plethora of industries, including farming, retail marketing, real estate, and food processing. Agribusiness covers a significant number of careers worldwide. 

Who Should Opt for an MBA Agri Business Course?

MBA Agri Business is best suited for candidates with agriculture, food engineering/technology, agri engineering, graduate in agriculture science, or biotechnology background. Also, those with an interest in agriculture and allied business activity can pursue this MBA specialization course with high growth prospects. 

Top MBA Colleges

• IIM Ahmedabad
• IIM Lucknow 
• MANAGE Hyderabad 

Profiles and Roles Offered

You stand a strong chance of qualifying for interviews in the Agri Input Industry, Fertilizer and Agrochemicals industry, Farm Machinery and Equipment, as well as retail, financial, and banking sectors. The roles offered can be:

• Agri Officer
• Tactical Administration and Operation Manager
• Agri-Business Manager
• Team Lead

Top Recruiters

• Adani
• Reliance
• Tata
• Godrej
• EY
• KPMG
• Tolaram
• Cloudtail 

13. MBA in Family Business 

In rapidly advancing business economies and environments, the new generation of business owners can tackle the uncertainty and volatility of the business world effectively. This MBA specialization. It offers the opportunity to the students to strengthen their family business. They can also venture into entrepreneurship with innovative ideas.

Who Should Opt for the MBA Family Business Course?

The next generation of family business owners who wish to modernize their family business to make it successful and growth-oriented should opt for this program. Also, those who wish to boost their entrepreneurship ventures can enroll in an MBA family business.  

Top MBA Colleges

• IIM Bangalore
• SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
• Nirma University
• NMIMS Mumbai
• EDII  

Profiles and Roles Offered

• Business Managers
• New Venture Developers
• Business Consultants
• Business Owners

Top Recruiters

• KPMG
• Deloitte
• ICICI bank
• IndusInd Bank
• ZOHO
• AT Kearney
• Ernest & Young

14. MBA in Healthcare Management 

It is a popular course focusing on the most relevant issues of preventive healthcare, pharma management, treatment and hospital administration. It also covers the health insurance niche and provides brighter career prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds this career to grow by 32% between 2020 and 2030.

Who Should Opt for the MBA Health Management Course?

If you are an organized, strategic thinker and natural leader, earning an MBA in healthcare management could be one of the best options. The degree explores crucial aspects, including business ethics, accounting, law, leadership, marketing, and budgeting, via the lens of healthcare.  

Top MBA Colleges

• GIM Goa
• KJ Somaiya Mumbai
• NMIMS Mumbai
• Welingkar Mumbai 

Profiles and Roles Offered

• Medical Health Services Manager
• Nursing Home Administrator
• Healthcare Consultant
• Administrative Services Manager
• Healthcare Administrator

Top Recruiters

• Fortis
• Government of India
• Max
• WHO
• Omega Healthcare Management
• IMS Health
• Health Trail Portal

Check out the video below that will help you explore various career opportunities after MBA will acquaint you with knowledge of top-paying jobs in a few MBA specializations.

How to Make the Right Choice?

There is an MBA specialization for nearly every field of industry out there. This makes it an overwhelming decision to choose one out of many. Each one has its own benefits, but you need to choose one based on your interest and skills, as well as the career prospects for the future. While traditional two-year MBA courses are very popular, short-term PGDM courses have gained a lot of popularity because you gain more exposure to real-life business situations. Simplilearn’s Post Graduate Diploma in Management by JAGSOM, one of the top B-schools in India, will help you create a strong business foundation before diving deep into the specialization of your choice from Digital Marketing, Operations, Business Analysis, and Data Analytics. Get started with this program today and become a business leader for tomorrow.

FAQs

1. Which Specialization of MBA is best?

7 best MBA specializations that offer lucrative careers are – 

1. MBA Accounting 
2. MBA Finance 
3. MBA in Healthcare Management 
4. Global MBA 
5. MBA in Analytics 
6. MBA in Marketing 
7. MBA in Brand Management 

2. Which is the best MBA to become a CEO? 

Becoming a CEO and MBA is not related. But if we compare the skills required to become a CEO to an MBA degree, then MBA in Finance, MBA in Marketing, and MBA in General Management are the best fit. One also needs sound knowledge of the niche they are into, so an MBA in that particular field can also help them become a CEO. For example, if someone has pursued an MBA in Healthcare Management, they would naturally do better in a pharmaceutical business.

3. Can I get a job right after completing my MBA? 

Yes, getting a good job increases if you pursue an MBA from a recognized university. If you are a working professional and pursue MBA along with your job, the chances of your promotion increase. 

4. Is there a difference between online and offline MBA?

Online MBA is preferred by working professionals who do not have the time to attend classes during the day. There is no major difference in the syllabus of online and offline MBA. 

5. Which MBA specialization is trending these days? 

Several new MBA specializations are recently incorporated into the business schools due to their high demand and requirement, such as – 

1. MBA in Digital Marketing 
2. MBA in Luxury Brand Management 
3. MBA in Logistics 
4. MBA in Supply Chain Management 
5. MBA in Financial Management 
6. MBA in Construction Management 
7. MBA in Artificial Intelligence

6. What is MBA?

MBA is a postgraduate degree in business and management. It is 1 to 2 years long in duration. A wide range of MBA specializations is available for you to choose the one that matches your career aspirations. 

7. What is the Difference Between MBA and PGDM?

MBA is a postgraduate degree, whereas PGDM is a diploma course. 

8. Which MBA Course is the Best?

In today’s times, MBA HRM, MBA Accounts, MBA Digital Marketing, MBA Logistics, MBA Finance, MBA Data Science, and MBA Business Analytics are popular among students. 

9. What is the Eligibility Criteria for an MBA?

It would be best if you had a graduate apply for MBA courses. It is expected to have atleast 60% in your graduation degree. MBA colleges provide admissions based on management entrance exam scores like GMAT, CAT, XAT,etc. Some MBA colleges also ask for work experience. 

10. How Can I get Admission to an MBA Course?

You must register at your desired MBA college and apply for the relevant MBA entrance exam like CAT/XAT/IIFT/NMAT/SNAP within the specified registration window. 

11. Do I Need to Appear for the Entrance Exam for MBA Admission?

Yes, you need to take an MBA entrance exam like GMAT, CAT, IIFT, NMAT. SNAP, etc., to get into an MBA college. 

12. What is the Duration of an MBA Course?

MBA courses usually vary from 12-24 months in duration. UK universities offer 1 year MBA, whereas Indian colleges have a 2-year-old MBA.

13. Can I Pursue an MBA through Correspondence?

Yes, you can pursue MBA through distance learning and online mode. Simplilearn and IU Germany offer an excellent Global MBA program you can complete from home comfort. Explore course details here. 

14. Will I get a Good Placement After Completing the MBA course?

Yes, you can get a good placement after completing an MBA course. The placement amount differs from university to university.