MBA programs offer specializations to students so that they can choose their area of concentration. There is a wide range of specializations from which a student can choose their elective. These specializations offered as part of the MBA programs can also be referred to as majors. During the first year, students complete the core curriculum common for all and can pick a specialization in the second year. In some colleges, students can pick their specialization at the start of the MBA program itself.
Specializations in MBA program
A specialization area covers advanced topics in specialized areas of business like accounting or finance. They allow the students to cultivate advanced knowledge and skills in a particular field of business administration, operations, and management. Examples of MBA specializations are:
- Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
- Operations & Logistics
- Communication
- Cybersecurity
- Organizational Behavior & Leadership
- Real Estate
- Data Analytics
- Digital Media
- Entrepreneurship
- Forensic Accounting & Business Fraud
- Health Systems Management
- Hospitality Management
- Operations Research
- Product Management
- Risk Management
- Sports Management
- Sustainability & Environmental Compliance
- Taxation
Dual specialization
Most colleges today also offer a dual specialization to students in the MBA program. The specialization offered to students is not an additional degree but it helps them get specialized knowledge in two areas during the two-year post-graduate program.
The specializations offered in the MBA program indicate a certain number of courses that cover advanced topics in a particular area related to business studies. In an MBA program, students can choose from the elective courses offered by the college, after completing the core curriculum. With dual specialization, the student can select more than one area of specialization.
Dual specialization in MBA colleges has designated dual specialization areas and/or recommends particular pairings. For example, a dual specialization in product management and marketing teaches the students about two complementary areas of business administration. Another dual specialization in accounting and finance links two related areas of asset management and money. A specialization in hospitality management or health systems will be a good combination with communications, finance, cybersecurity, or marketing.
The admissions requirements for students who want to pursue a dual specialization in MBA colleges are the same as those required for a single specialization course. The additional work required is to be done by the student who needs to cover the coursework for two specializations.
Dual specialization in MBA colleges benefits the professionals in getting an extra edge in the highly competitive job market of today. They gain more skills and expertise which helps them build a successful and high-paid career.
Some dual specializations in MBA colleges commonly offered are:
- Accounting and Finance
- Accounting and Taxation
- Analytics and Marketing
- Analytic and Finance
- Analytics and Accounting
- Cybersecurity and Logistics
- HRM and Organizational Leadership
- Marketing and Finance
- Marketing and Operations Management
- Operations and HRM
- Marketing and HRM