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Can I Get an MBA Without a Business Degree?

Can I Get an MBA Without a Business Degree

We’ll get straight to the point – you don’t need to have a business degree to earn your MBA, so there is no reason to hold back on pursuing this goal. Whether you have a degree in Music, Medicine, Law, Psychology, Political Science, Engineering or any Liberal Arts discipline, a Master of Business Administration degree can help you achieve your career goals.

In fact, many business schools look favorably upon non-business-degree students because it increases the diversity of the classroom discussions.

However, many students who are interested in pursuing an MBA without a business degree have concerns regarding their preparation and ability to exceed. In this article, we address some of the most common concerns among applicants, and we provide some advice for overcoming these so-called obstacles.

What skills do I need to succeed?

Other than your commitment to succeed, there are few prerequisites for a Master of Business Administration. Many programs require two or more years of work experience and some basic knowledge of accounting, statistics and finance.

If you weren’t blessed with a natural aptitude for math, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many programs offer MBA prep courses designed for students with little or no exposure to statistics, accounting or finance. In addition, accepted students can often satisfy prerequisites by completing an undergraduate course – online or in the classroom – with at least a B grade. There is no shortage of ways to shake off the cobwebs and prepare for the start of your MBA.

Some programs accept students right out of college and credit them towards the work requirement if they’ve completed a co-op or internship as an undergraduate. There are even programs designed specifically for new college graduates without work experience.

Get in touch with an admissions officer to find out how your skills match up with the demands of the program. An MBA Adviser can tell you the likelihood of needing to complete pre-MBA prep courses and provide you more details to help you make your decision.

Will I be out of place as a non-business major?

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, Master of Business Administration programs have more diverse student populations than any other graduate program. This makes sense given the wide range of business disciplines and subspecialties that span the world of for-profit and nonprofit businesses.

In fact, more than half of all the accepted MBA students don’t have an undergraduate business degree. Some of them majored in scientific or technical subjects, such as engineering, while others hold liberal arts degrees. The common thread that makes them viable candidates is a passion for business and a willingness to commit to a period of rigorous study. Rarely does someone enter an MBA program with the skillset to excel in every area; a technical degree provides its holders with a foundation in calculus and statistics, whereas a liberal arts major might have greater insight into domestic and global cultural issues, which is vital to companies operating in a global economy.

Pursuing an MBA without an undergraduate business degree is not unusual. You won’t be out of place if you come from a non-business background. In fact, you’re likely to find that many of your classmates are starting from the same place.

Will I be disadvantaged if I don’t have a business degree?

No. But finding the right program is key. Programs that emphasize leadership, critical thinking and ethics tend to appeal more to non-business majors. In those programs it is not uncommon for an accounting major to seek out the liberal arts major when being assigned to a team project. On the other hand, the accounting major can return the favor in the Managerial Accounting class.

Over the course of the entire program, non-business majors add just as much to the classroom experience as business majors; they bring a unique perspective and tend to look at problems from a different vantage point.

By choosing a school that has a diverse student body, you benefit from the experiences of your classmates. The best way to tell if the program is right for you is to experience a classroom discussion first-hand. Many programs allow applicants to attend class as a guest. See if you can identify the English or Finance majors while attending a class visit.

What are the benefits of an MBA?

You may be wondering, “Do I really need an MBA?” While some people do succeed in business without an advanced degree, the statistics show a clear advantage to having an MBA.

According to the latest Graduate Admissions Council survey, applications to MBA programs grew at 57% of the schools worldwide offering full-time, two-year programs – and for good reason.

Having an MBA can help you land a better job or promotion, or equip you with the skills you need to be successful throughout your career or to start your own company.

Conclusion

Don’t let a non-business undergraduate degree discourage you from applying to an MBA program. Preparatory modules will quickly bring you up to speed with your business major classmates, while your own background will enrich the learning experience for everyone.

The MBA Program at Ramapo College

If you’re looking for an MBA program that welcomes non-business graduates and could help to advance your career, the MBA program at Ramapo College could be the right choice for you. Experienced faculty members guide a diversified cohort of working professionals, who are looking to make a difference. The program offers individualized career coaching to ensure you go on to achieve your goals. It is a 20-month accelerated program that requires you to commit two evenings per week on the New Jersey campus, coupled with some online coursework. In less than two years, you could be graduating with your MBA, opening up great opportunities for your future career.

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Categories: MBA