Best MBA Specialisations For 2023: Top Universities & High-paying Jobs

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the top choices for Indian students who want to pursue a master’s abroad. In 2022, approximately 2 Lakh Indian students travelled overseas to get a specialised MBA degree. An MBA degree broadens your horizons and can help you land a high-paying job in countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia etc. 

Before you start your MBA journey abroad, it is important to figure out your best MBA specialisations and finalise a specialisation that would suit your interests and career aspirations. There are numerous types of MBA specialisations that you can pick from, like Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics, Healthcare, Marketing, Human Resources and more. After finalising a specialisation, the next step is finding a good college.

How to choose the best MBA Specialisations?

Pursuing an MBA abroad can help boost your career if you select the best MBA specialisation for your course. There are a few things to keep in mind before shortlisting and finalising the best MBA specialisations.

1. Analyse your Skills & Interests

MBA will decide your future career. It will have a life-long impact on your work; hence it is important to pick a specialisation that matches your interests. While choosing your MBA specialisation, a self-analysis of your skills and strengths is essential. Before you shortlist and finalise your specialisation, think if the specific field quips your interest and aligns with your future goals. Combine it with your interests and long-term professional aspirations for a complete picture. It will be much easier to choose a specialisation once you clearly know what you want in life and what you hope to achieve with an MBA.

2. Career Prospects

Before finalising the best MBA specialisations and universities, ensure you know about the placement prospects, salary range etc. Salary must not be your only criterion, but you should try to find a balance. Many respectable business schools frequently collaborate with top industry giants (IBM, TCS, Mahindra, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Barclays, and so on), ensuring placement in top-tier corporations in the country.

3. Shortlist Colleges with Expert Guidance

It is important to select the right MBA college along with the best MBA specialisation. The university’s ranking should be the first and primary factor for the chosen MBA programme. Although numerous universities provide MBA programmes, choosing one that is both well-established and reputable is critical. You must research and find the best college for your choice of specialisation. A few factors to consider are the faculty, partner companies, placement prospects etc.

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4. Focus on the Subjects in the chosen Specialisation

Before deciding on a specialisation, conduct a thorough examination of its curriculum. It will help you select the most suited specialisation and develop the necessary skills. Each MBA program has advantages, so choose the best MBA specialisation based on your talents and interests. Remember that any course you choose will require much hard work to excel and be a great business leader.

10 Best MBA Specialisations to Study Abroad in 2023 

An MBA will open doors to a world of opportunity and propel your career to new heights. If you choose the best MBA specialisation early on, you will not only obtain a competitive advantage but also gain more benefits in the future. Let’s look at the best MBA specialisations in 2023 that can help you land your dream job.

Also Read: MBA In Canada: Total Cost Of Study

MBA in Business Analytics

If data interests you and you are looking for rapid career progression, then Business Analytics is the best MBA specialisation. It is a two-year degree course focusing on business, analytical reporting, planning and strategy. 

The probable job roles are: Advanced analytics consultant, Business analyst, Business intelligence analyst, Data Analyst, Compliance analyst, Data scientist, and Marketing analyst.

Average Salary: $79,000- $148,000 per annum

Top Colleges for MBA in Business Analytics in the USA, Canada and the UK are:

USA	1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) 2. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) 3. Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller) 4. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) 5. New York University (Stern) 6. University of California, Berkeley (Haas) 7. University of Texas–Austin (McCombs) 8. University of Chicago (Booth) 9. Santa Clara University (Leavey) 10. Duke University (Fuqua)
Canada	1. McGill University 2. McMaster University 3. University of Calgary 4. Queen’s University 5. Laval University 6. York University 7. Carleton University 8. Brock University 9. University of Fredericton 10. Toronto Rotman School of Management
UK	1. University Of Oxford, Oxford 2. University Of Cambridge, Cambridge 3. Imperial College London, London 4. University College London, London 5. Amity University [In], London 6. London School Of Economics And Political Science, London 7. University Of Edinburgh, Edinburgh 8. King’s College London, London 9. The University Of Manchester, Manchester 10. University Of Warwick, Coventry

MBA in Finance

If matters of money pique your interest, then Finance is the best MBA specialisation for you. It is an always-booming field that offers great job opportunities and immense career growth in sectors like taxation, international finance, wealth management and more. This full-time course will teach you about financial management, control, investment, and more.

The probable job roles are: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Tax Planning.

Average Salary: up to $101,000 per annum

Top Colleges for MBA in Finance in the USA, Canada and the UK are:

USA	1. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) 2. University of Chicago (Booth) 3. New York University (Stern) 4. Columbia University 5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) 6. Stanford University 7. Harvard University 8. University of California, Berkeley (Haas) 9. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (Ross) 10. University of California–Los Angeles (Anderson)
Canada	1. University Of Toronto, Toronto 2. The University Of British Columbia, Vancouver 3. Mcgill University, Montreal 4. Mcmaster University, Hamilton 5. University Of Montreal, Montreal 6. University Of Alberta, Edmonton 7. University Of Ottawa, Ottawa 8. University Of Calgary, Calgary 9. University Of Waterloo, Waterloo 10. Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
UK	1. University Of Edinburgh, Edinburgh 2. University Of Nottingham, Nottingham 3. Bangor University, Bangor 4. Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh 5. Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham 6. Coventry University, Coventry 7. University Of Bedfordshire, Luton 8. Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield 9. Edge Hill University, Ormskirk 10. Edinburgh Business School, Edinburgh

MBA in Information Technology

Information Systems + Business makes MBA in Information Technology popular among students. It weaves together the concepts of information management and security with business. With ever-growing dependence on data, this field promises a bright future, excellent job prospects, making it one of the best MBA specialisations in 2023.

The probable job roles are: Information Systems Security Manager, Program Manager, and IT Manager.

Average Salary: $65,113 – $112k per annum

Top Colleges for MBA in Information Technology in the USA, Canada and the UK are:

USA	1. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (Sloan) 2. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) 3. University Of Arizona (Eller) 4. Georgia Institute Of Technology (Scheller) 5. New York University (Stern) 6. University Of Texas–Austin (Mccombs) 7. University Of Minnesota–Twin Cities (Carlson) 8. University Of Maryland–College Park (Smith) 9. Indiana University (Kelley) 10. University Of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
Canada	1. University Of Toronto, Toronto 2. The University Of British Columbia, Vancouver 3. Mcgill University, Montreal 4. Western University, London 5. Queen’s University, Kingston 6. Laval University, Quebec City 7. University Of Victoria, Victoria 8. University Of Lethbridge, Lethbridge 9. Stephen J.R. Smith School Of Business, Kingston 10. Sauder School Of Business, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
UK	1. University College London, London 2. University Of Edinburgh, Edinburgh 3. University Of Warwick, Coventry 4. University Of Sheffield, Sheffield 5. Queen Mary, University Of London, London 6. University Of Southampton, Southampton 7. University Of Leeds, Leeds 8. Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne 9. University Of Sussex, Brighton 10. University Of Aberdeen, Aberdeen

MBA in Economics

An MBA in Business Economics will help you develop your economic concepts, which will help you land high-paying jobs in sectors like banking, management, and economic and development planning. Thus, it is one of the best MBA specialisations for students looking for expansion in the above sectors.

The probable job roles are: Corporate Manager, Pricing Analyst, Market Research Consultant, and Economic Forecaster.

Average Salary: up to $95,370 per annum

Top Colleges for MBA in Economics in the USA, Canada and the UK are:

USA	1. Harvard University 2. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology 3. Stanford University 4. University Of California Berkeley 5. University Of Chicago 6. University Of Pennsylvania 7. Columbia University 8. New York University 9. Northwestern University 10. University Of Michigan
Canada	1. University Of Toronto 2. University Of British Columbia 3. Universite De Montreal 4. Western University (University Of Western Ontario) 5. University Of Alberta 6. York University – Canada 7. Mcgill University 8. Simon Fraser University 9. University Of Waterloo 10. University Of Calgary
UK	1. University Of Oxford, Oxford 2. University Of Cambridge, Cambridge 3. Imperial College London, London 4. University College London, London 5. London School Of Economics And Political Science, London 6. University Of Edinburgh, Edinburgh 7. King’s College London, London 8. The University Of Manchester, Manchester 9. University Of Warwick, Coventry 10. University Of Glasgow, Glasgow

MBA in Marketing

MBA in Marketing focuses on the strategic and tactical aspects of a business. It covers topics such as consumer behaviour, brand management, and digital marketing. It prepares you for leadership roles in marketing and brand management in various industries, making it one of the best MBA specialisations to pursue.

The probable job roles are: Marketing Manager, Product Manager, and Brand Manager.

Average Salary: $100,000 or more per annum, depending on your performance

Top Colleges for MBA in Marketing in the USA, Canada and the UK are:

USA	1. Harvard Business School, Harvard University 2. Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University 3. Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania 4. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University 5. MIT Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 6. Columbia Business School, Columbia University 7. Booth School of Business, University of Chicago 8. Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College 9. Fuqua School of Business, Duke University 10. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
Canada	1. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto 2. Schulich School of Business, York University 3. Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia 4. HEC Montreal 5. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University 6. Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta 7. Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa 8. Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University 9. Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University 10. Ivey Business School, Western University
UK	1. Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London 2. Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge 3. London Business School 4. Oxford Saïd Business School, University of Oxford 5. Warwick Business School, University of Warwick 6. University College London (UCL) 7. Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester 8. Durham University Business School 9. Bristol Business School, University of Bristol 10. Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds

MBA in International Business

MBA in International Business focuses on the management and business aspects of global companies. It is one of the best MBA specialisations covering cross-cultural management, international trade, and global strategy topics. It is designed to prepare you for management roles in multinational corporations.

The probable job roles are: International Business Development Manager, Global Marketing Manager, International Sales Manager, and International Financial Manager.

Average Salary: $98,000 per annum

Top Colleges for MBA in International Business in the USA, Canada and the UK are:

USA	1. Harvard Business School, Harvard University 2. Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University 3. Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania 4. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University 5. MIT Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 6. Columbia Business School, Columbia University 7. Booth School of Business, University of Chicago 8. Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College 9. Fuqua School of Business, Duke University 10. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
Canada	1. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto 2. Schulich School of Business, York University 3. Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia 4. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University 5. Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta 6. HEC Montreal 7. Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University 8. Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa 9. Ivey Business School, Western University 10. Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
UK	1. Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London 2. Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge 3. London Business School 4. Oxford Saïd Business School, University of Oxford 5. Warwick Business School, University of Warwick 6. Manchester Business School, University of Manchester 7. University College London (UCL) 8. Durham University Business School 9. Bristol Business School, University of Bristol 10. Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds

MBA in Data Analytics

If data and statistical analysis interests you and you like business, then Data Analytics is the best MBA specialisation for you. It is designed to prepare you for data-driven decision-making roles, such as data analysts and business intelligence managers. It covers topics such as data mining, machine learning, and data visualisation.

The probable job roles are: Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Manager, Data Science Manager, and Operations Research Analyst.

Average Salary: up to $80,000 per annum

Top Colleges for MBA in Data Analytics in the USA, Canada and the UK are:

USA	1. Harvard Business School, Harvard University 2. Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University 3. Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania 4. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University 5. MIT Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 6. Columbia Business School, Columbia University 7. Booth School of Business, University of Chicago 8. Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College 9. Fuqua School of Business, Duke University 10. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
Canada	1. York University, Schulich School of Business 2. University of British Columbia, Sauder School of Business 3. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University 4. University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business 5. HEC Montreal 6. University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management 7. Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University 8. Ivey Business School, Western University 9. Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
UK	1. Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London 2. Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge 3. London Business School 4. Oxford Saïd Business School, University of Oxford 5. Warwick Business School, University of Warwick 6. Manchester Business School, University of Manchester 7. University College London (UCL) 8. Durham University Business School 9. Bristol Business School, University of Bristol 10. Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds

MBA in Digital Marketing

It’s the era of digitisation, Digital Marketing is a booming field with immense possibilities and one of the best MBA specialisations to pursue. If you pick the right university, the career prospects are enormous. If you have a creative side but also love business, an MBA in marketing is the best specialisation for you.

The probable job roles are: Marketing Analyst, Marketing Manager, Content Head, and Campaign Operations Manager.

Average Salary: up to  $107,015 per annum

Top Colleges for MBA in Digital Marketing in the USA, Canada and the UK are:

USA	1. Northwestern University (Kellogg) 2. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) 3. Stanford University 4. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (Ross) 5. Duke University (Fuqua) 6. Harvard University 7. Columbia University 8. University of Chicago (Booth) 9. University of Texas–Austin (McCombs) 10. New York University (Stern)
Canada	1. University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management 2. York University, Schulich School of Business 3. University of British Columbia, Sauder School of Business 4. HEC Montreal 5. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University 6. University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business 7. University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management 8. Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University 9. Ryerson University, Ted Rogers School of Management 10. Ivey Business School, Western University
UK	1. Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London 2. Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge 3. London Business School 4. Oxford Saïd Business School, University of Oxford 5. Warwick Business School, University of Warwick 6. Manchester Business School, University of Manchester 7. University College London (UCL) 8. Durham University Business School 9. Bristol Business School, University of Bristol 10. Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds

MBA in Human Resource

If management and administration are your strong suit, then an MBA in human resources is your best MBA specialisation. It covers topics such as recruitment, employee development, and labour relations. It is designed to prepare you for leadership roles in human resources management in various industries.

The probable job roles are: Talent Management Manager, Human Resource Manager, and Organizational Development Manager.

Average Salary: up to $69,000 per annum

Top Colleges for MBA in Human Resource in the USA, Canada and the UK are:

USA	1. Harvard Business School, Harvard University 2. Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University 3. Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania 4. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University 5. MIT Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 6. Columbia Business School, Columbia University 7. Booth School of Business, University of Chicago 8. Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College 9. Fuqua School of Business, Duke University 10. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
Canada	1. University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management 2. York University, Schulich School of Business 3. University of British Columbia, Sauder School of Business 4. HEC Montreal 5. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University 6. University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business 7. Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University 8. University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management 9. Ivey Business School, Western University 10. Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
UK	1. Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London 2. Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge 3. London Business School 4. Oxford Saïd Business School, University of Oxford 5. Warwick Business School, University of Warwick 6. Manchester Business School, University of Manchester 7. University College London (UCL) 8. Durham University Business School 9. Bristol Business School, University of Bristol 10. Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds

MBA in Entrepreneurship

If you dream of starting your business, then an MBA in entrepreneurship is your best MBA specialisation. It imparts the skills and knowledge required to start and grow a business. It covers topics such as business planning, marketing, and financial management. 

The probable job roles are: Start your own business or work as a Business Development Manager.

Average Salary: Depends on the success of your business.

Top Colleges for MBA in Entrepreneurship in the USA, Canada and the UK are:

USA	1. Harvard Business School, Harvard University 2. Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University 3. Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania 4. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University 5. MIT Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 6. Columbia Business School, Columbia University 7. Booth School of Business, University of Chicago 8. Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College 9. Fuqua School of Business, Duke University 10. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
Canada	1. University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management 2. York University, Schulich School of Business 3. University of British Columbia, Sauder School of Business 4. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University 5. University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business 6. HEC Montreal 7. Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University 8. University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management 9. Ivey Business School, Western University 10. Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
UK	1. Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London 2. Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge 3. London Business School 4. Oxford Saïd Business School, University of Oxford 5. Warwick Business School, University of Warwick 6. Manchester Business School, University of Manchester 7. University College London (UCL) 8. Durham University Business School 9. Bristol Business School, University of Bristol 10. Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds

Also Read: Best 10 MBA Colleges In USA For Indian Students

Colleges with the Best MBA Specialisations 2023

College	Location	Intakes
Stanford Graduate School of Business	United States	2 intakes (January & September)
Harvard Business School	United States	2 intakes (January & September)
Penn (Wharton)	United States	2 intakes (January & September)
HEC Paris	France	2 intakes (January & September)
London Business School	United Kingdom	2 intakes (January & September)
MIT (Sloan)	United States	2 intakes (January & September)
IE Business School	Spain	2 intakes (January & September)
Columbia Business School	United States	1 intake (August)
INSEAD	Singapore; France	2 intakes (January & August)
IESE Business School	Spain	2 intakes (January & September)

Also Read: UK MBA Fees 2023: Eligibility, Top Colleges & Admission Process

The MBA specialisation you choose can greatly impact your career and earning potential. In 2023, some of the top specialisations with high salaries include finance, data analytics, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. It’s important to research which specialisation aligns well with your interests and career goals, as well as the industries and job roles in high demand. Remember to also look into the top universities that offer the specialisations you are interested in. This will give you a better understanding of the current market trends and help you make the best choice for your future.

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