What is an MBA?
The Master of Business Administration or MBA in USA is the world’s most popular and prestigious postgraduate management program. Thousands of professionals from many fields apply for MBA in USA in many different specialisations each year.
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To get into an international MBA program, an applicant must take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and be accepted by the program based on the selection criteria.
As a generalist degree, the MBA gives fundamental management knowledge across business areas such as finance, marketing, and accounting and develops vital leadership skills. Having an MBA helps you stand out before employers.
Famous Indian-origin CEOs with MBAs include Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Sundar Pichai (Google) and Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), among several others. Executives with an MBA degree have a far better chance of rising to leadership roles such as CEO, CFO or COO.
According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which owns GMAT, prospective MBA students’ top motivations include better salaries, promotion to senior positions, managing people, and working internationally.
These are just some of the many reasons to get an MBA degree. The MBA is the right course if you’re looking for a promotion, starting your own business, advancing in or switching industries and careers.
The MBA curriculum includes Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Marketing Management, Microeconomics, Statistics and Management Communications courses.
Why Study MBA in USA?
The USA has some of the top-ranked MBA programs in the world offered by prestigious schools such as Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton, among others. These programs consistently rank among the top MBA programs globally.
Top Universities: Most business schools in the USA are considered the best in the world based on their employability, return on investment and alumni outcomes by ranking organisations such as QS and Financial Times (FT). An MBA from any of the top institutions in the USA will help you reap lifelong benefits.
Top MBA Programs in the USA
| School | QS Ranking | FT Ranking |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 1 | 6 |
| Harvard Business School | 2 | 3 |
| Penn (Wharton) | 3 | 1 |
| MIT (Sloan) | 6 | 11 |
| Columbia Business School | 8 | 2 |
Learnings: While many business schools in Asia and Europe offer affordable, one-year MBAs, most students prefer to opt for the two-year full-time MBA programs, which are prevalent in universities in the USA. The two-year MBA allows you to learn core papers such as management, strategy and finance in the first year and specialise in electives in the second year.
Job Opportunities: An MBA in the USA will help you launch your career with top multinational corporations, and your earning potential will be huge. You will be able to build an enviable network that will help you throughout your career.
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MBA in USA: Careers and Salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in management occupations is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
An MBA graduate may choose from many roles and careers, including Business Analyst, Product Manager, Investment Manager, Marketing Manager or Human Resources Manager. Let’s take a closer look at management professionals’ salaries in the USA:
| Occupation* | Median salaries* (USD) |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $133,380 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,350 |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
MBA vs Master’s in Management: Which is better?
The MBA and Master’s in Management are postgraduate degrees in business and management that professionals pursue to advance their careers. An MBA program focuses on broader business leadership and managerial skills, while a master’s in management focuses on specific management areas, such as finance or marketing. The MBA is a globally recognised management degree. In contrast, the Master’s in Management program is still primarily a European phenomenon, although it is now becoming popular worldwide. Let’s take a look at some of the main features of the two programs:
| MBA | Master’s in Management | |
| Focus | Advanced business knowledge | Foundational business knowledge |
| Experience | For those with several years of business experience | Suitable for those with a bachelor’s degree or with a few years of professional experience |
| Duration | 2 years | 1-year |
| Average Salary | $115,000* | $55,000* |
| Job profile | Mid/High-level management | Entry-level management |
| Core areas | Leadership and management, managerial economics, business analysis, value chain management, financial management | Marketing, strategic business management, leadership, process management, global business, communicating with data, and finance |
| Tuition cost | High | Moderate |
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MBA in USA: Admissions
Most universities in the USA require the applicant to have at least 16 years of education. Students must have completed an undergraduate degree after high school (10+2). Students who already have a master’s degree are also eligible to apply for MBA programs in the USA. The basic requirements for application are:
- Four-year bachelor’s degree
- GMAT score above 600
- IELTS/TOEFL score
- Work experience as required
MBA intakes are divided into Fall, Spring and Summer in the USA. The application process is quite rigorous, and it is advised to start preparation at least a year before the deadline. The general documents required for application are:
- Academic transcripts, including certificates and mark sheets from high school and college (bachelor’s).
- GMAT test score
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) test score
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- A valid passport and other national identification proofs
- Visa
- Proof of funding
- An updated resume with proof of work experience
- Photographs
Universities may ask for additional documents or proofs during the application process or before admission. The average cost of studying MBA in the USA is $50,000-60,000 per year. The tuition fees for some of the top-ranked MBA schools in the USA range between $70,000-90,000 per year.
Also read: Dates of IELTS Exam 2023: Check IELTS Test Dates & Locations in India!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need GMAT or GRE to study MBA in USA?
The GMAT is specifically designed for business school aspirants, and it has traditionally taken precedence over GRE, which can help students get admittance to graduate programs across all subjects. For MBA programs, the GMAT score is preferred by almost all business schools in the USA.
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Are there scholarships for MBA in USA?
Many scholarships are available for international students studying MBA in the USA. Some of them are Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, Harvard Business School Scholarships, and McKinsey Award, among many others. Most of these scholarships are merit-based and are awarded to the brightest students.
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What is an ideal GMAT score to get an MBA scholarship in the USA?
A GMAT score of 600 or above is recommended to get a scholarship for any of the prestigious MBA programs in the USA.
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Is it worth doing an MBA in USA for Indian students?
An MBA from a university in USA is a much sought-after management degree by Indian students. The career and earnings opportunities are the main reasons why many aspirants choose universities in USA for MBA. There are many MBA programs in USA which are top ranked courses globally.
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Which are the best MBA programs in USA?
Some of the best MBA programs in USA are offered by Stanford Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School, Penn (Wharton), MIT Sloan and Columbia Business School.
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Is it better to do MBA in USA or India?
Studying MBA in USA will give you an experience like no other. The world’s top companies line up to hire talent from MBA schools in USA at high salaries. An MBA in USA could give you high ROI and help in building a valuable professional network. The ROI from an MBA in India is better only if you manage to get a seat in the IIMs or the few good private colleges, which is difficult due to the CAT cutoffs.
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What are the different specialisations in MBA programs in USA?
There are many specialisations on offer in MBA schools in USA, such as finance, marketing, human resources and entrepreneurship.
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Is the MBA in USA classified as a STEM degree?
No, the MBA degree is generally not classified as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree in the USA. STEM degrees typically focus on disciplines such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, and natural sciences. An MBA degree, on the other hand, is considered a professional degree that emphasizes business administration and management skills. It typically covers areas like finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and leadership. While an MBA can involve quantitative analysis and some courses may touch on topics related to technology or data analysis, the degree as a whole is not primarily focused on STEM subjects.
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