When you think about taking the next step in your career, it's almost always going to require some form of additional training or education. Heading back to the classroom — even the virtual classroom — is often one of the best ways to the gain the additional expertise you'll need to advance your career.
But even if you're sold on the idea of moving your professional life forward by going ahead with school, determining the precise degree path you want to pursue can be a bit more difficult. This is particularly true in the business world. Two graduate-level options you commonly see in this realm are a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL).
So, how can you make a decision when weighing MBA versus MAOL for your degree? Join us as we explore each of these paths in greater depth and check out the infographic provided for an overview of what we discuss.
There are many different ways to advance in the business world — some more effective than others. As you map out the next phase of your professional journey, you may be wondering whether earning a master's degree will actually be worth the investment.
The truth is, competition is only increasing for jobs in today's market. The number of people age 25 and older who have earned their graduate degree is also growing. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau reports the share of professionals with advanced degrees has more than doubled since 2000.
It's also true that job openings and salary prospects seem to increase along with educational attainment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupations that typically require a master's degree are projected to continually grow through 2032. One report even shows that master's degree-holders make an average of $15,000 more per year than those with just a bachelor's degree.
When it comes to master's degree options for ambitious professionals, know that different programs align with varying professional goals. We spoke with Dr. Monica Shukla-Belmontes, Associate Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies and Associate Professor of Business Administration at UMass Global, to learn more about the ways MBA and MAOL programs can benefit students like you. She says these degrees are equally appropriate for students who are interested in many industries.
“Both contain rigor and require a depth of understanding of key business theories and how they can be applied to real-world scenarios,” Dr. Shukla-Belmontes explains. “Both challenge students to use critical thinking and innovation skills when considering real business and organizational case studies.”
While there is certainly some overlap in the topics covered in an MBA program and an MAOL program, she notes that the differences emerge when you compare the lens through which the subject matter is approached. An MBA, for example, will focus on the functional skills business leaders need to excel. Meanwhile, an MAOL focuses more on the science of leadership.
“In both programs, you may learn about operations management,” Dr. Shukla-Belmontes elaborates. “But the MBA will study these concepts with respect to cost-benefit analyses, whereas the MAOL may focus on strategic organizational dynamics and management.”
Many professionals have found success thanks to their MBA programs. This graduate track provides the tools you'll need to manage and lead organizations that can be successful in today's dynamic, global business environment.
“An MBA would be most appropriate for those seeking a career that would require broad functional area skill sets,” Dr. Shukla-Belmontes says.
After completing a quality MBA program, students should walk away with the knowledge to:
At UMass Global, you can actually customize your MBA program to align with your career goals by adding an emphasis in one of many different functional areas — healthcare administration and marketing are among your emphasis options.
Organizational leadership plays a pivotal role in just about every industry. Students in MAOL programs develop the cross-disciplinary leadership skills that are often required to empower others to reach their goals.
“An MAOL program is applicable to a range of managerial career options, such as training and development, human resources, strategic operations, or diversity and equity initiatives,” Dr. Shukla-Belmontes explains. “While there is a more quantitative and analytical aspect to an MBA program, there is more of a reflective and situational analysis nature to the leadership courses in an MAOL program.”
Students who earn a quality MAOL degree should gain the skills needed to:
Organizational leadership programs focus on developing the people and conceptual skills that are essential to a company's success — operating on the understanding that individual growth contributes to the organization's bottom line.
Opting to return to school and earn a graduate degree can feel like a huge decision. But it's clear that a master's degree can have a sizable impact on your future career prospects. As for making a choice between an MBA and an MAOL, you now have the information you need to determine which graduate degree is the best fit for you.
If you're focused on sharpening your business acumen and learning about the functional, skills-based side of leadership, explore your options with UMass Global's Master of Business Administration degree.
If you're more interested in learning about the science of leadership, focusing on strategy, organizational change, and human behavior, take the next step with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.
If you're interested in learning more about leadership to see if you have the important skills needed for management, take our quiz, Do You Have These Important Qualities of a Good Manager?
Have questions about enrollment, degree programs, financial aid, or next steps?
