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MBA: The Why, The Whats & The Hows

10 Most In-Demand MBA Specializations in 2024

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51³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Editorial Team
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Are you contemplating an MBA but unsure about which specialization to choose? With the ever-evolving business landscape, selecting the right MBA specialization is crucial for your career growth. This blog explains the 10 most in-demand MBA specializations, offering insights into course duration, fees, core subjects, and career opportunities.

Key Highlights of the Blog:

  • Top 3 MBA specializations in demand are Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Entrepreneurship.
  • Average salaries offered for these specializations is around USD 150,000 (INR 1,25,98,030).
  • Google, Amazon, IBM, Deloitte, McKinsey & Company are the top recruiters hiring MBA graduates from these specializations.

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Table of Contents

Top 10 MBA Specializations in Demand

It is important to select a specialization that fits your interests and career goals perfectly. To help you choose, here are the 10 most in-demand MBA specializations in the world:

  • Business Analytics & Big Data
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Health Care Management
  • Financial Management
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • International Business
  • Marketing Management
  • Product Management
  • Human Resource Management

Now let's learn about each of them in detail

1. MBA in Business Analytics & Big Data

Businesses are increasingly relying on data-driven decision-making, putting this specialization in high demand. The global big data analytics market is expected to reach $745.15 billion by 2030 from $307.52 billion as of now in 2024.

Course Duration

Typically 2 years full-time, 3-4 years part-time

Course Fees

  • India: ₹10-25 lakhs
  • Abroad: $50,000-$150,000

Core Subjects

  • Big Data Analytics
  • Machine Learning
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Data Visualization
  • Predictive Modeling
  • Business Intelligence

Key Responsibilities

  • Analyze complex datasets to derive business insights
  • Develop predictive models to forecast trends
  • Create data visualization tools for stakeholders
  • Implement data-driven strategies to improve business performance
  • Manage data analytics teams and projects

Top Recruiters

  • Google
  • Amazon
  • IBM
  • Deloitte
  • McKinsey & Company

Best Countries to Pursue an MBA in Business Analytics & Big Data

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • Australia

Top MBA Colleges for Business Analytics & Big Data 

  • MIT Sloan School of Management
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Harvard Business School
  • INSEAD (France/Singapore)

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Business Analytics

The Jobs & Salary after MBA in Business Analytics is as follows:

Job Role

Average Salary

Data Analytics Manager

$120,000 - $160,000

Business Intelligence Analyst

$80,000 - $120,000

Data Scientist

$100,000 - $150,000

Analytics Consultant

$90,000 - $130,000

2. MBA in Artificial Intelligence

AI and ML are rapidly evolving and transforming industries across the globe. As per insights from Accenture, nearly believe they must leverage AI to achieve their growth objectives.

 

Course Duration

2 years

Course Fees

  • India: ₹15-30 lakhs
  • Abroad: $60,000-$180,000

Core Subjects

  • Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Computer Vision
  • AI Ethics and Governance
  • AI Strategy and Implementation

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop AI strategies for business optimization
  • Manage AI implementation projects
  • Analyze AI applications for various business sectors
  • Ensure ethical AI practices and compliance
  • Bridge the gap between technical AI teams and business stakeholders

Top Recruiters

  • Microsoft
  • Apple
  • NVIDIA
  • OpenAI
  • IBM Watson

Best Countries to Pursue an MBA in Artificial Intelligence

  • United States
  • China
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Israel

Top MBA Colleges for Artificial Intelligence

  • Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper School of Business)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan School of Management)
  • University of California, Berkeley (Haas School of Business)
  • INSEAD (France/Singapore)
  • National University of Singapore

Jobs & Salary after MBA in AI

The Jobs & Salary after MBA in Artificial Intelligence is as follows:

Job Role

Average Salary

AI Strategy Manager

$130,000 - $180,000

Business Intelligence Analyst

$120,000 - $160,000

Data Scientist

$100,000 - $150,000

Analytics Consultant

$110,000 - $160,000

3. MBA in Entrepreneurship

As of September 7, 2022, India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem has produced 107 unicorns, valued at a total of , solidifying its position as the world’s third-largest startup hub.

Course Duration

2 years

Course Fees

  • India: ₹12-28 lakhs
  • Abroad: $55,000-$160,000

Core Subjects

  • Venture Capital and Startup Financing
  • Design Thinking and Innovation
  • Business Model Innovation
  • Technology Commercialization
  • Entrepreneurial Marketing
  • Scaling Startups

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and launch new business ventures
  • Create innovative business models
  • Secure funding and manage investor relations
  • Lead product development and innovation processes
  • Develop growth strategies for startups

Top Recruiters

  • Y Combinator
  • Andreessen Horowitz
  • Sequoia Capital
  • Google Ventures
  • Techstars

Best Countries to Pursue an MBA in Entrepreneurship

  • United States
  • Israel
  • United Kingdom
  • Singapore
  • Sweden

Top MBA Colleges for Entrepreneurship

  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Harvard Business School
  • MIT Sloan School of Management
  • INSEAD (France/Singapore)
  • Babson College (F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business)

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Entrepreneurship

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Entrepreneurship is as follows:

Job Role

Average Salary

Startup Founder/CEO

Varies widely

Innovation Manager

$100,000 - $150,000

Venture Capital Associate

$120,000 - $180,000

Product Development Manager

$110,000 - $160,000

4. MBA in Health Care Management

The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, creating high demand for skilled professionals. Top-tier institutes witness companies offering impressive average CTCs, soaring to INR 10,00,000 to 55,00,000, emphasizing the lucrative prospects for professionals with an MBA in Health Care Management.

Course Duration

2 years

Course Fees

  • India: ₹10-25 lakhs
  • Abroad: $50,000-$150,000

Core Subjects

  • Healthcare Systems and Policy
  • Healthcare Finance and Economics
  • Health Informatics
  • Healthcare Operations Management
  • Bioethics and Law
  • Population Health Management

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage healthcare facilities and organizations
  • Develop and implement healthcare policies
  • Optimize healthcare operations and processes
  • Analyze healthcare data for improved decision-making
  • Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations

Top Recruiters

  • Johnson & Johnson
  • UnitedHealth Group
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Pfizer
  • Deloitte Healthcare

Best Countries to Pursue an MBA in Health Care Management

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Switzerland

Top MBA Colleges for Health Care Management

  • Harvard Business School
  • Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
  • London Business School
  • INSEAD (France/Singapore)
  • University of California, Berkeley (Haas School of Business)

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Health Care Management 

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Healthcare Management is as follows:

Job Role

Average Salary

Hospital Administrator

$90,000 - $150,000

Healthcare Consultant

$85,000 - $140,000

Health Informatics Manager

$95,000 - $145,000

Pharmaceutical Project Manager

$100,000 - $160,000

5. MBA in Financial Management

India is projected to become the world’s by 2028, signaling significant growth in the financial services sector. The projected growth in India’s economic wealth and the financial services sector is a positive sign for MBA in Finance students.

Course Duration

2 years

Course Fees

  • India: ₹15-30 lakhs
  • Abroad: $60,000-$170,000

Core Subjects

  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
  • Digital Banking
  • Financial Data Analytics
  • Algorithmic Trading
  • Cybersecurity in Finance
  • Regulatory Technology (RegTech)

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement FinTech strategies
  • Manage digital financial products and services
  • Analyze financial data for risk assessment and decision-making
  • Ensure compliance with financial regulations in digital environments
  • Lead innovation in financial services

Top Recruiters

  • PayPal
  • Square
  • Stripe
  • Robinhood
  • Revolut

Best Countries to Pursue an MBA in Financial Management

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Singapore
  • Switzerland
  • Hong Kong

Top MBA Colleges for Financial Management

  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • MIT Sloan School of Management
  • Oxford Saïd Business School
  • Singapore Management University
  • HKUST Business School

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Financial Management

The salary after an MBA in Financial Management is as follows:

Job Role

Average Salary

FinTech Product Manager

$110,000 - $160,000

Blockchain Strategist

$120,000 - $180,000

Digital Banking Manager

$100,000 - $150,000

Financial Data Scientist

$115,000 - $170,000

6. MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management

The rapid rise in India’s online shoppers, set to hit , paints an exciting picture for MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management students. MBA graduates with the proper expertise will ride the wave of demand and shape the logistics landscape in the era of online retail!

Course Duration

2 years

Course Fees

  • India: ₹10-20 lakhs
  • Abroad: $70,000-$130,000

Core Subjects

  • Global Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Distribution
  • Operations Research
  • Supply Chain Analytics
  • Procurement and Sourcing
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Practices

Key Responsibilities

  • Optimize supply chain processes and operations
  • Manage global logistics and distribution networks
  • Implement supply chain technologies and analytics
  • Develop sustainable and resilient supply chain strategies
  • Coordinate with suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers

Top Recruiters

  • Amazon
  • Walmart
  • DHL
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Maersk

Best Countries to Pursue an MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management

  • United States
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Singapore
  • Canada

Top MBA Colleges for Logistics & Supply Chain Management

  • Michigan State University (Broad College of Business)
  • MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics
  • Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
  • National University of Singapore
  • Penn State Smeal College of Business

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management 

Salary after an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is as follows:

Job Role

Average Salary

Supply Chain Manager

$90,000 - $140,000

Logistics Director

$100,000 - $160,000

Procurement Manager

$85,000 - $130,000

Supply Chain Consultant

$95,000 - $150,000

7. MBA in International Business

The world economy is becoming increasingly interconnected. Estimated 333.34 million companies were operating worldwide in 2021 as per research by Statista. A growing number of businesses worldwide indicates increased demand for international business expertise. An MBA in International Business equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this dynamic and competitive environment.

Course Duration

2 years

Course Fees

  • India: ₹12-28 lakhs
  • Abroad: $55,000-$160,000

Core Subjects

  • Global Business Strategy
  • Cross-Cultural Management
  • International Finance and Trade
  • Global Marketing
  • Geopolitics and Business
  • International Business Law

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop global expansion strategies
  • Manage cross-cultural teams and operations
  • Navigate international regulations and trade policies
  • Analyze global market trends and opportunities
  • Lead international business negotiations

Top Recruiters

  • McKinsey & Company
  • PwC
  • Unilever
  • HSBC
  • Siemens

Best Countries to Pursue an MBA in International Business

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Singapore
  • Switzerland

Top MBA Colleges for International Business

  • INSEAD (France/Singapore)
  • London Business School
  • Harvard Business School
  • Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
  • HEC Paris

Jobs & Salary after MBA in International Business

Jobs & Salary after MBA in International Business is as follows:

Job Role

Average Salary

International Business Development Manager

$100,000 - $160,000

Global Marketing Director

$120,000 - $180,000

International Operations Manager

$90,000 - $140,000

Cross-Cultural Management Consultant

$95,000 - $150,000

8. MBA in Marketing Management

In light of a recent GetApp survey revealing that rely on marketing technology tools, the increasing prevalence of these tools highlights the rising demand for professionals equipped with an MBA in Marketing to effectively utilize and capitalize on such technologies in the business landscape.

Course Duration

2 years

Course Fees

  • India: ₹10-25 lakhs
  • Abroad: $50,000-$150,000

Core Subjects

  • Consumer Behavior
  • Brand Management
  • Digital Marketing
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Marketing Strategy and Planning

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement marketing strategies
  • Manage brand portfolios and campaigns
  • Analyze market trends and consumer insights
  • Lead digital marketing initiatives
  • Measure and optimize marketing ROI

Top Recruiters

  • Procter & Gamble
  • Unilever
  • Coca-Cola
  • Google
  • Amazon

Best Countries to Pursue an MBA in Marketing Management

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Canada
  • Australia

Top MBA Colleges for Marketing Management

  • Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
  • Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
  • Harvard Business School
  • INSEAD (France/Singapore)
  • London Business School

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Marketing Management

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Marketing Management is as follows:

Job Role

Average Salary

Marketing Director

$120,000 - $180,000

Brand Manager

$90,000 - $140,000

Digital Marketing Manager

$80,000 - $130,000

Market Research Analyst

$70,000 - $110,000

9. MBA in Product Management

There is a high demand for product managers and multiple open positions listed on the USA Glassdoor. This information supports the potential value of an MBA in Product Management for individuals seeking to enter or advance their careers in this field.

Course Duration

2 years

Course Fees

  • India: ₹12-28 lakhs
  • Abroad: $55,000-$160,000

Core Subjects

  • Product Strategy and Development
  • User Experience (UX) Design
  • Agile and Scrum Methodologies
  • Product Analytics
  • Technology and Innovation Management
  • Go-to-Market Strategy

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead product development from concept to launch
  • Define product vision and roadmap
  • Collaborate with engineering, design, and marketing teams
  • Analyze user data and market trends to inform product decisions
  • Manage product lifecycle and prioritize features

Top Recruiters

  • Google
  • Apple
  • Amazon
  • Microsoft
  • Spotify

Best Countries to Pursue an MBA in Product Management

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • Canada
  • Israel

Top MBA Colleges for Product Management

  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Harvard Business School
  • MIT Sloan School of Management
  • UC Berkeley Haas School of Business
  • INSEAD (France/Singapore)

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Product Management 

Jobs & Salary after MBA in Product Management is as follows:

Job Role

Average Salary

Senior Product Manager

$120,000 - $180,000

Director of Product

$150,000 - $220,000

Product Marketing Manager

$100,000 - $150,000

Technical Product Manager

$110,000 - $170,000

10. MBA in Human Resource Management

Human capital is a valuable asset for businesses, making this specialization important. MBA graduates with HRM expertise can help companies to recruit, train, and motivate employees, and create a positive work environment. According to Payscale, individuals with an MBA in HRM in India can anticipate an average salary ranging from INR 8,00,000 to 20,00,000.

Course Duration

2 years

Course Fees

  • India: ₹8-20 lakhs
  • Abroad: $45,000-$140,000

Core Subjects

  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Talent Acquisition and Management
  • Performance Management Systems
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Employee Relations and Labor Laws

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with business goals
  • Manage talent acquisition, development, and retention
  • Design and oversee compensation and benefits programs
  • Lead organizational change and culture initiatives
  • Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations

Top Recruiters

  • Deloitte
  • PwC
  • IBM
  • General Electric
  • Accenture

Best Countries to Pursue an MBA in Human Resource Management

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Singapore

Top MBA Colleges for Human Resource Management

  • Cornell University, SC Johnson College of Business
  • University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
  • London School of Economics and Political Science
  • INSEAD (France/Singapore)
  • University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

Jobs & Salary after MBA in HRM

The salary after an MBA in Human Resource Management is as follows:

Job Role

Average Salary

HR Director

$120,000 - $180,000

Talent Acquisition Manager

$90,000 - $140,000

Compensation and Benefits Manager

$100,000 - $150,000

Learning and Development Manager

$95,000 - $145,000

These were some of the most demanded MBA specializations in the world. There are various other MBA fields in demand that you can explore. Find the one that you enjoy and are interested in.

Suggested: Top 10 highest-paying MBA specialization 

Which MBA Specialization is Best in the Future?

Predicting the best MBA specialization for the future depends on several factors like emerging market trends, technological advancements, and global economic shifts. However, based on the current trends Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Entrepreneurship are the top 3 specializations to have the most scope in the future. 

How to Choose an MBA Specialization? 

It is very important to choose a specialization you feel you are suitable for and that holds your interest, but since there are so many amazing options when it comes to choosing a specialization, choosing only one out of so many can be confusing. And that's why we've given a few points below that you can take into consideration before choosing your specialization.
If you cannot make up your mind as to which specialization to choose, here are the following points that you can focus on 

Identify Your Strengths 

The first and most important point on the list is looking within yourself to determine your key strengths and areas of excellence. Understand and analyze what you like and are good at, and combine it with your interests and long-term career aspirations to get a clear understanding of which specialization to choose. It will be much easier to choose a specialization once you have a clear notion of what you want out of life and what you hope to achieve with an MBA. The goal is to choose a stream that will help you develop as a professional while also ensuring your long-term employability and relevance in a rapidly changing industry.

Evaluate The salary Packages 

Before enrolling in the program, examine the institution's offerings, placement partners, rankings, and the average compensation package provided. Find out what the minimum and maximum placement packages were in the previous year (for different specializations). This will give you a good indication of what to expect after the course is finished. But also keep in mind that, though important, salary should not be the only factor that you should consider. 

Number Of Companies 

Find out how many employers come to your college for placements in a specific field. If more firms are visiting for a specific specialization, the chances of finding work in that specialization are also greater. Do your research well in advance. 

Analyze The Subjects 

Before opting for any specialization, deeply analyze the contents covered in each specialization. This will help you choose the right specialization and develop specific skills. Check if the topic interests you and if you see yourself working in the same field.

From the Desk of 51³ÉÈ˵¼º½

Given that the modern industry is pro-digitization and data-centric, it makes sense to select streams that are most relevant in the current environment. However, each specialization has its own set of advantages. Choose a specialization based on your interests and skills, and know that whatever specialization you choose, you will need to put in a lot of effort to excel and achieve in your profession and as a company leader. 

We hope that this blog was able to provide you with all the necessary insight on some of the most in-demand MBA specializations. For more details about studying abroad, book a free consultation with 51³ÉÈ˵¼º½ counselors today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Most In-Demand MBA Specializations in World

Which is the most highly paid MBA specialization? 

Which MBA specialization is in high demand?

Which MBA is trending now?

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