MSBA vs MBA: What's The Difference

MBA or MSBA? That's the question. We think MSBA is the answer.

We are often asked what is the difference between the Master of Science in Business Analysis MSBA degree program at Catholic University of America and an MBA? It is an excellent question and very important for prospective students to understand the value and purpose of each.

The main differences between the two degrees are an undergraduate business education and work experience. The MSBA degree at Catholic University is a solid, practical education taught by experienced business people that prepare the liberal arts and other recent non business graduates to get that first job en route to a career.   From day one you will work with our dedicated career services staff and faculty network. MSBA students are getting great jobs and internships.

The MSBA is designed for students who graduated with a non-business major (liberal arts, engineering, architecture, math, science, communications, economics, etc.) With a business masters degree you will be more marketable to launch your career.  You will have mastered the essentials of business; the language and processes of accounting, finance, marketing, management, research and quantitative analysis. 

The profile of the true MBA candidate is very different.  They have a business or perhaps engineering undergraduate degree and have already worked for 4 to 6 years in business. They are ready to pursue senior management roles in a company or venture out into the entrepreneurial world.

All MBA programs are not alike.  There are programs that call themselves "MBA" but do not require a business education, work experience or even the standard GRE or GMAT entrance exam. You will not find these programs at first rate MBA schools like Harvard, Penn, Virginia, MIT, or Stanford.  Employers recognize and value the difference. An MBA from Harvard is worth $X in the marketplace. An MBA from a second or third tier school that requires no experience is worth much less. The MBA label doesn't fool employers.  Employers look behind the label to see where it was made.

If you're looking to further your education with a masters degree in business, please send me an email and we'll chat some more about the differences between the degrees.

Stewart McHie
Director, Master of Science in Business Analysis
mchie@cua.edu