What is an MBA degree? What Does MBA Stand For?

Students wanting to take their careers to the next level often consider pursuing an MBA degree because it provides a broad overview of several interrelated business disciplines, from marketing and management to finance and economics. Beyond technical expertise in areas like accounting and technology, MBA students also develop essential soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and adaptability. The degree provides a general business foundation while offering opportunities to specialize in areas of particular interest.

According to Dr. Ramon Corona, professor of marketing and management at National University (NU), an MBA provides a solid foundation in business fundamentals but also gives students opportunities to develop the more intangible qualities necessary to be a successful business leader or entrepreneur. “An MBA is like a package of different elements that are necessary to start your own business or to run an existing business,” he says. “We want to teach our students the skills they need to work effectively across the organization.”

How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA?

The time it takes to complete an MBA degree depends on several factors: whether you’re enrolled full-time or part-time, your program’s core requirements and specialization, any elective courses, and whether you take breaks between terms. With that variability in mind, the average time to complete an MBA is generally one to two years.

According to MBA.com, the official site of the GMAT exam, some accelerated programs may be possible to complete in as little as 11 months. At the other end of the spectrum, some part-time MBA programs may take closer to six years. For programs designed specifically for adult learners, you can typically expect to complete an MBA in about 18 months.

Dr. Farhang Mossavar-Rahmani, a professor of finance and director of the MBA program at National University, says his program’s timeline was created specifically to fit the lives of students balancing work and school. “In fact, all programs at National are designed for adult learners. We understand what they need,” he says. “Our MBA program is very flexible. We offer online classes, and our on-campus classes are held on Saturdays.”

At National University, MBA students take a new class every four weeks, year-round. This format allows students to focus on one course at a time, apply what they’re learning immediately to their current position, and complete their degree faster without waiting for traditional semester start dates.

The Rising Demand for MBA Graduates

A bachelor’s degree has become the standard for entry-level positions across many industries. To stand out, whether you’re seeking your first job, progressing in your current career, or aiming for senior management, a graduate degree gives you a significant edge. In the business world, the advanced degree of choice is overwhelmingly the MBA. In fact, more and more employers are requiring this credential, especially for top leadership positions.

According to GMAC’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey, 90% of responding global employers plan to hire MBA talent in 2025, more than those planning to hire bachelor’s graduates or candidates coming directly from other organizations. More than one-third of these employers anticipate expanding their MBA hiring compared to the prior year. Finance and accounting remain common areas where graduates begin their careers with skill sets in great demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial manager positions are expected to grow by 17 percent over the next decade, faster than the average occupation.

The demand isn’t limited to Wall Street, either. The 2025 GMAC survey found that 93% of responding technology companies plan to hire MBA graduates in 2025, while consulting companies are especially bullish, with 86% indicating some level of MBA hiring and nearly one-third planning to expand. From healthcare and energy to manufacturing and consumer products, organizations of all sizes and across nearly every industry are seeking qualified MBA holders to lead and grow their businesses.

MBA Program Specializations

One of the most powerful aspects of an MBA degree is the ability to specialize. Choosing a concentration allows you to tailor your education to your specific career goals and deepen your expertise in a particular business area. This specialized knowledge can make you more attractive to employers and set you apart from other job candidates.

Students enrolled in National University’s MBA program can choose from nine unique specializations:

• Entrepreneurship: for aspiring business owners and startup founders
• Financial Management: for careers in corporate finance, banking, and investment
• General Business: a broad foundation for versatile business leadership
• Global Business Management: for professionals working in or targeting international markets
• Human Resource Management: for roles in talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture
• Leadership Studies: for those seeking to refine their management and leadership capabilities
• Project Management: for professionals overseeing complex initiatives across industries
• Strategic Marketing: for careers in brand management, digital marketing, and market research
• Supply Chain Management: for operations-focused roles in logistics, procurement, and distribution

Expert Opinion

Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani notes, “We have nine or so areas of concentration. This helps students become more knowledgeable about a particular field.” He adds that those looking to be more effective leaders may choose organizational leadership, while someone wanting to strengthen their decision-making and operations skills may opt for supply chain management. “At the end of the day, we want them to be more successful in their chosen field.”

Benefits of Earning an MBA

Whether you’re an undergraduate weighing your options or an experienced professional looking to launch your own business, there are many ways an MBA degree can accelerate your career. Here are five key benefits.

Strengthening of Soft Skills

Faculty at National University continually monitor the latest employer and industry surveys to ensure the MBA program produces graduates with the skills employers are seeking. A LinkedIn survey of 2,000 business leaders found that 57 percent value soft skills over hard skills, including leadership, collaboration, communication, and time management.

The MBA curriculum gives students opportunities to develop these skills through case presentations, group problem-solving, and real-world application. According to Dr. Ramon Corona, 90 percent of MBA instructors at National University are practicing professionals in their respective fields, giving students a direct link to industry.

Maximized Leadership Effectiveness

Being skilled at a job doesn’t always translate to being skilled at leading others. An MBA program cultivates leadership and management abilities by emphasizing self-reflection, collaborative teamwork, innovation, and corporate and social responsibility, all while providing invaluable business experience that prepares graduates for executive roles.

A Stronger Professional Network

Academic credentials aren’t the only benefit of enrolling in an MBA program. You’ll also forge invaluable connections with other students, professors, and industry professionals, creating a larger and more productive network that exposes you to opportunities you might not otherwise encounter.

Enhanced Marketability

An MBA helps distinguish you from other job candidates in an increasingly competitive field, particularly when paired with additional credentials such as a Certificate in Agile Project Management or a Certificate in Nonprofit Management.

Increased Earning Potential

The data is clear: an MBA has the potential to dramatically increase your earning power. GMAC’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey projects a median U.S. MBA starting salary of $125,000, $25,000 more than candidates hired directly from other organizations. For more detailed salary data, see the MBA Salary Expectations section below.

What Can You Do With an MBA? Career Paths and Job Titles

An MBA degree opens doors across a wide range of industries and positions, from startups and family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies. You’d be hard-pressed to find a business sector that doesn’t need the skills and knowledge an MBA graduate brings.

Industries That Hire MBA Graduates

According to GMAC’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey, industries actively hiring MBAs include consulting, technology, finance and accounting, manufacturing, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, products and services, and energy and utilities. Beyond these, MBA graduates also thrive in retail, transportation, education, engineering, real estate, nonprofit, government, and media.

Where You’ll Fit Within a Company

Because an MBA education is so multi-faceted, graduates are found across virtually every department: executive offices, human resources, accounting and auditing, research and product development, data analytics, marketing, business development, information technology, operations, logistics, and more.

Common Job Titles for MBA Graduates

At the entry and mid-career level, MBA holders commonly pursue roles such as financial analyst, budget analyst, marketing manager, market research analyst, human resources manager, sales and business development manager, product manager, project manager, operations manager, supply chain manager, and investment banker.

At the senior and executive level, career paths include general manager, department director, chief executive officer (CEO), chief operations officer (COO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief marketing officer (CMO), chief technology officer (CTO), and chief information officer (CIO).

Beyond the Corporate Ladder

While most MBA students pursue careers in corporate settings, the degree is equally valuable for entrepreneurs looking to launch or grow their own businesses, professionals in nonprofit leadership, government administrators, and anyone wanting to make a strategic impact, regardless of their title or industry.

What Types of MBA Programs Are Available?

Students have a range of options when comparing and applying to accredited MBA programs. Many universities, including National University, provide students with the choice of online, on-campus, or hybrid formats.

On-Campus, In-Person MBA Programs

While online courses offer flexibility, some students prefer the hands-on approach of in-person classes. National University’s MBA program lets you choose your preferred format, including hybrid options that blend elements of online and campus-based learning. The on-campus program incorporates coursework in marketing, global business, supply chain systems, and other topics, designed to help students develop the leadership and management skills needed to operate and oversee a business successfully.

Online MBA Programs

The online MBA format is ideal for busy professionals, allowing students to easily access course materials, receive faculty support, and engage with online student communities from anywhere. National University’s online MBA is accredited by the IACBE and is reassessed every year to ensure course materials remain current and relevant. Class sizes are restricted to ensure personalized feedback and engagement.

At NU, the MBA program is 100% online, meaning students are not required to visit a campus for testing, lectures, or any other reason. With four-week courses and monthly start dates offered year-round, students can begin their MBA as quickly as they’re ready without waiting for traditional semesters.

How to Choose an Online MBA Program

With more online options available than ever before, it’s important to evaluate programs carefully. Here are the key factors to consider.

Accreditation and Credibility

Accreditation is the most important factor when evaluating any MBA program. It demonstrates that the program has been extensively evaluated and certified as a reputable source of graduate education. National University’s MBA program is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Research consistently shows that employers value accredited degrees regardless of whether they were earned online or in person, as long as the institution holds proper accreditation.

Flexibility and Schedule

Consider the workload, assignment frequency, and whether the program requires group work, live lectures, or campus visits. At National University, students take one course at a time in four-week blocks with classes starting any Monday, providing the flexibility to start and stop as needed while balancing work and personal commitments. There is no group work in NU’s MBA program; students are responsible for their own success and can interact with professors through email, chat, video conference, or telephone.

Curriculum Quality and Concentrations

Look for programs that offer both a strong core curriculum and opportunities to specialize. The best programs combine foundational business knowledge with concentrations that allow you to focus on your specific career goals, whether that’s marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, or supply chain management.

Career Outcomes

A strong indicator of program quality is graduate employment rates. According to a prior GMAC study, 95% of MBA graduates were employed within three months of graduation. More recently, GMAC’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey found that 99% of employers express confidence in graduate management education’s ability to prepare students for success in their organizations, a testament to the sustained value employers place on the degree.

The Value of an MBA

Many students pursue an MBA because they need additional skills at their current job, want to start their own business, or are seeking a management or leadership position. While some choose to specialize, the MBA prepares graduates to work across a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, government, the nonprofit sector, education, accounting, retail, and manufacturing.

According to GMAC’s Alumni Perspectives Survey, two of the most valuable aspects of an MBA are increased earning power and preparation for leadership positions. Other benefits include preparation to work in culturally diverse organizations. The 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey reinforces this finding: 99% of employers express confidence in graduate management education, with growing appreciation for MBA graduates’ innovation and their ability to navigate the challenges of technological disruption. Nearly two-thirds of global recruiters now agree that the skills gained through a graduate business degree are more important than before, as businesses adopt new technologies like AI that require additional business acumen.

Expert Opinion

As Dr. Corona observes, “When I was in school, having a bachelor’s degree was the ultimate goal. Now, having an MBA has pretty much become a requirement for many jobs at the director level.”

Preparing and Applying for an MBA Program

An undergraduate degree in business is helpful but not mandatory for qualifying for an MBA program. Students enter MBA programs with academic backgrounds as diverse as engineering, the humanities, education, and numerous other fields.

Each MBA program has its own unique set of requirements, such as prerequisite coursework, completion of a bachelor’s degree, GPA minimums, and other criteria for acceptance. Some students come directly from undergraduate programs, while others arrive ready for a career change after years in a different field. Through mentoring and advising, programs like NU’s help all students identify where they’ll fit best and which courses will support their career aspirations.

For details about applying to National University’s MBA programs, explore the “Degree and Course Requirements” section on the MBA program page, or contact enrollment counselors for more information about graduate admissions.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Ready to challenge yourself, cultivate new skills, enhance your marketability, and build rewarding professional networks? Consider pursuing your MBA through an online or on-campus program at National University. Get in touch with the admissions office for more details about the MBA program, or start your online application today.