A master’s degree in business could be a logical next step if you want to advance your skills and your career.1 But what type of program should you choose? So many options exist, and deciding can be difficult. In this blog post, you'll learn about the College of Business master’s degrees at South University to help you find the best fit.Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA is among the most recognized graduate business degrees. It is a solid choice for a well-rounded, versatile business education. The South University MBA program offers training in finance, marketing, management, strategy, and other core business disciplines. MBA students examine multiple business models, global business environments, and ethical perspectives.
Our MBA program can add value to your existing career by preparing you to oversee the strategic delivery of goods and services. You can grow as a leader, communicator, and problem-solver. Entrepreneurs can gain broad skills for running a business. You can also expand your network. Earning an MBA could unlock roles in various departments and industries. You may find it easier to pivot in your career or move up in your company.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration
If you’re torn between business and healthcare, you don’t have to choose. You can do both! Our MBA in Healthcare Administration could help you build the skills to face business challenges inside healthcare organizations.
This program aims to give future healthcare leaders a foundation in business analysis and decision-making. As such, our MBA and MBA in Healthcare Administration programs share classes on economics, law and ethics, organizational behavior, marketing, and other topics. After taking these core business courses, MBA in Healthcare Administration students move into classes related to healthcare management and leadership.
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
If you want an even stronger focus on healthcare, the Master of Healthcare Administration is a good option. The MHA is a specialized program that can prepare you for management roles inside healthcare facilities.
MHA courses teach business concepts while approaching every topic from the lens of healthcare delivery. The classes can deepen your knowledge of healthcare finances, law and ethics, marketing, regulation, quality management, and other important areas. You will examine healthcare organizational models and best practices for leadership and decision-making in healthcare.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Consider our MPA program if you want to be a leader or manager in the public sector. This program can help you get ready for meaningful work in government, non-profits, and public service. You’ll learn about political, social, institutional, and organizational systems. You'll also study budgeting and fundraising.
Our MPA emphasizes the strategic teamwork, communication, and analysis skills needed to improve public institutions and programs. As a graduate, you could lead public service or social programs that make a difference across your community, state, or country.
Master of Science in Human Resources Management
Human resource leaders are increasingly important in advising and supporting business leaders. Our Master of Science in Human Resources Management (HRM) program focuses on applying strategies in talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, organizational behavior, and workforce development to help businesses succeed.
As a student, you’ll explore how to use HR metrics and software to guide decisions. You'll also study topics like employment and labor laws, HR planning and measurement, change management, and diversity initiatives. If you want both businesses and people to win, this program could help you become a skilled, ethical, and strategic HR leader.
Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)
Our MSIS degree explores how to apply technology and information systems (IS) to achieve business goals. You can learn how to design, develop, analyze, and manage information systems based on organizational strategy. Classes cover business intelligence, data management, information technology (IT) governance, information security, and risk management. You'll also discuss how to solve problems and share information with business and use cases, service-level agreements, and corporate dashboards.
South University’s MSIS emphasizes practical applications. If you enjoy the intersection of business strategy and technology, you may enjoy this program. This master's degree can be a good fit for people in IT looking to become managers. It can be equally helpful for people with a business background who want to bridge the gap between technical teams and business leadership.
Master of Science in Leadership
Our Master of Science in Leadership program can help refine your natural leadership qualities. It is designed to teach you to lead people, teams, departments, and even companies. You can learn what it takes to manage people, influence others, solve problems, and increase teamwork across disciplines.
This program is ideal for people already in leadership in any industry. It could also be helpful if you want to move into leadership. Compared to an MBA, the MS in Leadership focuses more on emotional intelligence, team building, employee coaching, and negotiation. It does not provide training in more technical business areas like finance, economics, marketing, or supply chain management.
Master of Science in Accounting
Are you an analytical thinker who enjoys working with numbers? You can keep growing these skills in our online Master of Science in Accounting program. Here, your classes will focus on applying advanced accounting, economics, finance, law, risk, and cost management concepts to address business needs. You’ll dive deep into the auditing process, including information systems and communications, internal controls, and corporate governance. You’ll also examine ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities in the accounting field.
The Master of Science in Accounting might be right for you if you want to land a specialized accounting or finance position. However, this program is not designed to lead to licensure, including the CPA exam.
How to Choose a Master’s Degree
As you decide between these programs, keep the following in mind.
Personal Interests: Think about what excites you. For example, do you prefer working with people (HR, Leadership) or data and systems (Accounting, Information Systems)?
Career Goals: What industry do you want to work in? Do you need specialized knowledge (like in healthcare or IT) or a more general business education?
Desired Skills: Are you looking to develop leadership, technical, or strategic skills? Do you need expertise in a specific area like accounting or HR?
Flexibility: Some degrees, like an MBA, offer versatility across industries, while others, like an MHA or MS in Accounting, are specialized.
By evaluating your career goals, interests, and the potential career paths each degree offers, you can choose the best program for you!
1South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
