The MBA – a study program for optimizing management skills

Optimize your management skills with an MBA. Learn about distance learning options, program duration, and how an MBA compares to an MA for career advancement.

The MBA – a study program to optimize management skills

The primary goal of a postgraduate MBA program is to impart management skills. It is usually chosen by those who want to continue their education and are working or want to work in a leadership position.

If you are aiming for such a degree, it is usually assumed that you have already successfully completed a first degree (Bachelor or Diploma). By choosing the "distance learning" study format, you can even work on your career part-time. The study materials for the MBA program are sent to your home and the individual courses take place online or in virtual chats. In some cases, there are also attendance seminars that complement the study in a classic form. In terms of study costs, an MBA distance learning program is generally significantly cheaper than an MBA program at a traditional university.

MBA vs. Master of Arts in Business Administration and Business Administration: Which advanced degree to choose?

If you already have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a Diploma and are now looking for a suitable Master's program, the question arises which Master's degree you should choose: An MBA – or rather a Master of Arts (M.A.)?

A Master of Arts is the most common degree in the humanities and social sciences. Master's programs in Business Administration are usually consecutive, meaning that a Bachelor's degree in an economic subject is required. Example: The Master's distance learning program Advanced Management (M.A.) at PFH Göttingen, which only lasts 3 semesters, but requires a degree in an economic study program with 240 ECTS.

MBA programs, on the one hand, focus on management and try to impart the broadest possible knowledge in the management area. On the other hand, MBA programs are often continuing education programs that are also offered to graduates of non-economic subjects. Professional experience can also be required. Example: The MBA distance learning program Master of Business Administration at IUBH International University, which only lasts 2 semesters and requires a completed first degree with at least 210 ECTS (Diploma, Master, Magister) and 2 years of qualified professional experience by the end of the study program.

MBA part-time in 2 or 3 semesters?