Amid a rapidly changing workforce and professional landscape, the demand for advanced business education remains high. This may be driven, in part, by factors such as rapid technological advancement, high demand for transferable skills that are applicable across multiple industries and a growing push for practical education that can be applied immediately.
Today’s learners embrace the many ways that they can pursue education, including online and hybrid courses, certificates and degrees. Likewise, institutions of higher learning are looking for effective ways to meet the needs of their students, including carefully aligning degrees and certifications to the needs of businesses and employers, as well as offering more flexible learning frameworks so busy professionals can upgrade their skills.
For individuals seeking advanced business and management education in a flexible format, two prominent degrees include the Master of Science in Management (MSM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). California Lutheran University’s School of Management offers both of these degrees in online, on-campus and hybrid formats, preparing professionals for lifelong career success in a flexible way.
In a hurry? Jump to what you’re looking for:
- What are MSMs and MBAs?
- Curriculum and Focus
- Duration
- Cost
- Career Prospects
- Which Program Is Right for You?
What Are MSMs and MBAs?
If you’ve considered pursuing an advanced business degree, you likely have questions about the differences between a master’s in management and a master’s in business administration. Importantly, how do these programs differ — and which might be right for you?
Master of Science in Management (MSM)
An MSM is typically aimed at recent graduates and people early on in their careers, offering a business management education that builds foundational management knowledge that will prepare students for career development.
This broad education equips graduates to enter the workforce with confidence or advance early on in their careers. MSM programs often have a concerted focus on critical skills such as interpersonal communication and operational leadership.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
While MSMs are often sought by entry-level management professionals, MBA programs are usually a better fit for professionals with at least 3-5 years of work experience who are seeking advanced education in management frameworks and strategies.
Because these programs are often tailored to established business professionals, MBAs aim to offer useful high-level skills that enable professionals to climb higher in their career. As such, MBAs are well-suited to current and aspiring managers who are interested in more senior roles.
Curriculum and Focus
MSMs and MBAs can also be distinguished by their curriculums and emphases, which differ in key areas. MSM degree programs might focus on theoretical frameworks and management concepts, especially those critical to early-stage professional development, while MBA degrees focus more on advanced management skills and specialized areas of development.
MSM Curriculum
A Master of Science in Management degree is aimed at equipping early-career professionals with skills for core business domains. These are often highly transferable skills that are designed to equip professionals with advanced management skills critical to their field. Many MSMs focus on technical skills and analytical expertise, which suit early-level management professionals across a range of fields.
Cal Lutheran’s MS in Management offers a focused 10-course curriculum, delivering key insights into strategic decision making and management.
MBA Curriculum
Since MBA degrees are often tailored to experienced professionals, their curriculums are designed to provide specialized skills and knowledge so that professionals are prepared for more advanced and senior roles within organizations.
Cal Lutheran’s ACBSP-accredited MBA program features a widely applicable core curriculum and multiple electives that allow students to attain specialized management education. Further customization is available through an optional emphasis area:
- MBA + emphasis area: Emphasis areas in finance, information technology and marketing are available. With an emphasis area, students can acquire an MBA that demonstrates specific specialized skill sets that are targeted for their career.
- General MBA: With the general MBA, you can mix and match electives to gain advanced management skills that can be applied in a wide range of industries at the executive level.
Program Duration
MSM degrees can vary in their time to complete, but their general philosophy is to offer a means for students to quickly expand their skills and knowledge in core business domains. As such, many students are able to complete an MSM program in just one year on a part-time schedule. Since MSM degrees can be earned faster than MBA degrees, they are an ideal choice for many early-career professionals looking to expand their skills in core business and management domains.
MBA programs have more variation in length, taking anywhere from one to three years to complete, depending on full- or part-time enrollment. Cal Lutheran’s MBA program takes an average of two years to complete.
Program Costs
MSM programs are typically less expensive than MBA programs, since MBA programs are lengthier as well as more comprehensive. Even at Ivy League schools, where MBA programs can cost over $100,000 in tuition alone, MSM programs are typically more affordable.
At Cal Lutheran, both the MS in Management and the Master of Business Administration offer competitive tuition rates, making them affordable and accessible to a wide range of professionals.
| View MS in Management tuition | View MBA tuition |
Career Prospects
MSM Careers
MSM graduates are well-suited for entry-level management positions. Designed to rapidly advance the skills of students, MSM programs equip graduates with core management skills for early career development.
MSM graduates might work as management analysts, HR managers, project managers and other similar roles. According to Payscale, the average annual salary for HR managers is $75,106 annually and that of management analysts was $74,935 annually.
MBA Careers
MBA programs help professionals leverage their experience into tangible expertise that equips them with strategic skills suitable for executive- and senior-level management positions. MBA graduates are often seeking these high-level positions, which is why programs that offer skill development in strategic management, domain-specific specialties, high-level leadership and business development are appealing.
Graduates with MBAs may find themselves working as senior consultants, executives and other high-level positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median salary for top executives in 2023 was $206,680 annually. If they prefer to remain in their current role, MBA graduates may also see their salaries increase as a result of the degree.
MBA vs. MSM: Which Is Right for You?
While MSM and MBA programs both offer students a means to advance their skills and knowledge, they also differ in many key aspects, so there are a few factors to consider when determining which path is right for you. Ultimately, which program is right for you largely depends on your level of experience, what business skills you need and how high-level of a leader you’re looking to become. It’s also worth considering the costs of each program and the time they take to complete.
Overall, MS in Management degrees are typically better suited for entry-level professionals or recent graduates because these programs are shorter, less costly and focused more on foundational management skills suitable for those early in their careers. On the other hand, MBA programs are best for experienced professionals looking to gain comprehensive skills and knowledge in specialized, advanced management domains. MBAs can also be lengthier and cost more.
Ultimately, which path is right for you is a personal choice. Those seeking rapid career advancement early in their career may benefit from an MSM program, while those with more experience looking to level up their expertise for senior roles may find that they’re better suited for an MBA program.
Earn Your MS in Management or MBA from the Cal Lutheran School of Management
Develop skills to stay competitive and showcase your value to organizations with Cal Lutheran’s Master of Science in Management program or MBA program.
The School of Management at Cal Lutheran is dedicated to producing graduates who are well prepared to succeed in their personal and professional lives — who lead, think, communicate and follow through with sustained excellence. As a Cal Lutheran School of Management student, you’ll learn from experienced faculty and benefit from personalized attention in small class sizes.
Download a program brochure or start your application for the Master of Science in Management or MBA.