By: The Strayer University Editorial Team

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Earning a graduate business degree is a major milestone on a path to pursue career advancement. And once you’ve committed to leveling up, you’re faced with a big question: Should I earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in Management (MSM)?

At Strayer University, both programs are designed to sharpen your leadership and management skills. However, they take different paths to get you there. Think of the MBA as giving you inside knowledge into how the whole business machine works, while the MSM as learning how to lead the people who run the machine.

What is a Master of Business Administration (MBA)?

An MBA is a comprehensive degree that examines how every department in an organization comes together. This program is designed to build a broad understanding by focusing on core functions such as:

• Finance: Accounting, managerial economics and data-driven decision-making
• Strategy: Management and marketing tactics
• Foundation: Law, ethics and professional business communications

Strayer MBA concentrations

One advantage of a Strayer MBA is the ability to specialize. You can choose from several concentrations to align your studies with your specific career goals.

Technology and data

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems Management
• Business Data
• Cybersecurity Management

Specialized industries

• Digital Entrepreneurship
• Health Services Administration
• Public Administration

Core business roles

• Accounting
• Acquisition
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Management
• Marketing
• Project Management

If you want to customize your education even further, the Professional Studies concentration allows you to craft a personalized schedule of coursework that fits your specific interests.

The Jack Welch Management Institute (JWMI) MBA

For an executive-focused education rooted in real-world leadership, Strayer also offers a top 10 -ranked online Jack Welch Management Institute (JWMI) MBA. Built on the philosophies of legendary CEO Jack Welch, this program delivers actionable skills to help you lead with a CEO mindset.

While the core MBA builds a strong foundation in strategy, marketing, and finance, you can also specialize your degree with industry-specific expertise.

JWMI offers four MBA concentrations.

• AI leadership: Blend business fundamentals with AI strategies to drive organizational performance.
• Healthcare: Learn to manage costs, navigate complex systems and help improve patient outcomes.
• Human resources: Master talent recruitment and workforce development to partner with the C-suite.
• Operations management: Drive competitive strength through supply chain optimization and operational excellence.

What is a Master of Science in Management (MSM)?

The MSM is a focused degree aimed at those who want to empower teams and improve how organizations function from the inside out. The curriculum is curated to help you become a more effective leader through a focus on:

• Leading people: Organizational behavior and modern management practices
• Organizational growth: Strategic human resource management and global business management
• Operations: Information systems and effective business communication

MSM concentrations

These concentrations are streamlined to help you spearhead initiatives in fast-paced workplaces.

• Leadership
• Marketing Management
• Project Management

No matter which path you choose, Strayer University provides the framework to help you reach your next professional milestone.

Connect with Strayer’s admissions team to explore your options and discover a program that’s right fit for you.

FAQs

Which is better for a career change, an MBA or MSM?

An MBA is generally the stronger choice for a significant career change. Its comprehensive focus on finance, marketing and operations provides the foundational knowledge needed to pivot into entirely new industries or executive roles.

Does an MBA or MSM offer a more focused leadership path?

An MSM is designed for students who want to specialize in leadership and management. Unlike the MBA, which covers a broader range of business functions, the MSM places greater emphasis on managing people and organizations, building effective teams, developing organizational strategies and applying modern management practices.

Does an MBA or MSM require more mathematics?

An MBA requires more quantitative coursework focused on financial analysis and data-driven decision-making. In contrast, an MSM is less math-intensive, prioritizing organizational dynamics, communication and human capital management.