A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate-level degree program that delivers high-level advanced training in core business topics such as finance, marketing and leadership. The online MBA programs from St. Thomas University (STU) offer a range of specializations that allow you to focus on a specific field. This guide will help you select an MBA path that aligns with your goals, values and overall career vision, bringing you one step closer to achieving your professional aspirations.
Choosing a concentration can sharpen your expertise, enhance your resume and pave the way to your ideal job opportunity after graduation. STU’s accelerated online MBA programs help you develop in-demand skills without having to hit pause on your real-world responsibilities. This article will explain MBA concentrations and how each supports long-term growth, and help you determine which fits your chosen path.
What Is an MBA Concentration?
An MBA with a concentration, also referred to as a specialization, is a dedicated track within a business administration degree that allows students to develop advanced knowledge in a specific area, field or skill set within business administration. The curriculum includes foundational business administration classes and targeted coursework that builds expertise in a chosen field.
This focused approach prepares graduates to enter or advance in specialized fields with a competitive advantage. Concentrations are especially valuable in high-demand sectors such as finance, marketing, technology or healthcare, helping students align their education with job market needs and emerging business trends.
Why Choosing the Right Specialization Matters
An MBA specialization adds direction to your studies. It directly shapes your career trajectory by sharpening relevant skills, boosting your marketability and helping you pursue roles that align with your interests, strengths and long-term goals.
Specializing also signals to employers that you possess a high level of expertise and a strong commitment to the field. These qualities can lead to better job prospects, higher salaries and faster career advancement. Concentrations equip students to understand industry-specific challenges, opportunities, complexities and nuances. With a more targeted awareness of those industries, students can conduct a more intentional job search and identify their optimal career path.
Online MBA Concentrations at STU
STU’s online MBA concentrations provide focused, industry-relevant expertise. Explore the specializations below to find the path that matches your ambitions:
- General MBA: Ideal for professionals seeking a well-rounded business education, the General MBA prepares students for leadership roles across industries. Courses include Global Marketing Concepts and Strategies, Managerial Accounting, and Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Business.
- Accounting: Courses such as International Accounting, Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination provide practical insights into financial reporting, auditing and compliance. An MBA in Accounting supports career paths such as financial controller, accounting manager or finance director.
- Business Data Analytics: Meet the demand for highly specialized analysts capable of deep data-driven growth with an MBA in Business Data Analytics. This program teaches students to manage, interpret and apply complex data, preparing them for roles such as business analyst, data strategist or analytics consultant.
- Cyber Security Management: Explore software and internet law, digital forensics and network neutrality with an MBA in Cyber Security Management. This program prepares tech-savvy professionals for cybersecurity careers such as chief information security officer, forensics expert and security information technology expert.
- Finance: With a focus on capital markets, investment strategy and financial analysis, an MBA in Finance prepares professionals for business and financial occupations like financial advisor, private equity associate or finance executive.
- Healthcare Administration: An MBA in Healthcare Administration explores healthcare policy, organizational management and operational strategy, and opens the door to positions like healthcare administrator, medical office manager, healthcare program director and healthcare policy analyst.
- Human Resource Management: An MBA in Human Resource Management instills a foundation in human resource management, policy creation and ethics. Specialized courses, including Human Resources Planning and Staffing, Organizational Design and Theory, and Labor-Management Relations, prepare students to lead HR initiatives and build a strong workplace culture.
- Marketing: Featuring specialized courses in Entrepreneurship, Strategic Brand Management, and Global Marketing Concepts and Strategies, an MBA in Marketing prepares marketing professionals to create a positive brand impact and achieve higher-scale reach to targeted audiences. Career opportunities include positions in media planning, digital marketing and market research analysis.
- Sports Administration: Combining elements of accounting, communications, economics, marketing, law and psychology, this program arms professionals with the tools needed for roles like athletic director, sports and wellness director, and parks and recreation director. The MBA in Sports Administration program includes courses in Sports Marketing and Promotions, Sports Psychology, and Legal Aspects of Sports Administration.
- Supply Chain Management: An MBA in Supply Chain Management prepares students for operations roles and certification through the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) or American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). Graduates often pursue careers in logistics management, supply chain strategy or procurement.
How to Choose the Right MBA Specialization
Choosing the right MBA specialization starts with aligning your interests, strengths and career goals. Research different concentrations and examine industry trends to determine the best concentration for you. Ask yourself the following questions:
What industries interest you the most?
Are you hoping to stay in your current field or expand into something new? Do you have significant experience in a specific field? Do you find yourself researching or following certain industries?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Are you looking for a change, hoping to dive into a new industry or advance to leadership roles? What kind of responsibilities and work-life balance do you envision?
What strengths or experiences can you build on?
What feedback do you consistently receive from supervisors and coworkers? What types of assignments do you enjoy? What professional expertise have you built throughout your career?
If you are unsure of a specific direction, a general MBA is a versatile path forward to your career goals. STU advisors and faculty are available to help you explore your options and choose the concentration that supports your next step.
How STU Makes Specializing Simple and Strategic
STU’s flexible, online MBA format helps students balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities. Build your confidence, skills and education without having to pause your everyday life. Courses combine real-world application with a strong foundation in ethical leadership principles through courses like Policy, Planning and Strategy Systems and Organizational Behavior. Whether you’re pursuing a general track or a focused concentration, you’ll be equipped with insight and integrity.
STU Online provides the support and resources to ensure the timely completion of your online program. The University Library offers access to e-books, films, online journal articles and scholarly databases. STU’s career management tool, Handshake, connects students to career services, job postings, internships, volunteer opportunities and more.
Start Your MBA Journey Today
The right MBA concentration can help turn your goals into a meaningful, rewarding career. With specialized skills, leadership insight and expertise in your chosen field, you’ll be prepared to pursue high-level opportunities with confidence.
STU’s online applications are quick and easy, with support available every step of the way. Apply today to begin creating the future you’ve always envisioned.
Learn more about STU’s online MBA programs.
