A Master of Arts degree is often a generalist graduate program, allowing students flexibility in course selection and focus.Traditionally students select an area of focus in fine art, humanities, social science or theology. The areas of focus have broadened to include communications and business. A Master of Arts in business communication allows students the ability to gain field specific education integrated with the traditional post-graduate arts degree. In some instances a Master of Arts degree can be more specific than a Master of Business Administration degree. For example and Master of Arts in International Business provides students an opportunity to study international business in depth whereas an Master of Business Administration covers business more broadly. A Master of Arts can be course-based, research-based, or a combination of research and coursework.
A Master of Business Administration degree provides students with a post-graduate degree focused on aspects of business, leadership and communication. This degree has traditionally been seen as desirable for those planning on entering the business world. A Master of Business Administration degree provides students with education more specific to business and leadership than the general Master of Arts, however still provides a broad business focused education. Some areas for focused study in you major include: accounting, communication, entrepreneurship and venture development, e-commerce, real estate management and management consulting.
Some schools offer students the ability to take joint master's programs or dual degrees. For example, Stanford's Master of Business Administration program offers students Master of Business Administration programs joined with law, Master of Arts in Education, Master in Public Policy, Master of Science in Environment and Resources. They also offer dual degrees with a Master of Business Administration and Master of Bioengineering or a medical degree.
Joint or dual degrees allow you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge base and become more specialized for a particular field. A dual medical/ Master of Business Administration degree will prepare you for a leadership role in medicine, while a dual Master of Business Administration and Master of Bioengineering will prepare you for leadership in that field.
The decision of what post-graduate degree suits you best is a complex one. A Master of Business Administration degree can be expensive depending on the school, how much do you have available to spend? The cost will rise if taking a dual degree with a professional designation such as a Medical Doctorate. Consider your career goals. What is your field of interest? Once you have determined this, narrow your options accordingly. Determine your academic goals. Is a master's degree the end of the road or do you wish to continue on to a doctorate degree? If you wish to obtain a doctorate following your master's, ensure that you have considered which degree meets the requirements for admission to a doctorate program.