While an accredited MBA is universally accepted by the entire business community, an MA in Business or a Master of Science (MS) typically receives somewhat less credibility. The business community does not usually downgrade the educational achievement or quality. However, some question whether the coursework is as relevant to general management theory as the core focus of an MBA. This commonly held viewpoint appears to be changing, but an MBA remains the standard for graduate business degrees. Historically featuring majors, such as history, art, creative writing, drama, and other classic pursuits, the Master of Arts degree is relatively new to the business arena. Many employers still feel more secure considering candidates with an earned MBA from a recognized university. However, as MA in Business programs proliferate and more graduate students take advantage of these offerings, this degree continues to increase its acceptance factor.
An MBA student typically need not select a specific specialty at any point during study. Many graduates earn degrees that include a full menu of diverse business management courses. An MA (or MS) with similar generalization is still rare, though this focus does exist. Studies for an MA in Business often focus on a major or specialty. For example, students might concentrate on communications, economics, taxation, or other business-related specialties. There tend to be more "exotic" specialties in newer MA in Business programs. For example, Webster University offers a Master of Arts in Business and Organizational Security Management. In association with the National Academic Consortium for Homeland Security (NACHS), its curriculum focuses on security, protection, and terrorist activities. Along with traditional campuses, this MA in Business is offered at various U.S. military installations. Most MBA programs also permit specialization. Typically, popular specializations are management, finance, economics, and international studies. MA in Business programs often encourage specialization and students seeking a specialty are attracted to this feature.
While most graduate students would probably prefer returning to on campus studies for graduate business degrees, many, particularly those that have started their professional careers, are unable to continue the classic "university experience". There are excellent accredited university programs available in an online, Internet environment and part-time or evening programs. However, the number of MBA (sometimes called "Executive MBA") programs are many, while the number of MAs in a business specialty are relatively few. Students should assess their current and projected work and life situations when considering graduate business degrees. Examine executive and online MBA programs compared to those MA business programs that are similar if full-time, on campus studies are impossible. If one prefers the MA designation, some further due diligence will be required (using the Internet) to find a desired program offered in a part-time, evening, or online environment.