An undergraduate bachelor's degree is an academic approach to management training, typically taught through lectures and seminars. In the United States, several universities offer management courses, including the University of Pennsylvania, New York University and the University of Texas Austin.
Bachelor's degrees vary in emphasis, with some institutions offering combined honors with business, accountancy and languages. In the University of Pennsylvania, for example, explored areas include human resource management, business strategy and policy, and organizational behavior.
An advantage of completing an undergraduate program is that students are awarded with either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, which Course Advisor notes broadens a graduate's career options.
A Master's of Business Administration (MBA) degree is an internationally recognized qualification. Despite falling into the postgraduate category, Hot Course notes that MBA courses focus on training professionals seeking high-profile management positions, rather than academically teaching business.
The central function is to develop strategic thinking. Courses are taught through several mechanisms, including lectures, projects and reading, and normally run between one and two years. The Association of MBAs states that an MBA is significantly a post-experience program, which necessitates a first degree and between five and 10 years of post-graduate work experience.
MBA courses encourage networking with professionals in high-level positions, which Hot Course notes as essential given that 60 percent of MBA positions are acquired through personal contacts.
Master's courses in management are popular among professionals interested in broadening their horizons, but with insufficient experience to complete an MBA. International Graduate notes these courses are particularly suited for those without business-related degrees but who are seeking a foundation in business or exploring career opportunities. It adds that master's courses develop industrial skills, such as leadership but also explore business theory.
A full-time program in the United States is typically two years.
Generally more flexible and customized than degree programs, Inside Careers notes that professional training courses are a significant route into management and are increasingly recognized by accredited programs. Courses are either offered by specialized training institutes, such as the American Management Association, or provided for within a company.
A main advantage of professionally emphasized courses is that they are action-driven and can be adapted to varying competencies. Additionally, they broaden career prospects in management for non-graduates.