A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most valuable degrees for professionals looking to advance their careers. It provides a well-rounded education in business fundamentals, leadership, finance and management, skills that are essential for navigating today’s complex business landscape. Unlike specialized MBAs focused on a single industry or function, a general MBA offers broad expertise, making it a versatile and powerful credential.
A general MBA provides flexibility and opportunity for those seeking career growth without being locked into a specific field. The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) offers an online MBA program, allowing professionals to build essential business skills while maintaining their current responsibilities.
What Is a General MBA?
A general MBA provides a broad foundation in business and management, covering multiple specialties while strengthening leadership, communication and critical-thinking skills. Unlike specialized MBAs, which focus on a single discipline such as healthcare or supply chain management, a general MBA offers versatility across industries.
This broader approach prepares graduates for leadership roles across various industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that a general MBA is the second most common MBA concentration, reflecting its widespread appeal among professionals looking for career flexibility. Its broad curriculum allows graduates to pivot between roles in management, finance, marketing and operations, making it a valuable asset in an evolving job market.
What Can You Do With a General MBA?
A general MBA provides a broad base of business and management knowledge relevant to a wide range of industries. These programs teach foundational knowledge across multiple specialties while also developing leadership, communication and critical-thinking skills essential for success in any field.
Indeed highlights additional benefits, such as increased job prospects and higher earning potential, making a general MBA a strong investment for career growth. Because general MBAs do not focus on a single industry, graduates have the flexibility to pursue careers in nonprofits, consumer goods, healthcare and more.
The Value of an MBA
Pursuing an MBA offers professional and financial advantages, including expanded career opportunities and long-term salary growth. Indeed reports that MBA graduates qualify for leadership roles across industries, with many employers specifically seeking candidates with advanced business education. BLS data shows that workers with a master’s degree often earn significantly more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. For example, securities and financial services sales agents with a master’s degree earned nearly 90% more than those with a bachelor’s, highlighting the long-term earning potential of an MBA.
Beyond salary growth, an MBA provides greater job security and career advancement opportunities. Many organizations prioritize employees with advanced degrees for leadership roles, ensuring professionals with an MBA remain competitive in a changing job market.
Important Skills Employers Seek
Employers seek MBA graduates with a combination of technical expertise and leadership ability. Investopedia, citing the Graduate Management Admission Council’s Corporate Recruiters Survey, identifies interpersonal skills, communication, data analysis, leadership and strategic thinking as the key competencies for MBA graduates.
Communication and interpersonal skills are particularly valued, with 62% of employers emphasizing their importance. Data analysis and strategic thinking are also in high demand, as they enable professionals to interpret business trends and make informed decisions. These skills help MBA graduates stand out in competitive job markets and adapt to evolving business needs.
A Versatile Degree for a Competitive Market
UNC’s online MBA program provides a flexible, high-quality education that helps professionals advance in their careers. The curriculum covers essential business areas such as finance, leadership and strategic management, ensuring graduates develop the skills employers value. Courses such as Strategic Management, Managerial Accounting, and Ethical Leadership and Organizational Behavior equip students to lead in any business environment.
Students can further tailor their education with elective options in high-demand areas such as healthcare management and human resources. With its fully online format, UNC’s program allows students to balance work, life and education while completing their degree in as few as 12 months. Whether professionals are looking to increase job opportunities, boost earning potential or enhance leadership abilities, this program offers the tools needed for long-term success.
Learn more about UNC’s online Master of Business Administration program.
