MBA: What it is and the best programs in the US

A Master of Business Administration can help those looking to pivot careers or satisfy a qualification for an advanced position.

The MBA is an internationally-recognized degree designed to develop the skills required for careers in business and management. The value of the MBA, however, is not limited strictly to the business world. An MBA can also be useful for those pursuing a managerial career in the public sector, government, private industry, and other areas.

MBA covers various areas of business administration such as accounting, applied statistics, human resources, business communication, business ethics, business law, business strategy, finance, managerial economics, management, entrepreneurship, marketing, supply-chain management, and operations management in a manner most relevant to management analysis and strategy.

Quality business schools generally require that candidates have at least a few years of professional work experience before starting an MBA program. Applicants are also asked to submit Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, academic transcripts, letters of reference, and an essay or statement of purpose that reflects why they want to pursue an MBA.
Non-native English speakers usually have to prove adequate English skills with TOEFL or IELTS scores, or through previous academic experience.

While traditional two-year MBA programs are still common, especially in the United States, one-year programs have become increasingly popular. Part-time and online programs are also widely available for professionals not willing or unable to take a year or two off to do a full-time program. Executive MBA (EMBA) programs are part-time programs targeted at professionals with more years of managerial experience than traditional MBA candidates.

USA Best MBA of 2020:

1. Harvard Business School

2. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton

3. Stanford Graduate School of Business

4. MIT: Sloan

5. Columbia Business School

6. University of Chicago: Booth

7. Northwestern University: Kellogg

8. University of California at Berkeley: Haas

9. Yale School of Management

10. Dartmouth College: Tuck

If marketing and advertising are more your style, consider a specialized MBA in Marketing.
You'll learn how to promote products and services, design and execute marketing campaigns, and communicate with customers—skills that can be applied across marketing and sales roles at B2C and B2B companies.