Difference Between MBA and MA

MBA vs MA

 

Although both MBA and MA are post-graduate degrees both of them show some differences between them when it comes to matters such as eligibility, job opportunities and outcome. MBA is Master of Business Administration whereas MA is Master of Arts. Through this article let us examine the differences between these two post graduate degrees in depth.

What is MBA?

MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. If you want to apply for MBA, then you should have passed BBA preferably in first class. You can still apply for MBA if you possess any other bachelor’s degree in any other subject provided you have related job experience and pass the entrance examination conducted by the university or the college that conducts the MBA program or the general admission test. (Learn more about GRE and GMAT)

The duration of MBA is three years. However, some universities and colleges conduct two-year MBA programs too. A candidate who has completed MBA course is normally equipped with a sound knowledge of the business techniques and principles. He is firmly grounded in the principles of business administration.

A candidate who has passed MBA can apply for posts and jobs related to business administration and can be appointed as a business consultant, financial consultant, manager or a business expert in firms.

What is MA?

MA stands for Master of Arts. You have to possess a basic Bachelor of Arts degree if you are to apply for MA. You are expected to have the respective subject as Major in your bachelor degree. For example if you want to apply for MA in the discipline of Economics, then you are supposed to have a bachelor degree in Economics. You can still apply for MA in Economics if you have studied the subject as one of the allied subjects in your bachelor degree course. The maximum duration of MA is two years.

A student who has passed MA in any particular discipline is supposed to be well equipped with the knowledge concerned with the particular subject. For example, a student who has passed MA in English Literature is supposed to have a fine knowledge of the history of English literature and grammar. A candidate with MA may be appointed as an educator, a research assistant, a freelance writer or as a consultant.

What is the Difference Between MBA and MA?

Definitions of MBA and MA:

MBA: MBA is Master of Business Administration.
MA: MA is Master of Arts.

Characteristics of MBA and MA:

Pre-requisites:

MBA: You need to have BBA to apply for MBA.
MA: You need to have a basic Bachelor of Arts degree to apply for MA.

Duration:

MBA: The duration is three years.
MA: The duration is two years.

Outcome:

MBA: An individual with MBA has a sound knowledge of business techniques and principles.
MA: An individual with MA has a sound knowledge of the chosen discipline. (For example Sociology, Literature, Political Science)

Employment:

MBA: A person with MBA can apply for employment in business administration.
MA: A person with MA can become an educator, consultant, research assistant or writer.

Image Courtesy:

1.”MBA graduation ceremony, June 2008” by Sbmt – [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons

2. Shelves of Language Books in Library By ParentingPatch (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons