Navigating Your Future: Specialized Master’s vs. MBA at Kelley School of Business

Choosing the right graduate business degree is a pivotal decision for your future career. At the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington, you can pursue either a specialized master’s or an MBA. But how do you know which is right for you?

Danielle Ritchie, Director of Specialized Masters Admissions and Recruiting at Kelley, offers invaluable guidance. Her insights highlight how your background, career goals, and the job market should all influence your choice. 

Pivoting Your Career with a Specialized Master’s

If your undergraduate degree is in a non-business field, such as psychology, and you want to enter the business world quickly, a specialized master’s program may be the fastest route. This path equips you with focused business expertise while helping you transition into the workforce immediately. As she notes, “Go get a specialized master’s degree because that’s going to help pivot your career.” (00:38)

You gain subject matter mastery and the confidence to apply your new knowledge. According to Danielle, “If you’re looking for the breadth and depth, an MBA will give you that. Whereas a master’s degree, it’s going to give you that in-depth knowledge within the area that you’re looking to focus on.” (01:08)

The Breadth and Depth of an MBA

For students with a business background aiming for leadership or pivoting within industries, the MBA remains the gold standard. It provides comprehensive knowledge across functions while preparing you for senior management opportunities.

However, experience is essential. Danielle emphasizes, “With an MBA, work experience is incredibly important. Not just for outcomes, but also [for] your in-classroom experience.”(02:50) Most Kelley MBA students bring 5-10 years of experience, creating an enriched, peer-driven learning environment.

Can You Pursue Both Degrees?

It doesn’t have to be a binary choice. Danielle stresses, “It doesn’t have to be an either-or situation. If you are coming from a non-business background… and you want to go into business, [you can] pursue your master’s degree to get that experience before going into the workforce,  and then you can pursue an MBA.” (01:20) Many students begin with a specialized master’s, then transition into an MBA later, once they have work experience.  In some cases, doing a specialized master’s [degree] qualifies you to do a shorter, one-year MBA instead of a two-year MBA.

This flexibility lets you grow at your own pace and align education with your career milestones.

How the Job Market Shapes Your Decision

Market conditions often influence degree selection. In uncertain times, students may choose a specialized master’s right after graduation as a safe way to build skills before committing to a specific role. Danielle explains, “Depending on the job market, it might make more sense to get your specialized master’s degree than going to work and figuring out what it is that you truly want.” (01:57)

By taking this route, you not only extend your learning but also create breathing space to refine your career direction.

Master’s-Level Learning: Application Over Memorization

Unlike undergrad, graduate-level study at Kelley prioritizes application over memorization. Danielle notes, “At the master’s level, it’s all about the application. So, you’re going to learn by doing.” (03:16)

Programs like GLOBASE allow students to serve as international consultants, tackling real-world challenges for global companies. These hands-on experiences strengthen résumés and give Kelley graduates a competitive edge.

Kelley School’s Flexible Graduate Offerings

The Kelley School of Business provides both in-residence and online master’s programs designed for flexibility and personalization. These include:

  • In-Residence Master’s Programs: Study specializations such as Accounting & Data Analytics, Information Systems, Finance, and Management.
  • Online Options: Learn while you earn with Information Technology Management, Business Analytics, or a Marketing specialization.
  • Personalization: Students can choose electives tailored to their interests. They can even take up to two courses outside the business school.

In the Full-time and Online MBA, Kelley offers a broad range of seven majors and more than 80 electives.  Additionally, they offer dual degree options and opportunities for global and local immersion programs. 

Explore one of seven majors you can select at the beginning of your second year:

  • Business Analytics
  • Digital Technology Management
  • Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Strategy & Leadership
  • Supply Chain & Operations

This variety ensures your degree truly reflects your ambitions. As Danielle says, “It’s a very personalized experience… you really get to pick and choose and make it what you want it to be.” (05:20) She says the diversity of options means that you can tailor the program to who you are and what you want to do with your degree after you graduate.

Want to Deepen Your Expertise or Pivot Your Career? Make the Strategic Choice

The decision between a specialized master’s and an MBA at Kelley goes beyond academics; it aligns your path with your professional goals, background, and market realities.

If you’re eager to become a subject matter expert quickly, a specialized master’s provides targeted knowledge and immediate workforce readiness. If you’re seeking leadership roles and cross-functional expertise, an MBA offers breadth, depth, and valuable peer learning opportunities.

Whatever you choose, Kelley’s flexible and personalized graduate programs ensure you gain the skills, experiences, and confidence to thrive in the business world.

Are you applying for an MBA? Find all the support you need on our Admissions page.