You may not realize, but even with the courses in MBA programs, you have options.

Coursework varies among business schools as well as program types. There is really no standard makeup of the MBA degree.

You would think there would be some sort of standard for a degree that is so widely accepted.

You could say that MBA programs are as unique as baseball stadiums. There is a good analogy here as it pertains to program length and coursework.

Now, even if you do not follow baseball, I think you will get the picture.

In case you did not know, baseball stadiums are unique in a few aspects. First, except for the actual playing field area, they are laid out quite differently. Second, the distance from home plate to the outfield fence varies dramatically.

MBA programs are also unique in a few aspects. First, except for the core business classes, MBA programs follow different types of curriculum. Second, the number of courses and program credits varies dramatically.

The point of this analogy is that while there are differing features of baseball stadiums, games are still recognized as valid. Thus, there are many different MBA programs, but ultimately you earn the same recognized MBA degree. You have options!

Common Patterns

While the coursework can vary greatly, there are usually two common patterns among MBA programs.

1. Some programs want you take business foundations before you enter their program...in other words, prerequisites are required. Other programs cover all the bases during the program...they assume you have no business knowledge before coming into their MBA program.

   While class names vary, MBA foundation courses usually include: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Operations. Other common courses are Business Law, Statistics, and Information Systems.

   We might refer to foundation classes as "first year" MBA courses, regardless of when they are taken.

2. Most programs offer advanced classes and even allow for specializations. Once the foundation courses are satisfied, MBA programs can build on this knowledge by offering more advanced or specialized courses.

   For example, if you understand the basics in finance, you can better understand investing concepts. Many programs offer a "General" MBA that basically do not have any specialization, but go into more detail about core subjects. Yet other programs let you specialize in a specific business subject.

   We might refer to advanced classes as "second year" MBA courses, regardless of when they are taken.

Overall, MBA programs are unique due to program types as well as school and program specialties. There are common patters in curriculum, but courses in MBA programs can differ quite a bit. Make sure to check out what kinds of courses in MBA programs will help you meet your goals.

See Also: MBA Case Study Method, MBA Student Life, MBA Laptop

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