So you’re thinking about pursuing a graduate degree in advertising? Great choice! But which type of program is right for you – an MBA or a Master’s in Advertising (MSA)? While both programs will give you the skills you need to succeed in the ad industry, there are some key differences between them. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast MBAs and MSAs, so you can decide which one is right for you.
What Is an MBA?
A Master of Business Administration degree is a graduate degree that focuses on business and management. It typically takes two years to complete, and students learn about topics like accounting, finance, marketing, and operations. It can be a great choice for someone who wants to pursue a career in business or management.
What Is a Master’s in Advertising?
A Master’s in Advertising is a graduate degree that focuses on advertising and marketing communications. Basically, a Master’s in Advertising is a specialized MBA degree focusing on the aforementioned areas. It typically takes one year to complete if you take the campus, and students learn about topics like brand strategy, creativity, digital marketing, and media planning. There are also online education options, and studying for an MBA online in Advertising can be available for those with tight schedules or those who have various responsibilities. Some programs offer accelerated study, which can be completed within six to eight weeks, and there are also part-time online MBA programs that may offer as long as five years to complete coursework. It can be a great choice for someone who wants to pursue a career in advertising or marketing and for those who are seeking career advancement.
Differences Between MBA and Master’s in Advertising
So what’s the difference between an MBA and an MSA? The main difference is that a Master of Business Administration degree focuses on general business and management topics, while an MSA focuses specifically on advertising and marketing communications. An MBA may be a better choice for someone who wants to pursue a career in business or management, while an MSA may be a better choice for someone who wants to pursue a career in advertising or marketing.
Difference in Specialization
When it comes to pursuing an advanced degree in advertising, there are two primary options: a Master’s in Business Administration or a Master’s in Advertising. Both degrees can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field, but they are not created equal. So, what’s the difference?
Business Administration master’s is a more general degree that covers a wide range of business topics, such as finance, marketing, and accounting. A Master’s in Advertising, on the other hand, is focused specifically on advertising and marketing. This means that MBAs may be better equipped to work in a variety of businesses, while those with a Master’s in Advertising may have a more specialized skill set that is better suited for a career in advertising.
Differences in Research
Another important difference between these degrees is the focus on research. Postgraduate Business Administration programs typically require students to complete a research project as part of their degree, while Master’s in Advertising programs place a greater emphasis on conducting research and using it to develop creative solutions to advertising challenges.
A Master of Business Administration program focuses on business research, while advertising master’s programs focus specifically on advertising research. This means that MBA students learn about things like marketing principles, financial analysis, and organizational behavior, while advertising master’s students learn about how to create effective ad campaigns, measure their results, and analyze consumer behavior.
Differences in Coursework
Courses in Master of Business Administration are usually generalist in nature, while advertising master’s courses are more specialized. For example, an MBA program might offer a course on Advertising and Marketing Communications, while an advertising master’s program would likely have a course called Integrated Advertising Campaigns which focuses exclusively on teaching students how to create successful ad campaigns.
Differences in Career Prospects
The main difference between a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Advertising is the focus of the degree. An MBA focuses on business fundamentals and gives students the skills they need to be successful leaders in a company. A Master’s in Advertising, on the other hand, focuses on teaching students how to create effective advertising campaigns.
This difference can lead to different career prospects for graduates of each program. MBA graduates typically have a wider range of career options than advertising master’s graduates. Its programs teach students about all aspects of a business. MBAs are more likely to find jobs in management or executive roles within companies, so graduates can go into jobs such as marketing manager, financial analyst, or human resources manager. Advertising master’s programs teach students about the specific field of advertising, so most graduates end up working as advertising professionals. Also, those with a Master’s in Advertising are more likely to work as creative directors, social media specialists, market research analysts, or account executives.
Differences in Curriculum
Another major difference between these two degrees is the curriculum. A Master’s in Business Administration typically includes courses in subjects such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations management. A Master’s in Advertising, on the other hand, typically includes courses in subjects such as copywriting, design, media planning, and research.
This difference can also lead to different career prospects for graduates of each program. MBAs are more likely to have a broader range of business knowledge, while those with a Master’s in Advertising are more likely to have specialized advertising knowledge.
Differences in Cost
The cost of a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Advertising also varies widely. A Master of Business Administration program typically costs between $10,000 and $50,000, while a Master’s in Advertising typically costs between $5,000 and $30,000.
This difference in cost can also lead to different career prospects for graduates of each program. MBAs are more likely to have the financial resources to start their own business, while those with a Master’s in Advertising are more likely to have the financial resources to work for a large advertising agency.
So, which type of program is right for you – a Master’s in Business Administration or a Master’s in Advertising? The main difference between these two programs is that an MBA focuses on general business and management topics, while an MSA focuses specifically on advertising and marketing communications. The former may be a better choice for someone who wants to pursue a career in business or management, while the latter may be a better choice for someone who wants to pursue a career in advertising or marketing. Whichever program you choose, make sure you research the school thoroughly and ask lots of questions, so you can be sure you’re making the best decision for your future. Good luck!
