In undergraduate studies, concentrations typically allow students to expand upon areas of interest while keeping their major in another field. For example, a politics major may have a concentration in American politics to distinguish their studies and learn more about what they love.
In the Gupta College of Business this is no different, as the school has begun offering MBA concentrations. This fall the opportunity opened for Masters in Business Administration students to pursue new concentrations including Accounting; Business Analytics; Cybersecurity; Data Science & AI, Finance; Financial Planning; Leadership; Marketing; and Sports, Entertainment, and Hospitality.
Michael Sarles, Director of Graduate Admissions & International Student Services at the University of Dallas made comments about these programs, their benefits and why a student would want to pursue an MBA concentration. He said that there is primarily the fact that an MBA with concentrations allows students to pursue general leadership skills alongside technical know-how.
From his experience in admissions Sarles said, “Many students also know that they want to work in Marketing or Business Analytics, but still want the business leadership credentials that an MBA provides; a concentration prepares them for both leadership and industry specific roles.”
An MBA is valued for the credentials that it provides, as it shows to employers an individual’s ability to lead and manage tasks from a variety of perspectives and situations, which can be valuable for progressing through many corporate careers. In addition to this, Sarles talked about how the universities through “ intentionally small class sizes, students get to network with their classmates and often leverage these additions to their network in their careers.”
Small class sizes facilitate conversations among peers who are studying vastly different subjects. an appeal that has been a key selling point for the university. With the addition of concentrations, networking has the added perk of being able to get to know experts in a wide range of industries.
Dr. Julia Fulmore, Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Curriculum Development, also made remarks about how the university is driving to meet in-demand skills. Her work in curriculum development gives a great insight into the MBA’s vision to help students find the balance between technical and leadership skills.
Regarding the Data Science and AI concentrations, she said, “The curriculum was developed to ensure that students do not simply learn technical tools but understand how data, algorithms, and AI systems can transform organizational strategy, operations, and decision-making. The design balances technical capability with the managerial orientation expected in an MBA program.”
Fulmore spoke about some appealing strengths of MBA concentrations, and she gave a great insight into one key strength of these programs: flexibility. She said, “Students can gain exposure to multiple disciplines, integrate cross-functional thinking, and develop leadership and strategic decision-making abilities, while still acquiring targeted skills that differentiate them in the marketplace.”
Since industry-specific skills are so valuable for employers, a student may question the decision of getting a Master’s degree in Business Administration, or MBA, instead of a targeted Master’s of Science.
Freshman business major Thomas McHugh gave a student’s perspective with regards to the new concentrations. Said McHugh, “I think the concentrations assist in career prep by giving exposure to a more diverse range of courses and specific subjects”.
McHugh aspires to work in the field of consulting, and having an MBA with concentrations in Analytics and AI would help expand his resume. Said McHugh, “I want to work in consulting, so a big part of that is business analytics and usage. [….] Some more specialization in that sector [helps you] be a more attractive candidate.”
In keeping its foundation in leadership and ethics while expanding upon its offerings in field-specific courses, UD’s business program is an attractive venture for aspiring students and professionals. One can learn more about what the school has to offer by searching online or scheduling an appointment with a Gupta College of Business admissions counselor.