NANYANG MBA MSc Accountancy MSc Business Analytics MSc Financial Engineering MSc Marketing Science

MBA or MSc? Which one is the right fit for me?

“MBA or an MSc degree?”— it is, perhaps, one of the foremost questions in your mind if you are contemplating a postgraduate qualification. This decision will be critical in deciding your career progression. But with so many programme options to choose from, picking the right one isn’t quite as clear cut as one may imagine.

MSc is becoming increasingly popular recently. This is because as we move into a highly specialised job market, employers are looking for professionals with specific skills across specialised disciplines.

An MSc programme focuses on specialised skills

An MSc is a highly specialised programme that lets you deep-dive into a specialisation. It is detail-oriented and industry-specific. The programme typically offers specialist modules that enable you to build upon a unique skill set.

Upon completion, participants can use these sought-after skills to further advance in their respective fields of expertise. A good MSc programme also grounds your industry knowledge with a few general business concepts. Thus, a specialised master programme is best suited for entry-level professionals looking to elevate their skills or those who aspire for a career change into a more specialised field.

The Nanyang Business School suite of MSc programmes equips participants with in-depth knowledge in:

• Accountancy
• Business Analytics
• Financial Engineering
• Marketing Science

These programmes seek to prepare participants for a successful global career. For example, our MSc Marketing Science programme can fast-track your dream of becoming a savvy marketing specialist in just a year.

An MBA programme focuses on strategic acumen and peer-learning

An MBA degree is an executive-level programme aimed at those who have dipped their toes in the corporate world. It aims to help professionals with work experience who want to develop their business acumen and leadership.

With a primary emphasis on strategic development and the financial knowledge needed to transform and grow a business, an MBA degree is focused on broader business insights and solutions. Through such a practical curriculum, the multi-discipline programme covers diverse business topics, from leadership and finance to economics and technology.

Case in point, our Nanyang MBA degree is an intensive 12-month programme which is acclaimed for a strong academic focus on tech and innovation, leadership, international exposure, and multi-campus immersions. Its main aspects are:

• Leading People Globally—a skills-focused segment that enables participants to develop leadership skills across cultural contexts.
• Strategic Projects at Nanyang (SPAN)—a collaborative educational segment where MBA participants get to work with organisations on live-strategy consulting projects.
• Business Study Mission (BSM)—an overseas study programme in partnerships with prestigious global universities.

What are the significant differences between an MBA and an MSc?

The biggest deciding factor when selecting a postgraduate programme boils down to your career objectives. Here’s a quick summary to help:

1. Breadth versus Depth

An MBA programme covers a broad range of topics with a strong emphasis on strategic planning in various managerial contexts. In contrast, an MSc programme seeks to equip candidates with a specialised skill set to excel in a particular business function.

2. Theory versus Practice

An MBA programme provides a hands-on learning experience through networking events and business interactions in real-life settings. Conversely, an MSc programme develops the participants’ analytical and practical skills in a specific area.

3. Work Experience

An MBA programme typically caters to experienced professionals from various leadership roles, while an MSc programme targets those with less than five years of work experience.

4. Future Career Pathways

Upon completion, MBA graduates will find themselves progressing through the managerial ranks, whereas MSc graduates will be able to secure more specialised roles.

So, what’s the next best step to take?

Now that you know what both of these programmes offer, you can start narrowing down your options by asking the following questions:

1. Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

Do you envision yourself as a manager for a high-performing team in a large company, or as a financial specialist for a boutique firm? If you’re more inclined to the former, then an MBA degree is your best bet and vice versa. Always choose a programme that closely aligns with your desired career path.

2. Does the curriculum of the programme offer the right learning opportunities to reach my goals?

When choosing a postgraduate programme, it is incredibly crucial to see if the curriculum aligns with your goals. A master’s degree is a long-term investment that requires your full commitment. However, if you have time constraints and other important commitments, then consider the wide range of part-time programmes that Nanyang Business School offers for busy professionals.

3. How are professionals using their advanced degrees now?

The next step is to research about how professionals in your field utilise their degree to progress in their careers. Reading about how they used these skills can help you make informed decisions. It will also give an idea of salary expectations.

4. What have other recent graduates experienced?

Last but not least, you can find more information about the programme of your choice from the recent graduates’ firsthand experience. Look for alumni testimonials and networking benefits. Reach out to some current and past students to explore more.

Find out more about the Nanyang MBA programmes and MSc programmes.