Specialized master's degrees are increasingly recognized for their unique advantages.
The Value of a Specialized Degree
Unlike broader graduate business degrees such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA), specialized master’s programs like the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) offer distinct benefits:
1. Shorter duration
Specialized master’s programs often require less time to complete than traditional business degrees. For example, while an MBA usually spans two years for full-time students, our Master of Management program is structured to accommodate working professionals with a part-time schedule, requiring only 30 credit hours, versus 40 or 54 for the Online MBA and Full-Time MBA, respectively.
2. Focused expertise
These programs are ideal for students aiming to develop specialized skills within specific industries such as analytics, providing depth in areas directly relevant to their career aspirations. The coursework in specialized programs is tailored to develop expertise in a targeted field, equipping graduates with advanced competencies in sectors like risk management.
Our Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program builds core competencies in critical thinking and analytics – applying these to the area of risk management to prepare graduates for a variety of strategic leadership roles.
3. No experience required
Specialized master’s degrees are accessible to both recent graduates and seasoned professionals. These programs do not typically require prior professional experience, making them suitable for those just starting their careers as well as established professionals seeking to pivot or advance in their fields.
“An MBA felt too broad for what I wanted to achieve. For me, the MRA program helps me target what I want to achieve in my current position with PNC, as well as some of the in-demand analytics skills.”
Mindy Cine
Internal Auditor, PNC Bank
4. Promising career outlook
Graduates from specialized programs are well-equipped to stand out in the competitive job market, possessing skills that are in high demand. The Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA), for instance, was crafted in direct response to the growing need for skilled professionals in risk management and analytics.
One of the most common reasons professionals pursue a graduate degree is to build their network. Depending on the program, a graduate degree can be a great way to meet peers with similar and unfamiliar backgrounds alike — which can help students advance in their current field or branch into new fields or industries.
Despite being an online program, NC State’s Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) proudly offers its students various ways to engage with peers and industry professionals. Students can take select synchronous (live) online classes — or even hybrid classes with in-person sessions — providing ample opportunities to engage with program peers, faculty, and even students from other Jenkins Graduate Programs. Our program staff also hosts virtual and in-person career and social events each semester.
MBA vs. Specialized Master’s: A Side-by-Side Comparison
The MBA has been the most popular master’s degree in the United States since the early 2000s. However, applications for more specialized degree programs are on the rise. So, which one is right for you?
Generally, specialized master’s programs are more budget-friendly compared to traditional MBAs. Their shorter duration and focused curriculum not only reduce costs but also provide excellent returns on investment, making them an appealing option for individuals at all career stages—from newcomers to experienced managers.
These attributes make specialized master’s degrees, particularly in niche fields like risk management, a compelling choice for professionals looking to enhance their expertise and accelerate their career growth.
Is a specialized master’s right for you?
For students set on focusing their career in risk management, and who want to dive deeper into big data, Poole College’s Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) is a win-win: a program tailored to their unique career path along with a shorter time commitment and a potentially quicker return on investment.
