Degree Offerings

Is a Master's in Management Worth It?

Deciding to pursue a graduate degree is a significant investment of time, money, and effort. For many, a Master’s in Management (MSM) offers a strategic way to launch or elevate a career in business leadership. But how do you know if it's the right move for you? Below, we explore the value of this degree from multiple angles, including career benefits, skill development, financial considerations, and more.

What Is a Master’s in Management (MSM Degree)?

If you’ve ever wondered, MSM stands for Master of Science in Management—a graduate-level business degree designed to build managerial and leadership skills, particularly for those without a prior business background. Unlike an MBA, which may require two or more years of work experience, an MSM degree is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals.

The Master’s in Management is a versatile program that equips students with the core competencies required to lead teams, solve complex problems, and manage resources effectively in a global business environment. The Bellevue University Master's in Management degree focuses on leadership, strategic analysis, and decision-making, blending theory with practical application to prepare graduates for the complexities of modern management. Using a mentoring approach, the online Master’s in Management program promotes the awareness of oneself and others as leaders, managers, and innovators. You will have the opportunity to align your degree to your goals by choosing a concentration in one of the following areas:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing
  • Project Management

The MSM degree program is built for business professionals and students who want to develop people management skills which can be mastered with practice via hands-on, applied learning activities focused on real workplace issues.

Key Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Management

Is a Master’s in Management worth it? Absolutely—especially for those looking to boost leadership skills and career opportunities. This program is perfect for recent graduates and early-career professionals aiming for managerial roles but lacking extensive experience. Through hands-on applications, you’ll acquire foundational management principles, strategic thinking skills, and insights into organizational behavior, helping you stand out in the job market.

The benefits of earning a master's in management are both immediate and long-term. This degree can accelerate your entry into leadership positions by equipping you with more than just business knowledge—gaining leadership capabilities and a strategic mindset with practice. It can help differentiate you in a crowded job market.

Employers value candidates who hold a management master’s because it signals readiness to manage teams, projects, and business challenges effectively. In addition, a master's degree in management is flexible and applicable across industries, allowing you to adapt your career path as your goals evolve.

The Bellevue University business and management programs provide students with outstanding flexibility to support them in achieving their personal educational goals. We offer diverse, specialized tracks of study through concentrations plus flexible scheduling, which can be important to busy working professionals.

– Dr. Randa Zalman, Associate Professor and Program Director, College of Business

Skills Gained in an MSM Degree

An MSM degree equips you with skills essential in today’s business world. Key among these are management and leadership skills, where you’ll learn to lead diverse teams, motivate employees, and drive organizational success. You’ll also develop a strategic mindset for management roles.

Analytical and problem-solving skills are honed through data-driven decision-making practice, allowing you to address complex business challenges effectively. This skill set empowers you to implement strategies that promote company growth.

Among the most important skills you will learn are:

  • Effective Communication
    Learn to convey ideas clearly and persuasively across different organizational levels and cultural contexts.
  • Critical Thinking
    Evaluate complex situations, identify patterns, and devise innovative solutions to business challenges.
  • Advanced Problem Solving
    Apply analytical frameworks and creative thinking to solve operational and strategic problems with confidence.

Financial Considerations for an MSM Degree

When considering whether an advanced degree like the MSM degree is worth it, you must factor in several things, such as time, cost, education requirements, and personal commitment.

Weigh these costs above with the benefit of an MSM degree credential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals can pursue various managerial roles across industries, each offering competitive salaries. While exact figures can vary based on education, experience, location, and specific responsibilities, here are some median annual salaries for common management positions as of May 2024:

These figures highlight the potential financial benefits of pursuing a master's degree in management, equipping graduates with the skills needed for high-paying leadership roles across various sectors. However, earning potential with a master’s degree can vary greatly depending on factors such as industry, location, experience, and specific job role.

Cost

Costs can vary greatly between schools and are usually measured by cost per credit. It’s important to do some research to guide your decision. Here are some of the facts:

Education Requirements

Beyond the financial costs, educational requirements take your time, effort, and personal commitment. Here’s what you can expect:

Most students complete a master’s degree in 2-3 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits they take per term and how many are required (part-time students will take longer). An MSM degree typically requires 32-36 graduate credit hours. Bellevue University’s program requires 36 credit hours. Contact us today to have your transcripts evaluated and understand what you need to complete a master’s degree in management.

The Bottom Line: Is a Master’s in Management Right For You?

If you’re seeking a degree that offers immediate career value, long-term flexibility, and leadership preparation, then a master in management could be the right fit. Whether you're a recent graduate looking to enhance your career prospects or a professional ready to move into a leadership role, an MSM degree provides a strong foundation.

Start Your Master’s in Management at Bellevue University Today

Pursuing an MSM degree at Bellevue University opens doors to a network of professionals, faculty, and alumni offering guidance, mentorship, and strong industry connections. Bellevue University believes the best way to build management and leadership skills is by combining real-world, hands-on learning with theory.

Choosing Bellevue University for your MSM means investing in education and a supportive community dedicated to your success. With flexible online options, expert faculty, and career-aligned curriculum, Bellevue’s Master's in Management program empowers you to achieve your goals on your schedule.

Explore the Bellevue University Master of Science in Management Today!

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