What Can You Do With a Master's in Management?

If you are considering pursuing a Master’s in Management (MSM degree), you might be wondering, ‘What can you do with it?’

A Master's in Management (MSM) degree is a versatile and powerful credential that opens doors across a wide range of industries and career paths. Whether you're new to business or looking to pivot into a leadership role, this degree offers both foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive workplace. But exactly what is an MSM, and what can you do with it? The Master of Science in Management is designed to prepare graduates with the tools to lead teams, solve complex problems, analyze business challenges, and manage resources efficiently—without requiring prior business experience.

See also What Is a Master’s in Management?

Common Career Paths for MSM Graduates

Graduates of a master's in management program are well-equipped to pursue a variety of professional roles. Common career paths include, but are not limited to:

• Project Manager
• Operations Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Business Analyst
• Marketing Manager
• Sales Manager
• Senior Manager or Director
• Assistant Vice President
• Team Lead
• Client Service Manager

Because the MSM degree emphasizes strategic thinking and leadership, it also serves as a stepping stone into higher-level positions, depending on experience and the industry, such as Director of Operations, Program Director, or General Manager. Those who complete a master's degree in management can improve their ability to move up by demonstrating both business acumen and leadership capability.

Discover careers that might best suit your personal goals by taking a career assessment through Bellevue University Career Services.

Industries That Value an MSM Degree

Many industries actively seek professionals with MSM credentials. A management master's is valuable across nearly every industry because effective management is a universal business need and is recognized for the ability to drive strategic decision-making and business growth. Consider sectors such as,

• Healthcare and Medical Services
• Finance and Banking
• Technology, Industry and Start Ups
• Nonprofits and Education
• Government and Military

These industries value leaders who understand how to align resources, manage teams, and adapt to rapid change—capabilities developed through a master's program in management. Whether your goal is to work for a Fortune 500 company or a mission-driven organization, your master's in management will signal your readiness to lead.

Skills You’ll Develop in an MSM Degree Program

A key benefit of the MS Management program is its focus on cultivating essential soft and technical skills. Students learn how to:

• Manage teams
• Analyze data and business challenges
• Lead organizational change and implement new initiatives
• Communicate effectively across diverse settings
• Facilitate conflict resolution

You'll also practice and apply soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving that apply across roles and sectors:

• 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.
• Ethical Decision-Making
  Choose actions that are morally sound, legally compliant, and aligned with organizational values while balancing the interests of stakeholders.

These skills are highly transferable, in great demand by organizations, and can position you as a strategic asset—whether you're managing projects, leading departments, or launching new initiatives. By honing these skills, MSM graduates are well-prepared to influence business outcomes and drive organizational success.

Pursuing a Bellevue University business and management degree is about more than gaining knowledge, it's about transforming career trajectories, enhancing leadership capabilities, and expanding impact.

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

Further Education or Certifications

Beyond an MSM credential, as a professional, you may choose to enhance your expertise with additional certifications or education, depending on your personal and career goals. (Specific industry-recognized examinations and prerequisites may apply.)

Graduates may choose to pursue specialized certifications such as:

• Project Management Professional (PMP®) from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM®), such as from PMI or the Scrum Alliance
• SHRM-CP® or -SCP® from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Others may opt to continue their education with a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) or another advanced degree to become an expert in a specific area. The Master’s in Management provides a strong academic foundation, preparing you to pursue additional certifications or degrees.

Continuing education in the form of courses or certificates and professional development helps you as an MSM graduate stay competitive and adapt to evolving industry trends.

Discover Where a Master’s in Management Can Take You

If you’re ready to elevate your career and expand your professional opportunities, pursuing a Master’s in Management could be the next step toward achieving your goals.

A Master of Science in Management (MSM) is more than just a credential—it’s a catalyst for growth, leadership, and long-term career success. Whether you’re aiming to move up in your current organization, pivot into a new industry, or launch your own venture, the skills and knowledge gained through a masters degree in management will prepare you to lead with confidence and clarity. Now is the time to invest in your future. Explore how Bellevue University’s master’s in management program can help you reach your goals and make a meaningful impact in the world of business.

Take the next step today—your leadership journey starts here, with the Master of Science in Management.

Related resources we think you’ll like.

What Is a Master’s in Management (MSM)?
Is an MSM Degree Worth It?
A Guide to the Different Types of Master’s Degrees