Studying Global Management: Degrees at a Glance
Studies in global management prepare you for advanced management positions in the private or public sector. You might use graduate-level training in this major to advance to an executive role, such as chief executive officer (CEO), within a company or organization. Such training can also lead to a career in management analysis, which involves advising company managers and executives on how to increase efficiency and profits.
If you're considering a career as an executive, keep in mind that competition in this job market is extremely high due to the desirability of the profession and the very limited number of positions. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that jobs for CEOs would grow at a slow rate of four percent from 2010-2020. You may have more employment opportunities as a management analyst; the BLS projected jobs for this profession to increase by 22% in the same decade, which is faster than average.
| Master's | MBA | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Entry-level and mid-level business professionals looking for advancement in the field | Upper-level business professionals seeking career advancement |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | -Management analyst ($88,000)* -Chief executive ($177,000)* | Career paths for the MBA are similar to those of the general master's degree, though some employers may favor MBA-holders. |
| Time to Completion | Around 15 months full-time | 1-2 years part-time or full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | -Study-abroad experience -Foreign language requirement -Capstone course | -Capstone course |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Master's Degree in Global Management
This graduate degree is available as a Master of Science in Global Management or a Master of International Management program. In addition to learning fundamental principles for a management career on an international level, these programs place a particular emphasis on teaching you to break cultural boundaries in order to interact with foreign business professionals. Even with a degree, employers will prefer that management applicants have several years of experience before obtaining a management position.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Job prospects are strongest for executives and management analysts with graduate degrees
- Opportunity to gain field experience in a foreign country
- Previous business experience is not mandatory for admission
- Does not require completion of a thesis
Cons
- Some employers prefer management analysts who hold MBAs specifically
- Profession still requires several years of management experience
- Job opportunities for executives are scarce
Courses and Requirements
In a master's degree program in global management, you'll complete a combination of core coursework and electives. Core courses cover topics like international accounting, strategic management, global marketing, cross-cultural negotiations and decision science. Depending on the program, you may be able to choose a specialty topic in which to gear your electives.
You'll also be required to learn a foreign language during your studies, though some schools waive this requirement if you can prove proficiency in a second language. Additionally, curricula tend to incorporate study-abroad programs, which allow you to gain first-hand global management experience in a foreign setting.
Online Degree Options
Some schools do offer online programs in global and international management. As with their on-campus counterparts, online programs in global management are designed to provide working professionals with instruction in business theories and issues on a worldwide scale. An online program may be particularly beneficial if you intend on working during your studies, since courses are flexible and convenient.
Stand Out with this Degree
While education is important for a career related to global management, experience is also essential. Most management analysts and executives have several years of experience in the industry or within a particular company before being promoted to their roles. As such, you may benefit from working in a management or human resources position during college; in fact, global management programs often allow you to earn your degree part-time in order to accommodate a work schedule.
Technology plays a large role in the business world, so you'll also need a strong grasp of the software and applications used in this industry. Database and project management software are commonly used in the day-to-day tasks of executives and management analysts. You may also want to pursue training in enterprise resource planning systems, which streamline company operations into a more manageable software program.
MBA in Global Management
While the coursework in master's degree and MBA programs are similar, MBAs are generally geared toward professionals with more advanced experience in management. Compared to the general master's degree program, MBA programs have a greater focus on practical business applications and financial management, and they also tend to require more prerequisites, such as in economics, statistics and finance. Most schools offer these degree programs in both part-time and full-time schedules. Like with the master's degree, employers may prefer to hire applicants with a degree in addition to experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- MBA degrees are common among top executives, who are among the highest-paid workers in the nation
- Flexible schedule geared toward working professionals (evenings and weekends)
- Can be completed in as little as a year
Cons
- May be limited to professionals with a minimum amount of experience
- Competition for management jobs will be high
- Graduates may need experience in the field to obtain management positions
Courses and Requirements
The MBA curriculum in global management is less complex than the general master's degree program, consisting almost entirely of didactic instruction. Core courses may cover topics like organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, sustainability, corporate finance and strategic marketing, all from an international perspective.
You'll also choose electives from a range of topics, like global energy industry management or Asian business environment. While you will be required to take a capstone course, you will likely not be required to complete a thesis project, participate in a study-abroad experience or learn a second language.
Online Degree Options
MBA programs in the global management specialization are available entirely online or in a hybrid format. This major is well-suited for online learning, since programs rarely incorporate hands-on components or projects. When searching for online global management programs, be wary of diploma mills and schools that are not nationally accredited.
Stand Out with this Degree
Certification is not mandatory for a career related to global management; however, executives and management analysts can obtain credentials to stand out from their competition. The Institute of Management Consultants USA offers the Certified Management Consultant credential to management analysts at three different experience levels ranging from 3-9 years and up to 20 years. For executives, the Institute of Certified Professional Managers awards the Certified Manager (CM) designation to candidates who have at least 10 education and experience points and pass the CM exam.
