Knowledge and Skill Set with an MBA

A master’s in business administration (MBA) provides graduates with several benefits that can translate well into practical application in many different career positions. From analyzing risk assessments to developing strategic plans, an MBA gives students a well-rounded background in the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in business. The management and communication techniques learned in the program are helpful for career position after earning the MBA.

After earning an MBA, there are several different positions a graduate can consider. Some possibilities include positions in business management, accounting, finance, information technology, marketing, business consulting, and teaching.

Community Colleges, Junior Colleges, and Technical Colleges

At many two-year colleges—whether a community, junior, or technical institution—the minimum requirement for teaching is often a bachelor’s degree for full-time, part-time, and adjunct positions. In some cases, a master’s degree is required in order to become a faculty member at any level, and full-time positions sometimes require a doctorate-level degree. For the majority of positions at the two-year college institution, however, a master’s degree will enable interested candidates to be considered for a faculty position, and an MBA qualifies prospective faculty for positions in most business courses.

In addition to an undergraduate or graduate degree, practical work experience outside of the world of academia is increasingly becoming a standard requirement at two-year colleges across the United States. With a master’s degree that includes at least 18 credits or more in a relevant academic discipline and work experience in that field, faculty applicants have a solid foundation for fulfilling the requirements needed to begin teaching at the two-year college level.

Each institution has an individual system for the way in which full-time, part-time, and adjunct faculty are hired, and visiting the human resources page of the school an applicant is interested in teaching for is the best way to determine what these policies and hiring procedures are.

For more helpful information on understanding community colleges, review the information at Modern Language Association.

Four-year Universities

Although many tenure-track, full-time faculty positions at four-year universities will require a doctorate degree in the academic discipline a candidate is applying for, a master’s degree is increasingly becoming the minimum requirement for part-time and adjunct positions. With an MBA and some additional qualifications, teaching business at a four-year university is possible.

While practical work experience is also highly regarded for applicants to four-year institutions, previous teaching or training experience is also likely to be a requirement. Membership in relevant professional associations, including education and discipline-specific organizations, are additional factors in considering applicants for faculty positions.

For additional resources to explore two-year and four-year higher learning institutions, visit the Association of American Colleges and Universities website at www.aacu.org.