Written By
We're here to help.
An MBA degree is a Master of Business Administration. This is a graduate-level degree that teaches skills in leadership, finance, marketing and strategic management. It’s broadly applicable to all industries.
Speak with a University Counselor today.
Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Vice President of GCU Marketing on Sept. 4, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
An MBA degree program is a Master of Business Administration — a type of graduate degree that focuses on competencies for business professionals across various fields. What is an MBA degree’s main purpose? This master’s degree is designed to teach a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills in leadership, management, finance and marketing. It should be noted that although an MBA is a type of master’s degree, it’s not the same as a Master of Science degree.
Are you a current or aspiring business professional with a longing to position yourself to potentially lead? Do you wonder how you can position yourself for potential career advancement? Have you found yourself ready to improve your skills? If so, you may want to consider earning your MBA degree, as there are many potential benefits of an MBA.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is earned by completing a graduate-level, business-based degree program. MBA programs are suited for anyone with a bachelor’s degree who wishes to examine advanced skills and knowledge applicable to their field and position, or desired field and position. The competencies explored in an MBA program are broadly applicable to virtually all industries.
An MBA degree may help you in your career goals regardless of whether you work in the public, private or nonprofit sector, as it will teach business tools, communications skills and critical thinking perspective valued by many employers.1
In general, an MBA degree requires fewer credits than a bachelor's degree. The time to complete an MBA degree is heavily dependent on multiple factors, including:
At Grand Canyon University, if you are seeking an MBA without an emphasis and you already have an undergraduate degree in business, you may be able to earn your MBA in as little as 18 months.2
Additionally, earning your MBA no longer entails packing up your home and moving closer to campus. Many business schools offer online programs to help you to complete your degree requirements from almost anywhere. This is an ideal choice for business professionals who wish to retain their current position while making progress toward a degree.
You may also want to explore evening MBA options that allow you to meet with other working professionals but still offer flexibility to fit within your schedule. If these options are of interest to you, a hybrid model combining online and evening classes is also worth considering.
MBA degrees are available in a variety of subfields and emphases. Each program teaches different skills that are applicable to business in many ways. Here are some types of MBA degrees offered from GCU:
Some graduate students may be interested in earning a dual degree. Master of Business Administration & Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems and Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Leadership are two dual-degree combinations that give students in these fields more academic options.3
The admission requirements and degree completion requirements for an MBA will vary from one school and program to the next. In general, MBA students are expected to have a completed bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA, and they are expected to have work experience. Some schools may require test scores from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
At GCU, MBA degree requirements include a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 2.8. If your GPA is lower than 2.8, you may still qualify with acceptable test scores from the GMAT or GRE. The GMAT or GRE are not required for admission to GCU.
The courses you may encounter in an MBA program will differ depending on the specific degree you decide to pursue. No matter which program you choose, you will have opportunities to gain a solid understanding of business and leadership.
Some courses you might take in an MBA program may cover topics such as:
Emphases provide courses by professors in one field of study and allow you to specialize in that area. For example, if you are taking a cybersecurity emphasis, you may take classes in topics such as the design of enterprise security infrastructure.
What is an MBA program graduate’s career outcome like? Those with an MBA degree can go on to pursue an array of careers. Graduates can position themselves to pursue potential leadership careers across industries. Based on experience, they may seek positions, such as:
For professionals who truly want to become capable servant leaders in business, an MBA may be a solid choice. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 14% of the population aged 25 and older had completed an advanced degree, such as a master’s degree, as of 2022.4
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2024, the median weekly wage for those with a master’s degree was $1,840, whereas the median weekly wage for those with a bachelor’s degree was $1,543.5
The salary that MBA graduates receive may vary according to their position and the company or organization they work for.
Earning an MBA will require hard work and an enduring commitment. However, it could be worth it for you if you aspire to improve your academic qualifications.
Holding an MBA degree can set you apart from other job applicants and may help you position yourself to potentially pursue promotion opportunities. It can indicate to potential employers that you are motivated and skilled in your field and can be a valuable asset for their team.1
An MBA program may be right for you if any of the following are true:
No matter where you are in your educational journey, you can enhance your readiness for the demands of an MBA program. Here are some steps you can take at various stages:
It’s best to enter the MBA program with the mindset that you can learn something meaningful from everyone you encounter — whether they are instructors or students. You should also treat your fellow students as if they are colleagues or business partners. Work collaboratively on group projects and be an empathetic leader. After all, earning an MBA can be a wonderful networking opportunity.1
Another way to make the most out of your MBA experience is by broadening your perspective, forming ideas and thinking critically. The main reason to earn an MBA is to learn, so take in as much information as possible and draw thoughtful conclusions from it. You’ll have opportunities to learn from the perspectives of others regarding leadership and business.
If you want to further your qualifications after earning an MBA degree, you may choose to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree.
Individuals may choose to pursue a DBA if they want to take their education to the highest possible level. If you would like to teach at the post-secondary level, a DBA can help you position yourself for faculty positions at colleges and universities. Many doctoral degrees require the completion of a master’s degree. If you intend to earn a doctoral degree in business, an MBA can be well worth your time and effort.
Explore Grand Canyon University’s business and management degree programs. GCU’s Colangelo College of Business offers many online MBA programs to fit your needs. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about enrolling in one of our MBA degree programs.
Pursue Leadership Opportunities in Business
Take the next step in your academic journey and earn an MBA degree. Apply at GCU!
