Many prospective students ask themselves whether pursuing an advanced business degree, such as a master of business administration (MBA) or doctor of business administration (DBA), is worth the investment.

For many, it can be.

Continuing your education in business provides personal and professional opportunities you can’t get elsewhere, and focused coursework can equip you with valuable real-world skills in areas like financial analysis, negotiation, marketing, and product design. Whether you're using a business degree to start a business or to advance your career, it can open many doors.

In other words, these programs provide a platform for career growth, leadership development, and personal enrichment, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders to pursue turning their visions into reality.

Explore Our Programs

Career Advancement and Leadership Opportunities

Both a master of business administration and a doctor of business administration help open doors to senior management and executive roles. Specifically, those who have earned an MBA or DBA are often found climbing the corporate ladder, leading teams, managing complex projects, and driving key business strategies.

For example, a financial analyst with an advanced business administration degree may be more adept at pivoting to a role as a finance manager or CFO, which requires such skills as risk management to identify and mitigate potential financial threats and team management to foster effective collaboration.¹

Competitive Edge in a Global Job Market

An advanced business management degree provides the knowledge, tools, and credibility that distinguish students from their competitors.

For instance, employers looking for candidates skilled in collaboration and problem-solving recognize that higher education provides business graduates with the training to develop the skills to motivate diverse teams, navigate complex project management frameworks, and implement strategic initiatives.  If you're considering how to choose an online MBA program, it's essential to look for one that combines both practical and strategic skills.

In a rapidly evolving job market, the global reach and relevant skills learned in a business program couldn’t be more important. That’s why the Alliant graduate programs in Business combine technology in business in dynamic, STEM-informed degrees that prepare students with the technical and management skills needed in today’s global business world.

Expanding Professional Networks

Not only can the relationships built during MBA/DBA programs last a lifetime, but they may also offer unbeatable professional connections. These strong bonds can be very helpful when advancing your career. With a business management degree, your network can encompass:

• Professors
• Advisors
• Peers
• Industry experts
• Alumni

Alumni networks are particularly valuable to connect with professionals who are already established in their careers. Alliant has nearly 50,000 alumni—the size of a small city—in countless business fields in countries throughout the world.

Personal Growth and Skill Development

A business administration degree imparts skills in finance, advanced analytics, and management, complete with extensive practical experience. In addition, an MBA/DBA helps develop soft skills like problem-solving, strategic thinking, and communication.

As a result, students gain confidence through a program’s challenges and learning experiences, preparing them to tackle difficulties in a real-life workplace.

Specialized Knowledge in Key Business Areas

Business programs allow students to specialize in a variety of areas that reflect the diverse options of business careers. Whether it's launching a successful startup or leading financial strategies for a major corporation, the focused education students receive equips them for long-term success.

MBA and DBA specializations include:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Information, technology, and data science
• Management and leadership

Lifelong Learning and Adaptability

In addition to strengthening a resume, MBAs, and DBAs foster continuous learning throughout a business career, keeping graduates agile and adaptable in a changing economy. Specifically, advanced education helps professionals stay ahead of industry trends, a skill many employers appreciate.

Is Now the Right Time to Pursue a Business Degree?

So, is a business degree worth it? It certainly can be.

That said, fitting an entire degree into a busy lifestyle can be a challenge. Fortunately, modern programs, such as the graduate programs in Business at Alliant International University, offer a range of flexible options designed to accommodate your schedule and make balancing education with work and personal commitments much more manageable.

If you’re worried about timing, look for programs that are:

• Part-time – Continue working while studying at night or on weekends.
• Online – Take classes from the comfort of your own home.
• Hybrid – Enjoy a combination of in-person and virtual learning.
• Flexible – Consider programs in which students can finish as quickly as three years or as slowly as five years.

Remember that it’s never too late to invest in education, especially when looking to pivot or advance careers.

Prioritize a Future Career with an Alliant Business Degree

At Alliant, we offer two business programs: a MBA and a DBA. These degrees help prepare students to be the leaders of tomorrow through hands-on training, technical skills, and tailored specializations.

We are committed to accessible higher education for students from all walks of life. Whether you're a recent business major graduate or an experienced business professional, our programs are designed to fit your needs. Working full-time and studying on the side? Prefer an extra year or two to finish your business degree program? Need financial aid? We’ve got you covered. Our flexible degrees are both on-campus and online, with scholarships available for those who qualify.

Within our MBA and DBA programs, students can choose from three specialized concentrations:

• Information and Technology Management 
• Marketing and Digital Trends
• Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences

In the MBA program, you have the opportunity to customize your concentration to align with your specific career path, professional goals, and personal interests, ensuring a tailored educational experience that meets your unique aspirations.

Apply for a business degree at Alliant today, and explore scholarship opportunities or request information from our admissions team.

---

Sources:

1. Whittle, Matt. “Why Pursue A Career In Finance? And What To Consider Before You Start.” March 28, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/business-and-marketing/careers…. Accessed October 13, 2024.