1. Information Technology
According to Payscale, Information Technology (IT) is the second highest-paid MBA specialization globally, with an average salary of $111k per year. This MBA program gives international students essential skills to manage IT systems and human resources. It combines traditional business knowledge with subjects like information security, IT project management, telecommunications, and IT strategy. Core courses include financial accounting, business intelligence, business analytics, data visualization, cybersecurity, and modeling. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects strong job growth in IT, with about 377,500 job openings annually from 2022 to 2032.
Best Universities | Job Title | Average Salary Per Year |
Steinbeis University | Information Technology Manager | $45,000 - $95,000 (₹60,00,000) |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | IT Services Manager | $50,000 - $90,000 (₹60,00,000) |
Geneva Business School | Senior IT Business Analyst | $30,000 - $70,000 (₹50,00,000) |
University of Toronto | Solutions Architect Senior Manager | $80,000 - $95,000 (₹75,00,000) |
University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney | IT Senior Associate | $40,000 - $75,000 (₹60,00,000) |
2. Business Analytics
Business Analytics is the top-paying MBA specialization, with an average salary of $85k, according to Payscale. This field focuses on systematically analyzing data from business operations to assess efficiency, costs, and outcomes. MBA programs in Business Analytics cover subjects such as business intelligence, data analytics, computer programming, quantitative methods, financial and operational management, managerial economics, data mining, and predictive modeling. Pursuing this specialized MBA enhances leadership, technical, analytical, decision-making, and managerial skills. SkyQuest reports that the global business analytics software market is expected to reach USD 88 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 11% from 2023 to 2030.
Best Universities | Job Title | Average Salary Per Year |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Business Systems Analyst | $60,000 - $70,000 (₹60,00,000) |
Imperial College London | Business Strategist Analyst | $50,000 - $96,000 (₹60,00,000) |
Alliance Manchester Business School | Business Application Analyst | $70,000 - $100,000 (₹80,00,000) |
University of Alberta | Business & Data Analyst | $40,000 - $90,000 (₹80,00,000) |
University of Melbourne | Healthcare Business Analyst | $80,000 - $100,000 (₹80,00,000) |
3. Marketing
An MBA in Marketing ranks 3rd among MBA programs due to the growing influence of social media, which increases demand for marketing professionals. According to Payscale, MBA marketing graduates earn an average salary of $103k per year. This two-year MBA specialization prepares students for executive and managerial roles by emphasizing business and marketing principles. The curriculum covers sales, marketing tactics, strategies, consumer trends, behavior analysis, and research methodologies. Core subjects include Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, E-Marketing, Retail Marketing, Brand Management, and Advertising Management. The BLS reports that marketing managers earn around $145,000 annually, with job opportunities expected to grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030.
Best Universities | Job Title | Average Salary Per Year |
Northwestern University (Kellogg) | Equity Portfolio Specialist | $50,000 - $75,000 (₹50,00,000) |
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | Business Intelligence Manager | $60,000 - $75,000 (₹50,00,000) |
Oxford Business School | Field Marketing Manager | $50,000 - $80,000 (₹60,00,000) |
EU Business School | Client Success Specialist | $50,000 - $80,000 (₹60,00,000) |
University of Melbourne | P&L Controller | $70,000 - $85,000 (₹60,00,000) |
4. Finance
Finance is a highly sought-after and lucrative MBA program, with an average annual salary of $106k according to Payscale. It is crucial in economics, business, and management, making it essential across all sectors. Core studies include finance, stock markets, investment banking, financial accounting, corporate finance, risk management, money exchange, operations, market trading, and the global economy. MBA specialization graduates specializing in Finance acquire analytical and statistical skills necessary for managing business finances effectively. The USA mba business and finance sectors project about 911,400 job openings annually. The BLS predicts a 16% growth in financial manager employment from 2022 to 2032, with opportunities in various financial fields.
Best Universities | Job Title | Average Salary Per Year |
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | Finance Analyst | $35,000 - $65,000 (₹40,00,000) |
University of Chicago (Booth) | Finance Consulting Manager | $55,000 - $90,000 (₹70,00,000) |
London Business School | Leveraged Finance Associate | $50,000 - $80,000 (₹60,00,000) |
Imperial College London | Financial Management Associate | $68,000 - $100,000 (₹80,00,000) |
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | Manager- Finance Integration & Separation | $55,000 - $90,000 (₹70,00,000) |
5. Economics
Opting for Economics as your MBA specialization can lead to lucrative careers, with an average annual salary of $103k. This specialization offers expertise in areas such as business intelligence, operations research, information sciences, and econometrics. Renowned universities like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Stanford University offer distinguished MBA programs in Economics. Key subjects include Micro and Macro Economics Analysis, Statistical Methods, Principles of Management, Public Finance and Taxation, Business Accounting, and Computer Application. MBA specialization graduates are prepared for high-profile roles in economics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in economist employment from 2022 to 2032, with 1,200 openings annually.
Best Universities | Job Title | Average Salary Per Year |
University of Oxford | Economic Development Analyst | $45,000 - $70,000 (₹55,00,000) |
University of Cambridge | Policy Analyst | $65,000 - $105,000 (₹80,00,000) |
Stanford University | Research Economist | $75,000 - $100,000 (₹80,00,000) |
University of Munich | Healthcare Economists & Trend Analyst | $45,000 - $90,000 (₹70,00,000) |
Drexel University | Economic Analyst | $60,000 - $80,000 (₹60,00,000) |
6. Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is among the top-paying MBA programs, with an average annual salary of $118k. This MBA specialization program focuses on developing competencies and innovation for businesses of all sizes. It covers business development, market analysis, innovation, and corporate strategy. International students can study entrepreneurship in popular destinations such as Canada, the US, Australia, and Switzerland. Top universities for MBA Entrepreneurship include Stanford University, Harvard University, the University of Texas, Rice University, and the University of Utah. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), entrepreneurs in this field can earn an estimated annual salary of $145,000, making it a lucrative career choice.
Best Universities | Job Title | Average Salary Per Year |
Richmond Business School | Management Consultant | $55,000 - $70,000 (₹55,00,000) |
Lincoln University (California) | Senior Product Manager | $85,000 - $105,000 (₹80,00,000) |
University of Texas—Austin | Business Intelligence Manager | $60,000 - $75,000 (₹50,00,000) |
Stanford University | Client Success Specialist | $50,000 - $80,000 (₹60,00,000) |
7. Data Analytics
Data Analytics ranks 7th among MBA specializations, offering the highest MBA salary globally. This field is popular with computer science graduates and focuses on efficient data processing, providing high ROI and industrial exposure. The MBA program covers business fundamentals, management strategies, and enhances technical, leadership, and communication skills. Top universities offering this General MBA include the University of South Australia, Pace University, University of East London, Gannon University, Saint Peter’s University, and St. John’s University. According to the BLS, data analysts earn an estimated annual salary of $82,360, with a projected job growth of 25% from 2020 to 2030.
Best Universities | Job Title | Average Salary Per Year |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) | Research Analyst | $80,000 (₹60,00,000) |
Carnegie Mellon University | Data Analyst | $85,000 - $105,000 (₹80,00,000) |
Clark University | Operations Research Analyst | $85,000 - $105,000 (₹80,00,000) |
New York University (Stern) | Business & Data Analyst | $40,000 - $90,000 (₹70,00,000) |