MBA After BA: Should I Do an MBA After a Non-Business Undergraduate Degree?

Although choosing an MBA programme straight after your BA isn’t always common, it isn’t unheard of.  

Over half of MBA candidates hold undergraduate degrees in non-business fields. This diversity in educational backgrounds adds value to MBA programmes, reflecting the wide-ranging skills needed in modern business.  

As an advanced degree, an MBA focuses on practical real-world knowledge rather than theoretical or research-based material. Many MBA programmes include internships as part of their graduation requirements, meaning you’ll get the hands-on experience you will need for a role in the business world.  

The interdisciplinary approach of an MBA caters to students with diverse undergraduate majors, from engineering to humanities and everything in between.  

Even though many applicants come from non-business fields, most bring foundational skills in areas like critical thinking and problem-solving. However, to ensure a stronger foundation, some MBA programmes may require these applicants to complete introductory courses in areas like statistics, finance, or accounting before diving into their core MBA coursework.  

You might wonder why a business school would select you if you haven’t gained this core knowledge already, but the truth is that business schools want to enrol diverse cohorts as they want to replicate the diverse nature of the modern workplace. MBA programmes emphasise management skills, and a diverse cohort more closely replicates real-world management situations.  

What are the best MBA programmes for a non-business degree?  

From fashion to healthcare and everything in between, there are a number of specialised MBA programmes you can take after your non-business degree:  

• MBA in Marketing  

• MBA in Finance  

• MBA in Information Technology  

• MBA in Aviation Management  

• MBA in Agribusiness  

• MBA in Data  

• MBA in Media Management  

• MBA in Data Analytics  

Why is an MBA advantageous for students with non-business majors?  

Students with a bachelor’s degree in another field often get to enjoy a number of benefits when undertaking an MBA programme.  

Once you graduate from your MBA, you’ll be specialised in business and another field simultaneously, which makes you extremely resourceful for some industries. For example, many companies prefer to hire non-business graduates with knowledge in specialised fields like technology, recruitment and medical research.  

An MBA will also give you corporate-level business management training, as well as emphasising management skills such as understanding corporate organisations. At the same time, MBA coursework builds skills such as managing financial resources, managing people and evaluating business decisions.  

Is an MBA the right path for your career goals as a non-business applicant?  

An MBA provides a range of career opportunities for graduates, including management within both private or non-profit corporations, becoming a financial manager, or pursuing a director role.  

But if you don’t have a background in business, it’s important to decide whether an MBA will help you achieve your professional goals.  

Before starting the MBA application process, it's important to research the career paths it will prepare you for, especially if your undergraduate degree is in a specialised field. Here are a few key questions to consider: 

• Will an MBA enhance your career in your specialised field?  

• Are there specific roles that require or prefer an MBA over industry certificates?   

Some prospective students might find that industry-specific advanced or graduate certificates offer comparable career opportunities at a lower cost. However, an MBA remains a versatile degree for reaching upper management and executive roles, particularly in business-intensive sectors.   

If you make the decision to pursue an MBA, you’ll need to research MBA prerequisites at the schools you’re interested in.  

Applicants without a business undergraduate degree would often be required to complete MBA core classes before taking graduate coursework, and a competitive GMAT score could help show your business acumen.  

By diversifying your skills through an MBA, you will gain a chance to position yourself for a broad array of career opportunities and make a strong impression in the business world even without a business undergraduate degree.  

FAQs  

Can I do an MBA without a business background?  

Yes absolutely! Many MBA programmes accept students from non-business backgrounds and welcome diverse academic experiences.  

Is an MBA a good option after a BA?  

Yes, an MBA can be a great option after a BA, providing valuable business skills and expanding career opportunities.  

Which MBA is best for arts students?  

For arts students, popular MBA options include marketing, media management, human resources, and business analytics, but opportunities aren’t limited to these. Many MBA specialisations can complement an arts background, offering paths into fields like corporate communications, project management, and even leadership positions in creative industries.