MBA 101: What Is a Master of Business Administration?

Here’s your guide to what an MBA is, how long it takes, what you’ll learn and how it can transform your career — no matter your industry.

Thinking about earning your MBA but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Whether you’re just a few years into your career or have been considering a pivot for some time, understanding what an MBA is — and what it can do for you — will give you the confidence to make your next move.

What Is an MBA?

An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a graduate degree designed to build leadership, strategic thinking and business management skills. It’s one of the most recognized and flexible degrees in the world — opening doors in consulting, finance, energy and beyond.

Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice Business) is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction held by only the top business schools around the world. It’s a sign of academic excellence, high-quality teaching and a commitment to preparing you for real-world success.

Rice MBA programs are also STEM-certified, meaning students benefit from a curriculum that champions cutting-edge technology, leading research and insights. No matter your industry or function, you’ll graduate ready to tackle the most pressing real-world challenges.

Why Get an MBA?

There’s no one reason to pursue an MBA, and that’s the beauty of it. At Rice Business, some students are looking to advance in their current industry, while others are ready to pivot to a new one. Many are drawn by the chance to grow their professional network and gain leadership skills. 

Some common reasons to get an MBA include:

• Advancing to senior leadership roles
• Switching industries or job functions
• Starting or scaling a business
• Growing your professional network
• Increasing earning potential

What Do You Learn in an MBA Program?

MBA programs are designed to give you a well-rounded understanding of how businesses work — and how to lead within them. The Rice MBA curriculum covers core areas like:

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• Finance
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Strategy
• Operations
• Organizational behavior

But that’s just the beginning. For example, MBA students at Rice Business can choose from 100+ electives or 10+ specializations to dive deeper into their interests in areas like entrepreneurship, energy, healthcare and more, depending on their schedule availability. 

As a Rice MBA, you’ll also gain real-world experience through case studies and consulting projects like the Global Field Experience — plus personal support through leadership coaching and career services.

What does an MBA schedule look like?

The MBA landscape is broad — from fast, low-cost one-year programs to high-end two-year options. But not all MBA programs are alike. AACSB accreditation, faculty expertise, alumni networks and employer connections matter the most when it comes to long-term value. 

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At Rice Business, our two-year programs combine academic rigor, real-world experience and individualized support to help you build lasting value throughout your career — and offer a greater return on investment than one-year programs in the long run.

The Rice Full-Time MBA program offers the most traditional, on-campus learning experience. It’s designed for students who can take a career pause and commit to a fully in-person program with classes Monday thru Thursday.

Rice also offers a variety of MBA programs designed to accommodate just about any schedule, so you can learn without putting life on pause. 

Here’s a breakdown of Rice programs specifically designed for working professionals:

• Professional MBA: Built for working professionals seeking evening or weekend classes
• Hybrid MBA: Our part-time program offering a combination of online classes and monthly on-campus opportunities
• Executive MBA: Tailored for leaders with an average 15+ years of experience who are ready to grow even further
• Online MBA: Offers maximum flexibility through virtual coursework and select in-person experiences 

Curious which program is right for you? Take our quiz and find the MBA that fits your life:

Find Your Fit

Is an MBA Worth It?

Aside from fueling your confidence and connecting you with a powerful network of peers, mentors and industry leaders, an MBA offers strong financial returns through career growth opportunities. 

Professor James Weston, Harmon Whittington Professor of Finance, explains just how great the returns on a Rice MBA can be:

Rice Business offers some of the highest-ranked programs, including the #4 Best Online MBA (Princeton Review, 2023-2024) program in the country. The best part? You’ll have access to the same high-quality curriculum, expert faculty and career support — no matter your program.

Explore our Rice MBA programs to see where a business degree can take you.

Explore the Rice MBA