What Are the Different Types of MBA Career Paths?

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is widely versatile, with graduates moving into leadership roles in technology, analytics, cybersecurity, and healthcare, as well as the not-for-profit sector. The MBA career path has long been the choice of individuals looking for the flexibility to work across industries.

It also offers the adaptability needed to lead others during times of change. For example, while a 2024 survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) found that most corporate recruiters weren’t yet overly concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on graduate management education, employers will increasingly consider how MBA graduates can help them navigate business and emerging technologies.

MBA programs help students develop leadership skills in areas such as AI, business analytics, cybersecurity, healthcare administration, public administration, and not-for-profit management to prepare for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

MBA Career Paths in Business

Professionals with MBAs have a wide range of career options. Below are some popular MBA career paths.

Financial Analysts and Financial Managers

Financial analysts, also known as investment or financial risk analysts, help businesses and individuals make smart investment decisions. They monitor financial markets, company performance, and economic trends. Financial managers, on the other hand, focus on protecting assets and driving growth. They handle budgeting and financial reporting tasks.

As of May 2024, the median annual salary for financial analysts was $101,190, with positions projected to increase by 6% between 2023 and 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For the same time period, the BLS reported a median annual salary for financial managers of $161,700, with 15% projected job growth.

Management Analysts

Management analysts focus on helping organizations run more efficiently. They analyze business operations and help leaders identify what’s succeeding and what needs improvement. They’re sometimes referred to as management consultants or business analysts.

As of May 2024, management analysts earned a median annual salary of $101,190, according to the BLS. Positions in the field are projected to increase by 9% between 2024 and 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Operations Research Analysts

Operations research analysts provide data-driven insights that help organizations make faster, smarter, and more cost-effective decisions. Other common titles include decision analyst, quantitative analyst, and operations analyst.

The BLS reports that this field is expected to increase by 21% between 2024 and 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Operations research analysts earned a median annual salary of $91,290 in May 2024.

Top Executives

Top executives drive organizations’ vision and direction. They create long-term plans, oversee company performance, and represent the company to stakeholders and the public. Common titles for top executives in different areas include CEO, chief operating officer (COO), general manager, city manager, and university president.

As of May 2024, the median annual salary for top executives was around $105,350, according to the BLS. Chief executives earned a median of $206,420, while general and operations managers earned $102,950. Positions for top executives are expected to grow around 4% from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS.

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers keep supply chains running smoothly by coordinating logistics operations such as transportation and inventory control, ensuring adherence to regulations, planning budgets, and building strong relationships with vendors.

As of May 2024, the median annual salary for these managers was $102,010, according to the BLS. Jobs in this field are projected to increase by 6% between 2024 and 2034, slightly above the national average.

Businesspeople meet around a conference table

Career Paths With an MBA Specialization

Increasingly, MBA programs offer students the opportunity to specialize in their degrees through focused study in a range of areas, from AI to public administration and healthcare.

Artificial Intelligence

MBA graduates with a concentration in AI can find opportunities at the intersection of AI strategy, product management, and innovation leadership. Individuals who choose this MBA path can combine business skills with the latest technology to help organizations adopt smart automation and data-driven solutions. The median annual salary for professionals with an MBA with a concentration in AI was around $79,000 as of February 2023, according to Payscale.

Business Analytics

An MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics prepares students for roles such as data analyst, business intelligence manager, and analytics consultant. Individuals who choose this path are adept at using data to improve forecasts and help leaders and executives make better decisions, ultimately boosting business performance. The median annual salary for graduates with an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics was around $87,000 as of August 2025, according to Payscale.

Cybersecurity

Graduates with an MBA focused on cybersecurity are equipped to step into roles such as cybersecurity manager, risk analyst, and information security director. Individuals who chose this path prepare to identify cyber risks and ensure that security decisions support broader business goals in digital environments. According to Payscale, graduates with an MBA with a concentration in Cybersecurity earned a median annual salary of around $94,000 as of June 2025.

Healthcare Administration‬‬‬

An MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration prepares graduates to shape healthier futures in roles such as healthcare operations manager, hospital administrator, and practice manager. Individuals who choose this path can have an impact on healthcare policy, finance, and patient care systems. Graduates with an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration earned a median annual salary of around $90,000 as of July 2025, according to Payscale.

Public Administration and Not-for-Profit Management‬‬‬

MBA graduates prepared for public administration and not-for-profit leadership have essential skills in management, budgeting, and decision-making for impact-driven work. They often pursue roles such as:

Program director

Policy manager

Executive in government agencies and not-for-profit organizations

Those with an MBA concentration in Public Administration earned a median annual salary of around $74,000 as of October 2023, according to Payscale.

A diverse team of cheerful businesspeople smiling at the camera in a boardroom

Benefits of Earning an MBA for Career Advancement

An MBA program can help individuals build a strong business foundation, upgrade their leadership skills, and visualize the bigger picture in business. The degree can also unlock doors to senior positions in a wide variety of fields. Many graduates go on to management roles in career paths that value skills such as problem-solving, operations, and decision-making. Below are some key benefits.

Higher Earning Potential

According to Payscale, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business earned a median annual salary of around $82,000 in October 2025, while MBA graduates earned a median of $101,000. Senior leadership and management positions, which offer higher pay and increased responsibility, often require or prefer candidates with an MBA.

Potential Career Advancement

An MBA can help individuals break into executive and managerial roles across various sectors, such as consulting, finance, healthcare, technology, and consumer goods. It can lay the groundwork for achieving key promotions, acquiring more responsibilities, and being accepted into leadership development programs.

Network Expansion

During the time it takes to get an MBA, graduates can form lasting relationships and connections that can lead to job and mentorship opportunities, as well as valuable industry insights. Networking doesn’t stop after graduation — it continues to provide career benefits throughout an individual’s professional life.

Launch Your MBA Career Path

For students ready to thrive in a field where every business decision has important implications, Notre Dame de Namur University offers an MBA program that transforms lives with a career-focused curriculum, flexible scheduling, and a fully online format.

The School of Business program offers six MBA concentration options:

Artificial Intelligence

Business Analytics

Cybersecurity

Finance

Healthcare Administration

Public Administration and Non-Profit Management

Learn how the online MBA program at NDNU can prepare you to make a real impact. Get in touch with NDNU’s Admissions team by filling out the form below.

Recommended Readings

Is an MBA Worth It?

Benefits of a Graduate Degree for Starting a Business

Sources:

Graduate Management Admission Council, Corporate Recruiters Survey — 2024 Report

Indeed, A Guide to MBA Career Paths (With Benefits and Jobs)

Indeed, 20 MBA Degree Jobs That Pay Well

Investopedia, “Is an MBA Worth It?”

Payscale, Bachelor of Arts (BA), Business Administration Degree

Payscale, Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree

Payscale, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Artificial Intelligence Degree

Payscale, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Data Analysis Degree