What Are the Different Types of Management Degree Programs?

Management degree programs exist in a wide variety of fields. Of course, the field of business has a plethora of management opportunities, including degrees in business administration and human resources management. Other management degree programs can be found in industries such as health care, hospitality, and construction.

Degree programs focused on training students for management positions can be found through local colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Generally, the goal of all management degree programs is to provide individuals with the training and knowledge necessary to lead employees and manage company projects and initiatives. Training and coursework typically focuses on managing both employees and a supervisory workload. This can include training in contracts, accounting, human resources, and market research.

Perhaps the most common of all management degree programs is the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Upon successful completion of an undergraduate degree, many people opt to continue their studies and complete an MBA. Typically, those with this degree have a better chance of landing an entry-level management job in private enterprise, and may find that additional employment opportunities open up in the public sector. Of course other degrees in business can also prepare an individual for management positions, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in finance, economics, and marketing.

A degree in human resource management is another option for an individual evaluating management programs. This area involves overseeing a wide range of activities common to an organization’s human resource department, including payroll, employee labor relations, and benefit administration. Another degree option in this area is one focused entirely on labor relations.

The health care industry often requires management candidates to have specific education and credentials. Management degree programs in this field can include health care administration and health care management. These programs prepare students for situations unique to this specific industry. Such coursework often includes subjects such as health law and insurance practices.

Management programs can also be found in the hospitality industry. Such programs can be found in a wide range of educational settings, including community colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Programs focused on hospitality management typically prepare students for management jobs with businesses in that field, such as hotels, restaurants, and resorts.

In addition to the most common fields for management degree programs, other industries often provide programs for those interested in pursuing careers in management. This includes fields like construction and retail sales. Other career possibilities exist in the technology arena, for IT and network management.