When you study for an online MBA, you usually have a set of electives to choose from. You may even be able to major in a field by taking multiple units from a particular study stream. The most common subjects also tend to be the most popular majors.
While management and leadership studies feature heavily in almost every MBA program, here is an expanded list of topics you may be interested in. These form a list of popular subjects that offer career benefits for MBA degree holders.
1. Finance
Finance holds the top spot among MBA subjects and majors, having a core role in business operations and decision-making. You gain expertise in areas like financial analysis, budgeting, investment strategies, and risk management. Financial acumen positions you to lead with confidence in high-stakes environments.
The finance major opens doors to a wide range of careers, from financial analyst to investment banker and CFO. Its value in senior management roles is undeniable, as financial expertise supports strategic decisions. With strong job growth and high earning potential, finance is the foundation for leadership positions and long-term career success.
2. Marketing
Marketing often makes the difference between a company’s success or failure. Marketing professionals find out things like a way to value product, where to sell the product, and how to advertise your goods or services.
Students who major in this area generally learn advertising, public relations, price setting, product development, finance and basic accounting. Career opportunities for marketing graduates include marketing specialist, copywriter, product developer, media director, marketing communications manager, social media specialist, and the list goes on.
If you are good at marketing, you should be good at promoting yourself. Consequently, networking and communication perhaps play an even bigger role in starting a marketing career compared to other business fields.
3. Accounting
With an accounting specialisation, you gain knowledge of each aspect of the business and should be able to discern the bottom line of any business. Accounting is a rigorous major and some consider it the most difficult major in graduate business schools.
An accounting major in an online MBA program could see you studying financial analysis, tax accounting, auditing, business law or managerial or governmental accounting. Accounting experts enjoy great job security because companies across all industries are always in need of their services, including positions such as a chief financial officer, public accountant, forensic accountant, managerial accountant, tax accountant, financial planner, etc.
4. Operations Management
In Operations Management, you learn how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. Key areas include supply chain management, production planning, and quality control. You work on real-world case studies to apply concepts like inventory management and process optimisation.
Interactive group projects and simulations allow you to design systems that solve business challenges. You gain practical skills in managing resources, improving workflows, and implementing methodologies like Six Sigma and Lean to enhance operational efficiency.
5. Human Resources Management
MBA candidates who focus on human resources management learn principles and strategies that can be used to improve the productivity of an organization and increase the effectiveness of employees.
HR professionals usually handle a vast array of tasks including recruiting employees, assessing new employees, dealing with organization conflicts, and managing the payroll for existing employees. There are many routes into senior positions in human resources, such as employee relations manager, human resources manager, compensation manager, and benefit analyst or manager.
6. Entrepreneurship
An entrepreneurship major opens up all kinds of doors if you aspire to start, own, and manage your own business. The study area typically includes courses to equip you to successfully get a venture off the ground.
MBA students typically study management and leadership but are also able to develop skills in fields such as marketing, entrepreneurship and finance.
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An entrepreneurship program could cover topics such as the entrepreneurial mindset and leading business operations. Graduates with an entrepreneurship MBA are well positioned for careers such as business consultant, sales manager, research and development manager, and business reporter.
7. Economics
Choosing economics as an MBA major will equip you with an eye for economic trends as you learn more about the economy and its policies. Economic professionals are able to analyze data using statistics, computer software, market trends, and charts to provide the best financial decisions for their clients or employer.
According to MBA Central, specific subjects you may study as part of an economics concentration are: “global markets, local economies, public policy, consumer behavior, pricing indices and purchasing power.”
After graduation, you are well positioned to pursue a career as an economist, data analyst, economic researcher, financial planner, and financial risk analyst.
The Business category includes: accounting, advertising and marketing, business to business services, construction, industrial goods, investing, jobs and careers, management, opportunities, real estate, textiles, and transport.
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8. Business Analytics
In Business Analytics, you learn how to harness data to drive strategic decisions and improve business outcomes. The program focuses on practical skills like customer analytics, predictive modelling, and visual analytics. This prepares you to apply data insights in leadership roles, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.
You gain hands-on experience using data to solve real business challenges, positioning you for senior roles like Business Intelligence Analyst, Chief Data Officer, or even CEO. The ability to integrate data into strategic planning makes this specialisation valuable for both analytics professionals and business leaders.
Source: Lerna Courses, MBA in Business Analytics Online in Australia
9. Management Communication
Management Communication is typically a core subject within MBA programs rather than a full major. In this course, you develop essential skills for clear and persuasive communication, focusing on both written and verbal techniques. Topics include crafting effective messages, handling Q&A sessions, and delivering presentations with confidence.
Practical exercises such as speeches and writing tasks help you improve your communication abilities in real-world business contexts. While not a standalone major, this subject is critical for leadership roles, enabling you to influence decisions, manage teams, and negotiate more effectively.
10. Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation is a specialised subject often tied to MBA majors like Technology Management, Innovation, or Information Systems. You learn to manage digital processes, leverage data for innovation, and lead teams in the digital era. Participants learn to integrate digital strategies into traditional business models, preparing for leadership roles in tech-driven environments.
Through case studies and hands-on projects, you gain practical insights into areas like digital marketing, automation, and cloud computing. Digital Transformation is ideal for those aiming to lead digital initiatives or transition into roles like Chief Digital Officer or Digital Strategy Consultant.
11. Sustainability
Sustainability is frequently linked to majors such as Sustainable Business, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), or Environmental Management. This subject focuses on strategic business practices that balance profitability with long-term environmental and social goals. You explore areas like green technology, ethical leadership, and sustainability reporting.
The course includes real-world case studies on climate change, energy economics, and corporate social responsibility. As part of a broader sustainability major or elective, this subject prepares you for roles like Sustainability Manager or Chief Sustainability Officer.
12. International Business
International business and commerce concerns commercial transactions that take place between companies and governments across different countries. Typical coursework for this program covers financial markets, business ethics, a foreign language, international finance, global logistics, and international monetary policies.
International business MBA graduates are presented with appealing job opportunities, such as logistics specialist, operations associate, compliance manager and business developer.