MBA After BA: Can I Do MBA After BA?

MBA After BA Overview

After completion of your Bachelor’s degree, a few questions that immediately trigger your mind are: Will I be able to build a successful career now? “Is a bachelor degree enough to earn more?” Or Do I need to pursue a master-level degree? If yes, how will I identify the most suitable one?

In this blog, we will discuss all the doubts that have cluttered your mind about the most preferred MBA degree and its viable career options for BA graduates.

Can I Do MBA After BA?

There has been a constant misconception amongst the BA student community that they are not eligible to pursue an MBA degree or that only science and commerce students have the right to hold an MBA degree.

However, that’s not true.

This is one of the most common questions that pop up in the mind of a BA graduate while looking forward to continuing their higher education: Can I do an MBA after my BA?

So, folks, the answer is, Yes you can!

• First, suppose you have completed your graduation with a BA. In that case, an MBA is a practical career path for you as it is for other students in any additional stream.
• Second, stop thinking that you only get an opportunity to enrol for an MBA and exposure to new subjects and challenges.
• Third, MBA is open to students of all streams. Whether you belong to the Commerce, Humanities or Science stream, you can pursue an MBA. The only qualification to enrol in an MBA is to fulfil the mentioned aggregate total percentage at your undergraduate level.

Hence, you can say that BA graduates can ideally opt for the universally accepted MBA degree.

Looking forward to building a successful career in Business Administration? Still, needing clarification about the possibilities of pursuing an MBA after BA? Please read the blog further. That will make the process more understandable!

Eligibility Criteria for MBA

Planning to study for an MBA after a BA? If the BA degree is bothering you, then you don’t have to worry anymore!

Here are the eligibility criteria for an MBA that you should know:

1. One of the primary eligibility criteria to pursue an MBA is to complete a bachelor’s degree in any stream. Be it Arts, Commerce or Science. It is compulsory to obtain a minimum aggregate score of 50% in the undergraduate degree.

2. You should apply for any of the MBA entrance exams

• CAT
• GRE
• GMAT
• XAT
• SNAP
• CMAT
• ATMA
• IIFT and others.

3. Acquire a valid score in any of the MBA mentioned above entrance tests.

4. Merit-based candidates will have to undergo the GD and Personal Interview process.

5. To fetch admission to top B-schools, candidates need to clear the GD and PI rounds.

6. Apart from standard entrance exams, some colleges conduct their college-level entrance exams for admissions.

7. In India, a few colleges permit direct admissions via Management Quota as well.

8. Candidates with work experience after graduation are also accepted by some of the institutes.

To study for an MBA abroad, graduates should’ve cleared the GMAT along with language proficiency tests. English language and vocabulary excellence can be calculated by evaluating IELTS/TOEFL scores.

Types of MBA to pursue after BA

There are mainly two types of MBA programs that one can pursue after completing their BA – Full-time MBA and Part-time MBA.

1. Full-time MBA: 

A full-time MBA is a 2-year program where students devote all their time and effort towards the course. It involves classroom learning along with projects, internships and other activities. This is a good option for fresh graduates who want total immersion in management studies.

2. Part-time MBA: 

A part-time MBA is usually a 3-year program where students can continue their jobs and also pursue their MBA side by side. The classes are generally held on weekends or evenings to suit working professionals. This allows candidates to gain management education without disrupting their career progression.

Both full-time and part-time MBAs have their own merits. One can choose the program based on their work experience, financial situation and commitment to studies. An MBA, irrespective of the type, opens up excellent career opportunities after BA.

MBA After BA: Available MBA Specialization

As an advanced degree, an MBA comprises a wide range of specialization. Let’s say from hospitality to rural management, with the knock of globalization and the evolution of technology; an MBA has broadened its scope of study after completion of a BA. Where each subject focuses on a set of specific practical real-time knowledge.

Here is a list highlighting the MBA specialization that can be opted for by a BA graduate:

• MBA in Marketing
• MBA in Finance
• MBA in Human Resource
• MBA in Operations & Productions
• MBA in Insurance & Risk Management
• MBA in Healthcare Management
• MBA in Retail Management
• MBA in International Business
• MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• MBA in Agriculture & Rural Management
• MBA in Agribusiness
• MBA in Banking
• MBA in E-commerce
• MBA in Information Technology
• MBA in Aviation Management
• MBA in Entrepreneurship
• MBA in Communication
• MBA in Media Management
• MBA in Data Analytics
• MBA in Event Management
• MBA in Pharmaceutical Management and more.

What is the Scope of an MBA After BA?

An MBA degree significantly enhances the career prospects of BA graduates across sectors. It opens doors to managerial roles in diverse industries ranging from FMCG to IT and Finance. Some popular options include management trainee programs, assistant brand managers, HR executives, operations managers, etc. An MBA also enables career progression to mid-level and senior positions over time, like product head, business unit head, etc. Pursuing specializations further widens the scope in respective domains like marketing, HR, operations, etc.

MBA After BA Salary Expectations

The average starting salary package for MBA graduates with a BA background ranges from Rs. 3-5 lakhs per annum based on their specialization and work experience. This provides a considerable boost over average BA graduate salaries. However, salaries vary across sectors, with profiles in IT/ITES, e-commerce and consulting offering better packages. The salary also depends on the reputation of the graduating institute. Further, with job changes and promotions over the years, experienced MBA professionals in leadership roles can expect salaries upwards of Rs. 10-15 lakhs per annum and above.

Which MBA Specialization is Best After BA?

Students should always choose a specialization that they are passionate about and career opportunities. There is no doubt that the MBA specializations will impart a vast amount of knowledge and a broad scope.

But before finalizing any particular domain, consider these critical parameters:

1. Your long-term career goals-

Ensure that you know your career scope, placement prospects and internship opportunities well before shortlisting any specialization.

For instance, if you are good with communication and presentation skills, you can undoubtedly opt for an MBA in Marketing. So, review well before finalizing any specialization.

2. Duration & Syllabus of the specialization-

Today, ultimately, everyone aims for a good salary and job security. But at the same time, you should know how much time is required to complete the specialization. It should not be that to achieve your dream; you have to spend your entire life completing a single course.

Once you check out the duration of the specialization, remember to glance at the syllabus as well.

3. Experience of the faculty in the specialization of your choice-
A mentor guides you to find your actual path towards success. Whichever field you choose, make sure the faculty treasures a good set of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to groom you into a real game-changer.

A blend of industry & academic exposure is the best set of experience that any faculty can have.

4. Pedagogy of the specialization of your choice-

Pedagogy represents the pattern of teaching that an institute follows. Try to get an understanding of how and what you will get to learn in the specialization of your interest.

5. Infrastructure associated with your selected specialization-
The infrastructure of a college plays a vital role in the development of the student. A candidate needs to know what infrastructure facilities they will be getting while pursuing the course.

Learn about the learning resources, computing equipment, workshops, classroom setup, laboratories, library and others.

6. ROI of the MBA specialization-

Students are being offered a number of specializations during their MBA. They can select and pursue their most favoured to complement career goals. After completion of the degree, they experience highly lucrative careers that call for a significant return on investment.

Benefits of MBA After BA

Due to the pool of MBA specialized subjects, candidates often need clarification about which to choose. But now that you know the proven factors, please make a decision wisely.

As MBA programs emphasize improving several aspects of personal and professional life, it serves a pool of benefits. Let’s dive deep into the significant benefits of pursuing an MBA degree after BA:

1. Learning approach-

The interdisciplinary approach of an MBA develops necessary managerial skills, frames real-world management solutions, and boosts the capability to handle advanced corporate challenges.

2. Shift to new career opportunities-

No one likes to stay glued to a specific job profile. MBA allows switching careers easily. It broadens the aspirant’s growth scope.

3. Skill advancement-

MBA degree enhances aspirants’ financial resource management, business development, and employee management skills to handle the organization’s operations smoothly.

4. Stay updated with advanced knowledge-

MBA opens doors for umpteen knowledge. The degree helps one to stay updated with the latest trends, technology and policies of the corporate industry.

5. Job security-

Want to secure your life after 20? MBA is the ideal course. It provides you with long-term job assurance. Unlike other master’s degrees, an MBA is the right degree that not only leads you towards career progression but also offers a bunch of additional benefits.

Other Career Options After BA?

Upon completion of an MBA after BA, graduates have a vast career transformation scope both in India and worldwide. BA graduates are bound to multiply their worth and job prospects due to an MBA tag. BA, along with diverse specializations, promises graduates pleasing careers.

BA graduates can wander into numerous specializations and get involved in significant roles in the corporate world.

A few of the career options are listed below for BA graduates:

1. Become a Manager

Becoming a Manager is one of the biggest dreams amongst the young graduates of India nowadays. Pursuing an MBA degree from a reputed institute will give a ray to your dream and open lucrative career opportunities for both public and private enterprises.

2. Specialize in Business Analytics

Suppose you are keen on troubleshooting day-to-day business problems by applying the latest technologies. In that case, you can pursue a career in Business Analytics.

3. Diploma in Data Science

You can become a Data Scientist and commence a new journey. But yes, to build a career in Data Science, you’ll have to learn about technologies such as Kera, MongoDB, Python, MS Excel, Hadoop, Tableau, and MySQL. So, if you are interested, you can enrol in a course relevant to the profile.

4. Learn Digital Marketing

Get certified in Digital Marketing. This is one of the most trending fields today. This domain will open for job profiles like SEO Analyst, SMO Executive, PPC Specialist or Digital Strategist.

5. Practice as a Lawyer

After completing a BA, you can start practising as a lawyer as well in institutions and companies. But to practise as a full-time lawyer or legal advisor, you need to pursue advanced studies and specialize in a specific category of law such as criminal law, divorce laws, etc.

Is MBA Difficult to Study?

Pursuing an MBA can seem challenging, what with managing coursework, projects, internships and other activities. However, effective time management and diligent study habits make it very much doable for committed students. While an MBA curriculum expands the scope of learning beyond the undergraduate level, it also helps develop various professional skills.

Which is Better, MCom or MBA?

When considering higher education options after a BA, two popular choices are MCom (Master’s in Commerce) and MBA. Both degrees provide an advanced management qualification but with some key differences. MCom narrowly focuses on commerce subjects like finance, accounting, etc. On the other hand, an MBA offers a broader management perspective and specializations across industries. On the job front, an MBA tends to open more diverse career avenues than MCom. Ultimately, the choice depends on one’s academic background and professional aspirations.

Related Blog: MBA Vs. M. Com: Which is Better?

MBA After BA: FAQs

Q1. Can I Do an MBA After the 12th?

No, you can’t do an MBA directly after the 12th. To fulfil the eligibility criteria for MBA admission, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in any stream, such as BBA, B. Tech, BA, etc.

Q2. Can I Do an MBA After my BA in English?

Yes, you can. In fact, an MBA after a BA in English is a good career option. Just make sure you secure the eligibility aggregate score of 50% and qualify for the necessary entrance exam.

Q3. Can I Do an MBA After a BA LLB?

After a BA LLB, students can opt for either an LLM or an MBA. Aspirants who are interested in upgrading their careers in the teaching field can choose LLM. On the other hand, one who wants to gain experience and a good salary package in the corporate world can go for an MBA afterwards.

Q4. Can I Do an MBA After a BA in Economics?

Yes, you can do an MBA after doing a BA in Economics. This master’s degree can be pursued after completing graduation in any stream of education.

Q5. Can I Do an MBA After my BA History?

Yes, obviously, you can do an MBA after getting a BA in history. Candidates should obtain an aggregate mark of 50% in any stream in graduation. The admission process will be performance-based in the entrance test.

Q6. Can I Do an MBA After a BA in Psychology?

Absolutely. You can pursue an MBA after a BA in Psychology. It is mandatory to secure a minimum of 50% in the undergraduate degree.

Q7. Can I Do an MBA After a BA in Political Science?

Yes, you can definitely pursue an MBA after earning a BA degree in Political Science. But make sure you crack the minimum eligibility criteria of 50% score.

Q8. Can I Do an MBA After a BA in Mass Communication?

Of course, you can pursue an MBA after Mass Communication. You can opt for specialization like Media Management, Journalism, Visual Communication, Photography or any other subject in the relevant field.

Summary

Multinational corporations have gained an exponential pace in hiring multi-skilled workforces to perform corporate operations effectively and resolve complex challenges. They are hovering over qualified MBA professionals to strengthen the goodwill of the company at a higher level. Therefore, no doubt, an MBA is an excellent degree to explore potential scope in years to come.

I hope all the valuable information imparted to you in this blog will help you fade away from your second thoughts about pursuing an MBA.

However, studying for an MBA degree from one of the best institutes in India will help you to travel a long way in the corporate world. And now that you are determined to add an MBA badge to your resume without any further delay, get in touch with our mentors, who are the right source to guide you through the admission process or else you can fill out the enquiry form for any other query regarding the  MBA Program.

Now, BA graduates take a sigh of relief and align their career objectives to shape their corporate dreams.