do you need a thesis for mba

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The MBA Thesis Explained

Before you are awarded the degree of Master of Business Administration , you must exhibit your capacity to tackle an investigation of a particular management issue and mull over and write about it in a profound manner. This is the very purpose of the MBA thesis.

What is a Thesis?

A thesis is a long piece of article that you write about a specific subject or research and is particularly done for a university degree or higher college accolade.

When you write your MBA thesis, your writing skills are put to the test. This is also your chance to present the interests, ideas, and skills that you have learned in your MBA program in a satisfying but challenging piece of writing.

As you develop your thesis, you need to investigate and analyze a specific management issue from two perspectives, the practical side and the theoretical side, using business research methods. Through your case study, you get to conduct your own research in a field you like (pending approval of a thesis adviser) that will further sharpen your skills and knowledge of that field.

The Objectives of an MBA Thesis

An MBA thesis has the following objectives:

• To authorize students to apply the knowledge they gained in their MBA studies to a particular management issue.
• To give students the chance to study and write about a specific topic that is of relevance and interest to them in a thorough, detailed, and well-researched manner.
• To expose students to the principle of the entire thesis and the process of business research and academic inquiry.
• To allow students to establish their capacity to think conceptually, communicate, and develop rational and structured thinking.

MBA Thesis: The Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding, cognitive and intellectual skills, behavioral skills.

• Initiate a critical and comprehensive understanding of your thesis topic. Ideally, you should have a level of practical experience and expertise within your topic field.
• Obtain an understanding of the application of business research. When you write your research paper, you should have a clear understanding of the limitations and uses of data analysis techniques that may be used in evaluating outcomes in the business management field.
• Before you start to work and write your own ideas for your research paper, make sure you are able to critically analyze evidence and information from both practitioner and academic sources. You should communicate and develop a cohesive argument to support theoretical models and positions.
• Students must know how to argue and evaluate alternative approaches to models and theories
• Your MBA course is also a good way for you to appreciate your skills and competencies in relation to the organization and planning of your research project. Business schools are also perfect venues for students to master their time management skills.
• As you work on your research requirements, you will understand the importance of working autonomously and how to exercise personal responsibility and initiative in achieving your stated objectives.

Thesis vs Dissertation: Is there a difference?

Are you interested in continuing your education after you complete your bachelor’s degree? If so, have you ever wondered if there is a difference between an MBA thesis and a dissertation; the papers that are usually required in master’s schools? Both generally have similarities. However, there are some differences that set both apart.

Similarities

Before looking for the differences between a thesis and a dissertation, know that both are actually very similar. Some schools, in fact, often used these terms interchangeably.

A thesis and a dissertation are simply papers given to master’s students. Because the structure of these papers is generally extensive, students are given larger windows of time to focus, develop, and write the paper they are assigned. The idea is to complete the papers during the last year of master’s study.

Before you get your graduate degree, you have to obtain a passing grade on your papers. The great news is that although you will not be working with other students, you can still get help from your thesis adviser and peers. With this many people helping you with your final paper, passing your dissertations or theses is very achievable.

But in case you fail the first time, most business schools allow you to resubmit your papers after doing more work to finally meet the requirements.

Type of Graduate Program

One difference between a thesis and a dissertation is that a thesis is required for a master’s program, while dissertations are required for a doctorate program. However, this is not always the case. There are some master’s degree programs that no longer require theses or dissertations. Instead, they are offered in two separate paths: the thesis options and the non-thesis options.

Students who later on plan to obtain a doctorate degree are encouraged to go for the thesis option to prepare them for the dissertations that they will have to write as doctorate students.

The biggest difference between theses and dissertations are the intended purpose. Usually required to get a master’s degree, the thesis is designed to test your skills and understanding of your chosen field of study. 

Most business universities require students to create and write a proposition based on the previous work created by others. The idea is to analyze and present these previous works on your paper and make a case for a particular point of view.

Dissertations are done by students in a doctorate program and focus mainly on original research. Students assigned with dissertations are required to think of a subject in the field they’re interested in but haven’t been researched yet. They have to come up with a concept and hypothesis and make original research papers to prove (or disprove) a hypothesis.

MBA Thesis: The Thesis Topic

When you begin working on your thesis topic, you can choose one in any area/industry as long as it is related to a management or business issue. You can create a new topic or develop ideas you have previously worked on in the program, an elective you studied before in various disciplines, or a module assignment. You need to establish a topic that is relevant to contemporary business and academic thinking.

There are also MBA business degree students who are provided with thesis topics by their sponsoring organization. But if this doesn’t work for you, then the development of an original one is required. You need to think about your areas of interest that you can work on. 

Since choosing a topic is already challenging and hard work itself, it’s best to go for something that will sustain your enthusiasm and motivation throughout the long process of making a thesis.

To have an idea as to what topic you can work on, here are guide questions to get you started:

• Is there a managerial/business issue/problem relating to your organization or job that you’re interested to study?
• Do you have a subject area you’re interested in that, if one day you’ll become an expert, would further improve your career?
• Have you come across a business problem that you believe you can help through your research paper?

MBA Thesis: The Research Proposal

The research proposal is the heart of the thesis. This is the outline of the research work you plan on doing for your research. It is a roadmap on which your professional and academic career depends.

The proposal stage of MBA programs will normally require you to answer these questions:

• What are the boundaries and focus of the MBA thesis topic you choose? What will it include? What won’t?
• What are the objectives and aims of your business plan/research?
• Is your proposed thesis topic feasible? Can you handle the terms of scale and scope?
• What topics will you utilize in doing your research?
• Do you have the resources, competencies, and skills to do the research and study the findings?
• What resources do you need to complete your paper?

Research Aim and Objectives

This is your general statement of your paper’s intent or direction. What are you trying to achieve?

These are the clear and specific writing of your paper’s outcomes and intentions. This must be followed by your justification (the rationale behind doing your research).

Literature Review of an MBA Thesis

In this section, you will summarize the key subject and literature that you have read so far. You will indicate the findings, business principles, and ideas you’ve read have relevance to your subject topic. You should also provide the raw data of at least 25 major academic literature references. All in all, your MBA thesis should cite at least 50 credible and relevant references.

The purpose of your literature review is to critically analyze and review documented theories and evidence relative to your topic and recognize what is and is not known in the field.

MBA Thesis: Conducting the Research

In an MBA program, the nature of your thesis will affect what type of final paper you will be writing. Although there are alternative research designs, they are usually categorized into three types:

Exploratory Research

You use this on your MBA thesis when you have a few existing ideas about the topic you are writing about. This involves observation of a previously under-researched or new topic. The research design of exploratory study uses qualitative methods and is generally not designed to test defined study hypotheses.

Descriptive Research

This is where you define a situation or phenomenon and has a very good structure. Your starting point for this paper starts with your ideas on existing hypotheses that you can then use in identifying variables to be measured. You can use quantitative methods and descriptive statistics in this type of writing.

Explanatory Research

Also called causal study, your presentation here is more on identifying and explaining the relationship between variables that affect a situation. You come up with hypotheses and collect data that supports or negates these hypotheses.

Tips To Help You Prepare and Write a Good MBA Thesis

Whether you have a thesis adviser or you get professional assistance on your analysis for your MBA thesis, making your paper is very challenging. You need the right structure and all the freshest ideas to help you complete your final paper.

To help you complete your MBA degree and its corresponding thesis and capstone projects, you need practical steps to make your business school education truly rewarding in the end. For both local and international students all over the world, here are some helpful tips to make a good MBA thesis.

Choose a topic you’re interested in.

It takes a great deal of work, time, and dedication to finish an MBA thesis successfully. So why would you want to write something you’re least interested in? One of the great benefits of an MBA thesis is that you can choose and work on your own ideas about a specific subject. From there, build a solid structure and work on your writing skills to prove to everybody how bright your ideas are.

Select a topic that has a lot of information available.

Just like the significance of choosing a topic you love, you should also go for a topic that has lots of information available. Of course, your MBA thesis is not just a mere presentation of facts and figures. You need to have readily available facts to draw conclusions.

Be creative and methodical.

An MBA thesis requires a lot of analysis so you can gather enough data to support your argument. As you gather information, be open-minded. Avoid limiting yourself to the usual methods of compiling data. We are now in a digital world where anybody can compile data in so many ways. Simply put, diversify the way you present data in your MBA thesis.

Recheck facts and details, and recheck twice!

When you’re done with your MBA thesis, make sure you recheck your facts, twice! In a business school, your thesis is the most critical part of your entire graduate school journey. Check, then re-check every detail, fact, or figure in your work.

If you can, ask a university mentor to go over your thesis: from the introduction down to the conclusion. Maybe he/she can contribute more to the effectiveness of your writing.

MBA Thesis: When Should You Pursue?

How do you stand out and make real companies feel that you can be a great addition to them? Is having a business administration education enough? What are the implications if you want to pursue a master’s? And if you do, when is a thesis-based MBA right for you?

• If you are planning to get a doctorate in business and you also want to make the most of your master’s program experience, go for a thesis-based MBA.
• If you love to write, you want to further your education, or you plan to teach, a thesis-based MBA should be considered.

How Long is the Thesis for an MBA Program?

An MBA thesis usually ranges from 100 to 300 pages– from the introduction down to the last page, excluding the bibliography. However, the length generally depends on different factors, like the method of study or the subject matter.

There is no ‘correct’ word count or page length to aim for. Your MBA thesis, instead, has to be long enough for you to correctly convey the information you need to convey in a clear manner.

Overall, the MBA thesis is designed to support the professional and academic qualifications of graduate students.

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Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

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•       Resources       Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees , with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations. When considering their options, many question whether to enroll in a master's requiring a thesis or not. The following guide examines some of the reasons degree seekers may want to write a thesis while also highlighting why they might not. Students on the fence about this important decision can find expert advice, actionable tips, and relevant guidance to help them make an informed choice in the guide that follows.

Understanding the Master's Thesis

What is the difference between a thesis & non-thesis master's program, the decision not to do a thesis.

As students research various master's programs in their chosen discipline, it's common to find that many degrees require a thesis – especially if they want to enter a research-heavy field. While this word gets thrown around a lot in academia, some learners may want more information regarding what it entails in order to make an informed decision.

What is a Master's Thesis?

The master's thesis is an original piece of scholarship allowing the student to dig into a topic and produce an expanded document that demonstrates how their knowledge has grown throughout the degree program. These documents require significant independent research of primary and secondary sources and, depending on the subject, may require interviews and/or surveys to support the overarching argument.

Individual schools and departments dictate the length of these documents, but they typically range between 60 and 100 pages – or approximately 20,000 to 40,000 words. While tackling a document of such heft may seem overwhelming at first, learners need not fret. Each master's candidate receives a faculty advisor early in their tenure to provide support, feedback, and guidance throughout the process. Because the final thesis is expected to be of a publishable quality, learners seeking the highest marks typically send their supervisor excerpts of the document as they write to ensure they are on the right track.

When picking a thesis topic, no magical formula exists. Students should consider their interests and read extensively on that topic to get a better sense of existing scholarship. They should also speak to other academics working in that sphere to familiarize themselves with ongoing projects. Only after they feel reasonably well-read should they begin looking for uncovered angles or interesting ways of using emerging methodologies to bring new light to the topic.

When considering formatting, degree seekers should check with their specific schools and departments, as they may have unique requirements. To get a general understanding of what to expect, learners can review Simon Fraser University's guidelines on thesis formatting. After completing the thesis, some programs require an oral defense before a committee while others read the document and provide a grade. Check with your prospective schools to get a better sense of procedure.

Format & Components of a Master's Thesis

While this guide attempts to provide helpful and actionable information about the process of deciding whether to follow a thesis or non-thesis track in a master's program, readers should remember that specific components and requirements of a thesis vary according to discipline, university, and department. That being said, some commonalities exist across all these – especially when it comes to what students must include in their final drafts.

As the first section a reader encounters after moving through the table of contents and other anterior text, the introductory allows the writer to firmly establish what they want to accomplish. Sometimes also called the "research question" section, the introductory must clearly state the goals of the paper and the overarching hypothesis guiding the argument. This should be written in a professional yet accessible tone that allows individuals without specializations in the field to understand the text.

This section allows learners to demonstrate their deep knowledge of the field by providing context to existing texts within their chosen discipline Learners review the main bodies of work, highlighting any issues they find within each. Constructive criticism often centers around shortcomings, blind spots, or outdated hypotheses.

Students use this section to explain how they went about their work. While scientists may point to a specific method used to reach conclusions, historians may reference the use of an emerging framework for understanding history to bring new light to a topic. The point of this section is to demonstrate the thought processes that led to your findings.

This section allows for learners to show what they learned during the research process in a non-biased way. Students should simply state what information they gathered by utilizing a specific framework or methodology and arrange those findings, without interpretation, in an easy-to-read fashion.

After providing readers with all the necessary information, the discussion section exists for candidates to interpret the raw data and demonstrate how their research led to a new understanding or contributed a unique perspective to the field. This section should directly connect to the introduction by reinforcing the hypothesis and showing how you answered the questions posed.

Even though the previous sections give prospective degree seekers a better sense of what to expect if they decide to write a thesis during their master's program, they don't necessarily help learners decide whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. The following section highlights some of the reasons students frequently choose to complete a thesis or bypass the process altogether by providing a pros and cons list.

Why a Thesis Program

• Especially when entering a research-heavy discipline, completing a thesis shows prospective schools and employers that you possess the skills needed for researching and writing long-form reports.
• Students hoping to pursue a Ph.D. stand in better stead with admissions panels if they wrote a thesis during a master's program.
• Individuals hoping to enter a field that values syntax and grammar often better their writing skills by completing a thesis.
• Students who write a thesis can submit the final product to various academic journals, increasing their chances of getting published.
• Theses expand students' understanding of what they're capable of, deepen their ability to carry out an argument, and develop their skills in making connections between ideas.

Why a Non-thesis Program

• Because they don't require a significant written product, non-thesis master's tend to take less time to complete.
• Often mirrors a bachelor's program in terms of structure, allowing learners to complete classes and take exams without a great deal of research or writing.
• Students who excel in project-based assignments can continue building skills in this arena rather than focusing on skills they don't plan to use (e.g. research)
• Provides learners the opportunity to work more closely and more frequently with faculty on real-world projects since they don't spend hundreds of hours researching/writing.
• Allows learners to take more classes and gain hands-on skills to fill the time they would have spent researching and writing a thesis.

How to Choose a Master's Program: FAQs

Within some academic disciplines and professional fields, research and writing plays a key role in work done on a daily basis. Because of this, master's programs in these fields require learners to complete theses to compete against peers and be seen as competent in their work. Other disciplines, conversely, rely on other tools to accomplish work and progress ideas – making theses less important.

Yes. Master's programs focused more on application than research typically don't require a thesis – although they may still give students the option. Examples of common non-thesis master's programs include nursing, business, and education.

Even though non-thesis students won't be writing a 100-page paper, that doesn't mean they avoid completing a significant project. In place of a thesis, most applied master's programs require students to take part in at least one internship or complete a culminating project. These projects typically ask learners to take what they learned throughout coursework and create an expansive final project – examples include case studies, creative works, or portfolios.

While students who followed a non-thesis path routinely receive acceptance to Ph.D. programs, those with theses often find the process easier. Even if a learner pursues a Ph.D. in a discipline that isn't research-heavy, admissions panels still want to get a sense of your academic interests and ability to engage in independent, nuanced thought. Students with theses can provide solid proof of these skills, while those without may struggle to demonstrate preparedness as thoroughly.

The answer to this question depends on many factors, but typically it is okay not to do a thesis if you plan to enter a field that doesn't depend heavily on research or writing, or if you don't plan to complete a Ph.D.

Students wanting to work in academic, research, or writing should always opt for the thesis track. They should also follow this path if they have any doctoral degree aspirations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to complete a thesis rests with the individual student. Figuring out how to proceed on this front requires lots of careful consideration, and learners should ensure they consider various aspects before coming to a final decision. The following section helps students consider how they should and should not come to a conclusion.

Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Thesis or Non-thesis Program

• Consider the longevity of your decision: will you feel the same in 5-10 years or are you making a decision based on current desires?
• Talk to others who with experience in this area. Ask them questions about their decision-making process and if they regret their choice.
• Research potential thesis topics before starting a program. Going in with a game plan can help you feel more confident and settled about the process than if you're scrambling for a topic while in school.
• Reach out to prospective schools to speak with faculty and/or current students following both tracks. This will provide knowledge specific to the school while also expanding your network if you choose to attend there.
• Research Ph.D. entrance requirements to ascertain if the majority expect learners to possess a thesis when applying. This will give you a sense of whether you may experience issues later on if you do not complete one.
• Decide not to complete a thesis simply because you have never taken on such a task and feel overwhelmed or fearful that you will fail.
• Complete a thesis simply because you think it will look good on your resume. Theses require intense devotion over an extended amount of time; learners who complete them without conviction often find the process miserable.
• Forget to research alternatives to writing a thesis. Just because you don't complete a research paper doesn't mean a non-thesis track lacks rigor or challenging coursework.
• Forget to read examples of theses by previous students. If you feel overwhelmed by the task, reading work other people have done can often make the task at hand feel less scary.
• Let yourself off easy by taking the non-thesis path. If you find you have extra time in the program, talk to your advisor about taking more classes, develop meaningful projects for yourself, or see about presenting at an academic conference.

From the Expert

Sudiksha Joshi, Ph.D. is a learning advocate. Her mission is to empower our youth to think bigger, bolder thoughts and forge a career path that will change the world. She taps into her natural curiosity and ability to identify strengths to help students and those in transition find their path from feeling lost in the traditional ways of achieving success to charting their own path. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium and LinkedIn.

Why might a student decide to follow a thesis track? Why might they follow a non-thesis track?

A student might decide to take a thesis track if she/he wants to pursue a Ph.D. Also, if the students want to focus on careers where research and writing have a strong focus, the students opt for the thesis option. Research assistantships at the graduate level are also more often available to students who opt for the thesis option.

A student who might feel that writing is not one of their strengths might choose to go the non-thesis track. Likewise, a student who has other work commitments may find a non-thesis option more convenient.

Do you have any tips for deciding on a program?

I chose a thesis option because being able to conduct independent research was a big reason to go to graduate school. Also, showing the ability that I could do research was what afforded me research assistantships which meant that my tuition was paid for and I got a stipend that paid for expenses while I was in graduate school. This also allowed me the opportunity to work closely with the faculty mentor that provided me with the support and the accountability I wanted.

I would not recommend taking a non-thesis option if all the degree requires is for you to take courses. You have little to show in terms of your learning other than your grades unless you are already working on something on the side that does that for you and all you need is a certificate.

Opt for a non-thesis option if you can still work closely with a professor or on a project and if you'd rather be involved in multiple projects rather than focus on a single project. If you already have a good (informed) reason for choosing one over the other, go for it.

What's the most important thing to consider when choosing a program?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a program is getting excited about the projects that at least one of the faculty members are involved in. Do some research and see why you are excited about a particular work that at least one of the faculty members have been involved in.

Who should students talk to when considering options?

Students should talk to other students and also reach out directly to the graduate coordinator and even individual faculty members. This means that students should have done prior homework and have some good questions ready. Asking good questions will get you at least halfway through to make the right decision.

Does an MBA Require a Thesis?

How to Write an MBA Thesis

A master's degree in business administration opens doors to numerous occupations including accounting, health care or other business administration, marketing, IRS services, risk management, investment banking, human services and research analysis, as well as supplying an effective base to open your own business. The specific requirements for an MBA differ by institution -- some require a thesis and others do not, while some let students choose.

The thesis is a research paper that may stem from a student project. The thesis typically takes several semesters to complete and takes the place of a minimum of six credits of coursework, often spread over a one-year period. Since the thesis usually represents a culmination of a student's experience, most schools require preliminary classes in business and research methods. Students generally work closely with an adviser or committee to select a topic and work toward the final paper.

Writing a thesis allows MBA students to research a particular concept or element within the industry and present that information in a published form. The procedure helps students gain experience in research, methodology, synthesis, evaluation and communication. The finished piece also illustrates these skills to potential employers after graduation. Rather than regurgitating known concepts, the MBA thesis is meant to shed new light on concepts or methods, perhaps suggesting different business models or implications of current aspects of the field.

Choosing a topic for the thesis helps make it relevant to your course of study and your future career. The most appropriate topics have a base in current research to build upon but has not already been covered in depth, have significance in business, are narrow enough to complete within the program's timeframe and connect with multiple areas within the business field. Possible topics include how privatization applies to a particular industry, how a corporation could improve marketing, the consequences of current strategies on an organization and what a corporation might do to go green.

Alternatives

Schools without thesis requirements or that allow students to choose a thesis or non-thesis degree path may offer other coursework in business or other approved graduate-level electives in place of the paper. Some schools allow MBA candidates to write papers strictly from research or choose a non-thesis project. With such options, students may create business-oriented research projects such as feasibility studies or solutions to organizational problems and observe the results without necessarily compiling a paper.

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Kristie Sweet has been writing professionally since 1982, most recently publishing for various websites on topics like health and wellness, and education. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado.

Considering a thesis based MBA? Pros & Cons

Prodigy Finance - July, 20 2023

About the author

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Have a specific question? These sections might help:

Thesis-based mba programmes, benefits of mba internships, the value of mba thesis research.

• Why a business PhD may be right for you

When should you pursue a thesis-based MBA?

Master’s programmes vary so widely that there isn't a typical master’s experience. Similarly, the thesis and research requirements for degrees vary across fields of study.

For example, if you're pursuing a masters in political science or public policy , you'll have a difficult time finding a programme that doesn’t require a thesis.

As an LLM candidate , you'll have a clear choice between thesis-based and a non-thesis degree.

Do you have to write a thesis for an MBA?

MBA programmes don’t typically require a thesis paper and differ from other master's disciplines as they focus on the practical aspects of the degree, rather than MBA research.

Thesis based masters

The thesis based masters programmes will need you to focus on research. The research work can span over several semesters and in the end you will likely need to write and publish a thesis document, based on a lot of R&D.

When should you consider a thesis based Masters?

If you wish to pursue a doctorate degree in future and are keen to work in a research based field, the thesis based masters is for you.

If you're considering an MBA, you'll still learn research methodologies and develop theoretical models. But, it’s not the aim of these degrees. MBA graduates usually don’t return to formal education, a key reason to develop research skills.

MBA candidates have a choice, however, as some schools allow for MBA thesis research, although they might not call it that.

At Columbia Business School, it’s called Independent Study , and at London Business School, MBA thesis research is known as a Business Project.

At most business schools, thesis work takes the place of elective courses , internships or start-up incubators. That's the difficulty for many candidates who would otherwise pursue a thesis-based MBA degree.

Who wants to trade in all those delicious electives or the chance of working for a company that might hire you in the future?

It’s a tough choice.

American MBA programmes feature internships sandwiched between the 2 years of study. In Europe, 1-year MBA programmes , typically push students towards shorter internships at the end of classroom work.

An MBA internship, even an unpaid one, offers a chance to get out there and test the business waters you want to move into. It's especially useful for international students looking to secure a work visa after graduation .

Outside of internships, entrepreneurial competitions offer a similar level of practical experience if you're interested in launching your own business.

With a heavy emphasis on practical experiences, which test the MBA models learned in class, you might find it difficult to pursue another direction.

An MBA thesis is usually the final paper that a business graduate student writes at the end of their program. If you are working towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, then you will most likely need to write an MBA thesis before receiving your degree.

Despite the emphasis on internships and practical experience, business still values research. Theories, and the models they develop, are important in every area of business.

However, most MBAs aren’t planning to develop theoretical models of their own.

If you're like most business master's, you want to make the most of existing models and theories to develop your start-up or ensure your company operates ethically while increasing profits.

And, there's always a need for talented researchers to develop these models and theories.

PhD after an MBA: Why a business PhD may be right for you

However ubiquitous the MBA might be, it isn’t the highest achievable degree in the field. There’s still a doctorate to be had. And, it's at this level where most business research is conducted.

If a PhD in business interests you, you can jump straight into a PhD after your undergraduate business degree, skipping the master’s level altogether.

Or, you can pursue a business master's and then your PhD; the choice is yours, unlike other disciplines that follow a more linear path.

Is an MBA difficult? What is the difficulty level of an MBA programme?

This is one of the most common questions that international students looking forward to pursue an MBA have. More specifically, the curiosity is to determine the difficulty level of an MBA programme from the perspective of an average student.

MBA is not an easy course, but it's not too difficult as well. It is a rather interesting course if you are into business management and marketing. And there are various specialisations available, which makes the programme even more interesting and focused.

A thesis-based MBA may be right for you if:

You're considering a doctorate in business, but still want to make the most of the master's experience, you should consider a thesis-based MBA.

You’re interested in theories and the development of business models – or you plan to teach – a thesis-based degree should also be considered.

A deeper understanding of a geographical location or norms will enable you to effect real change in the world.

Most MBA candidates, however, are interested in the practical side of the degree and putting those practices into action as soon as they can, making independent MBA research superfluous, without undervaluing it.

Whichever route you plan to follow, remember that your education is as individual as you are. Take some time to think it over before finalising your decision; it’s a big one.

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Thesis-based or not, if you want to pursue your MBA degree and need help financing your international master's, we'd like to help you with that. Take a look at our no co-signer, collateral-free loans and their easy application processes now.

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Post updated for accuracy and freshness on November 6, 2019. Originally published on August 11, 2016.

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Why is the thesis report mandatory for MBA students?

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In a nutshell

A master’s degree in business administration can open doors to various jobs in accounting, health care or other business administration, marketing, risk management, investment banking, human services, and research analysis, as well as providing a solid foundation for starting your own firm. The specific MBA requirements vary by institution; some need a thesis, while others do not, and some allow students to select.

A thesis is a study report/research paper that is often based on a student project. The thesis usually takes many semesters to complete and replaces a minimum of six credits of coursework, which is usually spaced out over a year. Most colleges require prerequisite seminars in business and research methodologies because the thesis is usually the pinnacle of a student’s experience. To choose a topic and progress toward the final paper, students usually work closely with an adviser or committee.

MBA students might explore a specific concept or element inside the industry and submit their findings in a published form by writing a thesis. Students receive experience in research, methodology, synthesis, assessment, and communication as a result of the procedure. After graduation, the finished item serves as a demonstration of these abilities to potential employers. The MBA thesis is supposed to provide fresh light on concepts or approaches, potentially suggesting other business models or implications of present parts of the subject.

Choosing a thesis topic can help you make it more relevant to your studies and future profession. The most acceptable topics have a foundation in current research to build on but have not been addressed in depth, have business value, are narrow enough to complete within the program’s timetable, and connect to various areas within the business field. How privatization applies to a certain industry, how a corporation might make marketing better, the effects of existing strategies on an organization, and what a corporation can do to go green are all possible themes.

Alternatives

Schools that do not require a thesis or that allow students to select between a thesis and non-thesis degree path may substitute business coursework or other authorized graduate-level electives for the paper. Some MBA programs allow students to produce papers based solely on research or to choose a non-thesis assignment. Students can use these alternatives to build business-oriented research projects like feasibility studies or organizational problem-solving solutions and witness the results without having to write a paper.

The number of students pursuing an MBA has risen steadily over time. Students are also more likely to switch between undergraduate programs and pursue an MBA afterwards. This increases the number of students competing for a restricted number of positions. As a result, the stakes are already very high. So, what will make it stand out in the marketplace? Your thesis report, in addition to your professional experience and overall application, as well as your ability to study, plays a significant role in helping you stand out from the crowd.

One of the most important and well-researched documents in an MBA program will be the thesis report. Students must view thesis writing as an opportunity to learn and as a means of outlining their future career aspirations. They should make every attempt to produce the work on time; with flawless English, a clear delivery style, and a persuasive tone. If your thesis meets all these requirements, it will surely become a feather in your cap and leave a lasting impression on your employer.

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MBA dissertation help: How to choose a topic, plan, and write your dissertation

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MBA dissertations and consultancy projects are the final modules on most MBA programmes . Our participants can opt for either a traditional dissertation (with a theoretical focus) or a hands-on project, which will see you consulting for a real organisation alongside a team of peers.  

Whether you choose a dissertation or consultancy project, you will still be required to submit a written exploration of a research question that is relevant to the world of business as part of the module. This guide offers MBA dissertation help that remains applicable whichever route you take on your Full-time MBA.

Read on to learn about the early stages of the process, choosing a topic, planning out your workload, and how to write an MBA dissertation or individual consulting report. Written by the MBA team here at Warwick Business School (WBS), this article also features some helpful first-hand advice from one of our MBA graduates, Kristen Rossi who studied our Full-time MBA.

An introduction to MBA dissertations and consultancy projects

Completing either an MBA dissertation or consultancy project is a requirement on Full-time MBA courses ; alternatively, participants at WBS can opt for an internship to satisfy the Capstone module .

Although this work will be completed towards the end of your programme, it’s worth getting ahead of the game. Given that your dissertation or project will contribute significantly towards your final result, we recommend learning about the requirements and how the process works even before you apply for an MBA.

As Full-time Warwick MBA graduate, Kristen Rossi, puts it: 

From the second the MBA started, there was talk of “The Project & Dissertation” – the part of the MBA that is worth the most credit, which will probably involve an outside company, and (gasp) that you will do alone!

Unless you take part in an internship in place of the module, your first port of call is to choose between an MBA dissertation or a consultancy project. Seem like a daunting decision to make? We’ve outlined the key points of difference to help you get off on the right track.

What is an MBA dissertation?

An MBA dissertation is an independent, yet supervised, research project. It is designed to demonstrate that you have assimilated your learning throughout the MBA course and that you can explore a business issue thoroughly, considering multiple perspectives on the subject.

The output from an MBA dissertation is a piece of written work that explores a research question relevant to the world of business. You could explore any one of a wide range of different topics as part of the dissertation, but your writing should have an academic focus with a strong grounding in theory and your own independent research.

At WBS, you may also choose to focus on Entrepreneurship as part of your MBA dissertation, which is a requirement if you choose the Entrepreneurship Specialism. This allows you to take a deep dive into a new business idea, tackle an existing issue, or use the opportunity to help launch your own venture.

What is a strategic consultancy project?

A strategic consultancy project provides you with hands-on experience of consulting on behalf of a real organisation and investigating a specific business challenge that it faces. Taking place for 10 to 12 weeks over the summer period, you’ll work alongside a group of your peers at the same organisation.

WBS participants can choose their own groups and, as Kristen comments, are given support in sourcing a project: 

The consultancy project and dissertation is usually supported by a client who has a topic or question that they would like to know more about. WBS provides specific, mandatory careers sessions dedicated to the consultancy project and dissertation.

The Business School has partnered with many global industry leaders as part of the consultancy projects, from Barclays to Sony and Microsoft. 

Once you’ve chosen a group and organisation, each participant selects their own distinct research question. The deliverable is then an individual consulting report addressing this question.

You can find out more about consultancy projects from Antonia in the film below:

The differences between an MBA dissertation and consultancy project

A consultancy project still requires you to produce an extended piece of written work in the form of your individual consulting report, but it differs from an MBA dissertation in a number of ways:

• A strategic consultancy project is hands-on, requiring you to engage with a business issue faced by a real organisation, whereas an MBA dissertation is more theoretical.
• The scope of the issue you explore as part of a project will typically be much narrower and more focused than a dissertation, which can investigate a much broader topic area.
• An MBA dissertation should aim to further the academic community’s understanding of a particular area of business; a consultancy project is geared towards solving a real-world business problem for a specific organisation or group of organisations.

How will a dissertation or project benefit you?

This final phase of your MBA course gives you the opportunity to explore a particular topic in great depth, enhancing your academic or practical understanding of an area of business. 

For many participants the dissertation or project is a formative experience that has a tangible impact on their future career paths, supporting their professional ambitions.

But don’t just take it from us. What does Kristen have to say?

“I can only speak for myself, but with the project and dissertation, I gained three things. Firstly, slightly superficial, I now have a fabulous new brand on my CV, Aston Martin Lagonda. 

“Secondly, through the interviews I conducted for my primary research I had the privilege to learn a lot about the luxury automotive sector, which I would otherwise have not had the opportunity to learn as much about. Writing to and setting up a conversation with the CMO of a major firm is made easier when you have WBS and the justification of a dissertation, and the information they share is priceless. 

“Thirdly, although tedious, I had the opportunity to deep-dive into a particular topic – marketing ROI best practices. This really helped me to understand the challenges and remedies of this topic in depth and will certainly help me as I make my career jump in the coming months.”

Choosing an MBA dissertation topic

Like many participants, you may feel nervous about the thought of choosing a suitable MBA dissertation topic. In reality, however, this is nothing to worry about.

As you progress through the early stages of your MBA programme, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself drawn to a particular area of study or type of business problem. The direction you take is also likely to be influenced by your pre-existing career goals and professional experience. 

On this point, Kristen recommends that you make the project work for you:

When choosing your client project and dissertation, try to focus on an industry and topic that you hope to transition into. If you are looking to move into finance, work on a project that will provide you with the knowledge to help you land the job!

It’s also worth noting that you’ll be given extensive support when it comes to picking a research question or sourcing a project. You’ll attend sessions dedicated to selecting the right topic in the run-up to the start of the dissertation or project module — and there is always additional help available at WBS.

How to write an MBA dissertation

Once you’ve chosen a topic for your MBA dissertation or project, your work on the module can begin in earnest.

As a Warwick Business School participant, you’ll be guided through the process from the outset. But if you’re still at the stage of wondering whether this is something you’d want to pursue in the first place, here’s a brief overview packed with MBA dissertation advice from one of our graduates.

Making contact with your supervisor

Kristen’s top tip for writing an MBA dissertation is not to wait to be assigned a supervisor:

“Once your project applications have been whittled down to interviews (early May for the Full-time MBA), look at the topics and seek out an academic in the school whose knowledge (and personality) you think would match the project and you. The sooner you do this the better.

“I had finalised my supervisor by the beginning of June and this head start was extremely beneficial. It allowed me to better project manage the different chapters of the dissertation and be more in control of the process.”

The planning phase

Delivering a successful MBA dissertation or consulting report is an exercise in sound project management; just one of the many ways in which it sets you up well for later working life. And it’s universally acknowledged that the best approach to take with any large-scale project is to break it down into bite-size chunks.

Kristen suggests seeking support to divide up the dissertation into smaller components, from the draft of your first chapter through to the final submission:

With the help of your supervisor, work backwards and set up a timeline to tackle each section of the dissertation. Include milestones where you will check-in with your supervisor (face-to-face is recommended) as well.

Preparing your literature review

The literature review is the all-important foundation of any dissertation – MBA-level or otherwise. 

Kristen’s experience speaks to the value of starting your research early and keeping a record of all the papers and publications you encounter along the way:

“Once you roughly know the topic of your project and dissertation, start researching. Do not wait until you have a supervisor or until your elective modules are finished. Start immediately! I recommend this for three reasons.

“Firstly, the initial articles you find will most likely not be the gems you hope them to be and it will take a lot of speed-reading and trial and error before you uncover the wisdom that will actually inform your research. 

“Secondly, once you find relevant research, it will take time to read it and most academic literature is not a page-turning detective novel (I can attest to falling asleep mid-read on several occasions). 

“Finally, I am a believer that to truly understand and process new material, you need time. Give yourself the time to read, step away and think, and come back to it. In the end, you will be grateful that you did.

Further to this point, when reading journal publications look at the references the author cites. Seek out these additional authors and their publications.”

Communicating with your client contact on a consulting project

Should you opt for a strategic consulting project, the way you manage the relationship with your client organisation is just as important as the write-up of the final report. Kristen offers this final piece of advice:

“If you are not going to their office, then from the beginning of your relationship set in place weekly 30-minute Skype sessions to keep the client up-to-date with what you are doing. This will allow you to build a relationship with them and will help you to address any hiccups along the way. 

“Sometimes after starting your research, you may find that the client’s initial request is too broad. This is okay, but you will need to bring it up and negotiate a more realistic deliverable. The weekly updates are also beneficial. As you research, you may find yourself going off in the wrong direction. Checking in with your client on a weekly basis will help you stay on track.”

------------------------

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MBA Essays: Everything You Need to Know

Scott Edinburgh - Personal MBA Coach

Scott Edinburgh is an mba.com Featured Contributor and the founder of Personal MBA Coach , a boutique MBA admissions consulting and tutoring firm.

Nearly all MBA hopefuls are familiar with the term “MBA essay”, but what exactly does this mean and why is the MBA essay so important? To help guide MBA hopefuls, Personal MBA Coach would like to answer some common questions about the MBA essays and share details on the most common MBA essay types.

Why do I need an MBA essay?

Beyond the obvious answer that nearly all schools require you to write one in order to be admitted, the MBA essay is your chance to show MBA admissions committee members who you are BEYOND the facts and figures. These essays are your opportunities to show what makes you unique, share your goals and discuss how you will add to the dynamic community at your target business school. 

Do I need different MBA essays for each program I apply to?

Unfortunately, YES! While there are some overlapping themes across the most common MBA essay types (more on this below), each business school has its own unique essays. Unless you are applying through an organization such as The Consortium (which has some specific requirements), you must complete a separate application for each MBA program and answer each school’s specific essay questions.

To make this daunting task more manageable, Personal MBA Coach helps clients identify common elements across essay types. Ultimately, however, you should develop a separate essay for each school you are applying to.

What should I write about in my MBA essay?

First and foremost, you should answer the question. It is surprising how often candidates write beautiful essays that do not actually answer the question. Instead of writing what you think admissions committee members want to hear, answer the question.

What are the most common MBA essay questions?

While there are countless different essay questions across MBA programs, the three most common types of essays questions are Goals Essays, Why an MBA? Essays, and Personal Story Essays. (Often one essay question will ask clients to discuss both their goals and why they want an MBA.)

Below, Personal MBA Coach shares our tips for answering each of these key essay types:

Goals Essay

When answering a question about your MBA goals , it is crucial that you are decisive . While no one will hold you to what you write in your MBA applications, you should have a specific post-MBA plan. For most schools, you will want a short-term and a long-term career goal. This goal should be logical for you. This means it should flow naturally from your passions and experience. If it doesn’t, it is crucial that you explain why this goal makes sense for you.

Finally, this goal should be attainable. You are not going to be the CFO of Pepsi two years after graduating from business school (sorry!). Do your research in terms of what position might be reasonable in your target industry.

Why an MBA? Essay

To answer a question about why you want an MBA or why you want to study at X school, you want to show that you have carefully thought through how an MBA (at your target program) will prepare you to achieve your career goals. To do so, Personal MBA Coach suggests being very specific in detailing the opportunities you plan to take advantage of on campus.

Discuss classes you are particularly interested in or perhaps professors you are looking to study with, etc. Do not include a laundry list. Instead, carefully think through how each offering will allow you to fill in your skill and/or experience gaps. Be sure to show an understanding of your target school’s culture and avoid writing vague statements and copying content from other MBA application essays.

Personal Story Essay

With a personal story essay, your objective is to show the reader how your story is unique and how you will add value and diversity to classroom discussions and on campus activities. This can be one of the hardest essays to write. To get started, Personal MBA Coach advises that you make a list of everything you have done in your life and take the time to write it all down. Then, think carefully about the decisions you have made, activities you enjoy and, most importantly, why you made those choices. Finally, look for a theme! What single idea connects these items? This is the hard part, so give it time.

How do you conclude an MBA essay?

Do not overthink the conclusion. In fact, with short word limits, Personal MBA Coach often advises clients to write just one concluding sentence or remove the conclusion altogether. Conclusions can be fluffy, generic or repetitive. You do not need (or want) to waste words here. If you have told your story well and you have addressed the question clearly and concisely, do not worry about the conclusion!

How far in advance should I start my MBA essays?

As soon as possible! It is never too early to start thinking about your MBA essays. In fact, Personal MBA Coach works with many clients 6 month – 3 years in advance through our Early Planning package, helping future applicants make the appropriate career and extracurricular decisions to ensure they have enough experience to write strong MBA essays.

That said, with diligence, some Personal MBA Coach clients are able to develop a compelling MBA essay within a month. (Keep in mind, this is a very compressed timeline and takes dedication to achieve!). Plus, you always want to leave time for proofreading and should avoid submitting your essays at the last minute. 

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

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Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs: Which is Right for You?

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Continuing your educational journey within your chosen field is an experience that fosters personal and professional growth. The next milestone in your academic path often involves pursuing a Master’s degree , with options ranging from thesis-based programs to non-thesis alternatives.  Deciding between these two paths is significant as it shapes your academic and career paths.

But how can you decide which is right for you before getting decision fatigue?

Let’s explore the difference between thesis vs. non-thesis Master’s programs, their unique characteristics, and reasons for choosing one or the other. 

Do You Have to Write a Thesis for Your Master’s Program?

Whether you have to write a thesis for your Master’s program depends on the specific requirements of the program you’re enrolled in. It’s important to note that while not all Master’s programs require writing a thesis, a significant number of them do.

What is a Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Program?

A thesis Master’s program involves completing a large research project spanning over several semesters. Students are expected to conduct original research on a specific topic under a faculty advisor’s guidance, culminating in a thesis likely to be published. Completing and defending the thesis is a crucial part of the degree requirement.

A non-thesis Master’s program doesn’t involve a specific research focus but rather a more coursework and practical experience, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge applicable to their field of study. After completing their program’s core course requirements, students can choose any of the electives to meet their degree requirements. Depending on the institution, you may be required to do a Master’s Degree Capstone project, including reviewing previous courses, a comprehensive exam, or a summary project. 

Why Choose a Thesis Master’s Program?

Thesis Master’s programs offer several advantages, be that contributing to new findings in your field, close collaboration with professors and researchers, and standing out to potential employers with your abilities to work independently and analyze complex issues. However, the primary advantages are:

Research Experience

Thesis programs allow you to conduct extensive research on a specific topic that piques your interest.  This way, you’ll gain expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. 

Academic Growth 

Writing a thesis helps sharpen your critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills. It also challenges you to think independently, analyze a large amount of data, and draw meaningful conclusions. Furthermore, it prepares you for doctoral studies, familiarizing you with the rigor of independent research and equips you with the necessary skills to succeed.

Why Choose a Non-Thesis Master’s Program?

Non-thesis master’s programs also come with numerous advantages for students, including flexibility in scheduling, a range of career opportunities, shorter competition time, etc. Here are the main advantages: 

Non-thesis programs prioritize coursework, fostering the development of practical skills and their real-world application. This approach enables you to actively engage in hands-on learning experiences highly sought after in today’s job market. Critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities are some of those skills.

Suitability for Professionals

Another advantage to pursuing a non-thesis Master’s program is that it doesn’t take as much time as the thesis Master’s programs. That way you can enter the workforce faster. It’s also well-suited for professionals already established in their field who are seeking to further their education and advance in their careers. 

The Academic and Career Outcomes of Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs

The academic outcomes for the thesis Master’s program graduates involve preparation for Ph.D. programs , opening doors to advanced research and specialized roles in research institutions. This provides solid research skills and helps them publish their work. Common career paths for graduates include research positions in academia, government, or private sectors. Some also pursue teaching careers in colleges and universities. Degree programs that usually require a thesis include sciences, social sciences, engineering, and humanities (history, philosophy, and language studies).

Non-thesis Master’s program graduates typically achieve academic outcomes focused on mastering practical, directly applicable skills within their field. While these programs are more career-oriented, graduates can still pursue a Ph.D. They can benefit from diverse career options in different settings and find employment in managerial, administrative, or specialized roles in their field. Degree programs that don’t usually require a thesis are business, education, healthcare administration, IT management, etc.

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs, That is the Question 

With their abundance of advantages, choosing between the two can be pretty tricky. So, let’s compare thesis vs. non-thesis Master’s programs and help you make an informed decision. 

Personal and Career Goals

A thesis Master’s program is ideal if you’re interested in furthering in academia and want to pursue a Ph.D ., as these programs can provide the necessary tools to enhance your credentials for research-based careers. Meanwhile, a non-thesis Master’s program will suit you better if you’re seeking to gain practical skills to integrate into the industry immediately, as they can include practical projects or internships according to industry demands. 

Time and Financial Considerations

Thesis Master’s programs can extend the duration of your studies, as researching, writing, and defending the thesis can take several semesters to complete and can cause financial strain due to additional costs like lab fees and materials. In contrast, non-thesis ones can help you enter the job market promptly as they are shorter, allowing you to save time and money.

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Field of Study and Program Requirements

When deciding between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program, a crucial element to take into account is the field of study and the program’s specific requirements. A thesis Master’s program is better suited for those pursuing research-oriented fields, while a non-thesis program is a more fitting choice for individuals with a strong focus on their career. Furthermore, program requirements for thesis programs require substantial research to culminate in a thesis, whereas non-thesis ones require capstone projects, internships, or comprehensive exams. 

Switching from a Non-Thesis to a Thesis Master’s Program, or Vice Versa

Switching from a non-thesis to a thesis Master’s program, or vice versa, is possible in many institutions, although the process and requirements may vary. Switching from a non-thesis to a thesis program generally requires getting approval from the academic advisor or department, completing additional research methodology classes, finding a thesis advisor, and applying to the thesis program. 

Switching from a thesis to a non-thesis Master’s program requires having at least a 3.0 GPA, getting approval from the academic advisor, transferring credits of research methodology classes, and formally applying to the thesis program.

Choosing between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program ultimately depends on your career goals, research interests, and personal preferences. Thesis programs provide a robust foundation for research-oriented careers and advanced studies, while non-thesis programs offer practical skills tailored for immediate industry integration. Regardless of your choice, both paths offer unique advantages, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in your chosen field. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the difference between a thesis vs. non-thesis master’s program.

The key difference between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program is that thesis Master’s programs require original research and completion of a thesis, whereas non-thesis ones focus on coursework and practical experiences. 

Do I have to write a thesis for a Master’s program?

If you’re pursuing a research-oriented Master’s degree in sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, etc., you’ll probably have to write a thesis. Whereas, if you’re pursuing a Master’s degree in education, business healthcare administration, or IT management, you’re more likely not to have to complete a thesis. 

Is a thesis required for all Master’s degree programs?

Although a thesis isn’t required for all master’s degree programs, many programs require one.

What should I consider when deciding between a thesis and non-thesis program?

There are several factors to consider when choosing between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program, including your career goals, interest in research, duration of studies, personal strengths and preferences, cost, and program requirements.

Are there any financial and duration differences between thesis and non-thesis Master’s programs?

There can be financial and duration differences between thesis and non-thesis Master’s programs. Thesis programs can be more expensive as you’ll have to spend additional resources on materials, lab fees, and data collection. In contrast, the main cost for non-thesis programs is tuition fees, which can be slightly lower. Furthermore, thesis programs require additional time to conduct research, write, and defend the thesis. In contrast, non-thesis programs allow students to earn the degree in a shorter period. 

Why should I choose a thesis Master’s program?

You should choose a thesis Master’s program if you’re interested in a research-heavy discipline and want to showcase your knowledge and expertise in an evidence-based, thorough thesis. 

Why should I choose a non-thesis Master’s program?

You should choose a non-thesis Master’s program if you want to enter the workforce earlier, don’t want to spend several semesters collecting data, and want to focus more on application than research.

Can non-thesis Master’s graduates still pursue doctoral studies later?

Yes, non-thesis Master’s graduates can still get accepted into a doctoral program. However, thesis Master’s graduates can go through the process more efficiently, as admissions panels want to gain insight into your academic interests and ability to engage in nuanced thought.

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6 Things You Should Know About the Rasmussen University MBA Program

By Kirsten Slyter on 08/24/2020

You’ve worked hard to build up work experience and expertise over the last few years and you’re seriously considering an additional investment in your education. You know that a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) can elevate both you and your resume to the next level. But before you take this step you’ll want to do some research and find the right program for your goals and needs.

That can be easier said than done—there are a lot of MBA programs out there and it can be easy to get overwhelmed trying to keep all the information straight. While we can’t give you a run-down of every program you may be considering, we can help by highlighting some of the key details surrounding the Rasmussen University MBA program and what might make it an appealing option for you.

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why you should consider the Rasmussen University MBA program.

6 Reasons why the Rasmussen University Master of Business Administration program is worth considering

Ready to learn more about the Rasmussen University MBA program? We’ve asked Dr. Roxann Reid Goodman of the Rasmussen University School of Business to help highlight what makes this program stand out.

1. The fully-online competency-based education format is ideal for working professionals

Rasmussen University understands that MBA students are likely to have a lot on their plate professionally and academically. They’ve educated thousands of working students and know how to create programs that offer the flexibility to meet your needs.

“We designed this MBA program for today’s student,” says Dr. Reid Goodman.

Rasmussen University is a national leader in competency-based education (CBE) and the benefits of this unique format can be substantial. Students in CBE courses have much more control over the pace of their work as this format takes weekly deadlines out of the equation. Students start each term with everything they’ll need to complete their work, so you can control your approach—the only deadline you’ll need to meet is to have all assignments completed and submitted before the end of the term. Instead of scrambling to complete an assignment during an unexpectedly busy week, you can put it on the backburner and make up for lost tits is that it can naturally reward your experience. In your project-based coursework, there may be elements of an assignment you already have a solid understanding of—and since you set the pace, you might be able to quickly complete that portion of the work and focus more of your time on areas you’re not as familiar with.

2. The program can be completed in as few as 18 months 1

Completing a graduate program doesn’t have to be a lengthy commitment. If you’re looking to complete a master’s degree program in relatively short order, you’re in the right place. The entire Rasmussen University MBA program can be completed in as a few as 18 months for full-time students. With 4 start dates per year, you won’t need to wait long to get on with the next steps in your academic and professional careers.

Of course, that doesn’t mean all students must progress through the MBA program at this same rate—you’ll always have the option of scaling back and taking on a more gradual pace if you’d prefer. Whether you’re hoping to finish your graduate education as soon as possible or prefer to progress at a slower pace, you’ll have a home in this program.

3. Courses are crafted to develop a broad base of executive-level skills

Whether you have a specific dream job in a mind or are just looking to generally prepare yourself for career advancement down the line, the Rasmussen University MBA program will help you refine your expertise. With coursework thoughtfully designed to build the key competencies needed for management professionals, you’ll gain an edge as you learn from accomplished doctoral-prepared educators with substantial business experience.

The program features an innovative and progressive curriculum designed by industry professionals and curriculum experts with over 130 years of experience working for well-known organizations across the country.

Goodman says in her courses she often calls upon her experience within large corporate settings to help tie key course objectives to what students are likely to encounter in the workplace. Instructors with this rich background of practical experience will help you make clear connections between what you’re learning and how it will be applied in a real business setting. “Faculty experience helps validate the students’ learning,” Dr. Reid Goodman says.

Courses in this program will develop students’ leadership competencies while covering a broad spectrum of strategic business subjects like:

• Value chain management
• Operations management
• Financial management
• Organizational leadership
• Marketing strategy
• Business intelligence and analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Change management
• Corporate responsibility and sustainability

This is accomplished through case studies, lectures, and interactive course projects that allow students to draw from their professional experience when possible to apply what they’ve learned in practical true-to-life scenarios. Ultimately, the program culminates in a capstone course that applies everything they’ve learned into a comprehensive final project.

“We made sure that the MBA curriculum covers everything that makes a strong leader,” says Dr. Reid Goodman. “Students might not have the title of leader or manager yet, but when they do, they’ll be ready. “

4. Students will have strong academic and technical support available

While you’ll be completing your work online, that doesn’t mean you’ll be on your own as you take this next step in your academic career. Rasmussen University offers a strong suite of support services that can help keep you on track as you progress through this program. This includes a team of professionals providing 24-hour technical support, tutoring assistance, as well as library and career services support. Plus, your instructors will be there every step of the way to help provide answers to your questions, supplemental resources and even a little moral support, if needed.

“Our instructors and faculty are fully invested in your success,” says Dr. Reid Goodman.

5. Rasmussen University has a well-established history of educating business professionals

You can trace the roots of Rasmussen University all the way back to 1900 when Walter Rasmussen founded the Rasmussen Practical School of Business in Stillwater, Minnesota. While obviously a lot has changed in the 120 years since the school’s founding, Rasmussen University remains a trusted educator of aspiring business professionals with thousands of alumni across the nation.

The University, which is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission , has embraced changing technology and forged a path as a leader in online higher education. 2 This commitment to online learning and innovation shines through in the coursework of this program, with students often utilizing in-demand software and technology to complete their work. It’s a modern world—and with remote work on the rise, your course experience in a 100-percent online program can set you up for future success in an increasingly digital economy.

“Graduating from an online MBA program like Rasmussen’s gives graduates the tools to live and work online—it’s the wave of the future,” notes Dr. Reid Goodman

6. The program is affordable

Pursuing a graduate degree is an investment in your future, but that doesn’t mean you’re not mindful of the price. Cost is often at the forefront of a future MBA student’s mind, and price-conscious students may like what they see from the Rasmussen University MBA program.

With a total of 12 courses—each 11 weeks in length—this program can be completed for under $13,000 . 3 Want to learn more? You can estimate your tuition cost with our tuition estimate calculator .

Take the first step towards your next credentials

Envision your name with the MBA credential behind it. The sooner you get started, the sooner it could be a reality! The Rasmussen University School of Business is ready to support you in your journey. If you’re ready to take the next steps, learn more and request more information on the Rasmussen University Master of Business Administration program page .

1 Completion time is dependent on the number of courses completed each term. 2 Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org | 800-621-7440) a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 3 Tuition for the MBA program is $205 per credit. Students in the MBA program must maintain continuous enrollment to remain eligible for the tuition pricing of $205 per credit. A student who withdraws and re-enrolls will be required to pay the tuition price offered at the time of their re-enrollment. Students who receive the tuition price of $205 per credit cannot use any additional discounts, grants and/or scholarships. If a student needs to retake one or more courses in the degree program, the total cost of the program will exceed $13,000. MBA Program cost breakdown: $9,840 in tuition + $2,460 in fees = $12,300 in program cost. Program availability varies by campus and state; please see the Rasmussen University Catalog for details.

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About the author

Kirsten Slyter

Kirsten is a Content Writer at Collegis Education where she enjoys researching and writing on behalf of Rasmussen University. She understands the difference that education can make and hopes to inspire readers at every stage of their education journey.

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This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Rasmussen University does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Preparing to write your MBA dissertation?

An MBA qualification is one of the most recognised business management degrees in the world. Successfully completing the qualification comes with its challenges. The degree requires commitment from the student in order to successfully complete assignments, pass examinations and fulfil the mini dissertation requirements to obtain the qualification. The mini dissertation is an integral part of completing your MBA, and it also requires the most amount of effort and time commitment. The most important considerations when embarking on this daunting task is putting a plan in place and structuring your course of action. For any MBA student, it is important to manage time correctly. It is so easy to fall into the trap of procrastination because the tasks at hand may seem overwhelming. Along with coursework and research responsibilities, it is expected to also juggle a full-time job and other responsibilities that demand one’s time and attention, such as spouses, children and extended family. As a result of these demands, finding time to work on a mini dissertation can be difficult. Here are a few helpful tips that will help get your dissertation started and completed on time. There is no better time than the present It is crucial for an MBA student to become sensitive to the topics within modules covered on the MBA. Being conscious of possible dissertation topics right from the onset of your MBA will help to get the process started. Start investigating topics that are of personal interest and that incite passion as possible areas of study that research could be structured around. This is important to meaningfully prepare in advance and engage with this topic, come time to start your dissertation. At Regenesys Business School, each MBA student is assigned a research supervisor early on, to assist with the research topic, and offer guidance and advice on each chapter completed by the student. This helps in the articulation of ideas. Getting other people’s opinions in advance also helps to approach the dissertation from different viewpoints. Define area of interest Writing a thesis or dissertation takes time, so it is necessary to discover an area of interest to start reading about. It is important to start reading around this topic to refine the research topic well in advance before a research topic is defined. This will ensure that the frustration and hours of wasted time that can result from aimlessly searching for information can be avoided. Structuring the dissertation Although the dissertation format may differ from institution to institution, the information provided below gives a basic idea of the sections of a mini dissertation. Abstract - An abstract is a brief summary of the research to be conducted. It is often used to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper's purpose. When used, an abstract always appears at the beginning of the dissertation, acting as the point-of-entry for any given academic piece of writing. Chapter 1 – Introduction This involves setting the context of your mini dissertation and the issues that are going to be addressed in the research. The introduction also covers why the research will be conducted or the rationale behind it. It also provides the problem statement and objectives of the research as well as an outline of the whole study.  Chapter 2 – Literature Review Whatever the research problem may be, the researcher has to conduct an investigation into the literature related to the research problem i.e. the researcher will need to find informative sources, determine their relevance, read them thoroughly and synthesise the information, make informed judgements and finally, report on the information provided in each source. As a researcher, it is important to consult the relevant literature to understand the Academic debates and arguments surrounding the chosen research topic. This will enable deeper insight into the topic and the identification of key issues that need to be explored. The researcher needs to present a summary and a critical appraisal of previous research on the research topic while identifying the gaps. The Literature Review establishes the gaps, issues and contradictions in the existing literature on the research topic. It links the research questions/hypothesis with the gaps in the existing literature and allows analysis and discussion in relation to the aim of the proposed study.  Chapter 3 – Methodology This chapter deals with the how, why and what of the research topic. It indicates how the researcher is going to go about gathering and analysing data for the research. This is done through surveys, interviews or focus group discussions. This chapter contains information about the methodological approach. The chapter should answer a number of questions such as:

• What approach does the research question/hypothesis necessitate and why?
• Which data collection methods are linked to the research?
• Which methods did the researcher decide on and why?
• What other methods could you have chosen?
• How is the data going to be collected?
• How will the data be analysed?
• How will the participants be chosen?
• How will the researcher ensure that the data is reliable and valid?

Chapter 4 – Results and Analysis This involves analysing how the data collected does or does not answer the research questions and proves the researcher’s hypotheses. This could be statistical in nature or theme based depending on the methodological approach followed.  Chapter 5 – Discussion This chapter should discuss the research findings and whether they prove or discard issues raised in your literature review. It also presents how your findings contribute to the research field, profession and documented knowledge around this topic. This chapter may also include recommendations from the researcher that have been proved by the research.  Chapter 6 – Conclusion The concluding chapter must sum up the study. It provides an overview of the study and literature. It indicates how the objectives, hypotheses, main findings and recommendations relate to one another.  References At the end of all pieces of academic writing, you need a list of materials that you have used or referred to. This is done by way of a reference list and should be presented alphabetically and according to the academic referencing rules followed by your institution. The purpose of this is to supply the information needed to allow an interested reader, researcher or examiner to find a source.  Appendices This is where the information that is essential to explain your methodology, analysis and findings should be placed. Examples of information that could be included in an appendix include figures, tables, charts, graphs of results, statistics, questionnaires, lengthy derivations of equations and letters. Each separate appendix should be lettered, for example Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix B1, Appendix B2, Appendix C. The order they are presented in is dictated by the order they are mentioned in the text of the dissertation. The dissertation format may differ from institution to institution, but this gives a basic idea of the chapters of a dissertation. Managing time constraints Although the dissertation seems like an endless project, it can be broken into smaller tasks and projects that are more manageable. It is imperative to plan work times and break the task into stages. Dissertation work should be done during productive times. The researcher needs to identify whether they are productive or write well in the morning, afternoon or they more productive in the evening? Once this is determined, it will help to schedule those hours for dissertation work. Every day counts

• Set aside time each week and each day for dissertation tasks
• Do difficult tasks at productive times of the day
• Do easy tasks when less motivated
• It is important to make the dissertation flow, the individual chapters will contain their own arguments and flow but they all contribute to the main flow, (the golden thread.)
• Keep record of all information sources consulted.

Finishing off and checking through This stage can be time consuming, so leave enough time to have a final read through of the dissertation to pick up any lingering mistakes or typos. Good presentation matters – follow the rules for margins, fonts, table formats, and so on in early drafts. It is much easier to write the dissertation with all the formatting correct than to have to reformat several computer files at the last minute. It gives a professional appearance and puts the reader in a good mood. So it is worth making sure to leave enough time to proof-read and get the layout right. Plagiarism This is the act of taking another person's writing, conversation, song, or even idea and passing it off as your own. This includes information from web pages, books, songs, television shows, email messages, interviews, articles, artworks or any other medium. Whenever one paraphrases, summarises, or takes words, phrases, or sentences from another person's work, it is necessary to indicate the source of the information within the paper using an internal citation. Failing to properly quote, cite or acknowledge someone else's words or ideas with an internal citation is plagiarism. Always acknowledge sources of information. If possible, look at dissertations from previous years to see how they have been presented. At Regenesys, several dissertations are available at our library for students to use as references. Investigate the dissertation requirements early to make sure you are making appropriate progress toward the degree. Make sure when using human subjects in surveys or interviews, that their approval is obtained, and approval letters documented. Make sure to follow your Institutions’ regulations as are required for this process. It is highly recommended to consult a recognised, qualified editor to polish the language in the final dissertation draft as this could influence the final dissertation mark. Help is closer than you think In conclusion, consult allocated supervisors at every stage of the dissertation. Consult other students who may have completed their dissertations and get as much advice as possible. Do not neglect health requirements during this period, by making sure to eat right and exercise to remain stimulated. Seek feedback regularly, this will make this task a little bit more easier. References:

• University of Reading Study Advice, http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/studyadvice/Studyresources/Essays/sta-writingdissertation.aspx
• UNC College of arts and sciences writing centre, https://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/dissertations/

While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

• Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
• Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
• Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
• Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
• Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
• picture_as_pdf Thesis

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What is an MBA and why do you need one?

• Latest news

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Category: Graduate programs

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Regardless of your undergraduate degree, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate degree is a valuable addition that exponentially advances your career and influence. An MBA provides a comprehensive education in diverse aspects of business management and equips students with the knowledge, skills and network necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive business environment. 

What is an MBA?

At its core, the MBA curriculum covers a wide range of subjects essential for effective business leadership. Students delve into topics such as financial analysis, market research, organizational behavior, supply chain management and strategic planning. Through case studies, group projects and real-world simulations, MBA candidates develop critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities—skills that are invaluable in navigating complex business challenges.

Moreover, the MBA experience extends beyond the classroom, encompassing networking opportunities, career development workshops and experiential learning initiatives. Many programs offer practical exposure and insights into different industries and markets.

“When you enroll in an MBA program, you become part of a vibrant community of professionals from various industries, backgrounds and experience who are seeking to be faithful and influential leaders in the marketplace,” says Andy Babyak, Ph.D., assistant dean of business at Messiah University.

The value of an MBA

One of the key selling points of an MBA is its potential to accelerate career growth and enhance earning potential. Studies consistently show that MBA graduates command higher salaries and are more likely to attain senior management positions than those without an advanced business degree. The prestige associated with an MBA from a reputable institution can open doors to job opportunities, promotions and lucrative and meaningful career paths.

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), total hiring for MBA graduates has increased over the last five years. Over the past two years, more than three-quarters of employers across industries have hired professionals with MBAs.

Who benefits from an MBA?

MBAs offer advantages to professionals in any field. “An MBA pairs well with any undergraduate degree,” affirms Babyak, citing the incalculable value of learning professional management skills, obtaining the tools to run a business or organization and gaining skills essential to growth and advancement in any industry.

Robust MBA programs offer concentrations and certifications across professional disciplines that can more directly connect your profession and MBA coursework. Professionals attaining an MBA at Messiah University, a nationally ranked Christian university, can concentrate their MBA study in healthcare (dietetics or healthcare management), digital marketing, management, strategic leadership, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or business analytics.

Return on investment with an MBA

Career advancement and salary potential with an mba.

For many aspiring business leaders, the decision to pursue an MBA is driven by the desire for career advancement and increased earning potential. An MBA can serve as a catalyst for career transitions, enabling professionals to pivot into new industries, functions or geographic locations. The broad skillset and versatile credentials of MBA graduates make them attractive candidates for a wide range of roles, from consulting and finance to technology and healthcare.

The average tuition cost for an MBA is $56,850, according to 2024 data from the Education Data Initiative . Of course, tuition prices fluctuate between educational institutions based on factors like length of the program, whether it’s primarily online or in-person (or a hybrid) and demand for financial aid, for example. Increased earning potential makes an MBA a worthwhile investment. The median salary in the United States for a professional with an MBA is $125,000.

Intangible but important benefits

Beyond the tangible rewards of salary increases and career advancement, an MBA offers intangible benefits that can profoundly impact personal and professional development. The rigorous academic curriculum, collaborative learning environment and exposure to diverse perspectives foster critical thinking, creativity and resilience—the hallmarks of effective leadership in a dynamic and uncertain world.

A unique component of the MBA program at Messiah University is faith emanation.

“Many faith-based schools talk about faith integration ,” explains Babyak, “but Messiah’s MBA focuses on faith emanation . If faith is an integral part of students’ lives, our program is not about helping them integrate faith with their profession but rather demonstrating how faith can influence the knowledge, skills and ethics they bring into business decisions and conversations,” says Babyak.

Is an MBA right for you?

The decision of whether an MBA is worth the time and monetary investment necessary depends on several personal factors. As you research MBA programs, consider these guiding questions:

• What are my long-term goals, both in my profession and in my personal life? Does pursuing a master’s degree harmonize with those goals at this present stage of my life and career?
• What is my hoped-for return on investment for completing an MBA program?
• Do I prefer an in-person, online or hybrid MBA program?
• What element of business administration am I particularly interested in, and which program/concentrations/certifications can most effectively advance my knowledge in that area?
• Does my faith inform my leadership skills and goals? Am I looking for courses taught within an ethical framework?

Ultimately, an MBA is a transformative journey that shapes not only one’s career trajectory but also one’s outlook, aspirations and impact on the world of business.

Why an MBA from Messiah University?

Choosing to earn an MBA at Messiah University offers a unique blend of academic excellence, values-driven education, and practical application. With a focus on ethical leadership and service, Messiah equips students with not only business acumen but also a strong moral compass, essential in today's complex corporate landscape. Small class sizes foster personalized attention, while faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, consulting projects, and global immersion trips, preparing graduates to excel in diverse business environments.

Messiah's supportive community and strong alumni network further enhance professional growth and opportunities post-graduation.

If you are seeking a Master of Business Administration that will exponentially grow your career, expand your level of influence and deliver transformative impact to the business, organizations and communities you serve, consider the MBA program at Messiah University .

Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

*The Caveat *

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.  

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

• Acknowledgements page
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Table of contents , list of figures and tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Results
• Chapter 5: Discussion
• Chapter 6: Conclusion
• Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

• The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
• The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
• The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
• The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

• Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
• Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
• Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

• The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
• The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
• Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or  mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

• Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
• Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
• Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
• Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

• Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
• Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
• Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
• Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

Table of contents

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

• What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
• Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
• What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
• What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
• How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
• How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

• What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
• Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
• How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
• How does your research contribute something original?
• How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

• Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
• Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings? In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

Time to recap…

And there you have it – the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows:

• Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the  Grad Coach Blog .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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36 Comments

many thanks i found it very useful

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

It is so necessary or avital course

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

This is so good

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

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Thesis vs. Non-Thesis option in Masters – MS or MBA in USA ?

Once you are in USA for Graduate school, either MS or MBA, in the first few weeks, you will be asked to complete your academic plan for MS or MBA by working with your Faculty Advisor or Academic advisor. Depending on the school and their program, you will have two options Thesis and Non-Thesis. You see both of these options more often in a MS program than in MBA program, but it all depends on the school.  In this article, we will go over some of the key things of both options and help you make an educated decision.

What is Thesis option in Graduate School in USA ? 

In general, thesis option is where you would be diving your entire Masters program into two parts, one is going to be focused on research on a specific area and other is your core courses required for your graduate program.   Usually, you will take thesis related work over a course of at least two semesters working under a professor on a specific research area. Thesis is like a preview of PhD program. You would work with your chosen professor and try to publish a paper for conference or journal. You will have to submit your thesis and do the thesis defense in front of your thesis panel. You may be tempted to take thesis option as they come with funding at times, but be clear on the goals, do not pursue it, if you are not passionate about research. Not all schools have this same structure for Thesis and this varies by school and their program structure..so, you need to check with the school you plan to apply to to be clear on the program. 

Who should pursue Thesis Option in MS or MBA ?

If you are interested in pursuing PhD after MS or MBA, it is the best thing to do. You will get a sneak peek of your life as a PhD Student.  If you apply for PhD programs, the prospective schools would be very keen on your Thesis, any publications as well…all these topics will be considered as foundation for your PhD.

You can get admits in your dream school, if you have done the Thesis in Masters program and accomplished something. Also, it will be very helpful, if you are pursuing research oriented jobs in any of the companies. If you have thesis in Machine Learning or any Artificial intelligence topics, you have better chance for a Google Graduate fellowship. Do NOT choose thesis option because you are getting funding like TA , GA or RA from professor , it could make you restless and ruin your peace. Be clear on your goal and then take up thesis, if it fits your goal of PhD.

What is Non-Thesis Option in Masters ?

Well, as the name says, it does NOT involve the above mentioned thesis section. There is no specific research focus in your program. After you complete your program’s core course requirements, you are free to choose any of the electives and complete the requirements of your degree. Depending on the school, you may have to do a Master’s Degree Capstone (final project) project in your final semester.  Depending on the school, it could include reviewing of your previous courses in the program and maybe a comprehensive exam or a summary project/ seminar corresponding to the same. Non-thesis option is the regular option for most of the students who complete their degree.

Who should pursue Non-Thesis option ?

If you are not looking to pursue any research positions or Ph.D. program in future, this would be the best choice. It is the most preferred option by many graduate students, who are not keen on research. Personally, I took non-thesis option in my MS and we did a capstone project as a team.

Does Thesis or Non-Thesis option make difference in Job Search?

In general, NO. It will NOT have any impact in your job search, unless you are applying to a specialized research oriented position. So, you do not have to worry much on this.

What did you choose in your graduate program ? What was your experience ? What is your advice ?

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very helpful information. Short and sweet.

I feel strongly about it and really like mastering more on this subject. If feasible, as you acquire experience, would you mind updating your blog with much more information. It is very helpful for me. thanks for sharing amazing information.

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Do you really need an MBA? Here are some ways to get business skills without the steep price tag.

This article is reprinted by permission from NerdWallet . 

Lindsay Mack earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in 2005. Nearly 15 years later, when she considered the best way to grow her business acumen, an MBA was not it.

Mack, who is from Philadelphia, grew her career without an MBA. When ready to advance her skills in platform strategy, she opted for a faster, lower-cost cohort program instead.

For students like Mack, the  cost of a top MBA  — averaging $225,605 in the U.S., according to a 2022 report by BusinessBecause, an online publisher of graduate business content — is daunting, and the value is questionable.

“I didn’t see how making such a significant investment (in an MBA) would really leapfrog me to the next level,” says Mack, now Comcast’s executive director of product management.

Cost isn’t the only barrier to attaining a graduate business degree. BusinessBecause reports that the average acceptance rate for the most competitive U.S. business schools is 16%, based on its analysis of data from U.S. News & World Report and other sources.

If you want access to business school education without the price of tuition or hassle of admissions, you have other options.

Also see: 6 cities where women earn more

If you prioritize credentials

Consider a graduate business certification. A certification — offered by accredited colleges and universities — differs from an  MBA degree  primarily in how long it takes to complete the program.

For example, a graduate business certificate from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business requires 12 credit hours to graduate. An MBA from the same university needs 48 credit hours for completion.

Because you’re taking fewer credits compared to an MBA, you can expect to pay much less. For example — based on the 2022-23 academic year — tuition for a graduate certificate in strategic management from Harvard Extension School, a Harvard Division of Continuing Education, is $15,500. A Harvard MBA costs $73,440 in tuition, not including fees.

Certificate programs are often more specialized than graduate business degrees. This can be great for those looking to develop a specific skill set — like business analytics — to advance in their career, says Olivia Jobson, associate director of graduate recruitment at Oregon State University College of Business.

Plus: Pay ranges in job listings are widening. It’s a ‘double-edged sword’ for job seekers, one economist says.

If you need a more flexible schedule

Consider a self-guided online course. Companies like MasterClass, Skillshare, Udemy and Coursera let you learn business skills at your own pace.

“Our central tenet is to meet learners where they are,” says Marni Baker Stein, Park City, Utah-based chief content officer at Coursera. The company offers individual courses, professional and credentialed certifications, and full degrees through university partnerships.

Many online companies allow you to access some courses for free, but the full libraries require a monthly subscription. MasterClass, for example, offers unlimited access to existing and new content for $180 annually.

Unless partnering with an accredited institution, these programs typically do not offer credits for completion. If you need credits to transfer to a university, consider enrolling in an accredited program.

You might like: Employers can pay your student loans — why many don’t and why that could change

If you want more of the MBA experience

Consider a business training cohort. Though it’s hard to replicate the two-year, in-person MBA experience, some companies creatively found ways to incorporate its key components into online learning.

Section, a New York City-based online business education company, for example, offers one- to two-week online sprints structured much like sections within an MBA program. Members participate in live classes online, group discussions and even team projects for $996 per year.

Similarly, the Invited MBA, by Texas-based corporate leadership development company Abilitie, offers a 12-week program that includes live virtual sessions, team business competitions, study groups and even online happy hours. Tuition is $1,850.

Companies like Section and Abilitie are not accredited universities. Graduating from these programs will not result in an MBA degree, but some graduates of the programs say it delivered exactly what they needed — practical business skills, a strong network and greater employability at a fraction of the cost of an MBA.

“I have folks who are at the exact same level as I am, who did full-time MBAs and have school debt, and I am now peers with them,” says Nicholas Schroeder, a Seattle-based graduate of Abilitie’s Invited MBA.

Upon completing the Invited MBA in May 2021, Schroeder, a former U.S. Army officer, transitioned into a career in consulting — the most coveted industry for prospective graduate management students, according to a 2022 survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council, an association of graduate business schools.

More From NerdWallet

• For-Profit Colleges May Soon Be Accountable for Student Outcomes
• Interest Rates on Federal Student Loans to Be Highest in Decade
• If SCOTUS Blocks Student Debt Relief, 1965 Law Could Be ‘Plan B’

Trea Branch writes for NerdWallet. Email: [email protected].

Should I Get a Master's Before a Doctoral Degree?

Do you need a master's degree to get a Ph.D.? No, but experts suggest considering these key factors before deciding.

Should I Get a Master's Before a Ph.D?

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A master’s eases the transition to graduate work and may make you more competitive when applying to doctoral programs.

Although it's not usually a requirement, earning a master’s degree before applying to a Ph.D. or other doctoral program can be a good way to get accustomed to graduate-level coursework while gaining valuable research experience and connections in your field.

But it can also be an expensive and time-consuming detour on the route to a doctorate, so it’s important to consider whether the benefits of earning a master’s before a Ph.D. outweigh the cost.

Here are some factors experts say you should weigh.

Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree First

Karin Ash, a graduate consultant at Accepted, a college admissions consulting firm, says the research experience students can gain through a master’s tends to give them an edge in doctoral admissions.

Master's studies can also expand opportunities for students who already have significant research work behind them. Ash notes that some students she works with have research experience but choose to explore other research areas through a master's before deciding on a focus for their doctoral studies.

If your undergraduate major was fairly different from what you plan to study at a graduate level, getting a master’s degree first can help bridge the gap, says Julie Posselt, a professor of education and associate dean of the University of Southern California Graduate School. Posselt, who earned her master's before pursuing doctoral studies, says master’s studies can also help you decide whether what you’re studying is right for your academic interests and career goals .

“I learned through my master's program that the field that I had started to pursue was much more narrow than what I wanted for the long term,” Posselt says. “So instead of investing five years in a field, I was able to invest a shorter amount of time – two years – and then make the decision that if someday I wanted a Ph.D., it was going to need to be in a broader field than the one that I had during my master's.”

Ash and Posselt say a master’s can be a good way to network with experts in your field of interest and make connections that will be valuable in a future career.

“A lot of STEM students tell me they don’t have professors who know them as their classes are large,” Ash wrote in an email. “Obtaining a master’s degree will allow them to develop relationships with professors who can then write substantive recommendation letters .”

Reasons to Go Straight to a Doctoral Program

Master's degrees can be expensive , and students often don't receive significant funding to complete their studies.

“My concern is the increasing debt that American students have from their undergraduate education," Posselt says, "and the fact that most master's programs don't fund them, and as a result, students have to take out significant loans" to complete a master’s.

"I always encourage students, if they're going to get a master's degree, to try to find a place where they can get funding along the way,” she says.

On the other hand, Ash says it’s common for Ph.D. programs to be fully funded , so it may be unnecessarily costly to earn a master’s degree first – especially if it means taking out student loans .

In addition to considering the tuition cost, Posselt says it’s important to consider the earnings you could lose by delaying the start of your career by a year or two to pursue a master’s degree.

It's also worth investigating whether the doctoral program you're considering will accept some of the credits you earn in a master's program, as that could shorten your doctoral studies. But Posselt says the transferability of master's-level coursework is relatively weak and varies by institution.

Even if you do apply master's coursework to your Ph.D., it may not be worthwhile.

"Many Ph.D. programs will accept credits from courses taken at the master's level if the coursework is relevant to the program," Ash says. "However, often the applicant is veering to a more specialized education and will need to take the appropriate coursework to become proficient in that subject area. This could mean they end up with many more credits than needed to graduate."

If you’re still unsure whether you should pursue a master’s first, Posselt says it’s important to consider the leverage the degree could have when it comes to doctoral admissions. A master’s is more valuable in some fields than others, she notes, so consulting with advisers and mentors from your undergraduate studies is a good way to determine how useful it will be when pursuing doctoral work.

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How to write an MBA resume and make sure it stands out in the stack

Applying to business school, or an MBA program, can be nerve-racking. You’ll need to lasso together transcripts and test scores, fill out an application, and likely ace an interview—but perhaps the most critical piece of it all is an MBA resume. This important document will list out many of the same elements as a traditional resume, such as your educational background and work experience. 

But an MBA resume also has a different primary function than the typical resume you might submit to try and land a job: It’s designed to land you a spot in an MBA program. If writing an MBA resume feels intimidating, knowing what to put on it, and some other framing tactics, may help calm your nerves.

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Mba resume vs. a job resume  .

As noted, an MBA resume should feel familiar to many prospective business school students. 

“An MBA resume is very similar to a job resume,” says Kaneisha Grayson, the founder and CEO of The Art of Applying , an MBA admissions consultancy. She adds that both types of resumes will, or should, comprise a single page, incorporate clear, professional formatting, and lay out an applicant’s educational and career accomplishments. 

“I’d say one difference between the two is that I advise our clients to put their education at the top—whereas with a job resume, you’d see education at the bottom,” Grayson says. She recommends this variation because an MBA resume’s specific aim of landing an applicant at an educational institution. 

So, in that sense, there may not be a whole lot of differences between an MBA resume and a job resume, but there will be some additional focus on specific aspects of your background, all in an effort to win over an MBA program’s selection or admissions committee. 

How to write an MBA resume

Again, writing an MBA resume shouldn’t differ a whole lot from writing a traditional resume, but you’ll want to try and keep your end goal in mind, which is landing a spot in an MBA program. As you write your MBA resume, keeping that goal in mind should prove helpful, because it can help you parse out the information you’ll want to include, and the things you won’t.

“An MBA resume is very specialized toward the application cycle,” says Ellin Lolis, President and Founder of Ellin Lolis MBA Consulting . So, again, keep the end goal in mind. “Your education section is going to be important,” Lolis says, “but we mostly want to see your career focus.”

As for the nuts and bolts of writing an MBA resume? Keep it simple by deciding what to rope in, what to leave out, and how to structure it all so that it’s easy to read. 

What to include in your MBA resume

The main elements that your MBA resume should include are an education section, a job experience or professional experience section, and a portion that details a bit more about you, personally, such as your hobbies and interests. 

You can leave out photographs, information related to your high school, and even most of your contact information—that’ll be included on your program application, the experts say. 

Again, do your best to keep what you include to one page. The only time you could probably get a pass for using more than one page is if you have extensive professional experience, and are applying to an executive MBA program. A good rule of thumb? “When you have more than seven years of full-time, post-college work experience,” says Grayson. 

How to structure an MBA resume

As for structuring an MBA resume, do your best to contain most elements to the aforementioned sections: Education, professional background and experience, and a section dedicated to your personal hobbies, interests, skills and certifications, and community service work.

List the schools you attended and the degrees you earned, perhaps with any relevant coursework and GPAs in the education section. Your professional section may differ depending on your specific experiences and industries you’ve worked in, but try to frame it as a sort of professional “story,” which can showcase how an MBA can help you take the next step.

Professional background

“Generally speaking, the MBA is not a purely academic degree, as a majority of people are going to earn one to get a better job,” says Lolis. “They’re doing it to boost their career—and at that point, the most relevant thing is your recent job and your professional track record,” she says.

Get into the weeds, too, about your accomplishments. “Don’t just reiterate your job responsibilities,” says Grayson. “Communicate the results of your efforts. Quantifying the results is much more significant and meaningful—describe the impact,” she says.

Hobbies, interests, and more

As for the more personal portion? “One of the main things that’s different from a job resume is that they want you to share some of your hobbies and interests,” Lolis says. “Be very specific,” adds Grayson, “because 90% of people will list ‘travel’ as a hobby. “But that’s not interesting—maybe something like ‘slow traveling to find the best street food.’ That’s interesting.” This, she says, can help spark a conversation, or help your resume stand out from the pile.

In addition to specific hobbies or interests, you might include, add volunteer or community work as well, and perhaps relevant technical or language skills. Again, this may help tip the scales in your favor by showing you have specific know-how related to a given industry or task. Any applicable awards you’ve earned may be good to include, too, as they showcase that you’re capable of excelling in a given area.

Should you customize your resume for each business school?

Experts generally don’t recommend changing up your MBA resume when applying to different schools. Instead, look for specific instructions relayed by the school, if there are any, and make any needed changes accordingly. So, unless you have a really compelling reason, you can probably use the same resume for a number of applications.

Also, don’t go overboard in terms of design to make your resume stand out. “Just stick to traditional formatting,” says Lolis, since that’s what most admissions teams are used to seeing, and are generally looking for. Let the contents of the resume speak for you—not the design.

Where to go if you need help  

For many prospective MBA students, piecing together a resume shouldn’t be terribly difficult, given that it’s mostly the same process as writing a traditional resume. However, if you need help, you can reach out to consultants, or even check out some of the resources schools make available to help you along the process. 

• Consultants : There are many MBA consultancies out there, including the firms that Lolis and Grayson founded. They can help create, review, and critique an MBA resume and get it into shape. 
• Examples and templates : Some schools even make templates available , and example resumes to help students create their own. 

The takeaway  

In all, you should write an MBA resume in the same way you’d write a traditional resume, with some slight variations. The resume should focus on your professional background and previous education, while also detailing some of your personal interests, too. Stick to classic resume formatting as well, and keep it to one page, if possible.

It’s also important, experts say, to use some basic formatting and style—use 11 or 12-point font, a normal font style (Arial, Times New Roman, etc.), and overall, keep it professional. And remember: don’t go overboard trying to score style points with the resume’s design or other elements.

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