An MBA is one of the most sought-after courses among graduates, as it offers a better return on investment. But, if you are interested in managing leadership, then a Master’s or MBA in Organizational Leadership might suit you. Choosing between an MBA and Organizational Leadership can be tricky if students are not aware of the career prospects.
According to Data USA, the average wage in Organizational Leadership is growing at a rate of 3.8% annually. This has caused an increase in degrees awarded in this sector. Organizational leadership focuses on researching growth opportunities, managing change, and managing organizational culture.
This blog will guide you on the differences between MBA vs Master’s in Organizational Leadership by discussing the course benefits and career prospects of Organizational Leadership.
Source: Data USA
Also read: Accelerate Your Career: Advantages of the Edgewood Online MBA Program.
MBA vs Organizational Leadership: Salary, Career Outcomes & Differences
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a Master’s degree with various concentrations, suitable for building a career in diverse industries. Let’s discuss the fundamental differences between MBA vs Organizational Leadership with the help of the table below.
| Features | MBA General | MBA Organizational Leadership |
| Course focus | Basic foundation of Finance, Marketing, Operations, or Supply Chain Management | Focused on team management, organizational behavior, or leadership change |
| Job roles | Marketing Manager
Operations Manager |
Training Manager
Development Manager |
| Average annual salary | USD 98,000-USD 164,000 (approx) | USD 87,000-USD 163,000 (approx) |
| Suitable for | Professionals seeking careers across multiple industries | Professionals focused on leading teams and handling conflicts |
| Curriculum | Focused on leadership theory and change leadership | Focused on Finance or Marketing |
Source: Glassdoor
1. Primary Focus
A general MBA is focused on providing basic foundational knowledge on these topics:
- Understanding financial management, analysis, and corporate accounting.
- Understanding brand management, consumer preferences, and the latest market trends.
- Developing soft skills such as communication, team building, and problem-solving.
MBA Organizational Leadership is focused on developing skills suitable for a corporate leader, such as:
- Promoting a positive work culture among the team members that improves productivity.
- Developing strategic thinking skills that will create long-term plans for business growth.
- Managing team members and motivating them to create a high-performing team.
2. Career Roles
A general MBA can help graduates in landing roles such as:
- Finance roles such as Finance Manager or Investment Analyst, who focus on financial transactions for a firm.
- Marketing roles, such as a Marketing Manager, who oversees the marketing strategies and brand development.
- A Management Consultant, who helps businesses create business strategies and handle operations.
MBA Organizational Leadership facilitates entry into more senior or leadership roles, such as:
- Human Resources Manager, who handles recruitment, training, and onboarding processes for employees.
- A Training and Development Manager, who teaches the employees of an organization about company policies and goals.
- An Organizational Development Consultant who focuses on enhancing the efficiency and productivity of different organizations by analyzing their processes.
3. Average Salary
The average annual salary for those with a general MBA is approximately in the range of USD 98,000 and USD 164,000. However, it can vary according to the industry, role, and location.
The average annual salary of a graduate with an MBA in Organizational Leadership ranges from USD 87,000 to USD 163,000 (approximately).
4. Ideal for
A general MBA is suitable for professionals who are interested in the following:
- Exploring a career change, but are unsure of which specific sector to choose.
- Aspiring for senior leadership roles that require a broad strategic overview.
- Seeking a promotion in your current organization with your work experience.
MBA Organizational Leadership is suitable for professionals with:
- Existing leadership experience, but want to accelerate their career.
- Interest in leading and navigating an organization through change and transformation.
- Interest in starting their own business and seeking entrepreneurial roles.
5. Curriculum Emphasis
A general MBA emphasizes covering topics across different industries, such as:
- Finance – Understanding markets, valuation, and a company’s financial policies.
- Operations Management – Understanding Supply Chain Management and processes for improving efficiency.
- Marketing – Understanding the latest market trends, gaining insights into consumer behavior, and developing marketing strategies.
MBA Organizational Leadership emphasizes covering topics such as:
- Organizational Behavior – Exploring human behavior, understanding team dynamics, and resolving conflicts
- Change Management – Understanding the process that needs to be followed during organizational change
- Social Responsibility and Ethics – Inculcating ethical decision-making and developing sustainable business practices
Also Read: MBA vs Master’s in Accounting
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your MBA Specialization
You need to consider a few factors before deciding on your choice of university or specialization. Conduct thorough research on the university’s values and curriculum to ensure they align with your career goals. Here are a few factors that you should keep in mind.
- Career goals: Please ensure that the MBA specialization chosen by you offers knowledge and develops skills to pursue a career of your choice.
- Flexibility: If you plan to pursue an online course, ensure that the university offers sufficient flexibility to accommodate other responsibilities.
- Evaluation of skills: Opt for a specialization where your skills will be utilized more effectively. If you have leadership skills, then Organizational Leadership can be a better fit for you.
- Market demand: Research the latest market trends and future growth prospects for your chosen specialization. If your chosen specialization offers good job prospects in the future, you should opt for it.
- Return on investment: Return on Investment is an essential factor that needs to be considered. Calculate your expenses during the course and estimate if the salary in the future seems reasonable for such an investment.
How Edgewood’s MBA in Organizational Leadership Prepares You for High-Earning Roles?
Edgewood University offers a variety of courses in both online and on-campus modes. We offer a wide range of courses in our Business section. Some of the best courses are:
1. Master of Business Administration (MBA) Online Degree program: This course can be completed in 10 months. It focuses on financial analysis, organizational management, and strategic planning.
Graduates can build their careers in any of the following roles:
- Marketing Manager
- Data Analyst
- Management Consultant
2. MBA in Organizational Leadership and Change Online: This course can be completed in 10 months. It focuses on training students with the tools and knowledge required to lead change within corporate settings.
Graduates can build a career with the following roles:
- Production Manager
- Training Manager
- Organizational Consultant
3. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree Online: This course can be completed in 24 months. It trains graduates to lead organizations, inculcate innovative ideas in business, and conduct research on the latest industry trends.
This course can help graduates to build a career in any of the following roles:
- Strategic Planner
- Corporate Leader
- Global Strategy Lead
Also Read: Advantages of Edgewood Online MBA Program
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FAQs on MBA in Organizational Leadership vs. General MBA
Q: Which MBA concentration leads to higher-paying roles?
Ans: Some of the high-paying MBA concentrations are:
- Finance
- Management Consulting
- Data Analytics
Q: Is a leadership-focused MBA the best choice for career advancement?
Ans: Yes, if you opt for a leadership-focused MBA, it can be highly beneficial for your career growth. It can benefit in the following ways:
- Salary boost
- Better networking opportunities
- Developing leadership skills
Q: What industries hire graduates with an MBA in Organizational Leadership in the U.S.?
Ans: Some of the industries that hire graduates with an MBA in Organizational Leadership in the U.S. are:
- Operations and Supply Chain
- Finance
- Management Consulting
Q: What is the average salary of leadership MBA graduates in the U.S.?
Ans: According to Glassdoor, Organizational Leadership graduates earn around USD 87,000 to USD 163,000 annually. The salary will vary depending on the location, organization, or brand value of the university chosen.
Source: Glassdoor
Q: What support does Edgewood offer for MBA career placements?
Ans: Edgewood University offers graduates support in career-related services. Our students benefit from:
- Ample networking opportunities
- Career guidance
- Professional development
