What Does MBA Syllabus Look Like?

What is an MBA?

Are you looking for a world’s widely accepted graduate management degree? MBA - A Master of Business Administration is an ideal choice. This degree was first presented in 1908 by Harvard University (Now Harvard business school). If a person chooses to land a managerial role, then an MBA degree would become a means to achieve their goals. Aspirants from any background Science, Commerce, or Humanities - can aspire for an MBA degree. MBA can be completed in various formats like Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, and Distance-Education. In addition to the above formats, based on the candidate’s professional experience, they can go for an Executive MBA.

MBA Syllabus: Semester-Wise Breakdown

MBA is generally for 2 years. However, some universities offer a 12-month MBA program as well. The core and elective subjects taught in MBA are as follows: 

Semester I 

• Finance for Non-Finance
• Joy of Management
• Micro-Economics
• Business Statistics
• Marketing and Consumer Behavior
• Excel Spreadsheet Modeling
• Organizational Behavior
• Marketing of Products and Services

Semester II 

• Costing Products and Services
• Synthesizing and Analyzing Data using R
• Managing Operations and Supply Chain
• Human Resource Management
• Indian Banking and Financial Markets
• Indian Economy in the Global Context
• Managing Stakeholders and Legal Processes
• Managing Financial Resources

Semester III 

• Management of Design
• Business Model and Intellectual Property
• Leveraging IT for Business
• Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
• Analyzing and Mitigating Risk
• Applied Business Research
• Problem-Solving and Consulting Skills

Semester IV 

• Capstone Simulation
• Ethics and Indian Ethos
• Integrated Decisions Making
• Leadership Development
• Applied Business Research Project
• Project Management
• Data Science Using R and Python

MBA Syllabus Based on Specializations 

Depending upon the MBA specialization you choose, the subject taught changes. Check out the MBA syllabus of top MBA options - 

MBA Accounting 

• Financial Accounting
• Cost Accounting
• Fundamentals in Managerial Accounting
• Cost Management
• Tax Planning
• Auditing
• Accounting in Acquisitions and Mergers
• Problems in Financial Reporting
• Business Strategy

MBA in Business Analytics 

• Operations Management
• Business Analytics
• Managerial Economics
• Business Statistics
• Business Environment
• Corporate Finance
• International Business

MBA in Finance 

• Microeconomics
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Principles of Accounting
• Tools for Decision Making
• Business Law
• Corporate Management
• Macroeconomics
• Operations Management

MBA in Marketing 

• Management Concepts
• Business Environment
• Statistical Analysis and Operations Research
• Advertising Management
• Cost and Management Accounting
• Consumer Behavior
• Retail Management
• Industrial Marketing

MBA in Operations Management

• Operational Research
• Business Statistics
• Materials Management
• Project Management
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Financial Accounting and Management
• Supply Chain Management
• International Logistics

MBA in Human Resource Management 

• Basics of Management
• Human Resource Administration
• Directorial Behavior
• Administrative Economics
• Fundamentals of Financial Management
• Basics of Research Methodologies

Global MBA 

• Leadership 
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship 
• International Marketing 
• Performance Measurement 
• Financial Management 
• Managerial Economics
• Strategic Management
• Change Management 
• Managing in a Global Economy 

MBA in Healthcare Management 

• Hospital environment and healthcare
• Medical terminology
• Human physiology
• Economics of healthcare
• Hospital planning and engineering
• Entrepreneurship and consultancy in healthcare

MBA in Logistics Management

• International Business Management
• Fundamental of Logistics
• Introduction to Shipping
• Customs Procedure
• Warehousing and Inventory Management
• Liner Trade

MBA Elective Syllabus

• Accounting and Control
• Decision Sciences
• Economics and Political Science
• Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise
• Finance
• Marketing
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategy
• Technology and Operations Management

MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus

Some MBA entrance exams are XAT, CAT, NMAT, MAT, CMAT, and other college-level entrance exams. The syllabus for all these entrance exams is more or less similar and the most popular entrance exam is CAT. The syllabus for CAT would typically be MCQs from Logical Reasoning (DILR),  Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Quantitative Ability (QA), etc.

Best MBA Books 

A true business and management enthusiast always looks beyond the MBA syllabus. Books that are not a part of your curriculum but provide a new perspective on a particular area are worth reading. Here are some of the most common MBA books that will interest you - 

1. Human Resource Management for MBA and Business Masters by Lain Henderson
2. Financial Management Theory & Practice by Eugene Brigham, Michael C. Ehrhardt
3. Financial & Managerial Accounting for MBAs by Cambridge Business Publication
4. Fundamentals of Medical Practice Management by Stephen Wagner
5. Principles of Marketing by Philip Kotler
6. Logistics and Supply Chain Management by Martin Christopher
7. International Marketing by Rakesh Mohan Joshi 

The MBA syllabus is designed to provide holistic exposure to the business world. Look at the career prospects of each specialization before making any choice. Enroll in our Executive Certificate Program In General Management program, which prepares you for the global job market with a hands-on approach and international orientation. You will learn the best management skills from the IU Germany faculty and become a global leader in just one year!  

If you want to grow in your current job without doing an MBA, Simplilearn exclusive courses for working professionals are the perfect fit for you. Choose from a wide range of programs and level up your career! 

FAQs

1. What is an MBA degree?

MBA is also known as a Master of Business Administration. It is a postgraduate program pursued by business and management enthusiasts. There are different types of MBA like full-time MBA, part-time MBA, regular MBA, distant MBA, and online MBA. The duration of this course varies from 1 to 2 years. 

2. Is MBA hard or easy?

MBA has a rigorous curriculum but we can’t call it hard. It is designed in such a way that you learn how to handle different situations in your corporate career. You will learn something new, everyday while pursuing an MBA. 

3. Which type of MBA is best?

There are some evergreen MBA specializations that continue to be lucrative. Whereas, some MBA streams are introduced very recently but are popular among the people. 

Traditional MBA Options 

1. MBA in HRM 
2. MBA in Banking and Finance 
3. MBA in Accounting 
4. MBA in Operations

New-Age MBA Options 

1. MBA in Digital Marketing 
2. MBA in Luxury Brand Management 
3. MBA in Supply Chain Management 
4. MBA in Hospitality
5. MBA in Blockchain Management
6. Global MBA 

4. Is MBA expensive? 

Yes, MBA is an expensive degree if you opt for the regular option. It costs around 20-40 Lakhs per year in India. The cost increases if you plan to study abroad. Whereas, if you opt for an online MBA, you can gain the same skills without spending a hefty amount on your tuition fees. An online MBA costs around 2-5 lakhs. 

5. Can MBA be done after the 12th? 

No, MBA is a postgraduate degree. You must have a bachelor's degree to apply for this course. 

6. What is the duration of an MBA program?

The duration of an MBA usually is 2 years. Some of the universities offer a 12-month duration MBA program too. 

7. Why Should You Do It?

There are multiple reasons why MBA becomes a choice. If your preference is to land a managerial position or if you wish to obtain a worldwide accepted management degree, then MBA will essentially become your choice. MBA gives you greater awareness of global markets and helps grow your professional network. MBA can provide increased job opportunities.