Investing time and money in pursuing a graduate degree is an important decision when seeking career advancement. To help decide if this is a wise investment, potential students should consider the data. When comparing salaries and opportunities for leadership positions, it becomes clear that the time, effort and money spent obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is worthwhile.
For working professionals who pursue advanced degrees, a fully online program offers flexibility and affordability to balance work and school obligations. Murray State University’s online MBA General program provides electives in a wide variety of in-demand specialties, so students can tailor the degree toward their career interests and goals.
Market Intelligence on the Job Outlook for MBA Graduates
The Corporate Recruiters Survey 2024 Report from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) consults with recruiters and hiring managers from staffing firms worldwide, using data and insights to understand current and potential developments. GMAC’s annual report shows trends in skill demand, hiring, compensation and perceptions of MBA and business program graduates from the last two decades.
Roughly two-thirds of employers believe full business degrees are more effective for employee success than micro-credentials, and more than a quarter of employers plan to expand their hiring of graduate management education (GME) employees. Employers across sectors are most likely to expand the hiring of data and business analytics graduates, highlighting the value of skills applicable to advances in business technology. The report is especially relevant to those with general MBAs like Murray State’s, as “hiring for more generalist talent was highest among MBAs” in 2023.
Employers report that problem-solving, communication and strategic thinking are the most valued skills for current GME graduates. Other highly ranked skills include interpersonal skills, adaptability and decision-making.
6 Lucrative Job Options for Online MBA General Graduates
Graduates of Murray State’s program have many rewarding career options available to them, such as roles in operations management, finance management and management analysis, as outlined in the six examples below. Note that salary information provided is current as of April 2025, and actual salaries may vary depending on factors such as job location and work experience:
- Operations managers direct public or private sector organization operations. These professionals formulate policies, lead daily operations and develop strategies for using materials and human resources. They earn a median annual wage of $101,280.
- Marketing managers plan programs to create interest in their organization’s products or services. They “estimate demand and identify potential markets for products and services that an organization and its competitors offer,” as well as collaborate with other teams, such as product development, public relations, and sales staff, to help maximize profits and market share while ensuring customer satisfaction. These managers earn a median wage of $159,660 per year.
- Finance managers are essentially responsible for an organization’s financial health. They create reports, oversee investment activities and plan their organization’s long-term financial goals. Finance management professionals earn a median annual wage of $161,700.
- Business consultants are knowledgeable about topics related to business operations, such as strategy, accounting or finance. Consultants often contract with firms and organizations in a range of industries to advise them on a problem or strategy. They earn an average salary of $99,275 per year.
- Management analysts, or management consultants, find ways to improve organizational efficiency. They advise managers on how to increase profitability by reducing costs and boosting revenues. They earn a median annual wage of $101,190.
- Entrepreneurs turn their idea, product or technique into a new business or use it to revitalize established organizations that may be struggling. They research potential investors or clients, develop marketing campaigns to build public interest and negotiate costs with manufacturers. On average, they earn $81,279 annually, but the top percentile of entrepreneurs earns almost $400,000, highlighting the high potential of the role.
Align Your MBA Degree With Career Goals at Murray State University
The online MBA General program from Murray State is designed for working professionals. It is a fully online program that allows students to tailor their degree to their interests.
In addition to 23 different electives to choose from, including courses in new technologies, healthcare delivery systems and information security risk management, students gain a strong, relevant business foundation from core courses such as Accounting for Decision-Making and Introduction to Business Analytics. Whether students are interested in marketing, economics, finance or some other area, the online MBA General program equips them for success.
Learn more about Murray State University’s online Master of Business Administration General program.
