Almost any undergraduate degree is enhanced by getting a master of business administration graduate degree. Your business school may ask you to declare a specialization when you enroll, or you may finish part of your graduate work before needing to declare.

You might think that getting a more general or popular MBA specialization will help you most in your career, but there are distinct advantages to choosing a narrower specialty. With focused coursework you get an in-depth understanding of specific aspects of business, which makes your degree more appealing to potential employers.

If you've been working for awhile and are now going back to school to get your MBA, you may have a better idea of which specialization will work best for you. A master's degree can definitely help you change careers or move up the corporate ladder.

Choosing your specialization should be based upon your undergraduate degree, your current interests and work history, and your future career plans. Typical MBA specializations include:

• Accounting (taxation, analysis, financial accounting, managerial accounting)
• Business economics (game theory, macroeconomics, financials, trade)
• Entrepreneurship (managing your own company or consultancy)
• Environmental management (sustainability, clean tech, ethics)
• Finance (banking, investment management, securities and stocks, corporate finance)
• Global management (international markets, diversity, culture)
• Health care administration (biotech, pharmaceuticals, hospital administration, policymaking)
• Human resources management (corporate, government, small business)
• IT / Computer Information systems (technology, business strategies, information systems)
• Marketing (traditional advertising, Internet marketing, TV and radio, entertainment, sports)
• Organizational leadership (theory, practical strategies, globalization)
• Project management (small business, corporations, international businesses)
• Public administration (all levels of government, policymaking, corporations)
• Supply chain management (logistics and resource management, purchasing)

How Many Credits to Get an MBA?

On-campus MBA programs average between 40 and 60 credits total, but you may apply for “life experience” credit for some courses or use your undergraduate degree to cover some requirements. The admissions counselor can tell you how many credits count toward the general MBA and how many are required for specialization.

In some online MBA programs, you'll take 24-30 general MBA credits and 9-12 MBA specialization credits to complete your degree. Most online MBA programs are accelerated learning—you take one course right after the other until the degree is finished. This cuts down the amount of time you spend on school but is intense while you're taking courses.

Try to choose your MBA path before enrolling in business school. It may be difficult to switch tracks in the middle of your degree, and will be difficult to switch schools if necessary. Explore several options before enrolling in business school to avoid trouble later.

Read how Harvard Business School isn't the only place to get an MBA or get some great resume tips for MBA graduates.

Ready to search for an MBA university or business school? Use the GraduateSchools.com MBA graduate school finder to request free information!