Which One is Better: MBA in Finance or MBA in Marketing?
Can't decide between MBA in Finance and MBA in Marketing? Here's a detailed comparison of MBA Finance vs MBA Marketing to help you get insight into the two popular MBA specializations and pick the right one!
MBA Finance vs MBA Marketing: If you have decided to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, the options in the list of MBA specializations available can be a bit overwhelming. There are many things that you have to consider while choosing which area to specialize in. You have to keep in mind the earning potential, skill set, and scope of the job.
To make this task a little easier for you, let’s narrow it down to the two top business fields: Marketing and Finance, and take a look at what they both offer in order to draw a comparison between MBA in Finance and MBA in Marketing. In this article, let us compare an MBA in Finance and an MBA in Marketing and try to find out which of the two is better for you.
Also Read:Best MBA Specialisations in India for 2024
MBA in Finance vs MBA in Marketing
While elaborating on the difference between MBA Finance and MBA Marketing, we can say that an MBA in Marketing involves promotion and communication regarding various products and services with clients and customers. The focus is to increase the sales of a company and a lot of measures are taken to achieve that including Advertising, Public Relations, Corporate Branding, and Market Research.
MBA in Finance is predominantly focused on the financial aspects of business and management. It trains students in the field of financing, budgeting, accounting, auditing, managing financial resources, handling investments, analyzing data, evaluating risks, and making financial decisions for businesses. A degree in finance will teach you how to manage debt and analyze financial trends.
Let's compare MBA in Finance vs MBA in Marketing on the basis of a few parameters as listed and elaborated below:
Points of Comparison | MBA Finance | MBA Marketing |
Skills | Number-crunching, analytical skills, an inquisitive mind, and a problem-solving ability | Creative ideas, good communication skills |
Scope | Insurance and banking sector, mutual funds, the stock market, investment bankers, consultant | Hospitality, advertising, retail, digital marketing |
Curriculum | Portfolio management, hedge funds, risk management, a study of financial institutes and markets | Marketing research, digital marketing, brand management, and customer relationship management. |
Job Profile | Juggling with numbers forecasting analyzing market trends and focusing on optimum utilization of resources. | Positive outlook and enthusiastic outgoing have the zeal to interact with customers. |
Also Read: General vs Specialised MBA
Skills Required for MBA Finance vs MBA Marketing
There are a certain set of skills required for a successful career in MBA Finance and another set of skills for MBA Marketing functions. If you are good at number-crunching, have analytical skills, an inquisitive mind, and problem-solving ability then MBA in finance may be a good option for you. But if you are someone who is brimming with creative ideas, possesses good communication skills, and has the power to persuade others then MBA in marketing may be the right choice for you.
MBA Finance vs MBA Marketing: Scope
The scope of an MBA in Finance and the scope of an MBA in Marketing are rewarding in their own ways. If you are looking at pursuing a career in the financial domain then you can choose to work in various sectors like insurance and banking, mutual funds, and the stock market as an investment banker or Financial Consultant. For those who are inclined toward marketing, there are a plethora of options in the hospitality, advertising, e-commerce, and retail industry. Digital Marketing is also a lucrative option and one can even choose to be a researcher.
MBA Marketing Curriculum vs MBA Finance Curriculum
Since the two specializations are completely different from each other, there are remarkable differences between the MBA Marketing curriculum and MBA Finance curriculum. If you have made up your mind to pursue a career in finance, here are some things that you can expect to be a part of your curriculum. These include portfolio management, hedge funds, risk management, and a study of financial institutes and markets. Those who are interested in marketing will be expected to study marketing research, digital marketing, brand management, and customer relationship management.
Also Read: MBA in Finance Vs CFA
Salary after MBA in Marketing vs Salary after MBA in Finance
We cannot deny the fact that students usually consider the expected salary component while choosing an MBA specialization. Even if that is the prime criterion, one must keep in mind that the salary drawn by a candidate will vary from individual to individual and their own performance and capabilities. However, since the return on investment is an important factor, here is an approximate comparison between the salary after an MBA in Marketing and the salary after MBA in Finance. Let’s take a look at the table given below to understand what is more lucrative when it comes to salary:
Years of Experience | MBA Finance Annual Salary (in INR) | MBA Marketing Annual Salary (in INR) |
Average | 5,98,526 | 5,10,447 |
Less than 1 year | 3,58,086 | 2,70,756 |
1-4 years | 6,20,886 | 3,49,912 |
5-9 years | 8,24,842 | 6,91,880 |
10-19 years | 14,88,620 | 12,90,559 |
20 years or more | 30,98,826 | 30,41,021 |
Note: Salary figures mentioned above may vary depending upon the academic and b-school background a candidate has and his/her performance while in a working environment.
Also Read: MBA Marketing vs MBA Digital Marketing
MBA in Finance vs MBA in Marketing: Job Profiles
The job profiles after MBA Marketing are very different from the job profiles after MBA Finance. MBA marketing is all about creativity, innovation, and market image. You are expected to have a positive outlook, be enthusiastic and outgoing, and have the zeal to interact with customers in order to sell or promote a product. While working in finance, you’ll be juggling with numbers and involved in forecasting, analyzing market trends, and focusing on the optimum utilization of resources.
MBA in Finance Job Profiles | MBA in Marketing Job Profiles | ||
| Financial Manager | Financial Analyst | Marketing Manager | Brand Manager |
| Investment Banker | Portfolio Manager | Sales Manager | Business Development Executive |
| Wealth Manager | Credit Risk Manager | Business Development Manager | Market Research Analyst |
| Stock Analyst | Hedge Fund Manager | Product Manager | Relationship Manager |
Also Read: MBA in International Business Vs MBA in Marketing
MBA Finance vs MBA Marketing Colleges
Both, MBA Finance and MBA Marketing have good private and government colleges available. Since both courses have high popularity among management aspirants, many colleges for both domains are available. Given below are some of the top B-schools for both of these courses.
Though the information provided above is helpful in drawing a comparison between MBA finance and MBA marketing, you need to consider what your interests are and which one of the two matches closely with your skillset. That will help you weigh your options and help you in making an informed decision.
Related Articles:
Masters in Physical Education (M.PEd) Vs MBA in Sports Management | |
| Distance MBA vs Online MBA vs Regular MBA |
If you need help with admission to MBA colleges in India, you can fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) or call our helpline number 18005729877.
Get Help From Our Expert Counsellors
FAQs
Which one is better between MBA in Finance and MBA in Marketing?
The answer to which one is better between MBA in Finance and MBA in Marketing is dependent on several factors. Both MBA in Finance and MBA in Marketing are two of the most popular MBA specializations in India with great job opportunities and salary prospects. However, both focus on very different domains of management.
Will MBA in Finance be easier for a Mathematics student?
Yes, MBA in Finance will be easier for a Mathematics student. It is a common notion that Mathematics students will find MBA in Finance easier. Since an MBA Finance course curriculum is dependent on quantitative and mathematical concepts, students with a background in Mathematics will find it easier to understand.
Which is more in demand MBA Finance or MBA Marketing?
Both MBA Finance and MBA Marketing are highly demanded qualifications in the management field. There are numerous lucrative job roles available in both the Finance and Marketing fields and managers are needed every day in these two areas. Therefore, candidates should choose either of these specializations based on their own interest and focus on learning as much as they can to excel in either of these fields.
Is it better to pursue MBA Finance or MBA Marketing in India?
Aspirants can pursue both MBA Finance or MBA Marketing in India and thrive in their professional careers since there are excellent B-schools and MBA colleges offering both of these courses. As for employment opportunities, both MBA Finance and MBA Marketing graduates have numerous job opportunities available to them after graduation. Candidates must make sure they pursue either of these course from reputed management institutes to jumpstart their career.
What is the major difference between MBA Finance and MBA Marketing?
The major difference between MBA Finance and MBA Marketing is the course curriculum, syllabus, and in some cases the teaching methodology. The basic and foundational course curriculum that is taught during an MBA course is the same for both MBA Finance and MBA Marketing students, these subjects are part of the first two semesters of both these courses. However, candidates are taught entirely different topics and subjects in their final two semesters of each course.
Which is the easier course, MBA Finance or MBA Marketing?
The answer to which is the easier course, MBA Finance or MBA Marketing depends on the academic background of the student. Both MBA Finance and MBA Marketing are advanced courses in the field of management and require a certain level of expertise and skills to pursue. However, for instance, if a student has a background in Commerce or Mathematics, it is easier for them to tackle the course curriculum for MBA Finance.
Is MBA Marketing a good specialization?
Yes, MBA Marketing is a good specialization and it is one of the most popular MBA specializations among aspirants. MBA Marketing graduates are some of the most demanded professionals in the corporate sector and there are numerous job roles awaiting for such individuals once they graduate. Also, aspirants must note that some of the highest paying positions in an organization are meant for MBA Marketing graduates.