Question: What is a Dual Specialization MBA Program?

Answer: An MBA program with a dual specialization offers students the option of pursing a concentration in two discrete areas of business administration, which may include accounting, business technologies, communications, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, operations management, organizational leadership, and other relevant subject areas. Students who aim to complete two specializations enroll in several courses in each concentration as defined by the MBA program.

MBA Program Specializations

There is a wide range of specializations, which may also be referred to as concentrations or majors, offered as part of many MBA programs. Typically, students may opt for a concentration during the second half of the program, which would be in year two of a traditional, two-year MBA program. A concentration is generally comprised of two or more courses that cover advanced topics in a specialized area of business and/or a general business function like accounting or finance. These concentration courses are taken in lieu of elective courses and they allow students to cultivate advanced skills and knowledge in a particular field of business administration, business operations, and business management. Examples of MBA specializations include:

• Accounting
• Communication
• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• Digital Media
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Forensic Accounting & Business Fraud
• Health Systems Management
• Hospitality Management
• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Marketing
• Operations & Logistics
• Operations Research
• Organizational Behavior & Leadership
• Product Management
• Risk Management
• Real Estate
• Sports Management
• Sustainability & Environmental Compliance
• Taxation

Dual Specialization MBA Programs

Some MBA programs that offer specializations allow students to choose more than one area of concentration, which constitutes a dual specialization. It is important to note that a specialization is not an additional degree, which is something that students may earn as part of a dual degree MBA program. A specialization is similar to an undergraduate major or minor in a particular field or discipline. It is an indication that a student has taken a certain number of courses that cover advanced topics in a particular area of business. Since many MBA programs allow students to choose from six or more elective courses after completing the core curriculum, and a concentration might constitute two or three courses, it is possible for a student to complete the coursework in more than one specialization. This depends on the program, so prospective applicants who would like the option of a dual specialization should check with a program administrator to ensure that the program provides such an option.

Some programs may have designated dual specialization tracks and/or recommend particular pairings. For example, a dual specialization in marketing and product management provides training in two complementary areas of business administration, and a dual specialization in accounting and finance provides skills in two related areas of money and asset management. Similarly, a specialization in health systems or hospitality management could pair well with a concentration in communications, cybersecurity, finance, marketing, or any number of other specializations.

There are typically no additional admissions requirements for students who want to pursue a dual specialization. Generally, there are few if any additional crediting requirements, although this may vary by program. Completing a dual specialization as part of an MBA program simply requires enrolling in and successfully completing the coursework for two concentrations.

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