What is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) ?
This highly respected postgraduate degree is designed to equip professionals with expertise in finance, management, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for senior roles in a variety of industries. Whether you pursue a full-time, part-time, or executive MBA, this program offers a deep dive into key business principles through a curriculum that blends case studies, real-world applications, and networking opportunities with top industry leaders. MBA graduates often see a significant boost in their salary, career mobility, and job prospects, making this degree a powerful investment in their future. But is an MBA right for you? What does the application process involve? And how do you choose between the different program formats? In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the MBA, its benefits, and how it can help you achieve your professional goals.
MBA: Definition
The MBA ( abbreviation for Master of Business Administration) is an elite, specialized, and prestigious program. This degree enables experienced professionals to accelerate their careers, access leadership positions, or transition into roles with greater responsibilities for a more fulfilling professional journey.
Overview of the MBA
In 12 to 18 months, depending on the business school/university, study format, and specialization, students develop leadership skills and strategic knowledge. It prepares them to drive innovation, enhance business performance, and navigate digital transformation. Many business schools offer flexible options, including full-time MBA programs, International MBA programs, and Executive MBA (EMBA) programs, catering to diverse career paths.
The MBA curriculum covers core coursework in finance, management, strategy, and corporate social responsibility (CSR), with elective concentrations in fields such as consulting, technology, healthcare, and international business. Through real-world case studies, data-driven decision-making, and hands-on learning, students gain a competitive edge in the job market. Whether pursuing an MBA full-time, part-time, or online, graduates enhance their career prospects in top management roles, with many seeing a significant increase in their median salary post-graduation.
MBA: Be mindful of program titles !
Although globally recognized, the MBA title is not legally protected in France or any other country. As a result, any school or training institution can offer a program and call it an MBA.
The more accreditations an institution holds, the more its reputation and prestige appeal to students and recruiters. To ensure you are investing in a high-quality program that will help you achieve your goals and attract potential employers, be vigilant about accreditations.
For example, the Executive MBA at emlyon business school holds three international accreditations and is certified by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles.
Who is an MBA for?
An MBA degree is designed for professionals like business lawyers, sales executives, engineers, and scientists who want to accelerate their careers, transition into senior management roles, or broaden their expertise across business and management disciplines. Many MBA participants pursue this graduate management program to gain specialized knowledge in areas such as finance, consulting, technology, or healthcare, often through elective coursework and concentrations. While most applicants hold an undergraduate degree, professional experience tends to carry more weight than academic qualifications in the admissions process.
MBA programs offer flexibility for professionals balancing work and higher education. Whether you are looking to pivot careers, enhance your business acumen, or build a strong professional network, earning an MBA can open doors to global business opportunities, higher salaries, and leadership roles across industries.
Online MBA vs. on-campus MBA: what are the differences?
At emlyon, on-site MBA programs takes place at the school’s Lyon or Paris campus, featuring lectures, seminars, and group projects.
An online MBA offers greater flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to organize their schedules according to their professional and personal commitments. This option is often preferred by working professionals who do not wish to put their careers on hold.
However, an online MBA requires just as much personal commitment and effort as a traditional MBA, and some may find it challenging to stay motivated without the stimulating environment of a campus.
MBA professors and faculty members generally make themselves available to support online students, ensuring they do not feel isolated in their learning process.
To choose between an online and an on-campus MBA, you should consider which format best suits your lifestyle and personality. Networking with current students can help you clarify practical aspects before making a decision.
What is the difference between MBA and MSc?
The key difference between an MBA and a Master of Science lies in their focus and career outcomes. An MBA is a graduate degree that provides a broad foundation in business management, covering areas like leadership, strategy, and operations. It is ideal for professionals seeking leadership roles across industries. In contrast, an MSc is a specialized program that dives deep into financial analysis, investment strategies, and risk management, preparing graduates for roles in banking, asset management, and corporate finance. Choosing between them depends on your career goals and desired skill set.
Key benefits of an MBA for your career
The major benefits of an MBA include:
- Higher salary potential
- Access to senior leadership roles
- Increased recognition in the job market
- Greater international career opportunities
- Expansion of your professional network
Spotlight on emlyon business school’s MBA programs
emlyon business school offers two types of MBA programs:
International MBA: This program focuses on global competencies, innovation, and international networking. It can be pursued full-time or part-time.
Admission requirements include three years of professional experience, a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), an English proficiency test, and a GMAT, GRE, or TAGE MAGE score. Candidates without the required academic level can apply through the Validation des Acquis Professionnels (VAP) process.
Ranked 4th in France, 13th in Europe, and 44th worldwide in the Financial Times MBA 2025 ranking, emlyon’s International MBA provides an exceptional experience, fostering collaboration with professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds.
Students engage in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Project for over six months, a unique opportunity to develop their leadership positioning. They also benefit from networking activities, mentoring, coaching, workshops, seminars, and industry visits to refine their career ambitions.
Executive MBA (EMBA) : This program is tailored for professionals with at least seven years of experience who aim to strengthen their leadership skills.
Accessible with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), candidates without this level of education can still apply through the Validation des Acquis Professionnels process.
The Executive MBA prepares participants to enhance their decision-making in complex situations, take a step back in their leadership roles, introduce innovative strategies to their companies, or prepare for entrepreneurial ventures.
MBA costs and funding options
An MBA can be a significant financial investment, with tuition fees at emlyon averaging €45,000. However, this investment pays off quickly, as graduates can access higher-paying positions immediately after earning their degree.
Whether you are an employee, job seeker, or entrepreneur, you have access to several types of financial aid to support your education project.
Don't hesitate to contact the training advisors at emlyon business school to help structure your funding application based on your personal situation.
Here are some possible financing options, which can be combined and spread over two budget years:
- Personal Training Account (CPF): Your CPF is credited with €500 to €800 for each year of employment. You can use this credit to finance your MBA with your employer’s approval if you plan to study during working hours. If you study outside working hours, no approval is required. To check your available credit, create an account on the CPF website and visit the "My Activity Account" section.
- Professional Transition Project (PTP): Formerly known as the individual training leave, the PTP allows employees to take time off work to complete a training program that will help them acquire new skills and transition to a different role.
- Student Loan: Your bank may offer a student loan at preferential rates to finance your MBA. Some schools, like emlyon, have partnerships with financial institutions to support their students.
- Scholarships: Certain schools, including emlyon, offer scholarships to eligible students. These are usually limited and primarily awarded to those financing all or part of their education independently.
- Tax Benefits: Your MBA tuition fees may be tax-deductible. Contact your local tax office to learn more about potential tax relief based on your personal circumstances.
- Employer-Sponsored Programs: Companies have access to training programs such as the Skills Development Plan and Pro-A career transition program to support employee training. Discuss with your employer whether they might be interested in supporting your career advancement. As an example, over 50% of degrees at emlyon are funded by companies.
MBA alumni testimonials: Inspirations and perspectives
Graduates of emlyon’s MBA program speak highly of their experience. With a satisfaction rate of over 90%, the program delivers on its promises, as illustrated by Aurore and Antoine.
- Aurore, 37: "After earning a master’s degree in luxury marketing, I worked for L’Oréal Luxe and Christian Dior in Paris. Later, I wanted to move abroad and joined the Al Tayer Group in Dubai. I met many entrepreneurs, and the demand I observed made my business idea more evident: In this highly competitive environment filled with ambitious individuals, I developed the idea of a personal branding solution based on new technologies like artificial intelligence. I decided to pursue an MBA to gain confidence in my project and maximize my chances of success. It was a total success—three years later, my company is fully operational, thanks to my perseverance and the two partners I met during the program. We even won a prize at the Startup Weekend organized by Techstars."
- Antoine, 44: "As an engineer with advanced technical expertise, I was working as an IT project manager when I decided to transition into an executive role. I chose emlyon’s Executive MBA for its reputation and the high quality of its courses. I received personalized and highly practical guidance from the academic team, which helped me develop my business plan and achieve my goals. The professional and human experience exceeded my expectations, as I encountered new challenges and broadened my career horizons."
Conclusion
Whether you choose a full-time or part-time MBA, this degree is globally recognized and ideal for enhancing your professional confidence and accelerating your career. To ensure your MBA experience provides the keys to both professional and personal growth, choose a prestigious business school like emlyon business school. This way, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive program with an international dimension and a strong network of academic and professional partners.