Top 10 Courses After MBA to Enhance Your Profile
Looking for courses after MBA in the most in-demand fields to make your profile irresistible for future employers? If so, this is the page for you. While an MBA in itself is an advanced degree, especially when pursued full-time, in a demanding job market, it can become difficult to stand out as an extraordinary applicant. Given the competitive edge of full-time business graduates, it is all the more challenging for professionals holding an MBA from a distance education programme.
Whether you are looking to deepen your expertise, switch industries, or qualify for higher-level positions with suitable courses after MBA, pursuing a specialised degree or certification abroad can be an excellent step. The best choice for you would depend upon your personal preferences and career goals, as well as your existing MBA specialisation.
We have curated a list of the top 10 courses after MBA that boost your profile to make you a high-demand professional. Let us explore the details of each course and its impact on your profile.
1. Financial Risk Management (FRM) Courses After MBA
For graduates with an MBA in Finance, the Financial Risk Management (FRM) certification is considered a highly respected professional credential awarded by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). It specialises in identifying, evaluating, and managing financial risks for corporations and investment firms. These courses after MBA are ideal for professionals aiming for a career in investment banking, asset management, or regulatory compliance.
Top Global Institutions: While the FRM is a certification, many top institutions offer preparatory courses that align with the curriculum. Notable examples include New York University, US and the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Germany.
Exams: To earn the certification, you must pass two computer-based exams, Part I and Part II. There is no entrance exam for the programme itself.
Costs Involved: The total cost for a first-time candidate ranges from US $1,600 to US $2,400. This includes a one-time enrollment fee and the registration fees for both exams.
Expected Salaries (Variable): A professional with an FRM can expect to earn between US $90,000 and US $120,000 annually. Senior roles can go up to US $210,000 per annum.
2. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Courses After MBA
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme is a globally recognised certification offered by the CFA Institute. These courses after MBA cover financial analysis, investment management, and portfolio management and are ideal for investment bankers, portfolio managers, and financial analysts.
Top Global Institutions: Preparation courses are widely available online and through many top universities, including Harvard University, US and the London Business School, UK.
Exams: While there are no entry exams, you must pass three progressively difficult levels (Level I, II, and III) to earn the charter.
Costs Involved: The total certification cost ranges from approximately US $3,000 to US $4,500 over several years, excluding third-party study materials.
Expected Salaries (Variable): Entry-level CFA charterholders can earn US $70,000 - $90,000, with mid-level professionals earning US $100,000 to US $150,000. Senior-level roles often exceed US $200,000 annually.
3. Data Science or Business Analytics Courses After MBA
An advanced degree in Data Science enhances analytical and technical skills for strategic decision-making. These courses after MBA are highly sought after by professionals aiming for roles as data scientists, business intelligence analysts, or machine learning engineers. An MSc is an academic master’s degree, and its entry requirements are often more stringent than for certifications.
Top Global Institutions: Top universities for these programmes include Stanford University in the US, Imperial College London in the UK, and ETH Zurich in Switzerland.
Exams: GMAT or GRE; TOEFL score of 90+ or IELTS Academic score of 6.5+ bands.
Costs: A one-year programme can cost between US $15,000 and US $60,000, depending on the university and country. German public universities may offer lower-cost options.
Expected Salaries (Variable): Annual salaries for Data Scientists range from US $85,000 - $120,000 at the entry-level. For experienced Data Scientists, this can rise to US $150,000 - $250,000+ per annum.
4. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Courses After MBA
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a globally recognised certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). These courses after MBA are highly valued for leading and directing projects and are ideal for MBA graduates who want to formalise their expertise and take on higher-level leadership roles as project directors, programme managers, or consultants.
Top Global Institutions: While the PMP is a certification, prep courses are offered at institutions like Cranfield University, UK and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US.
Exams: You must pass a single computer-based exam after completing at least 35 hours of project management training.
Costs: The exam fee is US $555 for non-members, with a discounted rate for PMI members. The required training can cost between US $500 and US $2,500+.
Expected Salaries (Variable): The median salary for a PMP-certified professional in the US is around US $130,000 annually. While Project Managers may earn around US $85,000, Directors of Project Management earn up to US $160,000 annually.
5. Executive MBA (EMBA) Courses After MBA
An Executive MBA (EMBA) is a graduate degree designed for experienced working professionals. Such executive courses after MBA provide an opportunity to gain a Double MBA from a new, prestigious institution while continuing to work. Offering advanced strategic skills and senior-level networking, EMBAs are ideal for mid-to-senior-level managers preparing for executive leadership.
Top Global Institutions: Renowned schools like the Kellogg School of Management, US and London Business School, UK offer top-tier EMBA programmes.
Exams: GMAT or GRE, with top programmes requiring extensive work experience instead.
Costs: EMBA is costlier than a standard MBA, with top-tier programmes costing over US $100,000 per year. It is common for employers to partially or fully sponsor a senior employee’s EMBA.
Expected Salaries (Variable): EMBA graduates from top US programmes may earn average salaries ranging from US $220,000 - $300,000 annually at senior positions.
6. PhD in Management Courses After MBA
A PhD in Management is a research-oriented academic doctorate, ideal for MBA graduates interested in an academic or research career. It involves rigorous, extensive research on a specific management topic. PhD courses after MBA are best for those aspiring to become university professors, academic researchers, or high-level management consultants.
Top Global Institutions: Leading institutions include Stanford University and Harvard Business School in the US and the London School of Economics in the UK.
Exams: GMAT or GRE score, along with a TOEFL or IELTS Academic for non-native English speakers.
Costs: The majority of PhDs are fully funded via fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or a stipend for tuition fees and living costs. For unfunded programmes, annual tuition ranges from US $26,000 - $50,000+ per year.
Expected Salaries (Variable): PhD holders can have a wide range of salaries. A university professor can start at around US $70,000 and go up to US $150,000 or more annually. Data Scientists with a PhD earn an average of US $115,000 per annum.
7. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Courses After MBA
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a terminal academic degree designed for experienced professionals. This professional doctorate focuses on applied research to solve real-world business challenges, making it distinct from a PhD in Management, which has a stronger focus on theoretical research. These courses after MBA are ideal for senior executives, consultants, and entrepreneurs.
Top Global Institutions: Harvard Business School in the US and the University of Oxford in the UK, and INSEAD in France and Singapore.
Exams: Some DBA programmes may require a GMAT or GRE score, while some waive this requirement for experienced professionals.
Costs Involved: Tuition fees for the online DBA programme are US $23,700 per year, and full-time courses are US $100,000 for the entire programme at prestigious universities. Many universities offer scholarships or financial aid to eligible students.
Expected Salaries (Variable): Annual salaries for DBA holders are highly variable, with between US $90,000 and US $300,000+ and Senior Executive profiles. Management Consultants can earn up to US $150,000 - US $250,000.
8. Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) Certificate Courses After MBA
Offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a respected professional certification in logistics, supply chain, and materials management. These courses after MBA are especially useful for MBA graduates seeking to specialise in the supply chain sector as supply chain managers, materials managers, or production planners.
Top Global Institutions: Preparatory courses at universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US and Cranfield School of Management, UK.
Exams: You need to pass a single computer-based exam (CPIM 8.0) to be certified. No entrance exams are needed.
Costs: The exam fee for ASCM members is US $1,240 and for non-members is US $1,720. The cost of official and third-party study materials is extra.
Expected Salaries (Variable): Average annual salary for a CPIM-certified professional is around US $80,000, with top earners reaching over US $95,000.
9. Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certificate Courses After MBA
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) by ISACA enhances a business graduate's expertise in IT governance and risk management, making it an ideal choice for IT audit managers, cybersecurity consultants, and IT governance specialists. These courses after MBA are designed for professionals specialising in information systems auditing, control, and security.
Top Global Institutions: Courses that align with the CISA curriculum can be found at schools like Carnegie Mellon University in the US and ETH Zurich in Switzerland.
Exams: You must pass a single computer-based exam and then prove five years of relevant professional experience to complete the certification.
Costs: Exam fee for ISACA members is US $575 and for non-members is US $760. A one-time US $50 application fee is required after passing the exam, and an annual variable fee is required to maintain the certification.
Expected Salaries (Variable): The average annual salary for a CISA holder is US $150,000 or more.
10. Digital Marketing Certification Courses After MBA
Digital marketing skills are in high demand across many business roles. Short-term certifications in areas like Digital Marketing, SEO, and Social Media Marketing provide practical, up-to-date skills. These courses after MBA are ideal for marketing managers and brand managers who need to lead digital strategy.
Top Institutions: Universities like HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School, London Business School, Columbia Business School, and NYU Stern offer Master's in Brand Management. Many reputable online platforms and university extension programmes offer respected certifications.
Exams: You may need to pass an exam for specific platform certifications like Google Ads or HubSpot.
Costs: Online certificates can cost from a few hundred to several thousand US dollars. University-based programmes are more expensive.
Expected Salaries (Variable): Entry-level salary is around US $45,000 annually, with more experienced professionals earning US $60,000 - $70,000. A Digital Marketing Manager can earn an average of US $130,000 per annum.
Living Costs, Salaries, and Exams for Courses After MBA
Three important aspects that remain common for all international aspirants and graduates of these courses after MBA are the language requirements and funds to live abroad:
Standardised Exams: Applying from a non-English-speaking country, you would be required to prove your English proficiency with a standardised test, such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
Living Expenses: These costs vary significantly by location (city and country), course duration, and personal lifestyle.
Estimated Salaries: Aforementioned salaries vary by experience, geographic location, industry, and the prestige of the institution.
Post-Study Work Options for Courses After MBA
Some of these courses would help you get a stay-back period and find work opportunities abroad, while some would not. Let us explore which kind of courses you should pursue based on your academic and professional goals.
Academic Degree Courses After MBA (such as DBA, MSc, EMBA, PhD): Degrees from accredited universities provide the strongest pathway to working abroad by allowing you time stay back and seek employment in the study destination after completing the degree. Most countries have post-study work visa options, such as OPT or STEM OPT in the US, the UK Graduate visa, PGWP in Canada, and more.
Professional Certifications Courses After MBA (such as FRM, CFA, PMP, CPIM, CISA, Digital Marketing): These certifications, though valuable, do not grant work authorisation abroad or a stay-back period to look for a job. However, these courses after MBA make your profile more attractive to employers who may be willing to sponsor a work visa. A job offer is the key to obtaining a work visa, and a certification can significantly increase your chances of receiving one.
To conclude, a degree provides the academic qualification that a country's immigration system recognises for post-study work visas, while a certification makes you a more competitive candidate for an employer to sponsor. Therefore, before you choose to study one of these courses after MBA, make sure that you identify your goal of working abroad or returning to your home country.
Finalising the countries, colleges, and courses after MBA, as well as applying for a suitable visa for the dedicated course, might sound overwhelming. With AECC expert advice on choosing and flying to your destination, your study abroad journey becomes a smooth ride. Register now to book your 1:1 free consultation call.