Earning a Master’s in Management Online
Should I Pursue a Master's in Management Online?
A master's in management online equips aspiring managers to navigate daily business challenges and make sound managerial decisions. Management positions exist across all industries to facilitate and coordinate resources, employees, and overall operations. In addition, graduates can apply this degree to many different positions within each field, from operations management to human resources.
Earning a master's in management online can provide students with the flexibility of scheduling that an on-campus degree may not accomodate. A master's degree can also make graduates more competitive applicants in the job market, especially for higher level positions like management positions. Students who enjoy working with others and coordinating the completion of large projects can excel in management careers.
Employment Outlook for Master's in Management Graduates
Master's in Management Salary
Graduates from the best online master's in business management programs can expect to make an annual mean wage of over six figures in the United States. However, a manager's salary can vary depending on years of experience, geographic location, and specific occupation. As demonstrated below, New Jersey and New York comprise the highest paying states for general and operations managers. Keep in mind that these salaries may correspond with the cost of living in each location.
Top Paying States for General and Operations Managers
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 42,930 | $167,790 |
| New York | 160,760 | $151,920 |
| District of Columbia | 26,210 | $149,220 |
| Delaware | 4,010 | $149,120 |
| Connecticut | 31,660 | $147,770 |
| United States | 2,212,200 | $123,460 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Pay by Experience Level for Operations Managers
- Entry-Level (0-5 Years):
$50,000 - Mid-Career (5-10 Years):
$61,000 - Experienced (10-20 Years):
$68,000 - Late-Career (20+ Years):
$77,000
Source: PayScale
Master's in Management Careers
The knowledge and skills gained through a master's in management online can apply to all fields, spanning private and public sectors and multiple positions. Most management occupations require strong leadership, communication, and organizational abilities. Graduates should prepare to work a 40-hour week with a lot of personal interaction.
Human Resources Managers
Annual Median Salary: $110,120
Projected Growth Rate: 9%
Human resource managers play the role of mediator between an organization's top executives or management and employees. They recruit, interview, and hire new staff while managing employee benefits programs. Human resource managers also handle other staffing issues, such as disputes and disciplinary procedures, equal employment opportunities, and sexual harassment charges.
Top Executives
Annual Median Salary: $104,700
Projected Growth Rate: 8%
Top executives work in virtually every industry, planning and directing the operations of a company or organization. They manage financial activities, negotiate contracts, analyze performance indicators, and implement changes to improve productivity. Examples of top executives in private companies can include chief executive officers (CEOs) or general managers. Top executives in the public sector may include city managers or school superintendents.
Project Managers
Annual Median Salary: $72,385
Projected Growth Rate: N/A
Project managers oversee the planning and development of specific projects for an organization. This includes managing team budgets, timelines, assignments, and resources to ensure efficient project completion. Project managers should possess strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Employers typically seek those with a bachelor's degree and some relevant work experience.
Operations Managers
Annual Median Salary: $63,659
Projected Growth Rate: N/A
Operations managers coordinate and supervise an organization's production of goods or services at all stages of development, from purchasing and warehousing to manufacturing. Professionals should display excellent interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and communication skills. Operations managers need at least a bachelor's degree in a business-related field, though a master's degree can boost a candidate's resume.
Directors of Operations
Annual Median Salary: $89,087
Projected Growth Rate: N/A
A director of operations oversees employee productivity, coordinating operation processes and procedures and supervising research and development. People with great interpersonal and negotiation skills can excel in this position. Typically, these directors need an advanced degree in business and several years of industry experience.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Management Program?
Curriculum for an Online Master's Degree in Management
Management of Resources
This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills concerning resource organization, including budgeting, allocation, and benefits. Students learn how to use resources to accomplish organizational goals. These skills can apply to coordinating an organization's production of goods or services.
Corporate Communications
This course provides students with the public relations skills needed to facilitate an organization's success. Topics covered include research, programming, implementation, media of communication, and evaluation of messaging. This course prepares students to navigate the corporate world amidst an increasingly globalized business culture.
Small Business Operation
This course prepares students for a career in operations management at a small or midsized company. Students examine budgeting, taxation, employee management, payroll and benefits issues, and other techniques beneficial for managerial decision making. The course also touches on compliance laws and regulations that benefit small business owners.
Conflict and Negotiation
This course covers theories regarding causes of conflict and finding solutions. Students study negotiation as a primary method of resolving conflicts and gain an overview of both theories of negotiation and negotiation strategies. Managerial positions require conflict resolution skills, particularly for mediating disputes between employees.
Human Resource Law
This course provides a foundation in the concepts, cases, and applications of human resource law, including equal opportunity employment, labor relations, compensation/benefits, and fair employment. Students analyze, discuss, and evaluate case studies and subsequently consider human resource management strategies within these legal contexts.
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