Changing careers: earning an MBA without a business degree

If you've ever thought about pivoting into business but wondered whether your background was the right fit, the answer is yes. You don't need an undergraduate business degree to build a successful career in business. An MBA can transform the skills you already have into the foundation for new opportunities in leadership, strategy, and innovation. Professionals from non-business fields make this transition every year, bringing fresh perspectives that today's employers value, including diverse experiences, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills. 

Can I get an MBA without a business degree? 

You don't need a business degree to get an MBA. Most MBA programs welcome students from all academic and professional backgrounds, valuing the unique insights non-business professionals bring. Diverse experiences enrich classroom discussions, foster creative thinking, and mirror the real-world complexity of modern business. 

Admissions committees seek applicants who can enhance the learning environment through their experiences and perspectives. Educators, communications majors, and international relations graduates, for example, contribute valuable viewpoints that make MBA cohorts more dynamic and well-rounded. 

If you've built a career in a non-business field, you already have transferable skills that will strengthen your graduate business education. An MBA is a popular choice for career changers because it offers a broad foundation in management, leadership, and strategy. However, it's not the only path. Depending on your goals, specialized master's programs in business analytics, finance, or marketing may be a better fit. The key is finding the program that aligns with your ambitions and provides the tools and support to help you reach them. 

For recent graduates just beginning their careers, exploring the best ways to get started in business after undergrad may be a better first step. 

Experience is your best asset, and it can be leveraged into several options 

Whether your experience is in education, engineering, healthcare, the military, or the nonprofit sector, you bring valuable skills and perspectives that graduate business programs and employers recognize and appreciate. Getting an MBA without business experience is not only possible, it's a path many professionals take to expand their impact and leadership potential. 

Business schools aren't just looking for candidates with traditional business resumes. They're looking for leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators who can contribute meaningfully to the classroom and beyond. Here's how your experience translates: 

• Educators excel at long-term planning, clear communication, and conflict resolution, which are essential skills for managing teams and driving organizational change. 
• Engineers bring analytical thinking and know how to develop innovative solutions, which are critical for business operations and strategy. 
• Healthcare professionals are detail-oriented, empathetic, and thrive under pressure. These qualities are highly valued in patient-facing and leadership roles. 
• Marketing and communications professionals understand how to build brands, connect with audiences, and adapt messaging, which are key for business development and growth. 
• Military veterans bring leadership, discipline, and the ability to perform in high-pressure environments, which make them ideal for executives. 
• Social workers and nonprofit professionals have experience advocating, building relationships, and managing limited resources. This is a strong foundation for leadership in both mission-driven and corporate environments. 
• Technology specialists contribute expertise in data, systems, and innovation, which are central to business strategy and decision-making. 

No matter your field, your experience has shaped you into a capable, adaptable professional. The right graduate business program will help you build on that foundation, giving you the tools to lead, strategize, and succeed in a new career path. 

What are the best business degrees for a career transition? 

Choosing the right graduate program is key if you're ready for a bridge into a business career. The best MBA for career changers build on the strengths and expertise you already have while helping you develop the business acumen, leadership skills, and hands-on experience needed to succeed in a new field. 

At the D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University, you'll find graduate programs designed specifically for professionals without a business background. These programs include: 

Master of Business Administration (MBA) 

The MBA provides a broad foundation across finance, marketing, accounting, operations, and strategy. It is ideal if you want to develop leadership skills and pursue roles across industries. Northeastern offers full-time, part-time, and online formats, so you can choose the path that fits your schedule and career goals.   

MS in Management  

The MS in Management is a flexible and innovative one-year program designed to quickly give you the practical business skills employers seek. You'll build a strong foundation in core areas like accounting and finance, then customize your curriculum with over 15 concentrations to develop specialized expertise. 

MS in International Management 

The MS in International Management prepares you to lead across borders with the cultural agility and business expertise to succeed in a global marketplace. In this customizable program, you'll align your coursework with your goals while learning to use data, technology, and strategy to expand markets and improve global operations. You'll gain practical experience in data analytics, machine learning, and blockchain while connecting with a dynamic tech community and emerging global trends. 

Learn more about the difference between an MBA and a Master's in Management to find the right path for you.  

MS in Accounting/MBA 

The 15-month MS in Accounting/MBA is a powerful combined degree for launching a career in accounting. It blends broad business training with deep accounting expertise, giving you the experience and foundation needed to navigate the evolving industry. A standout feature is the opportunity for a paid 3-month corporate residency at a top accounting firm, providing unparalleled practical experience. The program is specifically designed to support career changers with a quantitative mindset and a talent for analysis, equipping you with the comprehensive knowledge and technical expertise employers seek. 

Non-business majors can learn more about how to earn an MBA or MS in Accounting at D'Amore-McKim, with programs specifically designed to support career changers. 

How will a graduate business degree help me change careers?

A graduate business degree can be a powerful tool for career transformation. It equips you with the knowledge, perspective, and hands-on experience to move into management, pivot to a new industry, or take on a more strategic role. The right program helps you connect what you already know with the skills you need to reach the next stage of your career. 

Here's how a graduate business degree can support your career change: 

• Master core business skills: Gain a strong foundation in essential areas like finance, marketing, and project management. 
• Develop strategic leadership: Build the skills to make data-informed decisions, manage teams, and drive organizational growth. 
• Get personalized support: Receive tailored guidance from career advisors who specialize in helping professionals make a successful transition. 
• Expand your network: Connect with a powerful network of classmates, professors, and alumni to open new career doors. 
• Apply what you learn: Gain practical, on-the-job experience through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. 

If you are wondering whether it's time to make a change, these six signs it may be time to change careers can help you identify your next move. 

It's never too late to earn a business degree 

Many graduate business students are professionals who've already built successful careers in other fields. Some want to advance within their current industry, while others are looking to pivot into something entirely new. A graduate business degree opens both doors by equipping you with the leadership, strategy, and business acumen needed to take that next step with confidence. 

At Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business, you'll also benefit from the support of the Graduate Career Center, which specializes in helping professionals navigate career transitions. Advisors work with you on career strategy, personal growth, and network-building. You can explore job and internship opportunities, connect with employers, and receive support for applying your experience as a unique strength in the business world. 

Whether you're looking to lead teams, launch a business, or shift into a new industry, an MBA can help you make that move, and it's never too late to start. 

Take the next step toward a career in business 

Your career experience has already given you a strong foundation. A graduate business degree from D'Amore-McKim can help you build on it with the business knowledge, leadership skills, and network you need to take the next step. 

At Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business, our graduate programs are designed to support career changers like you. With flexible formats, real-world learning opportunities, and personalized career support, you'll be empowered to take control of your future. 

Ready to explore your options? Connect with our admissions team or join an upcoming info session to discover which graduate business program is the best fit for your goals.