MBA vs. MIM: A Complete Analysis

Updated on: 06 Mar 2023

Rehan is a 25-year-old architect engineer with five years of experience. His next step is to enter the management field, but he is unsure whether he should choose an MBA or a MIM. 

Usually, after graduation, students are confused about whether to prefer an MBA or MIM. Well, both of the programs are quite different.

Before making any decision, it is always advisable to do a detailed analysis. We hope this blog will help you make a perfect decision for your future. Let's start with the basic description, followed by major differences:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) 

Students pursue an MBA or Master of Business Administration to emphasize practical, business administrative, and executive skills. The curricular structure of an MBA is designed to help professionals gain wide exposure to business and management operations.

Most graduates opt for the MBA program because they have prior work experience in that particular field. Worldwide, an MBA is quite popular for management and administration studies.

Read more about: 10 Best Countries to Study MBA Abroad

Master in Management (MIM) 

Master in Management programs is becoming increasingly popular. It is a post-graduate program that primarily focuses on accounting and marketing subjects. The teaching methodology applies more academic knowledge.

Under the MIM program, you either graduate with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree.

It is an ideal program for students who want to expedite their educational qualifications without taking any pause from their studies. Students with no work experience can go for this type of program.

There are significant differences between the MBA and MIM.

MBA vs. MIM: Suitability Criteria

As we can see from the definition, MBA and MIM are distinct programs.

Although it is easy to understand the suitability criteria for both programs.

MBA

• MBAs are an ideal degree for working professionals.
• Most working professionals with 2–5 years of work experience apply for MBAs.

MIM

• MIM (Master in Management) is suitable for students who want to pursue their education without giving any pause to their studies.
• Students with a few years or no work experience can apply for the course.
• Most of the time, recently graduated students select this course.
   

MBA vs. MIM: Career Opportunities

The purpose of both programs is quite different, with separate career prospects.

MBA

• MBA courses allow graduates to gain a more professional level of studies and co-curriculum structure. 
• MBA courses help professionals get high-level jobs.

 
MIM

• MIM courses nurture students to acquire knowledge on basic levels about management and business tactics.
• The MIM program helps inexperienced students kickstart their careers at entry- or mid-level positions.

MBA vs. MIM: Course Structure

The most crucial point when comparing MBA vs. MIM is the difference in their course structures.

However, both the degrees offer few common subjects knowledge of: 

• Business Analytics 
• Marketing 
• Human Resource Management
• Finance 
• Entrepreneurship

But the question remains the same: What are the differences in the course structures of both programs?

Well, here is the detailed answer for it:

MBA

A Master's in Business Administration (MBA) is structured to help students gain a holistic understanding of diverse sectors of management and their function in the business world.

The core focus of an MBA is to prepare students with a proficient curriculum.

MBA programs tend to integrate functional skills along with enterprise learning.

Two-year MBA programs let you enjoy the internship period to gain the best practical knowledge of your subject.

MIM

Master's in Management (MIM) programs include business theses, finance, marketing, and leadership skills. You will also be required to research and conduct statistics and data analysis in business.

The Master's in Management (MIM) program is a notable course that helps students apply emphasis and general knowledge to theoretical and management subjects.

The period for a MIM degree is between 10 and 12 months.

MBA vs. MIM: Student Age

In MBA programs, applicants range in age from 23 to 26 years old, and in MIM programs, they range from 21 to 23 years old.

MBA vs. MIM: Cost of Studies & Popular Destinations

The expense of studying for an MBA or MIM varies depending on which mainstream education channel you select.

Canada and the USA are some popular countries to study MBA, while European countries are mostly known for MIM programs.

This section will help you analyze a brief comparison between the costs of both programs.

MBA

In Canada, the average cost for top MBA colleges ranges between CAD 15,000 and 40,000 per year.

In the USA, the average cost of top MBA colleges ranges between $60,000 and $80,000.

MIM

In European countries, the average cost for top MIM colleges is around €11,000-€17,000.

MBA vs. MIM: Demand For The Courses

Both of the courses carry equal importance according to your area of interest. But let's try to comprehend the demand in detail.

The demand for MBA programs is never-ending as they are globally recognizable. However, MIM programs are in the process of being recognized.

Below are some of the demanding courses for both of the programs.

Top MBA-Demanding Courses

• MBA in Digital Marketing
• MBA in Business Analytics
• MBA in Data Analytics
• MBA in Entrepreneurship
• MBA in Finance
• MBA in Strategy
• MBA in International Business
• MBA in Human Resource Management
• MBA in Risk Management
• MBA in Operations

Top MIM-Demanding Courses

• MIM in Operation Management
• MIM in Engineering Management
• MIM in Financial Management
• MIM in Management Theory
• MIM in Supply Chain Management
• MIM in Organizational Behavior
• MIM in Human Resources Management
• MIM in Management Information Systems

MBA vs. MIM: Scholarships

MBA programs are generally costlier than MIM. But the good part is the following is the scholarship that can help you with both the programs. 

MBA

• Harvard University-Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship
• IUBH Online MBA Scholarships
• UWE Bristol MBA Scholarship
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
• ALBA Graduate Business School Scholarships
• Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
• The Skoll Scholarship
• Global MBA Scholarships for Women—University of London

MIM

• Starr International Foundation Scholarship Fund
• HSG Foundation Global Shapers Scholarship
• Kistefos St. Gallen Masterclass Scholarship
• HEC Foundation Excellence Scholarships
• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
• Fulbright/IE Business School Masters in Management Award
• Queen Rania Foundation Scholarships for Women Leaders from Jordan for any master's degree 
• IE AIESEC Scholarship
   

MBA vs. MIM: Salary and Popular Destinations 

The popularity of MBA degrees is never-ending. MBA programs are popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

The MIM degree is continually growing in countries like France, Germany, and Europe.

The below charts will give a detailed analysis of the average median salaries in both the programs. 

MBA

Source: Glassdoor

MIM

Source: Glassdoor

TOP Universities for MBA

• Stanford Graduate School of Business
• Harvard Business School
• Penn (Wharton)
• HEC Paris
• MIT (Sloan)
• London Business School
• IE Business School
• INSEAD
• Columbia Business School
• IESE Business School

Top Universities for MIM

• London Business School
• ESSEC Business School
• Esade Ramon Llull University
• Copenhagen Business School
• ESCP Business School
• SDA Bocconi School of Management
• Emlyon Business School
• CEMS The Global Alliance in Management Education
• Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
• TUM School of Management

It is crucial to examine all the differences while selecting between an MBA and a MIM.
Because your one decision will make your future. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• MBA 

First published date: 30 Aug 2022