Business schools offer a variety of degree programs—what are the key differences between an MBA vs MSc vs MiM?
MBA programs continue to be the most sought-after degree among business school applicants, but specialized business master’s including the Master in Finance are on the rise in Europe, according to a survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).Located in the business hub of Milan, Bocconi University is home to the third best MBA program in the world and a range of Master of Science (MSc) programs, including the MSc in International Management and the MSc in Finance.
Carlo Salvato, dean of the Bocconi Graduate School, oversees the 13 MSc programs, while Stefano Caselli, dean of the SDA Bocconi School of Management, leads the one-year full-time MBA.
BusinessBecause sat down with Carlo and Stefano to find out more about the differences between an MSc vs MiM vs MBA, and where these programs can take business grads.
MiM vs MBA vs MSc | Which program should I choose?
Knowing whether to choose between an MBA vs MSc degree depends largely on your candidate background and your aims for business school.
The Bocconi MBA and MSc programs both cover the fundamentals of business and provide opportunities for professional growth, but there are key differences between the programs.
The MBA is designed for experienced professionals with an average age of 28 to 30 years old. The program acts as a career accelerator, building upon previous experience and equipping candidates with knowledge and skills to enter mid- or senior-level roles.
“The MBA class is a small group of high-quality participants to ensure a very high-level network,” says Stefano.
The MBA class at SDA Bocconi averages just over five years of professional experience, although the minimum requirement for applicants is three years.
This is unlike the Bocconi Master of Science (MSc) class, where applicants are not expected to have professional experience beyond internship level.
“It would be a mistake for a student with limited professional experience to start an MBA. Equally, someone with five years of experience would not be right for an MSc class,” says Carlo.
The Master of Science caters to earlier career stages, with graduates from the two-year program averaging 24 years old. Candidates typically enter the program with little to no professional experience, with the program preparing them for entry-level positions after they graduate.
With the specialized knowledge and skill set provided in the MSc, graduates can expect rapid career advancement from the onset.
Master in Management programs are often referred to as MiM degrees. Business schools may categorize the program as a MiM or, as Bocconi University does, the management degree will fall under the Master of Science (MSc) bracket.
This is because the Bocconi MSc in International Management has an emphasis on data and interdisciplinary analysis.
Due to the different approaches to MBA programs and master’s degrees, the MBA can be completed in just 12 to 15 months, while MSc programs at Bocconi take place over two years.
At Bocconi the MSc degree costs around €18,000 per year, while the MBA costs €75,000.
MBA vs MSc: similarities and differences
Both the MBA and MSc programs at Bocconi University have a diversified and international student body, with candidates from a range of academic and industry backgrounds.
“People who become leaders are capable of managing a diversified environment and diverse points of view,” says Stefano.
The MBA has a broader scope than the more technically focused MSc programs, aiming to shape business leaders and managers with wide-ranging skills and insights into managerial issues. The MBA curriculum is unique in its integration of critical topics such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, and geopolitics.
“The mission of the Bocconi MBA is to educate the leaders of tomorrow,” says Stefano.
For applicants of the MSc programs, a strong academic foundation and a willingness to learn are essential. This is particularly important in innovative master’s degrees such as the MSc in Artificial Intelligence, where candidates need an undergraduate background in relevant fields such as biotechnology or directly in AI.
The reason for this is the technical focus of Bocconi’s MSc programs. Different programs feature specific concentrations, enabling students to tailor their learnings to their future career path.
The Master in International Management, for example, offers a concentration in corporate finance. This is ideal for students seeking a financial background with less quantitative training than a Master in Finance, which is more suited for students seeking a specialized financial skill set.
“We provide our students with a rigorous educational background, preparing them to face any major changes in their future profession,” says Carlo.
MBA careers vs MSc careers
Following the Bocconi philosophy of “Knowledge that matters”, the MBA and MSc programs place an emphasis on applying skills through practical experience for graduates to hit the ground running in their careers.
Regardless of whether students opt for an MBA vs MSc degree, the programs offer an array of opportunities, including internships, international exchanges, consultancy work, and field projects, where student teams tackle real-world business challenges for a company.
Within the classroom, students have further opportunities to connect with industry professionals from multinational companies, who deliver talks and network with students.
“The Master of Science is a bridge between university and the job market,” says Carlo.
Bocconi MBA graduates often land positions in top consulting firms and multinational corporations. Increasingly, there are newly emerging models of industry collaboration attracting MBA graduates, such as private investment by pharmaceutical companies in digital technologies.
“This is the beauty of the MBA, we have to be ready to place the best candidate possible in the next sector, which is impossible to predict today,” says Stefano.
Bocconi students with entrepreneurial aspirations will benefit from the B4i (Bocconi for innovation) startup accelerator. Students from all programs are invited to present their startup idea and be in with a chance of receiving funding, coaching, and training to launch their startup.
Regardless of whether you choose an MBA vs MSc, there is ample opportunity to build your business acumen and expand your network. If you’ve already spent a few years working in the business industry, you may wish to opt for an MBA, whereas if you’re fresh out of your undergraduate degree or have limited work experience, an MSc might be the best degree for you.
Student Reviews
Everything was great ( apart from the covid part)
I really enjoyed this experience because I built a really strong relationship with other students and professors. This fact has permitted me to grow as a person and also to improve my academic background by confronting myself with other people. I would encourage Bocconi to create a new method of exams for online courses (I have experienced it during the covid-19 period) because they could not manage to control and to avoid shameless situations such as software breakdowns just before the exams.
Amazing course
The workload is really heavy, but that’s the only way to prepare students for the job market. Bocconi offers also many services to help students kick off their careers. Overall, Bocconi University Masters Degree is the best option for ambitious students and the best choice among Italian and maybe European universities.
A great experience
A fundamental experience to understand what I want to do in life. In the three years I attended Bocconi University, I laid the foundations for my business education. I will always be grateful to it. I absolutely recommend it.
Bocconi: Italian Quality
The great thing about this University is that it is one of the few Italian universities offering such international programs. My course is unique and doesn't exist anywhere else, so if you like arts and economics, Bocconi is the best place. The course provides both subjects concerning arts/philosophy, and ones more related to economics. Personally, I have decided to follow a different path because I am not so interested in working in this specific field, but this course is totally worth it if you want to work in a creative industry. Indeed, it gives people with a passion for luxury, arts and so on with a complete knowledge concerning management.
The best part has been the great support offered by the University in every aspect, going from on-campus facilities to monthly job fairs to better understand the kind of career we want to pursue. This is often taken for granted in Italian universities.
Professional and amazing
Very well organized university.
I have studied Financial management and I graduated with 108/110. The teachers are really good and professional. The university has all the facilities and the services are professional. I really enjoyed studying in a professional and international environment. Bocconi has played an important role in finding my actual job!
Great university which gives wonderful placement opportunities.
I really like Bocconi. What I appreciated the most was the high level of teaching and the opportunities given in terms of placement and networking connections.
I strongly recommend this university if you want to pursue a great working career.
Beautiful environment
Beautiful community of students with lots of opportunities for in-campus activities. The university offers 8 residences near the campus, perfect for freshmen at the first year in Milan. Professors are very prepared and always ready to help students
An outstanding university
The great efficiency and organization, the high quality of teaching, and the possibility to take part in many interesting and useful experiences make Bocconi University stand out. It distinguishes itself from the Italian academic background. Many people say Bocconi is too stressful, but to me, it’s worth it.
Excellent
Bocconi is outstanding university. Among the best in Italy. The international franework helps students to get involved in projects/associations that enrich the campus. I study law and i’ m happy about my 4 years and experiences that i had the opportunity to
Everything was great ( apart from the covid part)
I really enjoyed this experience because I built a really strong relationship with other students and professors. This fact has permitted me to grow as a person and also to improve my academic background by confronting myself with other people. I would encourage Bocconi to create a new method of exams for online courses (I have experienced it during the covid-19 period) because they could not manage to control and to avoid shameless situations such as software breakdowns just before the exams.
Amazing course
The workload is really heavy, but that’s the only way to prepare students for the job market. Bocconi offers also many services to help students kick off their careers. Overall, Bocconi University Masters Degree is the best option for ambitious students and the best choice among Italian and maybe European universities.
A great experience
A fundamental experience to understand what I want to do in life. In the three years I attended Bocconi University, I laid the foundations for my business education. I will always be grateful to it. I absolutely recommend it.
Bocconi: Italian Quality
The great thing about this University is that it is one of the few Italian universities offering such international programs. My course is unique and doesn't exist anywhere else, so if you like arts and economics, Bocconi is the best place. The course provides both subjects concerning arts/philosophy, and ones more related to economics. Personally, I have decided to follow a different path because I am not so interested in working in this specific field, but this course is totally worth it if you want to work in a creative industry. Indeed, it gives people with a passion for luxury, arts and so on with a complete knowledge concerning management.
The best part has been the great support offered by the University in every aspect, going from on-campus facilities to monthly job fairs to better understand the kind of career we want to pursue. This is often taken for granted in Italian universities.
Professional and amazing
Very well organized university.
I have studied Financial management and I graduated with 108/110. The teachers are really good and professional. The university has all the facilities and the services are professional. I really enjoyed studying in a professional and international environment. Bocconi has played an important role in finding my actual job!
Great university which gives wonderful placement opportunities.
I really like Bocconi. What I appreciated the most was the high level of teaching and the opportunities given in terms of placement and networking connections.
I strongly recommend this university if you want to pursue a great working career.
Beautiful environment
Beautiful community of students with lots of opportunities for in-campus activities. The university offers 8 residences near the campus, perfect for freshmen at the first year in Milan. Professors are very prepared and always ready to help students
An outstanding university
The great efficiency and organization, the high quality of teaching, and the possibility to take part in many interesting and useful experiences make Bocconi University stand out. It distinguishes itself from the Italian academic background. Many people say Bocconi is too stressful, but to me, it’s worth it.
Excellent
Bocconi is outstanding university. Among the best in Italy. The international franework helps students to get involved in projects/associations that enrich the campus. I study law and i’ m happy about my 4 years and experiences that i had the opportunity to
Excellent university full of opportunities
I had almost zero experience in business before coming to Bocconi. However, this did not hinder my career prospects here. I was fortunate to receive valuable opportunities such as in-company training and internships. Through these experiences, I gained invaluable practical insights into various business scenarios, becoming more acquainted with the real business world.
Before arriving here, I had not learned Italian, which initially made me concerned about possible cultural or language barriers. Bocconi offers Italian language courses that proved indispensable in helping me adapt to Milan during my days here. Additionally, my Italian classmates have been incredibly welcoming, assisting me with cultural adjustments and willingly serving as language partners to help with my Italian language learning journey. My two-year life here has become both manageable and enjoyable.
In conclusion, I would recommend this university to those people who are eager to embrace a future brimming with opportunities.
So many opportunities
Bocconi has been an amazing journey for me, filled with growth and opportunities, both on a professional and personal level. The professors teaching the International Management Master's are of really high quality and they were able to transfer some much "knowledge that matters", thanks also to the many teamworking experiences during the course. Bocconi also allowed me to experience a double degree program with ESADE, which taught me a lot both in terms of professional development, as well as allowing me to expand my network of international students even further. Overall, Bocconi unleashed plenty of opportunities I could not foresee before joining the university and that I'm really grateful for and excited to dive into.
Invest in your knowledge
Bocconi offers plenty of opportunities to grow as a person and as a professional. I was able to both broaden my interests and deepen existent knowledge during my Master's degree in Finance. It's very challenging, but the result is totally worth it. Bocconi has a very impressive reputation across the world, which allowed me to have an internship at my dream company.
A University Ripe with Opportunity
As a first year Masters in International Management student, the global perspective, abundant learning opportunities and networking opportunities were the main aspects that drew me towards pursing my studies at Bocconi. And Bocconi has delivered in full on these promises.
In my classes I have really valued the more application based approach which centres around collaboration with peers from around the world. There are also so many opportunities for learning outside the classroom through supplementary activities, societies, guest lectures and other events hosted by the university!
The networking opportunities and career services are world class. The university regularly hosts events like Bocconi
Environment and experiences
Entering Bocconi, I was shy and uncertain. I was surprised to discover a supportive community that not only challenged me academically but also encouraged me to come out of my shell. I found myself surrounded by lifelong friends who turned out to be an invaluable support for me.
Despite my initial indecision, my chosen course (Economics and Management for Arts and Culture) proved to be the perfect fit, seamlessly blending rigorous economic principles with insights into the cultural landscape. I found myself immersed in a dynamic environment that fostered healthy competition, pushing me to excel while simultaneously supporting my personal growth.
Reflecting on my period at Bocconi, I can confidently say it was the best time of my life. Through unforgettable experiences in students associations, internships and study-abroad periods, Bocconi accompanied me from adolescence into adulthood. It provided me with the confidence and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the real world, offering me an environment where I could flourish both academically and personally.
Great programme in MSc Finance
I have done the MSc in Finance, and I am extremely happy with it.
The quality of the education is really good, and has more than prepared me for my job in Asset Management after my studies. There are also a lot of group projects and labs in the classes which lets you try things in practice.
In addition to this, there are a lot of good student associations for finance which allows you to connect with a lot of really brilliant people.
My Experience at Bocconi University
Bocconi University offers a great deal of programs. The small classes make it easy for students to interact with professors, all very experienced in their field, and not only care for the students' life inside the classroom but also for their lives outside, providing many amazing extracurricular activities, from sports, and associations to theater and singing. Overall, a great experience!
Excellent university providing a great preparation
I have chosen Bocconi University for both my bachelor's and master's degree and I am extremely satisfied with my experience and the preparation the institution has given me, both academically and to be equipped to enter the job market. The programs are very international, which has allowed me to make friends from all over the world, and the university offers a wide range of interesting courses, both in Italian and in English, which often combine a theoretical strong preparation together with practical applied projects. Bocconi also has a great and efficient career service that organizes useful events to get ready for the job market, meet employers and network with companies. I have also appreciated the presence of over a hundred student associations, which has allowed me to pursue some interests of mine while meeting students from several different courses and gainining more practical experience through additional projects.
