Many who consider investing in an MBA as their next career move worry that they’ll be at a disadvantage if they didn’t major in business or work in a traditional business role. It’s an understandable concern — especially for professionals coming from healthcare, education, engineering, the arts, or nonprofit work.
So, do you need a bachelor’s in business to get an MBA? The short answer is no.
Actually, today’s MBA programs are intentionally designed to welcome students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, recognizing that careers evolve, interests shift, and many skills are transferable. Rather than assuming prior business training, most MBA programs focus on teaching essential business concepts from the ground up while leveraging the unique perspectives students bring from their previous careers.
Below, we’ll explore what an MBA degree actually is, whether you can succeed without a business background, what foundational skills matter most, and how prospective students can prepare for success — no matter where they’re coming from.
What is an MBA degree?
Before addressing admissions and preparation, it helps to clarify what an MBA degree is and what it’s designed to accomplish.
An MBA, or Master of Business Administration program, is a graduate-level degree focused on leadership, strategy, and organizational decision-making. While core MBA coursework typically includes areas like accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and management, MBA programs go beyond technical knowledge.
An MBA degree emphasizes problem-solving, communication, ethical leadership, and strategic thinking — skills that apply across industries, so whether graduates go on to work in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare administration, nonprofit management, or technology, the goal of an MBA is to prepare professionals to lead teams, manage resources, and navigate complex business environments.
Understanding what an MBA degree is helps explain why programs value students with varied experiences. Classroom discussions are often richer when students bring real-world insight from different sectors and roles.
Graduates answer: Can you get an MBA without a business degree?
Many prospective students ask directly: Can you get an MBA without a business degree? Graduate experiences show that not only is it possible, it can even be an advantage.
“I remember every moment about UB. This university changed my life. During my studies, I gained not only academic knowledge but practical experience. I joined UB in 2015 for an MBA. I was a little bit worried because my background was not business-related. The MBA program was fantastic; I studied everything I needed for my career path. Whenever I went to my professors for them to explain something further, they were very helpful. What I loved about studying at UB was the external activities and other services they provided to students. I joined a business club, and we traveled together. I participated in the tax clinic for two years, and I joined the entrepreneur center. I participated in multiple competitions. All these activities gave me knowledge and skills. Moreover, the student center helped me improve my resume and search for internships.”
– Mary Androus
Reflections like Mary’s highlight a key truth: MBA programs are built to support students entering from non-business fields. Faculty understand that students may be encountering certain concepts for the first time and provide structure, support, and real-world application to help everyone succeed.
So if you’re still wondering, can you get an MBA without a business degree? The answer is a resounding yes, and many graduates do so successfully.
See how UB’s MBA program builds business expertise on top of your existing skills.
Practical preparation for an MBA program
Regardless of your current role, there are practical steps you can take now to prepare for MBA success — especially if you’re transitioning from a non-business field.
- Identify transferable skills: Leadership, communication, project management, data analysis, and problem-solving are valuable in every MBA classroom. Reflect on how your current work demonstrates these competencies.
- Clean up your resume: Focus on impact, outcomes, and responsibilities rather than job titles alone. Highlight moments where you led initiatives, managed resources, or influenced decisions.
- Build foundational knowledge: Reading business news, exploring introductory finance or accounting concepts, or taking short online courses can build confidence before classes begin.
- Clarify your goals: Understanding why you want an MBA — and how it aligns with your career vision — will help you stay motivated and engaged throughout the program.
MBA admission requirements
Now that it’s clear you can succeed in an MBA program without a business degree, let’s look at what it takes to get into one.
Understanding MBA admission requirements can help demystify the application process. While specific criteria vary by institution, most MBA programs focus on academic readiness, professional potential, and motivation, rather than whether your undergraduate major was business-related.
At University of Bridgeport, for example, the admissions process is designed to evaluate the whole applicant, taking into account education, experience, and future goals. Meeting the MBA admission requirements ensures that students are prepared for graduate-level study while still encouraging flexibility for diverse backgrounds.
MBA prerequisites
Some students worry about MBA prerequisites, especially if they haven’t taken prior coursework in accounting, economics, or statistics. These concerns are common, and many programs address them directly.
Typical MBA prerequisites include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or recognized international institution
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
Depending on your undergraduate background, you may be waived from up to six credits of preparatory business coursework. Prerequisite waivers are evaluated once your application is complete, allowing the admissions team to assess your academic and professional experience holistically.
MBA requirements
Beyond prerequisites, it’s helpful to understand the broader MBA requirements involved in applying. These typically include:
- A completed application
- Official transcripts for the last degree earned
To be considered for any scholarships or prerequisite waivers, full transcripts from each institution attended must be submitted. These MBA requirements help ensure transparency and allow the admissions committee to match students with appropriate academic support if needed.
Find the perfect MBA concentration at University of Bridgeport
One of the strengths of an MBA program is the ability to specialize. University of Bridgeport offers a range of MBA concentrations aligned with different career paths and interests, including accounting, finance, marketing, healthcare management, and more. Each concentration builds on core business knowledge while allowing a deeper focus in a specific area.
You don’t need a traditional business background to thrive in an MBA program. With supportive faculty, structured coursework, and a diverse learning environment, MBA programs are built to help motivated professionals succeed — no matter where they start. If you’re considering advancing your career, University of Bridgeport’s MBA program offers the flexibility, preparation, and real-world focus to help you move forward with confidence.