As you consider advancing your professional standing and education in the natural products industry, often what comes to mind is getting an MBA. While there are similarities, there are distinct differences between an MBA and the Master of Science in Nutrition Business Leadership.
Understanding the difference is vital as you research the path that matches your academic and professional interests, goals and objectives in the natural products, nutraceutical and nutritional supplement industry.
MBA program: prepares individuals for general approaches to management.
Master of Science in Nutrition Business Leadership: addresses issues specific to the nutrition industry (such as regulatory, supply chain, marketing, management, leadership, and nutritional sciences) and enhances skills that can be applied in the workplace.
Before determining what type of master’s degree is the best fit, ask yourself:
The following provides a detailed framework of an MBA. This type of master’s is applicable for those who wish to focus on general approaches to management. The following information is sourced from U.S. News & World Report.
The executive MSNBL program is designed to educate and inspire business leaders within the nutrition space to grow the global natural products industry through evidence-based and sustainable practices.
The expertise required of future natural products industry leaders is best taught in a non-MBA, industry-specific master’s program. The MSNBL is different from the traditional MBA in both the content and educational experience, which is meant to be relevant to, and immediately applied to, the student’s professional work experience. Unlike the MBA degree, the MSNBL is solely focused on the nutraceutical, natural foods, and nutritional supplements industry. The MSNBL provides extensive flexibility and industry-tailored courses.
An MBA is less relevant to the nutrition industry because it doesn’t educate on common considerations, practices and regulations vital to success in the natural products industry. The majority of MBA graduates are taught marketing, accounting, economics, finance and management. While useful, these skill sets do not fully encompass the specialized needs of the natural products industry. Without industry-specific education, leaders may lack knowledge of critical policies and regulations, emerging trends in research and product development, and the ability to make evidence-based decisions thereby threatening the growing natural products industry’s integration within traditional healthcare.
The MSNBL not only offers curricula addressing general business practices, but also includes experiential and applied learning opportunities where students can cultivate meaningful business projects that may directly benefit their company. Graduates will take knowledge back to their companies to address:
MBAs typically don’t cover these topics, nor do they delve into the specifics of the operational and managerial aspects of business. Moreover, adequate and meaningful coverage of these topics requires in-depth study beyond what is typically available in an MBA program.
With the evolving nature of master’s degrees, the importance of a graduate education specific to business and the natural products industry cannot be understated as this billion-dollar industry continues to grow.
The difference in master’s degrees reveals developing trends that provide insight into the relevance of business leadership in the nutrition sphere and the distinct need for a focused, industry-based graduate degree.
The MSNBL was developed with input from global industry experts and thought leaders to equip graduates with current, realistic and evidence-based education, while providing the practical business know-how typically associated with an MBA.