Five Questions To Help You Choose Between An MBA And An MBT

As businesses face the future, leaders are seeking solutions at the intersection of business and technology. The majority of business careers will require tech-savvy skills because every company is now a technology company.

Forbes states that 5 of the 10 most wanted skills are connected to technology. Not just any technology, but skills directly involved with cutting-edge innovations, like generative AI, digital transformation and automation.

Success in today’s business world requires a deep knowledge of these technologies, along with an awareness of the ethical considerations they raise. The ability to lead with both business acumen and technical expertise is crucial for navigating the future of work.

More than ever, professionals considering their master’s in business need to evaluate which program best prepares them for the demands of business evolution. Now, aspiring leaders can choose between the traditional MBA, the Master of Business and Technology (MBT) and a tech-MBA.

What is the Master of Business and Technology?

The Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue University offers the STEM-designated Master of Business and Technology degree to bridge the gap between business strategy and technological innovation. This program, offered in two formats—in-person and online, is specifically designed for individual contributors aspiring to leadership roles in tech-driven industries, equipping them to ideate, innovate and develop groundbreaking business models.

With a focus on taking technology products from concept to market, the program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset while building expertise in leveraging advanced technologies like AI, automation and data-driven tools. Beyond mastering technical and business skills, students explore the ethical implications of emerging technologies, preparing them to lead responsibly in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

What sets the Daniels School’s MBT above others is its foundation at Purdue University, home to the #6 engineering school in the nation and a hub of continuous innovation. Students build upon their STEM backgrounds to not only optimize operations through technology but also develop the skills to design and implement transformative new solutions. This comprehensive approach empowers graduates to drive progress and shape the intersection of business and technology, preparing them to lead in an evolving digital landscape.

How do the areas of focus in an MBT differ from an MBA?

The Master’s in Business and Technology (MBT) integrates technological solutions in the myriad functionalities of any business, including financing systems, global supply chain problems, data engineering, automation and AI implementations. The MBT curriculum covers advanced computing and the societal and economic implications of technology-driven decision-making. An MBT stays on top of innovation trends in each aspect of business.

MBT Areas of Focus

AI Innovations
Computational Finance
Robotics and Automation
Technology Commercialization

A traditional MBA covers a broad spectrum of business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, human resources and strategy. For those aiming to develop a high-level understanding of key business skills in other areas, an MBA serves this purpose well. However, the core curriculum of an MBA remains embedded in traditional functionalities, keeping it from branching out into truly adaptable skill sets. Most MBA programs have yet to update their curriculum with technological innovations and implementations in mind.

MBA Areas of Focus

Entrepreneurship
Management Consulting
Marketing
Operational Management
Strategy

How does an MBT differ from a Tech MBA?

Because the MBT establishes technology as the foundation of its curriculum, it trains graduates to consider strategic and ethical concerns of technology as it continues to innovate and evolve. MBT graduates learn to formulate technology solutions tailored to unique business contexts by assessing the viability, feasibility and desirability of technology-driven business models. They’ll evaluate economic and societal implications of technology-driven business decisions, advocating for ethically sound practices in technology adoption and business transformation. Furthermore, they can ideate, plan, design and bring technology products to market — understanding user needs, leveraging technological advancements, iterating based on feedback and ensuring a product’s viability and scalability. Not only will they hone professional skills such as communication, leadership, change management and negotiations, but they will also be savvy with project management.

A technology MBA degree is an advanced business degree that integrates traditional MBA coursework with tech-focused studies. A tech MBA retrofits the traditional MBA program for engineers and technologists. In short, it adds in some courses to expand and address some technical skills. However, at its core, it remains centered on the traditional MBA skillsets. Graduates will learn to formulate business strategies by utilizing knowledge of the key disciplines of business using technology as an operations function, not a value-creating differentiator.

What are the curriculum differences between an MBT and an MBA?

Every MBT course centers on technological concerns. The program trains individual contributors to formulate tailored solutions, evaluate which technology industries should adopt and ideate new products and models to bring to market. Core courses include Computational Business Intelligence, Digital Product Design, Economic Analysis of Technology Markets, Emerging Technologies and Business Models, DevOps and Technology Solutions, Technology-Driven Business, Technology Governance and Regulations, Technology Strategy, and a capstone in a focus area. These can include AI Innovations, Computational Finance, Robotics and Automation, and Technology Commercialization.

Arguably the most familiar to prospective business graduate students, the traditional MBA curriculum covers the broad spectrum of business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, human resources and strategy. Though the MBA rounds out management-oriented individuals, its core curriculum remains embedded in traditional functionalities. It has yet to update in such a way that it integrates technological solutions in the myriad functionalities of today’s businesses.

What careers does an MBT unlock?

Purdue’s Master of Business and Technology (MBT) program prepares you for a lucrative, future-focused career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fields like project management, IT management and management analysis are projected to see 6-10% job growth through 2032. Below are a few of the most sought-after positions in business and technology.

Project Manager

Coordinates, strategizes and carries out projects while maintaining budgets and timelines. Project managers oversee teams, establish project objectives and ensure the completion of projects.

Average salary: $136,420

IT Project Manager

Defines the technology objectives of an organization and oversees the implementation of computer systems to achieve the outlined goals.

Average salary: $169,510

Business Systems Analyst

Analyzes an organization’s existing business systems and processes to identify opportunities for enhancement, contributing to operational efficiency.

Average salary: $103,800

Cybersecurity Engineer

Organizes and implements the necessary cybersecurity procedures to protect a business’ digital information systems.

Average salary: $120,360

Digital Product Manager

Oversees the development and optimization of digital products, guiding the product lifecycle from conception to launch.

Average salary: $129,397

Lead with tech-mindset

Developed by awarded faculty recognized by Poets & Quants, including the program’s director Mohammad Rahman (one of the World’s Top 40 Business School Professors Under 40, 2017), Purdue’s MBT program meets the demands of industry. The advisory council provides a range of expertise and perspectives, such as:

Biotechnology Research
Business Consulting Services
Digital Healthcare
Food and Beverage Services
Machinery Manufacturing
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Software Development

Purdue University’s Mitchell E. Daniels School of Business

Dive deeper into the differences.

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