Mathias Falkenstein, Karl Baldacchino and Cara Skikne
The demand for business education is shifting as industries become more complex and interconnected. Multidisciplinary MBA programmes are on the rise, integrating expertise from fields such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. Since 2022, the number of multidisciplinary MBA programmes listed on Studyportals has grown by 26.8%.To remain competitive, universities should develop specialised tracks in emerging fields, promote STEM-designated MBAs, and collaborate with industry partners. Leveraging data-driven insights will further enable institutions to tailor their programmes to evolving student and industry needs, ensuring long-term relevance and global competitiveness in business education.
In a rapidly evolving global marketplace, the demand for business education is undergoing significant change. One of the most notable trends in this shift is the rise of multidisciplinary MBA programmes. Traditionally, MBA programmes focused on core areas like finance, marketing, and management. However, as industries grow more complex and interconnected, demand is rising for MBAs that merge business acumen with expertise from fields such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, and data analysis.
Key Trends
- Multidisciplinary MBAs attract international students who seek competitive advantages in the global job market. For many students, programmes designated as STEM (in the US) or specialised MBAs in fields like entrepreneurship and international business serve as pathways to work visas or career placements in international markets. This trend not only increases student diversity in MBA classrooms but also creates a globally savvy alumni network, strengthening the institution’s reputation worldwide.
- Multidisciplinary MBAs do not eliminate the core components of traditional MBAs; instead, they expand upon them. Business schools are reimagining traditional MBA courses to integrate specialised content. For instance, financial management courses in a healthcare MBA might explore hospital funding structures, while operations courses in a sustainability-focused MBA could include supply chain management with a focus on reducing environmental impact. This blended approach ensures students develop a strong foundation in business fundamentals while gaining skills highly relevant to their fields.
- Multidisciplinary MBAs foster a cross-functional mindset, equipping leaders who can bridge the gap between disciplines. For example, an MBA that combines business with data science teaches students to translate complex data insights into strategic business decisions, making them effective in data-driven roles. This cross-pollination of skills encourages adaptable, innovative thinking and prepares graduates for senior roles that require both a deep understanding of their sector and a broad grasp of business fundamentals.
Studyportals Intelligence and Data
Studyportals is the world’s most comprehensive study choice platform, helping students to choose their best-fit study across 240,000+ English-taught programmes from 3,500+ institutions. Over 55 million students use Studyportals platforms annually to find and compare their study options across borders and select the right programme. Based on the search and choice behaviour of millions of students, our Analytics and Consulting Team provide real-time, forward-looking market insights on the competitive landscape for international education.
Since 2022, the number of multidisciplinary MBA programmes has increased by 26.8%. Many of these programmes now include specialised tracks, reflecting the changing needs of the modern workforce. For example, MBAs designated as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programmes in the US are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among international students who can benefit from extended post-study work visas.
Trend in absolute student demand for non-Business & Management areas associated with MBAs
(On-campus Master programmes, November 2022 to October 2024)
Volume of absolute demand for top-3 subdisciplines within selected fields associated with MBAs
(On-campus Master programmes, November 2022 to October 2024)
Performance of top-20 MBAs outside Business & Management pageviews per programme
(On-campus Master programmes, November 2022 to October 2024)
Naming multidisciplinary programmes
Institutions should carefully consider the naming of their programmes, particularly for multidisciplinary ones. In particular, institutions should pay attention to:
- Determining the scope of the programme (data science vs. data analytics)
- Identifying keywords likely to garner student interest
- Recognising competitive landscapes
- Evaluating the suitability of programme titles, including their length
Using these points, your institution can not only gain a competitive edge but better align a programme offer according to what students are currently interested in studying for their future careers.
Frequently, programme titles find themselves caught between the need to reflect the study’s scope, the expertise of the academics involved, and the incorporation of trending buzzwords. Nonetheless, the primary consideration in naming a programme should align with the interests of prospective students and assessing how existing market offerings with similar names fare.
Institutions should take into account the length of their programme’s title. Studyportals analysed the factors that influence user engagement with study programmes on Masterportal, and concluded that the longer a study is titled, then the lower the number of clicks such studies would receive on the website. This indicates that search engine-based title tags are not suitable for study programmes on website search result pages, highlighting the necessity of conducting research within relevant contexts.
The Growing Role of Experiential Learning
Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, consulting projects, and case competitions, are particularly valuable in multidisciplinary MBAs. These hands-on experiences help students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their specific industries, making them well-prepared for post-graduation roles. Schools must collaborate with companies to offer internships and projects that align with their specialised tracks, adding immediate practical value to the programme.
Adding these points could underscore the benefits, challenges, and industry relevance of multidisciplinary MBAs, while showcasing how institutions are adapting to deliver these specialised offerings.
Challenges and Considerations for the Management Education Industry
While multidisciplinary MBAs offer clear advantages, developing these programmes requires substantial institutional commitment. Business schools and universities must invest in faculty with diverse expertise, secure partnerships with industry players, and update facilities to support specialised learning (such as labs for healthcare-focused programmes or tech hubs for AI and analytics). Additionally, institutions must ensure that these programmes retain the broad perspective valued in traditional MBAs, preventing an overly narrow focus that could limit graduates’ career flexibility.
The critical role of data in shaping MBA programmes
Data has become an indispensable tool in shaping the future of MBA programmes. By analysing trends in student behaviour, institutions can make informed decisions about how to tailor their offerings to meet evolving demands. Platforms like Studyportals, which track millions of student searches, provide universities with valuable insights into which programmes, disciplines, and delivery methods are gaining popularity.
Furthermore, data-driven insights help universities identify emerging source markets, understand shifting student preferences, and measure the effectiveness of recruitment strategies. By harnessing the power of data, business schools can ensure their programmes remain relevant, competitive, and aligned with both student expectations and global industry trends.
By leveraging these insights, institutions can strengthen their position in the competitive MBA market and continue to attract top talent from around the world.
Studyportals Recommendations for Business Schools and Universities
1. Develop specialised tracks: Business schools should consider creating multidisciplinary MBA programmes that cater to emerging fields such as AI, healthcare management, or sustainable business. These specialisations align with industry demands and offer graduates valuable skills that will enhance their employability.
2. Promote STEM-designated MBAs: For US-based institutions, promoting STEM-designated MBAs can attract international students, offering them extended work opportunities post-graduation. This appeals to students looking for a pathway to employment in the US.
3. Collaborate with industry: Partnering with businesses in sectors like healthcare, tech, and hospitality can help universities design relevant curricula and offer practical learning experiences, enhancing the value proposition of their multidisciplinary MBAs.
Future MBAs Meeting Industry-Specific Needs
- Healthcare MBAs equip students to manage hospital systems, pharmaceutical companies, and public health initiatives, addressing complex challenges in healthcare administration and policy.
- Sustainability-focused MBAs provide knowledge on managing environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance—critical as more organisations prioritise ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
- Technology and AI MBAs prepare students to lead in digital transformation, data management, and AI-driven decision-making, skills that are becoming indispensable across industries.
About the author
Mathias Falkenstein is Studyportals’ Director of Higher Education Development. He has over 25 years of experience in the industry, working with higher education institutions around the world in designing and implementing institutional change.
Karl Baldacchino is a researcher in Studyportals Analytics and Consulting Team. He combines desk and field research and data analysis to produce reports and provide recommendations to clients.
Cara Skikne is Head of Communication and Thought Leadership at Studyportals. She works closely with subject matter experts and university leaders to develop high-impact intelligence reports that guide strategic decision-making.
