Specialization and the MBA: Is the Broad MBA Passé?

In order to determine whether MBA programs should continue in the tradition or move toward increased specialization, this study examines four questions: Is the broad MBA currently offered by most leading MBA programs? Do corporate employers prefer their employees to have broad MBAs? Do MB As themselves prefer broad curriculum? And do MBA students in particular fields prefer the broad MBA? Four surveys were conducted in order to address these questions. The authors conclude that the broad MBA has been largely displaced by an improved BBA and that the future development of the MBA lies in the direction of theory-based professional specialization.