MBA Specializations in Canada: A complete guide for 2023

Your career will develop and you’ll have access to better positions if you get an MBA. Early specialisation decision-making will not only provide you a competitive advantage, but it will also provide you with additional benefits in the future. Finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and entrepreneurship have historically been the most well-liked and effective MBA specialties. Many students also view these as the safest options. Post-Covid, businesses are changing, and customers’ needs are as well. Specialisations include business analytics, digital marketing, and other fields now receive more attention. Below is a list of the top MBA specializations in Canada  expected to be in demand in 2023 following COVID:

1. MBA in Digital Marketing

More and more traditional marketing tactics will migrate to internet and digital platforms as digital media continues to grow. Everyone, from large corporations like Apple and Nike to neighbourhood general stores, uses digital platforms in some capacity. As a result, there is now a greater need for experts in digital marketing, and this demand will only grow. By specialising in it with an MBA, you can learn more about the more in-depth elements of digital marketing, such as content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and other areas. Also, you will learn a range of skills that you may use to marketing and sales positions at both B2C and B2B companies.

Who Should OPT for a Digital Marketing MBA?

You must select this top MBA specializations in Canada if you are interested in the in-depth subsets of digital marketing, such as content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and so forth. You will be able to pick up a variety of abilities that can be used in marketing and sales positions at both B2C and B2B businesses.

Top Colleges 

• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• McMaster University
• University of Waterloo
• Simon Fraser University

2. MBA in Business Analytics

As the demand for big data specialists continues to rise, the significance of MBA specialisations in Business Analytics has begun to rise. Business analysts’ data-driven recommendations help to bridge the gap between business and information technology. Over the past year MBA in Business Analytics has emerged as one of the top MBA specializations in Canada.

Who Should Opt for Business Analytics  MBA?

This calls for a thorough understanding of business in addition to a solid grasp of data, statistics, and computer science. So, people who are keenly interested in deepening their understanding of this emerging management subject and possess excellent analytical abilities, command of statistical methodologies, as well as information system software, must choose this program.

Top Colleges

• UBC Sauder School of Business
• York Schulich School of Business
• University of Alberta
• Western Ivey Business School
• HEC University

3. MBA in Data Analytics

The core of data analytics is using data to find solutions and predict outcomes for business difficulties. This involves utilising machine learning algorithms to analyse text, images, video, and audio (basically, data in any format) and draw various inferences from it. Business analysts are more proactive in addressing business issues and giving recommendations for solutions, whereas data scientists are more focused on doing in-depth analysis using data. The key difference between business analytics and data analytics is this. With an MBA specialisation in data analytics, you can study everything about data infrastructure, testing, machine learning, and decision-making. It is one of the top MBA specializations in Canada.

Who Should Opt for a Data Analytics MBA?

This MBA concentration can be chosen by a candidate who has a basic understanding of data infrastructure, machine learning, testing, and decision-making. You’ll need to have a technical mindset and be familiar with SQL and data visualisation.

Top Colleges

• McGill university
• University of British Columbia
• Simon Fraser University
• Carleton University
• University of Waterloo

4. MBA in Finance

One of the top MBA specializations in Canada is in finance due to the field’s tremendous growth potential. No firm can grow if proper accounting and control are not in place. Planning and managing an organization’s financial resources hence calls for experts in financial management.

Who Should Opt for MBA in Finance?

You can choose an MBA in Finance if you graduated with a degree in commerce, humanities, or science, or if you completed CA, CS, ICWA, or engineering and want to pursue a career in financial management. The training is open to students of any age, but rapid math skills are required.

Top Colleges

• The University of Alberta, 
• University of Calgary, and
•  the University of Toronto

5. MBA in International Business

Most companies deal with clients from all around the globe. As a result, there is a significant demand for people who are knowledgeable about how different countries’ legal systems operate and how cultural differences may affect a company making MBA in International Business one of the top MBA specializations in Canada.

Who Should Opt for MBA In International Business?

For students who are interested in working internationally, an MBA specialisation in International Business is a popular option. You will improve your communication skills, have a more open mind to other cultures, and build a global perspective on trade with the aid of this curriculum.

Top Colleges

• The University of Alberta, 
• University of Toronto, 
• University of British Columbia, 
• University of Concordia, 
• Queen’s University, 
• York University, 
• the University of Montreal

6. MBA in Human Resource Management

One of an organization’s most important operations is the hiring and training of new employees. Students that specialise in human resource management in their MBA programs learn how to manage a workforce, compensation plans, performance evaluations, and much more. It is always in demand and is one of the top MBA specializations in Canada.

Who Should Opt for an MBA in HRM?

An MBA in HRM is the best option for you if you have excellent organisational abilities and a keen interest in the most delicate “human” aspects of an organisation. Your ability to manage difficulties pertaining to fundamental business operations and human resource management proficiently and effectively is enhanced by this course.

Top Colleges

• The University of Alberta,
• University of British Columbia, 
• University of Toronto, 
• McMaster University

 7. MBA in Operations

One of a business’s fundamental cornerstones is operations. Those who want to manage a firm effectively and efficiently might consider an MBA with a specialty in operations. You’ll discover several management and organisational techniques that help businesses operate at their peak efficiency. Business forecasting, operational and supply chain management, project management, and managerial economics are typically covered in this top MBA specializations in Canada’s curriculum.

Who Should Opt for MBA in Operations?

This MBA concentration is open to those with analytical and planning abilities. One of the best MBA programmes, it creates experts that serve as the backbone of the business’ daily operations. They aid in the timely and cost-effective delivery of high-quality goods and services.

Top Colleges

• McGill University, 
• University of British Columbia, 
• University of Toronto, 
• University of Concordia, 
• Queen’s University

How to Make the Right Choice?

There is an MBA specialisation available for almost every sector. This makes selecting one from a large number of options a difficult task. Each one offers advantages of its own, but you should select one based on your interests and abilities as well as the future career prospects. Because they expose you to more real-world business circumstances, short-term PGDM courses have become quite popular despite the fact that regular two-year MBA programmes are still very popular.