MBA Subjects: Complete Semester-Wise Guide & Details

MBA Subjects: Complete Semester-Wise Guide & Details

MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a highly sought-after postgraduate degree that equips students with leadership, analytical, and managerial skills. The subjects you study, both core and elective, play a crucial role in shaping your career path.

This blog provides a semester-wise guide to MBA subjects, highlights specialisations, and shows how global certifications (ACCA, CPA, CMA USA, EA) can significantly enhance your career opportunities and salary in top companies.

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MBA Subjects Overview

MBA programs typically span 2 years (4 semesters). The first year focuses on core subjects to build a foundation, while the second year emphasizes specialisations and electives to help students focus on their desired field.

Popular MBA Specialisations:

  • Finance

  • Marketing

  • Human Resources (HR)

  • Operations Management

  • Information Technology (IT)

  • Strategy & Business Analytics


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Semester-Wise MBA Subjects

Semester 1: Foundation & Core Skills

  • Principles of Management – Understanding organisational functions and managerial roles.

  • Organisational Behaviour – Study of human behaviour in organisations.

  • Financial Accounting – Basics of accounting and financial statements.

  • Business Economics – Micro and macroeconomic principles for business decisions.

  • Quantitative Techniques – Statistics, probability, and data analysis for managers.

  • Business Communication – Effective business communication and presentation skills.

Semester 2: Advanced Core Subjects

  • Marketing Management – Consumer behaviour, branding, and marketing strategies.

  • Financial Management – Investment, capital budgeting, and corporate finance.

  • Human Resource Management – Recruitment, performance management, training, and labour laws.

  • Operations Management – Production planning, supply chain, and quality control.

  • Management Information Systems (MIS) – Using technology to manage business processes.Business Ethics & Corporate Governance – Ethical practices and CSR.

  • Business Ethics & Corporate Governance – Ethical practices and CSR.

Semester 3: Specialisations & Electives

  • Finance: Investment Banking, Risk Management, Financial Modelling

  • Marketing: Digital Marketing, Brand Management, Consumer Insights

  • HR: Talent Management, Organisational Development, Labour Relations

  • Operations: Supply Chain Analytics, Lean Management, Project Management

  • IT/Analytics: Data Analytics, IT Strategy, Business Intelligence

Semester 4: Capstone & Industry Exposure

  • Strategic Management – Formulating long-term business strategies.

  • Business Research Methods – Research and analytical tools for decisions.

  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation – Start-up management and innovation strategies.

  • Project Work / Internship – Real-world experience and corporate exposure.

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Table 1: Semester-Wise MBA Subjects at a Glance

Semester-Wise MBA Subjects at a Glance

Semester

Core Subjects

Electives / Specialisation Options

1

Principles of Management, Organisational Behaviour, Financial Accounting, Business Economics, Quantitative Techniques, Business Communication

-

2

Marketing Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, MIS, Business Ethics & Corporate Governance

-

3

Strategic electives based on specialisation

Investment Banking, Digital Marketing, Talent Management, Supply Chain Analytics, Business Analytics

4

Strategic Management, Business Research Methods, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Internship/Project

Advanced electives or capstone projects

Boost Your Career with Global Certifications

While an MBA provides strong managerial skills, combining it with global certifications can significantly improve salary and career prospects:

  • ACCA: Finance, audit, and accounting roles.

  • CPA: US GAAP, international accounting, and tax roles.

  • CMA USA: Management accounting, FP&A, strategy-focused roles.

  • EA: Taxation, compliance, and advisory roles.

Table 2: Global Certification Courses for MBA Students


Certification

Duration

Ideal Roles After MBA

Key Benefits

ACCA + MBA

12–18 months

Finance Manager, Audit Manager, Tax Consultant, FP&A Analyst

Global accounting recognition, Big 4 placements, salary boost

CPA + MBA

12–18 months

Financial Analyst, US GAAP Specialist, Tax Consultant

US accounting expertise, international opportunities, high-paying roles

CMA USA + MBA

6–12 months

Management Accountant, FP&A Manager, Strategy Analyst

Focus on managerial accounting & strategy, fast-tracked corporate growth

EA + MBA

6–12 months

Tax Analyst, Compliance Specialist, Tax Manager

Specialisation in taxation, advisory roles, career in MNCs & Big 4

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Table 3: Salary Comparison – MBA vs MBA + Global Certifications


Company / Sector

MBA Salary (₹ LPA)

Salary After Global Certifications & Roles

Deloitte

₹8–10

ACCA: ₹12–15 – Finance Manager, Audit Manager CPA: ₹13–16 – Financial Analyst, US GAAP Specialist CMA USA: ₹13–17 – FP&A Manager, Strategy Analyst EA: ₹10–12 – Tax Analyst, Compliance Specialist

EY

₹8–10

ACCA: ₹12–15 – Finance Manager, Audit Manager CPA: ₹13–16 – Financial Analyst, US GAAP Specialist CMA USA: ₹13–17 – FP&A Manager, Strategy Analyst EA: ₹10–12 – Tax Analyst, Compliance Specialist

KPMG

₹8–10

ACCA: ₹12–15 – Finance Manager, Audit Manager CPA: ₹13–16 – Financial Analyst, US GAAP Specialist CMA USA: ₹13–17 – FP&A Manager, Strategy Analyst EA: ₹10–12 – Tax Analyst, Compliance Specialist

PwC

₹8–10

ACCA: ₹12–15 – Finance Manager, Audit Manager CPA: ₹13–16 – Financial Analyst, US GAAP Specialist CMA USA: ₹13–17 – FP&A Manager, Strategy Analyst EA: ₹10–12 – Tax Analyst, Compliance Specialist

Amazon

₹7–9

ACCA: ₹10–12 – Business Analyst, Finance Exec CPA: ₹11–13 – Financial Analyst CMA USA: ₹11–14 – Strategy Analyst EA: ₹9–10 – Tax/Compliance Roles

Microsoft

₹7–9

ACCA: ₹10–12 – Finance Analyst, Accountant CPA: ₹11–13 – Financial Analyst CMA USA: ₹11–14 – FP&A Manager EA: ₹9–10 – Compliance Specialist


Observation:
These certifications can boost salaries by 30–50%, especially in Big 4 and MNCs.

  • ACCA, CPA, and CMA USA are ideal for finance & strategy roles, EA for taxation.

  • Combining MBA with these courses gives a competitive advantage in hiring, promotions, and global opportunities.

Why Choose NorthStar Academy?

Placement Assistance: Top recruiters including Big 4 & leading MNCs.
Flexible Online Classes: Study anytime, anywhere.
Expert Mentors: Guidance throughout MBA + certification preparation.
Updated Study Material: Aligned with international standards.
Global Opportunities: Access high-paying roles in India & abroad.

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Conclusion

Understanding MBA subjects semester-wise helps you plan your career effectively. While core and elective subjects shape your expertise, combining your MBA with global certifications (ACCA, CPA, CMA USA, EA) significantly enhances your salary, career growth, and global opportunities.

Still confused about which finance course is right for you? Join our exclusive webinar where industry expert M Irfat Sir will personally guide you through CMA USA, CPA, ACCA, and EA helping you make the smartest career choice.Have questions? Call or WhatsApp us directly at 8147470505 we’re here to help! 

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