Social work and business administration?

[A. S]

Is it possible to major in social work (Bachelor's) and then get a master in business administration? Would I be better off going for business and then mastering in bus. admin? I want to do social worker related things, but be familiar with the business admin. area.

[Emily M]

Yes. Most MBA programs are open to persons with a bachelor's degree in just about any subject. Have you considered a social work major with a business minor or a double major? Check to see what the MBA programs you are considering require in the way of math and other subjects. as an undergraduate. Some require algebra, statistics, calculus, etc.

[skip742]

Yes, it is possible. The requirements for most MBA programs do not include a business major. However, if you do plan to eventually go for the MBA, it would be wise to design your undergrad curriculum so that you are sure to take a few particular business courses. For some programs, these would be required, while other programs only advise students to take them before their MBA. Either way, it's a great benefit. Be sure to take some combination of the following: Statistics, Calculus 1, Accounting 1 and 2 (Financial and Managerial), Marketing, Management, Finance, Economics. If you have those bases covered, you'll be as far along for your MBA as most business majors. Plan it right, and you can get by quite nicely with a business minor.

[CoachT]

It's not only possible but very common. Many (maybe most) MBA students don't have a business administration undergrad.

Consider whether you might rather do an MHA (Master of Health Administration), MPA (Master of Public Administration), or MPH (Master of Public Health) though - these would be more useful for a social worker and would deal with the world that social workers work in more than will business administration. If you're wanting to advance in the world of social services management - any of these three might serve you better than an MBA. An MSW (Master of Social Work) is a good advanced degree for social workers too.

MBA types tend to be very 'facts and figures' people whereas social work types tend to be 'those emotional people' who make decisions based on feelings and concern for others. Neither is better than the other - we need both. But putting someone in an environment that is opposite of their style often creates self-conflict.

If, ultimately, you'd like to work in business (and not in social services) then that bachelor's degree in social work might get in your way a little. A bachelor's in business, accounting, finance, economics, marketing, etc... is better for preparing business people - a bachelor's in social work is for creating social workers. ☺

The social sciences of business are human resources (especially I/O Psych), communication (biz comms including marketing and advertising), and economics - you might want to look at those as well for an undergrad if you lean in that direction.