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Master of Science in Administration
Master's

Move up with the Master of Science in Administration

This master's degree in administration has been one of our most popular and flexible programs for 50 years. If you want to move up to management, change your career path or expand your professional options; the MSA can help you get there. The program includes courses from many fields to give you a solid understanding of how organizations work and what makes them successful. You’ll learn to be an effective leader of both people and projects.

There are 11 concentrations to choose from to customize your degree to your career goals. Half of your courses will build a foundation in business administration while the other half will give you in-depth knowledge in your concentration. By giving equal time and care to the concentration courses, our MSA program is recognized as a strong, career-building program.

As of November 2, 2023, Central Michigan University aligned it's Master of Science in Administration in Human Resource Administration with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook and Template.

Logo showing that CMU's MSA program is academically aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Master of Science in Administration (M.S.A)
Format
On Campus
Online
Credit Hours
36 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program Highlights Careers & Outcomes

What is an MSA degree?

The core part of the Master of Science in Administration program — about half your courses — teaches the basics of administration, like organizational theory, financial analysis, strategic planning, human resources and more. These courses cover everything you need to understand how businesses operate and how to manage people.

The other half of your courses — in your chosen concentration — allow you to tailor the curriculum to your interests and career goals. There are 11 concentrations to choose from.

  • If you want to apply for upper management in various industries, you might choose a broad concentration like general administration or leadership.
  • If you know you want to lead in health care, engineering or human resources, you can choose the concentration specific to your chosen field.

The MSA program includes a capstone project that you choose in consultation with your instructor. This final project brings together all that you've learned and highlights your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The capstone often presents a well-crafted solution to a problem at your current workplace or within the field you wish to join. 

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Highlights of our MSA program

  • Certification to credit: If you’ve earned an industry-recognized certification in some concentrations, you may already have completed one to three courses of your MSA degree. Check what qualifies for each concentration.
  • Stackable format: The MSA degree allows you to take the core courses as an Administrative Essentials graduate certificate. Then, add the remaining courses of your concentration to complete the MSA degree if all courses are started and completed within seven years.
  • Graduate certificates: You can take any of the concentrations as a stand-alone graduate certificate. In just five or six courses, you can add a new dimension to your skills and résumé.
  • Adult-friendly formats: Complete the program in a way that works for you — on campus, online or both. Most classes are scheduled during evenings, and you can take the program full-time or part-time. Explore additional student support and resources available for MSA students.
  • Prior Learning credit: By creating a Prior Learning Portfolio, you could qualify for credit toward your MSA degree when you document your work, training and life experiences that apply to your program. Your portfolio will be evaluated by CMU, and you could be awarded graduate credits at a substantial saving of both time and money.

Concentrations

Filter Concentrations by Location:
  • Become a digital leader: Learn how to maximize digital resources, manage remote teams, and build a social media presence.
  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule. 
  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager; General Manager; Business Analyst; Human Resources Manager; Management Analyst; Financial Manager; and more! 

  • Build administrative expertise: Forge the link between engineers and organizational business needs by adding the leadership and people skills you need to pursue management roles. 

  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule. 

  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager; General Manager; Business Analyst; Human Resources Manager; Management Analyst; Financial Manager and more! 

  • Keep your options open: Customize your program by choosing courses from multiple concentrations to design a curriculum that meets your career goals.
  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule. 
  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager, General Manager, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst or Financial Manager. 
  • Become a leader in a growing sector: Take courses on the legal, financial, and policy aspects of the health care industry. Learn how to navigate regulations and manage resources effectively. 
  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule. 
  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager, General Manager, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst or Financial Manager.
  • Master complex employment issues: Take courses on organizational development, labor relations, and staff training. 
  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule. 
  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager, General Manager, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst or Financial Manager.
  • Learn how to lead: Meet your organization’s goals with your knowledge of communication strategies, group dynamics, conflict management, cultural diversity, and organizational change. 
  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule. 
  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager, General Manager, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst or Financial Manager. 
  • Learn how to keep goods flowing globally: From acquisition to final delivery, you’ll develop the skills needed for purchasing, logistics, and contracting. 
  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule.
  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager, General Manager, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst or Financial Manager.
  • Prepare for a career helping others: Take courses covering topics like securing and managing grants, governing boards, and managing nonprofit organizations. 
  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule. 
  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager, General Manager, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst or Financial Manager. 
  • Learn how to make projects come together: Hone your leadership, communication, multitasking, and analytical thinking skills so you can finish projects in a timely and cost-effective manner. 
  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule. 
  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager, General Manager, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst, or Financial Manager.

  • Advance your career in public service: Develop a deep understanding of the economic, social, and political factors that impact public and nonprofit organizations.
  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule. 
  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager, General Manager, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst or Financial Manager.
  • Build the expertise to develop workforce talent: Learn how to train and inspire employees and make knowledgeable decisions that enhance the workforce.
  • Complete the program in a way that works for you: With classes available in the evening, on a full- and part-time basis, and online or in person, you can build a course load that fits your schedule.
  • Those with an existing CPLP certification may have earned six credits toward your MSA degree through our Certification-to-Credit Program.
  • Possible Careers and Outcomes: Project Manager, General Manager, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst or Financial Manager.

Master of Science in Administration careers and salaries

Our MSA graduates work in many different types of upper-level management roles across a wide variety of businesses and industries. This versatile degree and multiple concentrations allow you to align your education with your goals.

Career Projected Salary
Project Manager $100,750
General Manager $105,350
Business Analyst (General) $101,190
Human Resources Manager $140,030
Management Analyst $101,190
Financial Manager $161,700
Two female online students sit at a picnic table working on their assignments.

Ready to go back to college and earn your master’s degree?

Many people already in the workforce are finding that to advance in their career, they need a master’s degree. If you’ve earned any work-related certifications or participated in trainings, check out this blog to see some of the ways you can turn your life experience into college credit.

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