Considering a master’s degree? With many options out there, deciding on the right program is a key step toward your goals. Wherever you are in your journey, the world-class master’s programs at UBC Sauder School of Business can empower you to shape the future you envision.
This overview outlines the differences between UBC’s Master of Management (MM) and Full-time Master of Business Administration programs (FTMBA) and how each program fits with your career journeys and goals. Hear directly from alumni, student ambassadors and Admissions Managers on their experience in the UBC MM and MBA programs.
| Master of Management (MM) | Full-time Master of Business Administration (FTMBA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Work experience | Zero to two years | Minimum two years required; most candidates have over four years of experience. |
| Ideal candidates | Recent graduates of non-business undergraduate degree or early career professionals. | Open to applicants from all academic backgrounds; business background not required. |
| Primary goal | A launchpad for early-career professionals looking to build employability, credibility and market readiness. | A pivot or acceleration point for experienced professionals seeking career change or advancement and to enhance their leadership skills. |
| Program length | Nine months, full-time. | Sixteen months, full-time. |
| Experiential learning opportunities | Community Business Project via local business consultation projects. | Global Immersion Experience, internship, industry consulting, live case competitions. |
| Expected salary | Average salary from Class of 2024 within three months of graduation: $64,565. | Average salary from Class of 2024 within three months of graduation: $95,502 |
| Cohort size | Forty to 60 students. | Ninety to 110 students. |
| Career outcomes | Graduates typically enter the job market with foundational business skills that complement their non-business undergraduate degrees, opening doors to industries ranging from consulting, healthcare, consumer product development and non-profit. | Graduates pivot or advance into more senior roles; focus is on leadership, team management, social impact of launching their own ventures. |
UBC MM program alumnus Wilson Lin
Wilson Lin, a graduate of the MM program, credits the program with helping him make a successful transition into his current role at Uber for Business, where he sells software solutions to enterprise clients.
“The MM program gave me a strong foundation in business management,” said Lin, who studied English literature as an undergraduate in Taiwan.
"In just nine months, I gained a broad understanding of business that prepared me.”
To this day, the program’s coursework, experiential learning opportunities and focus on creative thinking continue to influence his work. Lin recalls a pivotal lecture that reshaped how he approaches sales.
“Sales aren’t just about transactions—they’re about relationships and personalities,”
For Lin, the camaraderie within the MM cohort was another highlight.
“Coming from different backgrounds, our cohort leaned on each other’s strengths and had open, candid conversations. Having these discussions and connecting with students with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds really shaped my perspective and prepared me for working in a multicultural environment.”
UBC MBA program alumnus Raghav Malik
Raghav Malik, a graduate of the MBA program, defines his journey from India to Vancouver and back to Mumbai as transformative.
“In a heartbeat, I’d do it all again. UBC Sauder changed the way I think, work, and approach challenges. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Now excelling in equity research at Jefferies India, he reflects on how his UBC MBA gave him the skills, network and cultural agility to thrive in the fast-paced world of global finance.
“I always knew I wanted to study abroad, and Vancouver stood out to me—not just for its top-tier education but also for its culture and welcoming atmosphere,” he recalls. “Every UBC Sauder alum I reached out to responded, which was rare. That community and support system stood out to me.”
At UBC Sauder, courses like brand management and venture strategy pushed him to think unconventionally.
“Beyond career counseling at the Business Career Centre and academics, getting to understand the journeys of Sauder's highly educated and experienced professors better, be it from casual discussions in between classes or through the range of extra curriculars I was fortunate to have been able to fully explore at my time there, has been key to my growth."
Today, Malik covers a wide range of sectors and engages with C-suite leaders.
"UBC Sauder taught me to look at businesses and more importantly people, holistically. In finance, it’s easy to focus solely on numbers, but understanding business and company specific pain points and the efficacy of long-term strategy is what makes you stand out.”
Recruitment and Admissions director Rodrigo Porto
Regardless of whether you're applying to the MM or the FTMBA, Director of Recruitment and Admissions, Rodrigo Porto, recommends curious applicants begin their journey by booking a virtual coffee chat with an MM or MBA ambassador to learn from their experience and insights.
“Attend information sessions, talk to current students and alumni and review available online resources,” he said.
"Speak with our Recruitment Managers to get a deeper understanding of the program’s structure and benefits. The more you know about either programs, the better equipped you'll be to decide which is the right fit for you, and the stronger and more targeted your application will be.”
Applicants are also encouraged to reflect on their motivations and career goals.
“You don’t need to have your precise career path mapped out, but reflecting on your interests and the opportunities you hope to explore through the MM and FTMBA will help you craft a compelling application,” said Porto.
For the application itself, prepare early. Review the academic requirements and refer to the school’s waiver policy and deadlines to determine whether you need to submit a GRE or GMAT score.
To ensure you’re well prepared, plan ahead and allocate time towards studying for the exam.
Porto also encourages applicants to dig deep and let your authentic self shine.
“Share your story with us. We want to understand your motivation, goals, challenges and ideas. Our admissions committee values applicants who can clearly express their own thoughts and ideas.”
In short, the MM is designed as a springboard for recent graduates who are looking to gain a solid foundation in business and explore their career interests. It’s ideal for those ready to build their confidence and credibility as they prepare to enter the job market.
The MBA, on the other hand, is best suited for professionals who are ready to pivot, accelerate or lead, and who want to develop the strategic thinking and leadership skills to get there.
Ranked highly in Canada by QS and globally recognized by the Financial Times, our leading business programs combine theory with practical application so graduates can expertly anticipate and adapt to what the future holds.