MIM and Master in International Business (MIB)

Published: 30 January 2020 | by Thomas Graf

Some business schools offer Masters in Management (MIM) while others offer Masters in Business (MIB). Are these programs the same? Do the degrees get the same recognition?

Masters in Management (MIM) vs. Masters in Business (MIB): in most cases no difference

On the whole, business schools are free to name their programs as they wish - some may follow the general trend and name their programs "Master in Management" as this term becomes more and more popular. Others may try to differentiate themselves a bit by calling their programs "Master in Business", "Master in Business Administration", or something similar. In general, the only differences that exist between these programs are the school-specific differences that always exist when more than one institution offers the same degree.

Comparing a Master in Management at two different schools

If you compare, for example, a Master's in Management program at two different schools, you will find some differences in the courses, the structure, and the companies that come to campus. However, these programs are basically the same - they are postgraduate programs in management for graduates without work experience.

Comparing a Master in Business at one school with a Master in Management at another school

If you compare a Master in Business at one school with a Master in Management at another school you will find similar differences - but fundamentally both program types are NOT SPECIALIZED Masters like the Master in Marketing or the Master in Supply Chain Management. Both the MIM and the MIB are general management or business programs that provide you with an overview of managerial functions and problems.

Masters in International Management (MIM) and Masters in International Business (MIB)

Some schools offer Masters in International Management and abbreviate them with "MIM" - and they offer Masters of International Business and abbreviate them with "MIB". Here again these programs do not differ from each other fundamentally. However, in comparison to Masters in Management and Masters in Business, they emphasize an international perspective and likely have courses in international management, specific markets, or international business law.

HAVING SAID THAT, there may be some differences...

In the Global MIM Survey 2013 (published in September 2013), we asked participating schools about this topic. The majority tends to offer a Master in Management or a Master in Business - but not both. If they do offer both, these programs often align the name to clarify where some differences lie.

Master in General Management and Master in European Business

A school, for example, may offer a Master in Management and a Master in European Business. In that case, the latter clearly has a specific focus on Europe or European Business that the general MIM does not have.

Master in General Management and MIB

Moreover, schools often offer a Master in Management and an MIB. Again, the name of the program makes this difference clear as the Master in Management does not have an explicit thematic focus, whereas the Master of International Business has some extra courses on international business topics or even study trips to countries with interesting markets.

MIM, MIB, and MBA - a question of institutional acceptance

It may help to better understand this variety of degree names if you differentiate MIMs and MIBs from MBAs. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an institutionally established degree. Everyone, at least people in business and HR departments, knows what MBAs are and likely has an opinion on this type of program. HR managers at internationally operating companies, for instance, are aware that the MBA is a management degree for professionals. Because of that, schools that develop a new program in management for professionals will most likely will call it an MBA and make sure the design fulfills the requirements of an MBA.

Only the MBA is an official degree - MIM and MIB are only abbreviations used by schools

With respect to postgraduate degrees for graduates without professional experience, however, no degree is uniquely accepted like the MBA because they are all accepted as postgraduate degrees. Therefore, schools are free from any institutional pressure and can call this type of program whatever they want.

  • When HR managers see that an applicant did a Master in Management, a Master of International Business, or a Master in Finance, they note that he or she did a Master, they see the area, and they see the school. They do not, however, differentiate with respect to the degree itself. Nevertheless, an increasing trend shows that the "MIM" abbreviation is becoming more and more established and may someday achieve similar global recognition to that of the MBA.

Further Links about Management Education Degrees

Some schools only offer one type of program. The Hult International Business School, for example, offers a Master of Science in Internat. Business and no "Master in Management". The MIB at Hult basically is a Master in General Management, with a concentration of focus on international business. A similar case is the Grenoble Business School.

Some schools offer several program types. The UCD Michael Smurfit School, for example, offers an Master of Science in Internat. Business, a Master of Science in International Management in cooperation with the CEMS Global Alliance in Management Education, as well as a Master of Science in Management.

If you are looking for Masters in Management or Business with an international perspective, you can use our search engine and the respective filter under "program type".

By Thomas Graf