10 Underrated Online MBA Specialisations that are Worth Pursuing in 2025

As per the 2024 Prospective Student Survey report by the Graduate Management Admission Council, the Master of Finance ranks among the top preferred online MBA specialisations, followed by the Master of Data Analytics. While demand for these specialisations is rising in 2025, many online MBA specialisations remain lesser-known yet they offer promising career choices.

India has over 78 online MBA colleges offering quality education in diverse management fields such as HR, business analytics, IT, and digital marketing. Despite this, several lesser-known online MBA specialisations remain unexplored. These specialisations equip professionals with industry-specific expertise, making them ideal for students seeking roles in rapidly growing sectors.

An online MBA degree is a two-year postgraduate programme that prepares students for roles such as human resource manager, management consultant, IT manager, and marketing manager. Graduates can expect salary packages ranging between Rs 7 to Rs 16 lakh upon successful completion of the online MBA degree programme.

Top Underrated Online MBA Specialisations To Consider Pursuing

As industries continue to evolve rapidly, many online MBA specialisations remain overlooked despite offering significant career opportunities. Below is a list of the top underrated online MBA specialisations that students should consider pursuing in 2025.

Digital Business

According to Amazon web service report, demand for workers with digital skills has increased to 27.3 million by 2024. Offered by UPES Online, this underrated specialisation enables students to lead digital transformations and innovate in the digital realm. Students are provided with an understanding of digital business transformations and new business models to drive digital innovation within the online MBA in digital business programme.

Power Management

As per India Brand Equity Foundation, India is the third largest producer and consumer of electricity globally, leaving this underrated online MBA specialisation by UPES Online vital to pursue. Students are taught power management aspects such as the electricity market, financing of power sector projects, economy, pricing, and regulations. This specialisation offers a solid career path in both public and private sector energy firms.

Infrastructure Management

An Online MBA in Infrastructure Management is a highly relevant specialisation. Offered by UPES Online, this specialisation prepares students to manage large-scale projects, construction planning, and urban development strategies. Students are equipped with skills such as financial planning, supply chain management, and infrastructure framework.

Oil and Gas Management

India aims to achieve over 50% renewable energy consumption by 2030. Careers in energy sectors have been on the rise recently. An Online MBA in Oil and Gas Management by UPES Online is designed to train students in energy production, exploration, and distribution processes. The programme covers business and project management in oil and gas transportation, while also enhancing technical skills.

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

According to Mckinsey 2025 Global Institute report, the demand for data science and AI professionals is projected to grow by 39% by 2030. The online MBA in data science and artificial intelligence by Chandigarh University enables students to gain comprehensive skills in predictive modeling, and intelligent system design, preparing them for roles in technological innovation, research, and strategic decision-making across industries.

FinTech

The FinTech industry is transforming how financial transactions are executed. Chandigarh University’s Online MBA in FinTech equips students with an understanding of financial services along with technological innovations. They gain skills in blockchain technology, digital payments systems, and financial algorithm development in the online MBA in FinTech programme.

Disaster Management

With climate change causing frequent disasters worldwide, aspiring students for this online MBA specialisation offered at Chandigarh University Online are prepared to manage, plan, and mitigate risks during natural disasters, emergencies, or crises. Topics such as disaster risk reduction, crisis communication, and emergency response planning are taught within the curriculum.

Media Management

With digital platforms expanding rapidly, media management has become a popular course option for students. This underrated online MBA provided by Chandigarh University Online prepares students to excel in the evolving media landscape. This specialisation is ideal for professionals looking to enter the broadcasting, publishing, or entertainment industries.

Hospital Management

As per the India Brand Equity Foundation Healthcare Industry Report 2024, the Indian healthcare sector is one of India’s largest employers as it employs a total of 7.5 million people. The Online MBA in Hospital Management curriculum covers hospital administration and healthcare management strategies. This specialisation is ideal for professionals aiming to improve healthcare delivery systems.

International Trade Management

With India’s trade volume expanding significantly, careers in international trade management are gaining popularity. This online MBA in International Trade Management specialisation focuses on global trade policies, import-and-export management, and international logistics management. Students are equipped with skills in market analysis, trade finance, and global supply chain strategies.

How Can Online MBA Specialisation Enhance Your Professional Exposure?

Pursuing an online MBA with specialisations is a pivotal career move that empowers students to gain industry-specific knowledge and skills. By focusing on subject niche sectors such as human resources, finance, and data analytics, students develop leading skills that are prioritised by employers and leading organisations.

According to the 2024 Corporate Recruiters Survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council, 67% of corporate employers in South Asia prioritise strategic thinking skills, while 65% emphasise the importance of leadership abilities in a management graduate, highlighting the importance of targeted specialisations in building critical skills and enhancing professional exposure among students.

Additionally, these online MBA specialisations enable students to acquire practical and industry-oriented knowledge, offering opportunities for professional exposure through internships and placement support. This hands-on experience equips students to address real-world business challenges effectively while familiarising them with the corporate environment in advance.

While popular online MBA specialisations continue to attract attention, several underrated options offer equally promising career prospects. Specialising in these emerging fields opens unique career pathways for students. Moreover, pursuing these online MBA specialisations helps develop crucial skills while offering valuable professional exposure.