MBA
/ˌɛm.biːˈeɪ/noun
An advanced degree, or its holder, in business administration.
Did you know?Harvard introduced the first MBA curriculum in 1908, helping transform business management from practical apprenticeship into a formal university subject.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μάγιστρος (magistros)
“A chief or superintendent; the distant ancestor of English “master”.”
Classical Latin
Latin
magister
“A master, chief, or teacher.”
Classical Latin
Latin
administrare
“To assist or manage, literally connected with serving or attending to a task.”
Middle English
English
maister / bisinesse
““Master” meant a person with authority or expertise; “business” meant care, employment, or an affair requiring attention.”
1908
English
Master of Business Administration
“Harvard introduced the first formal MBA curriculum, establishing business administration as a graduate field.”
20th Century–Present
English
MBA
“The standardized initialism for Master of Business Administration, now used globally for the degree and its holders.”
Explore more surprising origins