Top Specialisations & Courses After BCA: MCA, MIM, MCM, PGPCS, ISM, MBA
A BCA course is a good starting point for those looking for career options in the field of Technology as well as Management. After BCA, you can pursue courses and specialisations such as MCA, MBA in IT, MSc Data Science, Cybersecurity certifications, and even short online courses in digital marketing, artificial intelligence, or blockchain. These courses can further boost your skills and open up even better job opportunities.
Check out some of the top courses and specialisations to opt for after BCA for a successful career.
A Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) prepares a student for a bright career in Information Technology. It is a popular course among students and is offered by many top colleges and universities across India. Career prospects after obtaining a BCA degree are also wide, with numerous job opportunities available in the IT sector. However, to make the most of this three-year programme, students need to choose the right specialisation at the postgraduate level.
BCA students often face the dilemma of choosing the right specialisation at the master's level, which can be addressed through a three-point analysis: Interest, Aptitude, and Future. However, to decide the right way to move ahead, it is critical to know the courses and specialisations available to a BCA graduate.
- Top Specialisations and Courses to Opt After BCA
- 1. Master of Computer Applications (MCA)
- 2. Master's Degree in Information Management (MIM)
- 3. Master's in Computer Management (MCM)
- 4. Post Graduate Program in Corporate Studies (PGPCS)
- 5. Information Security Management (ISM)
- 6. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Top Specialisations and Courses to Opt After BCA
After completing your BCA, you can opt for the following programs:
1. Master of Computer Applications (MCA)
MCA is a post-graduate degree in computer applications. This is a senior-level course that prepares professionals to meet the complex demands of the IT industry. It emphasises planning, designing, and building complex commercial application software and system software, as well as business management and mathematics.
MCA career prospects
| Software Developer | Cloud Engineer |
| IT Architect | Cybersecurity Analyst |
| Data Scientist | Database Administrator |
| Network Engineer | Web Developer |
| Project Manager | Systems Analyst |
2. Master's Degree in Information Management (MIM)
A Master's Degree in Information Management or an MBA in IT prepares a student to lead the department of information and technology in an organisation. The 2-year course equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and fulfil users’ needs, develop new technologies, and maintain information assets.
MIM career prospects
| Digital Content Manager | |
| Knowledge Manager | System Analyst |
| User Experience Manager | Mobile Application Developer |
| Product Manager | Management Consultant |
| Cyber Security Analyst | Computer Network Architect |
3. Master's in Computer Management (MCM)
A Master's in Computer Management (MCM) is a combination of computer and managerial skills. The course imparts to students the basic skill set of management and computers. Students are trained not only in problem-solving and building intricate computer applications but also receive basic training in marketing management, financial management, and operations management.
MCM career prospects
| Software Developer | Network Administrator |
| System Analyst | Business Analyst |
| Database Administrator | Technical Support Manager |
| Project Manager (IT) | Web Developer |
| IT Consultant | IT Manager |
After completing MCM, a candidate can also opt for various government jobs through competitive exams. They can secure a job in various government organisations like ISRO, Railways, Defence, SAIL, BHEL, etc.
4. Post Graduate Program in Corporate Studies (PGPCS)
As the name suggests, PGPCS is a two-year program in management studies that BCA students can undertake to pursue a career in marketing, finance, operations, IT, and other branches of management.
PGPCS career prospects
After completing a BCA and PGPCS, prospects are bright and numerous in the corporate world; the combination opens up various doors for an individual, from IT manager to department head, to entrepreneurship.
| Business Analyst | Financial Analyst |
| Management Consultant | Operations Manager |
| Corporate Strategist | Project Manager |
| Entrepreneur | Corporate Communications Specialist |
5. Information Security Management (ISM)
Information Security Management is defined as the study of security technology, policy, risk management, and evaluation. The post-graduate program imparts knowledge and skill sets in managing complex technical security systems, operational costs, diverse policies, and user behaviour, among other areas. The course entails a comprehensive training critical for the security of computer networks in organisations.
ISM career prospects
| Information Security Analyst | Cybersecurity Manager |
| Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst | Network Security Engineer |
| Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker) | Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)* |
| Security Consultant | Security Auditor |
| IT Security Manager | Incident Response Specialist |
6. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Those with a managerial bent can opt for an MBA after completing a BCA. Although the ideal option would be an MCA or PG course in IT, an MBA is also a lucrative option, nonetheless. Students who plan to pursue an MBA after completing a BCA degree should consider specialising in IT for a bright and secure future. Premier Management institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, MDI, XLRI, and IIFT offer an MBA in IT programme. Students can also opt for specialisations in Marketing, Data Science, Data Analytics, and Operations as part of their MBA.
MBA career prospects
| IT Manager | Consultant (IT/Business) |
| Business Analyst | Operations Manager |
| Project Manager (IT/Tech) | Marketing Manager |
| Data Scientist | Systems Analyst |
| Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | HR Manager |
| Management Information Systems (MIS) Manager | Training & Development Manager |
With technology changing so quickly, BCA graduates who keep up with these trends and never stop upskilling themselves can have a successful and rewarding career in the future.
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