Mba how long

Instead, the typical full-time MBA student takes nine credits, or three courses, per semester. Most full-time programs feature two semesters per academic year, which means students can expect to complete their degree two full years after they began the program. The only real exception to this rule is if newly admitted applicants require some form of remedial education prior to beginning MBA courses in earnest. Most schools will require between three and nine credits of this coursework before students can be moved into degree candidacy and take the course needed to graduate with the MBA degree.

So, how long does it take to get an MBA? Generally speaking, most students who embark on a part-time MBA will take longer to finish than their full-time counterparts.

Schools that only offer two semesters of coursework per year will typically allow students to graduate within three years after they began the program.

As mentioned earlier, most students who require remedial courses will have to add at least one semester to this duration so that they can be moved into full degree candidacy. One of the most exciting developments for graduate-level management students, however, is the adoption of a trimester format for part-time degree candidates, according to an article in Business Week. This allows students to essentially add an extra semester of part-time study to each of their academic years, and they may be able to complete their program in two years as a result.

Remember, though, that these timelines are just estimates. You'll have access to the same faculty and resources as your full-time peers, but you'll have added flexibility and work-life balance. Of course, three years is a long time to work on a degree, so consider whether or not you'll be able or willing to maintain this commitment for so long.

Here's How to Decide. Many accelerated MBA programs start early summer and end the following summer, with an optional, six-month field specialization. Students begin taking business courses their senior year and will ultimately save time and money. Online MBA programs are ideal for students who don't want to or can't leave their jobs to pursue their degree full-time. Online MBA students take between one and four classes per semester, so it may take them longer to finish their degree; at the same time, online MBA programs are often less expensive than their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Or, search schools by duration, program type, and more. Back to Top. Continue Shopping. September 14, Taylor Roman-Cohen. The part-time MBA is geared for employees who work full time, but are not yet in leadership positions. These students tend to be 24 to 35 years old and take classes after work, in the evenings, or on weekends. Earning a bachelor's degree with a 4. But not getting straight A's doesn't blemish your chances at getting into a respectable program.

Getting a 3. The very best and top-rated programs demand a higher GPA than mid- or lower-tier ones. The average score among top-tier programs is between and out of a possible A perfect score of can make an applicant stand out.

An MBA is only worth the expense, time, and effort when the graduate plans to work in a business-related field, in management, or as a company founder. An MBA may not be useful for those working in other industries unless they are in management or leadership roles.

Not all MBA degrees are created equal. The number of colleges, universities, and business schools that offer MBAs is increasing, making the space quite crowded. Unless a student earns a degree from a respectable program, it might not be as valuable as expected. Recruiters and hiring managers are not likely to view an MBA earned from an unknown or online-only educator to hold the same weight as from a top school.

For professionals going back to school at a second- or third-tier school could end up wasting their time, money, and opportunity. Hiring managers also know that an MBA doesn't automatically make them an ideal hire. Some believe that people who have achieved leadership positions with the degree would also have done so without it.

Furthermore, having an MBA won't make a candidate stand out if they're already flawed in other ways, like being obtuse, slow to adapt, or bossy. Instead, they often hire out-of-the-box thinkers who can innovate and offer a perspective different from their own. An MBA might help in getting a job interview, but it will not guarantee the applicant will land that job.

On the other hand, people with work experience looking to give their career a boost can open avenues for growth and promotion with a part-time or EMBA program. An MBA isn't worth it if you don't intend to work in a business or management-related field. The Graduate Management Admission Council GMAC issues regular research reports on how graduates from business schools rate their experience during and after school. The survey results are encouraging. While business school alumni rate their degrees positively, the return on investment ROI has gone down as investment costs, such as tuition, have increased at a much higher rate than salaries.

All MBAs aren't created equally, so make sure you choose your program and your school wisely. There are some alternatives that can help with a career in finance, business, or management for those who aren't interested in an MBA. The Master of Finance degree is finance-specific, taking only one year to complete. It provides graduates with the skills needed in trading, investments, asset management , or risk management.