Different Types of MBA Programs

MBA programs can be full-time or part-time; in this section, we discuss some common characteristics of the different types of programs.

Full-Time Programs

Full-time MBA programs typically last two academic years, with a three or four-month summer break, which students typically use for internships. Students cover fundamentals in the first year, and then have a choice of electives and a focused area of study in the second year. Useful for both people changing careers and those hoping to accelerate their current career track, these programs offer the chance to develop a specialization and a deep network of contacts. Full-time programs also typically boast features such as career services, social clubs, and speakers’ series. To take full advantage of these opportunities, applicants need a firm sense of their long-term goals and how an MBA can advance those goals. Students also need to be able to finance school while not earning a full-time salary.

One of the biggest advantages of a full-time MBA is the internship opportunities it affords. Internships are a great way to build your résumé and gain practical experience, and many businesses hire former interns to fill open positions. The career services office typically offers guidance during the internship process, and you can also turn to classmates who’ve already completed one. Some non-full-time programs also offer internships, though they typically don’t allow a full immersion into the internship for 6 to 10 weeks.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of full-time programs is their strong sense of community, leading to more opportunities to develop a rich network of contacts. Social clubs offer the chance to spend time with classmates outside of class. Students will likely see familiar faces in all of their courses and can set up study groups more easily because everyone is on the same schedule. Your fellow students will be the core of your long-term network of contacts.

Experienced professionals who are less interested in core courses or specialization might consider one-year accelerated programs. Marked by stricter work and academic prerequisites than two-year programs and intense competition, these programs allow students to more quickly leverage their experience into an MBA. That said, one-year programs offer fewer internship opportunities, and some firms requiring MBAs prefer two-year degrees.

Part-Time Programs

For students interested in earning an MBA while working full-time, there are part-time programs that hold evening and weekend classes. Some programs require fewer courses by cutting out specialization, while others demand as many courses as a full-time program, spread out over a longer period of time. Popular with those looking to energize their current careers, these programs are best for experienced students already working in their chosen fields. Many employers even offer tuition reimbursement to encourage employee enrollment.

However, not all part-time programs offer the same range of specializations as full-time programs, and scholarship money tends to be more limited. Because career services support and internships are less available, these programs aren’t ideal for those looking to change careers. It’s also important to note that part-time credits rarely transfer to full-time programs.

One of the most important aspects of a part-time application is showing commitment to the program. Use the essays to demonstrate that you’ve spoken to your employer and family about the school’s demands and you’ve really carved out time to devote to the program. Because part-time programs often lose students, they’re eager for committed participants.

Executive Programs

A specialized subset of part-time programs, executive programs are specifically targeted to experienced professionals who do not want to change careers but want to focus on enhancing management skills to go further in their current fields. These programs are popular with those recently promoted or expecting to advance in the near future and are often employer-sponsored. If sponsored, a student will continue to work full-time for his or her employer, with time off to attend the program, and the employer typically pays for all or most of the tuition. These programs typically run for two years, with classes meeting on alternate Fridays and Saturdays. Balancing work and school is highly demanding for most attendees, and absences are prohibited. Internships, opportunities for specialization, and scholarships are all rare.