There’s no denying that an MBA degree is a powerful tool if you aim to advance your career. Enrolling in a Master of Business Administration degree program can help you earn all the skills and knowledge you would need for a variety of business careers, whether it be in project management or accounting.
Of course, pursuing a degree like this needs a certain level of time commitment. It’s possible to earn your degree even while being a full-time working professional. But exactly how long does it take to get an MBA degree?
MBA programs usually take about two years of full-time study to complete, but there are shorter and longer options available.
How Long It Takes to Get an MBA Degree
How long does it take to get a MBA degree? The length of time it takes to finish an MBA degree program depends on the type of program and the school you’re enrolled in. There are some programs that are meant to be completed in a year, while other programs could take up to several years for students to complete.
Here is a list of the different MBA programs you can enroll in:
Full-time MBA
A full-time MBA program is usually what is considered the traditional path toward an MBA degree. It takes 2 years to complete a full-time MBA program. Students who enroll in this are also expected to be full-time enrollees, which means they either live on or near the campus and don’t have to juggle their studies with a full-time job.
Part-time MBA
This type of MBA program can take somewhere between 3 to 5 years before it’s completed. Classes are also typically scheduled differently than normal class hours, which is why you might even hear people refer to it as the weekend or evening MBA program. A part-time MBA program is meant for students who still have to work full-time but want to pursue a degree.
Accelerated MBA
An accelerated MBA program only takes students one year to complete. For this to be possible, a lot of schools that offer this program usually require students to have a bachelor’s degree in business or have taken a few prerequisite courses. Prior experience is also an advantage so they can move through topics quickly.
Executive MBA
Executive MBA programs are meant for full-time working professionals who have already built their careers and spent around a decade in them. It usually takes about two years to complete with the majority of the classes scheduled for the weekends.
Global MBA
A global MBA program is similar to the traditional full-time MBA program in that it also takes two years to complete with a full-time schedule. The main difference between the two is that a global MBA program heavily focuses on global business practices and often attracts a more internationally diverse group of students.
Dual MBA
As the name suggests, a dual MBA program is essentially a double major program. Most dual MBA programs are often combined with law degrees or master’s or doctorate degrees in other fields such as technology, public policy or health care to name a few.
Dual MBA programs are fast-tracked because it allows you to complete two degrees at the same time. The catch is that they may take a lot longer than two years to complete.
Pursuing An MBA Degree
You might wonder, ‘Is it hard to get an MBA degree?’ The answer is that there is no specific way to quantify it. It can definitely be challenging but the degree of that is very specific to the individual.
Keep in mind that an MBA degree isn’t necessary for success. Figuring out how to get a job without a degree is possible, and can sometimes be easier, especially when you get to volunteer in an industry you already have the necessary skills for.
However, an MBA degree is great for establishing and moving up in your career.
When pursuing an MBA degree, here are a few things you need to consider before deciding if getting an MBA degree is too hard for you or not:
Time Management
This is the most crucial factor to consider when deciding if an MBA is for you. Are you able to handle a heavy workload? How are you able to balance all the different responsibilities from different aspects of your life?
If you’re someone who has excellent time management skills, then enrolling in an MBA program won’t be too difficult for you.
Course Proficiency
You need to examine the courses you’re taking and the courses you’re planning on taking. This could determine how challenging an MBA program would be for you.
If you’re highly proficient in math and a very analytical person, then most of the courses offered such as accounting and economics may not be too hard for you.
However, courses that focus more on management and communication may prove to be difficult if you’re not well versed in the business language and in different sales marketing techniques.
Mental Fortitude
Business school is a whole different experience, filled with fast-paced learning, a lot of new and possibly nerve-wracking experiences, and other people who are just like you. If you were at the top of your class, then chances are most of the people in your program excelled in their previous schools too.
Transitioning to this environment can be a strain on some people. It’s definitely a humbling experience, being thrust into an environment where a lot of the things you thought you were sure of being questioned and sometimes even proven false.
There will be many times when you’ll start doubting and asking yourself why you’re even there. But remember that everyone goes through those thought patterns too. If you got accepted in the first place, then you belong there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years does it take to earn an MBA?
Traditionally, an MBA program takes two years to complete. But depending on the program and school you enroll in, there are some MBA programs that only take a year to complete while others can take several years.
Is an MBA better than a Masters?
It depends on what you personally want for your career. An MBA is better for students who want great career flexibility, as well as aim to eventually pursue managerial roles or business ownership.
On the other hand, a Master’s degree is a better option if you want highly specialized knowledge in a specific area.
Is it worth to get a MBA?
Yes, an MBA degree is worth pursuing. It allows you to accelerate your career path and provides you with all the necessary tools to excel in your chosen industry. Not to mention, a 2021 survey of corporate recruiters revealed that MBA degree holders earn much more than non-holders.
