Maybe you just finished an undergraduate degree in business, and you want to jump start your career right away with an advanced degree. Or maybe you have been working for a few years and realize how an MBA can help you move up the career ladder.
We know you have questions, and we have answers!
How Long Does it Take to Get an MBA?
It really depends on you. Most MBA programs are two years, but many people choose to complete the program in one—either because their college offers that option with a business undergraduate degree, or because they do an accelerated program.
Other people decide to do a part-time program and complete it in three to five years. There’s no right or wrong way to do it; you just choose what works best for your life and goals.
What Factors Impact The Time It Takes To Complete an MBA?
When selecting a program length, keep the following factors in mind:
12-18 months
If you have an undergraduate degree in business (or a related major), check to see if your college offers a 1-year MBA that you can add on top of that. It may be that you can save up to a year by going that route.
Alternatively, if you have the time and capacity to do school full-time at an accelerated rate, look for a college that offers an MBA in 12 to 18 months. Many universities with MBAs offer on-campus, online, or hybrid accelerated courses.
2 years
If you have no undergraduate degree in business, and if an accelerated program is overwhelming to think about, there is a lot of benefit in looking for a traditional 2-year MBA program.
Usually, people who have little or no experience in business choose this option. So do people who have been in business a few years but want to build a firm business foundation without the stress of an accelerated program. On-campus and online programs are both great options for a 2-year program.
3+ years
If you have a full-time job or spend your time in other pursuits, you may benefit from a part-time program where you can take one or two classes at a time, at your own pace.
If this is you, then great! You will want to look for a university that will help you take classes on your own time with a schedule that works for you.
How Long Does it Take to Get an MBA online?
Online, it typically takes one to two years to get an MBA. Check the website of the university you are looking at to find out if they have flexible programs that allow you to speed up or slow down your program, depending on your needs. Part time programs can take three to five years.
Learn more about Online MBA program at Crown College
Is an MBA Hard?
An MBA is neither the hardest nor the easiest degree to get. About two thirds of people who start an MBA program end up completing it.
There seems to be no difference between online and on-campus programs when it comes to difficulty level, as both options cover the course material thoroughly.
To keep your MBA experience useful, enjoyable, and as easy as possible, follow these three steps:
- Be mindful of your time. You will probably have to find a way to keep track of your schedule, and you will probably have to say no to things that people ask you to do. But it is good to prioritize this time in your life, because it is an investment in your future.
- Come prepared. Showing up to class is only part of the program. Participating in discussion, homework, classroom presentations, and research projects will help you be the best student—and ultimately the best employee—you can be.
- Utilize your resources well. From the university’s library and resume help to the soccer carpool for your kids’ practices, use what you have to maximize your time and experience without draining your resources.
Can You Get an MBA While Working Full Time?
Yes! You don’t have to leave the workforce to complete your studies. This is a popular choice among people who have already been working full-time when they enter the program.
Thanks to online MBA programs, flexible work arrangements and modern organizational tools, it’s easier than ever to do school work side by side. Many people who choose to be employees and students at the same time opt for online programs.
The benefits of online classes include:
- You can do your work on your time, around your busy schedule.
- Most online programs start any time of the year (or at least several times during the year), so you are not tied down to a traditional semester schedule.
- You can attend any college or university in the country; you are not required to go somewhere close to home or move away from home for your degree.
How do You Find the Right MBA Program?
First, consider what kind of life you want to have while you are in the program. Do you want to do the program alongside what is already going on in your life, or do you want to drop everything and do school? Do you want the flexibility of an online program, or do you enjoy the face-to-face interactions of the on-campus life?
Once you decide that, look at your options. Call universities and talk to their advisors. Look at course schedules online. Find out what the requirements of entry are.
Ask things like, can you get an MBA without a business degree at your school? And, what is the graduation rate of this program?
Crown College offers an online MBA that you can start almost any time of year, with classes in bite-sized chunks. The program integrates a Christian worldview and have options in traditional business and non-profit management.
The flexible program is designed especially for working professionals who need to balance career, college and life. And the faculty work hard to give you a personalized, unique experience tailored to your own career goals.
Request more info from Crown College today to get started!
