A graduate business degree, or your MBA, can help launch an ambitious student to a leadership position or better-paying job. Many top business leaders have earned a Master of Business Administration, or MBA. The degree can help you develop and hone skills in fields such as accounting, organizational management or marketing. MBA programs also offer powerful networking benefits and opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the business world.
If you’re considering career development, there are numerous benefits that could push you in the direction of enrolling. While many MBA programs require students to attend a two-year, in-person program on a college campus, several universities offer alternative programs tailored to working professionals or part-time students. Here are three ways to earn your MBA that you might not have thought of.
Look Into Part-Time Programs
MBA programs traditionally enrolled students for a two-year, full-time program. As the higher education and business worlds have evolved, universities have started adapting their programs to meet the needs of working professionals. Many students now have the option to take courses on a part-time basis while they hold down a full-time day job. Those part-time programs can be an attractive option for students who can’t afford to leave their job, or who would like to continue gaining work experience while they complete their degree.
Programs such as the career development allow students to choose between taking courses on a full-time or part-time basis. You can go all-in as a full-time student to complete the program in one year, or take classes part-time to earn your degree in two years.
The number of courses part-time students take each semester will vary depending on the program. Part-time MBA students will often be asked to take two courses, or about six credit hours, each semester until they complete all the required course hours.
Take Courses Online
Online MBA programs have grown in popularity in recent years. According to Forbes, the US News rankings for online MBA programs in 2018 listed 270 programs, up from 180 programs the previous year.
The appeal of an online MBA program is multifaceted. Students can attend classes on a flexible schedule from their homes or offices, allowing plenty of time for maintaining a regular job and spending time with family. Because online coursework can generally be completed from anywhere with a decent internet connection, students can choose from programs across the country, rather than just their geographic area. Prospective MBA students might want to enroll in a highly ranked program based in California, even if the student is based in Missouri. Online enrollment makes that possible, giving successful students a degree from a well-known institution that could help with future job searches.
Many programs are 100% online, while others offer a mix of online and in-person classes. Think about your schedule and weekly availability to determine which mix of remote and in-person learning might be best for you.
Consider a Rolling Start Date
An MBA program offers students real-world, practical knowledge they can use immediately in their coursework or jobs. To start your career development and begin gaining that practical knowledge as soon as possible, consider enrolling in a program with a rolling start date.
Some MBA programs enroll students for multiple start dates throughout the year, rather than a traditional fall university start in August or September. Look for a program that accepts applications on a rolling basis, and that starts classes multiple times a year. Start date availability varies from a single cohort that starts in the fall, to two classes that start in the fall or spring, to groups that start up to six or seven times a year.
The sooner you can submit an application and enroll in an MBA program, the sooner you can start enjoying the benefits of increased business knowledge and networking connections.
MBA programs offer a wide range of concentrations and electives to meet students’ interests, with specializations available in areas including human resource management, marketing, business strategy and talent management.
