How Long Does an MBA Degree Take to Complete?
The time it takes to complete an MBA program differs based on the program type a student chooses. Discover details about the core program and how long it may take to earn an MBA in different programs.
Time Required to Earn an MBA
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree earned by those looking to either enter or excel further in the business world. Individuals apply to MBA degree programs from all walks of life, including directly out of a bachelor's degree program, after working an entry-level position for a few years, or after having worked within the private or public sector for many years.
There are generally five main types of MBA programs. The length of these programs ranges from 1-3+ years. Examples are detailed below.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree earned by those looking to either enter or excel further in the business world. Individuals apply to MBA degree programs from all walks of life, including directly out of a bachelor's degree program, after working an entry-level position for a few years, or after having worked within the private or public sector for many years.
There are generally five main types of MBA programs. The length of these programs ranges from 1-3+ years. Examples are detailed below.
Full-Time MBA: 2 Years
This is the standard MBA program. It takes four semesters of full-time coursework to complete, coinciding with the university's schedule. Students are enrolled with a full-time course load, typically beginning their semester in late August or early September and completing all work required for the degree by May or June of the second year.
Typically, today’s Master’s of Business Administration programs require students to complete 36 credits in fields like strategic management, communication, managerial accounting, and other key areas. Unlike graduate-level business programs, full-time students are not expected to take 15 credits each semester. 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. Students who haven’t taken the required undergraduate coursework in finance, accounting, economics, and management, might have to add up to a full extra semester to their estimated program length. 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.
This is the standard MBA program. It takes four semesters of full-time coursework to complete, coinciding with the university's schedule. Students are enrolled with a full-time course load, typically beginning their semester in late August or early September and completing all work required for the degree by May or June of the second year.
Typically, today’s Master’s of Business Administration programs require students to complete 36 credits in fields like strategic management, communication, managerial accounting, and other key areas. Unlike graduate-level business programs, full-time students are not expected to take 15 credits each semester. 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. Students who haven’t taken the required undergraduate coursework in finance, accounting, economics, and management, might have to add up to a full extra semester to their estimated program length. 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.
Part-Time MBA: 3+ Years
Working professionals often enroll in part-time degree programs. Students take their classes either at night or on the weekends, and their course load depends on what they believe they're able to handle per semester. Courses may also be available online.
Working professionals often enroll in part-time degree programs. Students take their classes either at night or on the weekends, and their course load depends on what they believe they're able to handle per semester. Courses may also be available online.
Part-Time Students Could Still Finish in Two Years
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 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. Some fine print does apply, however, including the expense of extra tuition, limited breaks between intensive graduate classes, and the potential for such a high work load to become overwhelming alongside career obligations. Even so, this is a promising way to complete a part-time program in a span of time typically reserved only for full-time students.
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 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. Some fine print does apply, however, including the expense of extra tuition, limited breaks between intensive graduate classes, and the potential for such a high work load to become overwhelming alongside career obligations. Even so, this is a promising way to complete a part-time program in a span of time typically reserved only for full-time students.
Accelerated MBA: 1+ Years
These programs differ in length by school. Students do not adhere to the standard university schedule for these programs. Winter vacations may only last a single week, and students may be required to take courses all summer instead of receiving the standard vacation.
These programs differ in length by school. Students do not adhere to the standard university schedule for these programs. Winter vacations may only last a single week, and students may be required to take courses all summer instead of receiving the standard vacation.