The Columbia University Business School's accelerated MBA program takes 16 months, and the admission process is one of the most selective in the country. Columbia's program is mainly for businesspeople who are looking to further their education without interrupting their careers. The first half of the program follows the same core curriculum as the full-time MBA program, with the second half focusing on executive education.
Cornell University's accelerated MBA program lasts 12 months beginning and ending in May. Its program is designed for individuals who already have an advanced degree, strong quantitative skills and leadership potential. Because students enter the program with some relevant prior graduate coursework, Cornell is able to limit the program to 12 months. The school automatically grants 15 course credits toward the 60 required for an MBA.
Emory University relies heavily on communication and teamwork skills. Its MBA program starts and ends in May in an intense 12-month program. Students begin the program with a one-week mandatory orientation. For the summer months, they work together in a very intense accelerated overview of the normal MBA program's first year of classes. Then, in the fall semester, they join the two-year MBA students in their second year to finish the MBA degree.
Northwestern University's accelerated MBA program lasts 12 months and enables students to return to work quickly. To be eligible for admission, students must have taken all undergraduate business courses and obtained a bachelor's degree within the past seven years that includes a course in accounting. The program is very flexible and allows the students to choose some of their coursework.
Individuals who have a bachelor's degree in business and have graduated within the last seven years have the option to complete the accelerated MBA program at the University of Florida. Their program begins in June and ends in only 11 months. Students in this program have the choice of more than 100 elective courses and 15 concentrations. This program is targeted toward students who want to build on an already extensive business background, professional or academic.