Full-time MBA studies are in either one-year or two-year programs, each with distinct benefits. A one-year program places emphasis on the skills of management and assumes the student has acquired prior business abilities. The one-year program is ideal for those that have already spent a substantial amount of time in the business world and want to increase their value to employers. A two-year MBA curriculum takes approximately 21 months of study and offers accelerated courses. Two-year programs take less time to complete compared to a part-time course of study. Additionally, a two-year MBA features further skill training through internships between academic years. Generally, two-year MBA programs benefit recent college graduates and people either seeking to further their current occupational skills or change their career course altogether. Students in a full-time program are not part of the workplace during their studies.
Balancing a current career with the desire to increase your education makes part-time MBA programs popular among people working in the business world. Students choose their own course schedule with part-time MBA programs, some of which can take up to five years to complete. Students involved in this type of education often use their current income to help pay for their schooling. Additionally, some employers may supplement a portion of their employees' MBA programs. Another advantage of a part-time MBA program is the ability of students to incorporate their current job responsibilities into their course studies.
There are a number of online business schools offering MBA courses allowing students to work toward their degrees at their own pace. Career professionals who have busy schedules and family responsibilities find these programs beneficial. One benefit of an online MBA program is the ability to attend courses anytime. Similar to those taking part-time MBA courses, some employers offer financial aid to their workers participating in an online program. In some cases, a company may completely pay for an employee's online MBA degree. Taking this type of course is not for everyone as the added freedom of studying anytime may be difficult for those who do not have strong time management skills.
An executive MBA course of study is for senior level executives seeking further advancement within a corporation. Coursework for these programs can take a year or more to complete, but also is available in condensed form, allowing busy executives to complete training in less time. At some companies, the highest-level managers are required to earn an executive MBA and receive financial assistance from the organization for their effort.