How Many Years is an MBA Course?

Duration of an MBA Course

The duration of an MBA course can vary based on the mode of study.

Full-Time MBA

The full-time MBA is the most traditional form, typically taking two years to complete. However, this is the most immersive form of an MBA and generally includes internships or work-study opportunities.

Part-Time MBA

Part-time MBA programs are designed for working professionals and can take between 2-3 years, sometimes up to 5 years, depending on the student's pace and the program's flexibility.

Executive MBA

Executive MBA programs, aimed at professionals with more experience, typically take 1-2 years. These programs are designed for executives and managers who want to study while continuing their careers.

Online MBA

Online MBAs are increasingly popular and offer flexibility. The duration of these programs can range from 1-3 years, depending on how students progress through the coursework.

Factors Influencing the Duration

Accreditation

Accreditation standards can influence the length of the program. For example, schools accredited by organisations like AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS often adhere to specific curriculum standards, which may affect the program's duration.

Course Specialization

The duration also depends on whether you choose a general or specialised MBA. Specialised MBAs might require additional courses, thus extending the duration.

Geographic Location

The length of an MBA program can vary by country. For example, European MBAs are typically one year, while US MBAs are usually two years.

The Impact of Duration on MBA Value

Career Prospects

A longer MBA program might offer more comprehensive knowledge and practical experiences, which can improve career prospects.

Personal Development

Longer programs also allow more time for personal development, networking, and internships, leading to a more enriching MBA experience.

How Many Years Does It Take to Earn an MBA?

Obtaining a Master of Company Administration degree is a great step if you want to develop your career as a company manager and move up the corporate ladder.

You can gain the knowledge and abilities you need for various business occupations by enrolling in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programme. These careers vary from accountancy to project management. You can acquire a master's degree in business administration while working full-time, just like many other working business professionals worldwide have done. But how long does it take to earn a master's in business administration? The answer will rely on the degree programme you choose and your situation. While researching the best MBA programmes, you should discover which of the following possibilities the various schools provide. 

Factors That Affect the Length of Your MBA Degree Program

• Full-time vs. part-time enrolment. When determining the maximum number of semester credits your calendar can accommodate, you must consider things like employment, family, and other obligations. The average time spent on homework for one three-credit subject is between 15 and 18 hours per week. The majority of graduate schools define full-time enrolment as nine credits per semester. The typical time necessary to graduate from a Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme is at least two years when pursued full-time and typically closer to three years when studying part-time.
• MBA programmes are available both on campus and online. Students who are more successful with a greater sense of discipline and accountability may do better academically by taking classes on a traditional college campus. However, because on-campus classes meet at predetermined hours, they provide little flexibility for working professionals attempting to acquire a degree in business. At this point, online MBA programmes come into their own. Because of the adaptable nature of online degree programmes, students can access course materials and submit assignments at times that are most suitable for them, provided that they do so within the prescribed time limits. In addition, the ability to pursue a degree online provides you with increased freedom because it allows for greater flexibility and eliminates the need for travel time, allowing you to balance your work and personal responsibilities better.
• Standard vs. fast-track MBA programmes. Some educational institutions provide a streamlined Master of Business Administration degree programme that can be completed in at least one year. In these programmes, the standard semester is compressed into a series of terms that last only eight weeks. Although the pace may be too strenuous for some people, those who can devote the necessary amount of time to it consider it an excellent choice.
• Postgraduate transfer credits. Your MBA programme may let you transfer a specific number of credits from other graduate-level programmes. You can shorten the duration of your programme by transferring in more credits than are normally permitted if that option is available.
• Admissions test. Some schools will accept your application to their online MBA programme even if you must submit a score from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Although this would not shorten the duration of your degree programme, it would save you time at the beginning of the process.

How Long Is an MBA Program?

MBA hopefuls come from various backgrounds and have a wide range of requirements for their education. The following is a list of the numerous formats and delivery choices available for MBA programmes, which institutions offer to accommodate the varied requirements of their student body. When considering these alternatives, remember that the most important aspect determining how long it will take you to finish the programme is whether you study part-time or full-time.

Traditional full time

How long does it take to complete an MBA programme if you attend classes full-time? Traditional master of business administration (MBA) programmes typically require students to obtain 36 credits through the completion of 12 courses, each worth three credits and spread out over four academic semesters. These programmes, which typically require students to be enrolled full-time for two years, offer classes during the fall and spring semesters. Students who enrol full-time can complete four semesters of schoolwork in just sixteen months if their programme includes a summer session.

On the other hand, MBA programmes divide the twelve-month academic year into five or six terms, each lasting eight or ten weeks. If students attend school full-time and participate in a structured programme like this one, they can graduate in 12 to 15 months if they take two classes each term.

Part-time

People who would benefit more from the adaptability of this programme than the concentration that a full-time MBA would provide may find that opting for a part-time MBA is the best option for them.

It takes students an average of three years to graduate from an MBA programme they attend part-time. However, this number might vary depending on how many credits they take each semester. You are responsible for selecting a course load for each semester compatible with your professional and personal obligations. 

Online

MBAs completed online may be the most suitable option if you place a high value on affordability and flexibility and are open to online discussions with classmates and instructors. In addition, MBA programmes that are completed online allow students to continue working while simultaneously gaining the skills necessary to start and run their businesses.

On average, most online MBA degree programmes take between two and three years to complete. A lot of people do their schoolwork in groups called cohorts. This indicates that a cohort of students begins the programme simultaneously and proceeds through all of the prerequisites simultaneously. 

Accelerated

Traditional two- to three-year MBA programmes can be completed much more quickly with accelerated online and on-campus options. For example, students enrolling in an accelerated MBA programme anticipate finishing their coursework in ten to fifteen months.

It is sometimes called a one-year MBA because most accelerated MBA programmes can be finished in one year. However, students might be required to finish additional business courses before applying to the programme and take courses during the summer session to meet the requirement of more than 30 credit hours in a condensed amount of time. 

Hybrid

A hybrid Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme is a programme that incorporates both online and on-campus training. Immersions are a face-to-face component common in hybrid MBA programmes, even if most coursework is completed online. 

Can You Complete an MBA in One Year?

There are a great number of reputable accelerated MBA programmes that may be finished in a single calendar year. Professionals looking to level up their abilities without putting their careers on hold are driving the popularity of one-year MBA programmes.

According to the Wall Street Journal, a gradual decrease in applications to specific two-year MBA programmes has occurred over the past several years—even at top-tier programs—due to growing tuition expenses and a robust employment market. However, according to the business school accrediting organisation AACSB International, the number of certified one-year programmes has increased by more than 250% since 2012. This is a direct response to the growing demand.

According to the most recent survey data from the non-profit Graduate Management Admission Council, even though one-year programmes are still in the minority, making up just 10% of all AACSB-accredited MBA programmes offered in 2018, 47% of prospective students that year said they had considered the shorter degree. Again, this is even though one-year programmes are still in the minority.

Ultimately, the difference between a high-quality one-year and two-year MBA isn't the content—it's the context. The circumstances are different; courses are typically taken online and completed in 6 to 8 weeks instead of the 12 to 15 weeks of a traditional semester. Nevertheless, the quantity of work you do and the concepts you learn remain the same; the only difference is that you learn them more quickly. 

How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA?

Look into program duration.

MBA hopefuls come from various backgrounds, each with their own unique set of priorities and requirements. As a result, MBA programmes are offered in various structures and modes of delivery, detailed in the following paragraphs, to meet the diverse requirements of today's students.

When considering your options, it is important to remember that the most important element in determining how long it will take you to finish the programme is whether or not you choose to attend classes part-time or full-time. 

• The standard Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme lasts two years and requires students to attend classes on campus.
• Full-time students should expect to spend between 11 and 16 months to finish an accelerated MBA programme, regardless of whether the programme is taken online or in person.
• The completion period for part-time MBA programmes is typically between four and six years, depending on the delivery method (online, in-person, or a combination).
• The time required to finish an Executive MBA programme can range from 18 to 24 months (when attended part-time) and can be completed in person, online, or through a combination.
• Dual MBA programmes enable students to achieve an MBA while simultaneously working towards completing another degree in a related field. Students can normally complete dual degree programmes in three years; however, this time frame might vary based on the degrees pursued (for example, a dual MD/MBA degree would take five years to complete). 

Why Study an MBA with ECU Online?

Focus on transformation and the human side of the business​  

Human-centred business practices can revolutionise not just your career but also your team and your organisation. You can become a transformative leader who can implement change and harness the power of others if you dedicate yourself to your personal growth, acquire practical skills, and become a transformative leader. ​  

Tailor your study to fit your career

You can specialise in People and Culture, Project Management, or Human Resource Management by taking three units in each area. You could also choose to take a variety of electives across a wide range of subjects, such as digital marketing, finance, and cyber security, amongst others. 

Study with a top business school 

ECU's business programmes have earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, widely recognised as the gold standard for educational achievement in business. AACSB International has granted accreditation to a percentage of less than 6 per cent of the world's educational institutions that provide degree programmes in business.

Accessible, flexible and accelerated  

This fast-paced and adaptable course is offered entirely online, allowing you to study whenever and wherever it best fits into your schedule. During each seven-week study period, focus on studying one unit at a time.

Career Outcomes

Once you complete the online MBA programme, you will have the skills and information necessary to excel in various professions. These roles will vary depending on the experience you have had. These positions might include things like:

• Senior Manager
• Consultant
• Project Manager
• Business Operations Manager
• General Manager
• Development Manager
• Managing Director
• Chief Strategy Officer
• Chief of Staff
• Chief Executive Officer

You can also utilise your abilities in various industries, such as the construction industry, healthcare, education, small business education, energy and natural resources.

Payscale reports that the average starting salary for a Managing Director in Australia is $156,000.

Conclusion

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an esteemed graduate degree that helps students acquire the knowledge and expertise necessary for successful business and management jobs. Full-time, part-time, executive, and online MBA programmes all have different time commitments. The time it takes to complete an MBA programme might vary depending on a variety of elements, including accreditation, course specialisation, geographic location, and employment prospects. An MBA is a terrific way to advance your management career and rise through the ranks of a firm. The length of an MBA programme is affected by many variables, including whether or not students enrol full-time, whether or not they choose a regular or fast-track MBA curriculum, whether or not they transfer credits from another institution, whether or not they take an admissions test, and whether or not they choose a traditional classroom setting or an online learning environment.

The standard number of credits needed to graduate from a full-time MBA programmes is 36, and this is normally achieved by taking 12 courses over the course of four semesters. These programmes normally run during the fall and spring semesters and require students to be enrolled full-time for two years. If their plan includes a summer session, full-time students can finish four semesters of coursework in just sixteen months.

Content Summary

• An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a highly respected postgraduate degree designed to develop the skills needed for careers in business and management.
• An MBA is about more than just getting a higher salary.
• It's about developing a broad set of transferable skills and understanding complex business operations.
• It can transform your career by equipping you with leadership qualities and a thorough understanding of business strategy and operational functions.
• The duration of an MBA course can vary based on the mode of study.
• The full-time MBA is the most traditional form, typically taking two years to complete.
• However, this is the most immersive form of an MBA and generally includes internships or work-study opportunities.
• Part-time MBA programs are designed for working professionals and can take between 2-3 years, sometimes up to 5 years, depending on the student's pace and the program's flexibility.
• Executive MBA programs, aimed at professionals with more experience, typically take 1-2 years.
• These programs are designed for executives and managers who want to study while continuing their careers.
• Online MBAs are increasingly popular and offer flexibility.
• The duration of these programs can range from 1-3 years, depending on how students progress through the coursework.
• Accreditation Accreditation standards can influence the length of the program.
• For example, schools accredited by organisations like AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS often adhere to specific curriculum standards, which may affect the program's duration.
• The duration also depends on whether you choose a general or specialised MBA.
• Specialised MBAs might require additional courses, thus extending the duration.
• The length of an MBA program can vary by country.
• For example, European MBAs are typically one year, while US MBAs are usually two years.
• A longer MBA program might offer more comprehensive knowledge and practical experiences, which can improve career prospects.
• Longer programs also allow more time for personal development, networking, and internships, leading to a more enriching MBA experience.
• You can gain the knowledge and abilities you need for various business occupations by enrolling in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programme.
• These careers vary from accounting to project management.
• You can acquire a master's degree in business administration while working full-time, just like many other working business professionals worldwide have done.
• But how long does it take to earn a master's in business administration?
• The answer will rely on the degree programme you choose and your situation.
• While researching the best MBA programmes, you should discover which of the following possibilities the various schools provide.
• When determining the maximum number of semester credits your calendar can accommodate, you must consider things like employment, family, and other obligations.
• The average time spent on homework for one three-credit subject is between 15 and 18 hours per week.
• The majority of graduate schools define full-time enrolment as nine credits per semester.
• The typical time necessary to graduate from a Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme is at least two years when pursued full-time and typically closer to three years when studying part-time.
• MBA programmes are available both on campus and online.
• Students who are more successful with a greater sense of discipline and accountability may do better academically by taking classes on a traditional college campus.
• However, because on-campus classes meet at predetermined hours, they provide little flexibility for working professionals attempting to acquire a degree in business.
• Because of the adaptable nature of online degree programmes, students can access course materials and submit assignments at times that are most suitable for them, provided that they do so within the prescribed time limits.
• In addition, the ability to pursue a degree online provides you with increased freedom because it allows for greater flexibility and eliminates the need for travel time, allowing you to balance your work and personal responsibilities better.
• Some educational institutions provide a streamlined Master of Business Administration degree programme that can be completed in at least one year.
• In these programmes, the standard semester is compressed into a series of terms that last only eight weeks.