Can I Get AN MBA Part-time?
Do you want to get an MBA part-time? If you would like to work while you study, one of the most practical options is to enroll in a part-time program that will give you the flexible schedule that you need to balance work life and student life. If you are contemplating the idea of enrolling in a graduate program as a part-time student, it is important to consider timelines and scheduling conflicts prior to making any final decisions. Read on, and learn what you need to know about how much time you will need to commit as a part-time MBA student.
How Long Will It Take to Earn an MBA Part-time?
One of the first questions you need to ask when you are having the part-time vs. full-time debate is how long it will take to earn your degree. After all, you cannot reap the rewards of an MBA until you have completed the program. A part-time program will undeniably take longer to earn than a full-time program, but the duration depends on how many credits you can complete each semester, according to US News and World Report.
In most institutions, the part-time and full-time curriculum is identical, it is just the schedule and class times that will differ. You will need to consider how many credits the program consists of when you are trying to come up with a timeline. It is common for a student attending an International MBA program to graduate in about 2 1/2 years if they are taking six credits each semester in the fall and the spring. This is when you are taking a program that would typically take between 12 and 18 months to complete if you were enrolled full-time.
What to Consider When Selecting a Program
If you are still not sure if a part-time program is right for you, consider the time commitment you must make while you are completing coursework. When you are enrolled in 12 to 15 credits, you are considered a full-time student. Considering the fact that you must dedicate three to four hours per credit to succeed, you can expect to spend well over 40 hours per week on your studies.
If you are enrolled in class part-time, you will only have to worry about spending about 12 to 15 hours per week for class preparation. This is much more manageable for people who work or people who have familial obligations. If you overwhelm yourself and enroll full-time, it is not uncommon for a student to get so overwhelmed that they drop out from school never to return. You need to be realistic when you are selecting a program. Consider the time it will take to attend class and complete coursework before you are overly optimistic.
Related Resource: Accelerated MBA
It is very important to consider all of the benefits of studying part-time before enrolling in an MBA program. Not only does a part-time program allow you to have time for obligations, it is also a sign of dedication when you put the degree on your resume. Showing your current or potential employer that you can balance professional life and school says a lot about your drive. Be sure to consider the cost of taking school part-time and full-time, and get an MBA part-time if this is the best schedule for your lifestyle.