MBA Programs

An MBA degree provides an excellent opportunity for those who want to quickly advance in their respective field. It is a very challenging but rewarding endeavor that will help you achieve your professional goals.

Even if you are not an entrepreneur or marketing student, this postgraduate degree can still create a huge positive impact on your career. Some of the topics covered in an MBA program are accounting, business management, economics, global management, finance, marketing, e-commerce and entrepreneurship.

TWO-YEAR PROGRAM

This curriculum is ideal for people who want to excel in their field by becoming a full-time student once again. You would receive your MBA degree after four semesters spanning two years. The majority of students who enroll in this course are fresh graduates and long-time employees.

Usually, you need to surrender your job to cope up with the grueling schedule of a two-year MBA course. In exchange for prioritizing your studies during this period, you greatly increase your career opportunities for the future.

Advantages

A two-year course is perhaps the most comprehensive way to get an MBA degree. If you want to overhaul your career in a positive manner, this is the best way to do it. Here are the perks waiting for you when you enroll in a two-year MBA curriculum.

• You are allowed to customize your course load through electives.
• This program accepts graduates even from courses that may be completely unrelated to business and economics.
• Many activities are based on real life situations and are simulated outside campus.
• Two-year programs have plenty of available internships, where you learn and practice new skills that will better prepare you for post-MBA work.
• There are numerous opportunities for cohesive networking in the business world during summer.
• Career placement options are diverse and abundant.
• You also have a greater chance to land a scholarship or financial help if you enroll in a two-year MBA course.

Limitations

If you aren’t sure about your future plans yet, then you might be better off skipping a two-year MBA program for now. Here are some of the things you won’t miss out during that period.

• Although financial aid is numerous, being an MBA student for two years is still very expensive.
• The daily grind during those two years is very taxing and time-consuming.
• It is almost impossible to keep up with the coursework if you are still working full-time or even part-time.
• You must be committed, dedicated and focused to finish the course on time.

ONE-YEAR PROGRAM

This curriculum is very different from a two-year MBA course. If you thought studying for two years was difficult, then you certainly haven’t tried one-year MBA courses. Since the program lasts only about 11 to 16 months, requirements are stricter and daily activities are more demanding.

Similar to its two-year counterpart, you should make school a priority when you enroll for a full-time one-year MBA course. Although total class hours are reduced, the quality of learning isn’t.

Advantages

If you are committed to acquiring an MBA degree in a short amount of time, a one-year program is perfect for you. If you are ready to sacrifice your work for a shot at a better career in the future, this is the way to go.

• The amount of career advancement opportunities in a one-year MBA course is the same with a two-year program.
• You obtain your degree after a very short amount of time.
• Although the curriculum lowers your core requirements to keep up with the one-year schedule, you can customize your subjects according to your specific preferences.
• Learning extends beyond the classroom.
• The intense program creates constructive competition between students that encourages them to set higher objectives.
• The relationships you build with your classmates may help your career in the future.
• Enjoy counseling services, networks of professionals and high-profile guest speakers on a regular basis.
• Student loans and scholarships are widely available.

Disadvantages

Every program has its flaws and this one is no different. Here are some of the factors that drive away students from taking an MBA program that lasts for only a year.

• Some employers give little bearing to one-year MBA diplomas.
• Internship openings are very limited compared to a two-year curriculum.
• For an MBA course that lasts for only a year, the costs involved are very steep.
• You almost need an impeccable academic record and work background to get admitted into this program.
• There is almost no break between semesters.
• The schedule is very grueling and stressful, with tougher exams and demanding daily exercises.
• Maintaining a job during the study period is nearly impossible.

PART-TIME PROGRAM

This course is for people who want to keep their jobs while pursuing an MBA degree at the same time. Classes are usually held after normal working hours, while the course work is very light and manageable so it doesn’t hurt your full-time work.

Since the program is less stressful, the schedule is stretched over to three to five years. This long period might make you impatient and prompt you to quit school altogether. However, if you intend to stick with your current work for a long time while looking for ways to boost your career, then a part-time MBA program is your optimal solution.

Advantage

A part-time MBA course is an excellent option for the busy professional. Your work remains unaffected while your skills and knowledge expand slowly but surely. As a result, your career options increase and before you know it, you’re already up for a high-ranking position.

• Some part-time programs offer the same specialization opportunities and open electives as full-time classes.
• Coursework is light, but substantial.
• Course requirements are few and mostly about core subjects.
• Your career experiences growth without disturbing your work.
• Classes are held after normal working hours.
• Many discussions are allotted to real world problems so you can apply them immediately to your work the next day.
• Financial help is available, plus your company is likely to provide sponsorship.
• The total expenses are dispersed over a longer period of time, making the curriculum more affordable and manageable.

Limitations

Those who want to earn an MBA degree immediately have to wait for a while with part-time programs. Although the overall package isn’t that bad, it still has several weaknesses, including those mentioned below.

• By the time you finish the course, you might already be a high-ranking CEO anyway.
• If you plan to shift to a full-time curriculum, some of your part-time credits might not be accepted.
• Classes are held the whole year and there are almost no major breaks from school work.
• The tight schedule does not allow for any internship openings.
• If your work demands frequent travel, it could take even longer to complete your part-time degree.

ONLINE PROGRAM

This program is ideal for people who are too busy with their day jobs and don’t have time to attend night school. This type of distance learning course is available through online correspondence courses, pre-recorded video, computer courses and video conferences.

Some very comprehensive MBA programs may be done in just under a year, while others take as long as four years to complete. Similarly, the total costs run up to the same amount as conventional schools. Expensive doesn’t necessarily mean effective, as some high-priced schools don’t live up to their billing.

Advantages

The online method continues to rise in popularity because it is as productive as traditional schools in providing the necessary skills and knowledge to prosper in the business industry. Here are other reasons why online programs are popular.

• Its main advantage is flexibility, which allows you to attend MBA classes outside the campus.
• You don’t have to get out of your pajamas or your bed to attend an online class.
• All lecture materials are digital and easy to recopy.
• You learn at your own pace.
• Online programs won’t directly affect your productivity at work.
• Forums are available for group discussions.
• You get acquainted with other professionals who might help your career in the future.

Limitations

Online MBA courses are a fairly recent phenomenon. Schools are constantly improving the system to encourage more people to try it out. For now, here are some of the reasons not to get your MBA degree through the Internet.

• Forums and online conferences with other students are the only interaction you get.
• Your online classes go to waste once your computer crashes or gets disconnected from the Internet.
• Computer repairs, hardware, software and monthly Internet bills are not cheap.
• There are plenty of diploma mills online, or fraudulent schools that basically sell worthless diplomas.
• Career placement options are very limited.
• Scholarship opportunities for online MBA programs are almost nonexistent.
• Managing your household duties together with your school activities become a very difficult task.

OTHER PROGRAMS

There are two other specialized MBA courses available for those who are seeking a more challenging program. These are the Executive MBA and dual program, wherein the standards are raised even higher, but the rewards are also greater.

Executive Program

An EMBA is reserved for professionals who have been specializing in their field for at least five years. These are usually upper-tier managers and executives who still want to improve their craft. EMBA courses tackle a broad range of subjects. Even if you’re already at the top of your game, an EMBA degree could still inject some growth to your career.

Dual Program

This two-on-one program is a combination of an MBA and another master’s degree. This deal is suitable for students who want to cut costs and save time pursuing two separate degrees. This demands extensive time, effort and resources if you plan on finishing the curriculum before hitting the peak of your career.

With this plethora of options, you have no excuse on why you couldn’t get an MBA degree. If you managed to finish your undergraduate course with no problem, then you can do the same with your postgraduate degree.