Full-Time vs Part-Time MBA Programs

Full-time MBA programs often attract either recent graduates or in the early stages of their careers.

Full-time MBA students tend to have fewer responsibilities and more free time and can dedicate serious and consistent energy to their studies.

Part-time MBA programs appeal to working professionals and those who are more established in their lives and careers.

Part-time MBA students may have personal, financial, career, or family obligations that necessitate a more flexible graduate-level program.

The school and its curriculum largely determine the structure of full-time MBA programs. While there may be opportunities for personalization (in selecting electives or specialization), the structure tends to be rigid.

For example, the first year may be spent learning management and business fundamentals, and the second year may be spent on electives and specializations. While online programs offer some independence in scheduling, coursework looks less like a traditional undergraduate menu and more like a specific roadmap.

Each student creates the structure of their part-time MBA program. The structure tends to be relatively fluid, as each student can assemble the program around their lives.

This is why part-time programs have such a broad time frame for estimated graduation: some students choose to structure their part-time MBA over four years, while others might use six. Most part-time MBA programs provide mentors, counselors, and other resources to help students mold a curriculum in a way that is best for them.

• Shorter time to graduation
• Immersion learning
• Strong professional network building
• Better opportunities for scholarships and fellowships
• Helpful in career changes
• More collaboration

• Ability to continue working
• More likely to enjoy financial support from an employer
• Personal flexibility in scheduling
• Pay as you go
• Opportunity to immediately apply education to current job
• Lower barrier to entry

• Heavier class loads
• Requires significant outside financial and family support
• Higher barrier to entry
• Delayed career advancement

• Longer duration
• Fewer scholarship options
• Limited networking opportunities
• Staggered learning

• University of Rochester
• Northeastern University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Loyola University Maryland
• Quinnipiac University

• Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business
• Quinnipiac University
• University of Southern California, Marshall Business School
• University of San Diego
• Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

• Arizona State University, W.P. Carey School of Business
• Pepperdine University, Graziadio School of Business and Management
• University of Florida, Warrington College of Business
• University of Dallas, Satish and Yasmin Gupta College of Business
• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Gary W. Rollins College of Business
• Syracuse University, Martin J. Whitman School of Management

• Johns Hopkins University, Carey Business School
• University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School
• University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management
• Drexel University, LeBow College of Business
• George Mason University

Full-time MBA programs are an immersive and all-in experience.

They consist of classes and job placements, corporate residencies, networking events, and collaborative projects. The career pause necessitated by one’s commitment to a full-time MBA can be offset by the fast growth of one’s knowledge, resources, and network.

Full-time MBA programs are best suited for recent graduates, those making a change in specialization, and those less burdened by personal responsibilities.

Part-time MBA programs fit into a busy schedule instead of consuming it.

They allow students to continue working in their careers and meeting their personal obligations while also advancing their professional education. While scholarship options and networking opportunities may be less plentiful than at a full-time MBA program, many employers will subsidize a part of a part-time MBA student’s tuition.

Part-time MBA programs are best suited for working professionals juggling a busy life.