From “Mad Men” to “Shark Tank,” television is fascinated with successful businessmen and women. The world of business is ever-expanding and encapsulates a wide range of careers. Perhaps you’re interested in a business career. You have an undergraduate degree, but now you’re wondering where to go next. Lucky for you, there are multiple MBA programs to choose from.
The reasons to attend business school are varied. Some people may have majored in a different subject in college, and now want to study how to turn that field into a business. Or maybe a business degree program was your goal all along and you commit to grad school right after college. Or maybe your company offers tuition reimbursement and you’re planning to take advantage of that. Whatever your reason, there are many types of MBA programs to consider. One-year, two-year, online, and part-time degree paths are your options to explore when deciding what degree program to pursue.
Do I need an MBA? Can I afford it?
Before we get into all the nuances of MBA programs, let’s discuss why getting an MBA is beneficial. Because your options are flexible, you really can’t go wrong by pursuing business school. Your MBA will help you gain new tools and skills while leading to higher earning potential and career advancement. Plus, a program helps with networking and specialization within your desired field of business. If you hope to run a business one day or hold a high-up position, getting an MBA is worth it.
It’s no secret that education, especially post-grad, can be expensive. Try and find ways to make your degree program more affordable. Check if your employer will fund your education or investigate work-study opportunities. You may qualify for special financial aid. If you or a member of your immediate family has served in the military, you may qualify for the GI bill. This covers 36 months of tuition costs at a public university, not to mention other expenses like books, internships, and housing. Check out MBACentral.org to get all the details about how you can save as a veteran today.
Types of MBA Program
Prospective students exploring their options to get into the business world should know that there are many different paths. You can be a full-time student for a year or two, or simply go to school online while continuing your employment. Let’s examine these different options.
Two-Year Programs
A two-year program is what you typically think of when you think of college. Set over four semesters, you have opportunities to pursue internships and create a network. These are best if you’re seeking a public university experience with student organizations and on-campus benefits.
One-Year Programs
A single year program is an accelerated version of a two-year program. Rather than four semesters, you‘ll complete your education in 11-16 months. You still get the benefits of being on campus, but won’t have as much time to pursue outside opportunities like internships.
Online
Many young adults today are living busy lives, so a flexible option for career advancement is best for them. Getting an online MBA can take up to three years because you take only one or two classes a semester. This path requires personal dedication and a working knowledge of technology for the business world.
Online students may require specialized software as a resource to excel. For example, NumPy from Python helps with high tech numerical computing, which you may need for your classes. Don’t worry if this tech seems confusing at first. You can explore workshops and classes in NumPy Reshape and get ready to go in no time. Professional software developers can help you thrive in your online MBA program.
Part-time
If online isn’t for you, but you still need flexibility with your schooling, you can consider part-time business school. These MBA programs involve night classes that fit into your work schedule. These often take two to three years as well because of the flexibility and lower course-load per semester.
