What Are the Different Types of MBA Programs?

Whether you’re at an early point in your career and looking to propel to new heights; or an experienced professional looking to move into the C-Suite; there’s an MBA program out there that suits your goals.

MBA degrees come in all different shapes and sizes: from full-time, residential programs to online degrees you can complete from home. Each type of MBA offers the chance to develop a holistic understanding of business, but which should you choose?

Types of MBA programs

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of MBA programs available at business school.

Two-Year Full-time MBA

A two-year full-time program is one of the most common MBA types. They’re offered by many world-renowned institutions—particularly US business schools like the top-ranked University of Pennsylvania Wharton, Harvard Business School, and Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Enrolling in a two-year MBA offers the chance to develop your fundamental business skills while deep diving into specialist topics. Your first year will cover core subjects like strategy, communication, finance, and marketing. You’ll also have the chance to specialize in areas of your choosing during elective modules and concentration periods in year two.

The extended period offers several benefits, including extensive opportunities to gain practical experience during business simulators, and consulting projects. You’ll get the chance to embark on a summer internship between years one and two, which can often lead to a full-time job offer after graduation.

“Two-year programs also give you more time to learn and more time to build deep relationships with classmates,” says MBA admissions expert, Paul Bodine.

One-Year Full-time MBA

One-year full-time MBAs pack much of the same course content into an intensive, accelerated program. While two-year MBA programs are prevalent in the United States, many top MBAs in Asia and Europe are delivered in this format, including those offered by INSEAD and SDA Bocconi.

During a one-year MBA you’ll focus on the same core business fundamentals and often still have the chance to specialize, though there may be less time dedicated to electives and concentrations.

This makes one-year degrees more suited to students who aren’t looking to make a big career change, says Brian Mitchell, associate dean of full-time MBA programs at Emory University Goizueta Business School.

“One-year MBA students are trying to accelerate the career path that they’re already on, and therefore bring their experience with them,” he explains.

Part-time MBA

If you’re looking to study an MBA but don’t want to take time out from your career, you might consider a part-time MBA as your best option.

Part-time MBAs allow you the flexibility to tailor a program to suit your schedule. Often students complete their degrees over an extended period of time, ranging from two to five years, or even longer.

When choosing a part-time MBA, you have the option of studying at your own pace, with classes available at a time that suits you. Alternatively, you can join a program with a weekly schedule of classes taught in the evening or at weekends, allowing you to complete the program as part of a wider cohort.

Online MBA

Online MBA programs offer students the chance to complete degrees from the comfort of their own home, anywhere in the world.

Online MBAs cover the same content as a physical program and are typically delivered by the same faculty. But they have the added benefit of a flexible learning experience. You can complete classes at a time that suits you and can study over an extended period, much like a part-time program.

Depending on the online MBA program you choose, classes can be delivered asynchronously or synchronously. While many programs offer an entirely remote experience, some Online MBAs also provide optional residential periods allowing you to interact with fellow MBAs in-person and enhance your experience.

International/Global MBA

An International MBA or Global MBA delivers the same content as full- or part-time MBA programs, while also incorporating a wider focus on international business and management trends.

The international focus makes degrees popular with students from across the globe; at ESSEC Business School, for example, the Global MBA cohort is made up of 94 percent international students.

Enrolling in a Global MBA allows you to develop a broad, international network, and can help you secure job opportunities around the world after graduation.

“I met lots of diverse people with diverse backgrounds,” says Eddie Jian Luo, a graduate from the ESSEC Global MBA. “The diversity of the cohort was one of the highlights.”

Executive MBA

Executive MBA programs target mid-career professionals who are looking to take the next step into leadership roles. There’s a large emphasis on the experience each student brings to the cohort, so most programs require a minimum of five years of work experience before applying.

EMBA degrees are taught part-time, often during evenings or weekends. This allows you to continue working and implement your knowledge and skills immediately in your organization as you develop. The added benefit to your employer means it’s more common for companies to sponsor EMBAs than MBA degrees.

Though a part-time program, EMBAs are often taught over a fixed period of two years. Classes cover the core areas of business but have a deeper focus on management and leadership skills than the standard MBA curriculum.

Specialized MBA

While the MBA is typically a generalist degree, some programs offer the opportunity to major in specific industries or functions, to students with interest in a certain area.

Typical specialization types include subjects like entrepreneurship, human resources, or marketing, and some of the most popular degrees are [https://www.mba.com/explore-programs/mba-programs/mba-specializations-everything-you-need-to-know]: MBA in Finance, MBA in General Management, and MBA in Business Analytics.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business, for example, offers a well-regarded MBA in Marketing specialization, which allows students to combine their core MBA studies with a deep dive into marketing theory and practice.

Choosing the right type of MBA program for you depends on your career goals and what you’d like to get out of your experience. Once you’ve made your decision, the next step is choosing which school to attend.

Use our program finder to compare what’s on offer and find your best fit MBA program!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of MBA are there?

There are many types of MBAs including two-year full-time MBAs, one-year full-time MBAs, part-time MBAs, online MBAs, executive MBAs, and specialized MBAs.

What type of MBA is best?

Whether you’re at an early point in your career and looking to propel to new heights; or an experienced professional looking to move into the C-Suite; there’s an MBA program out there that suits your goals.

Which MBA program has highest salary?

The Executive MBA is a part-time MBA program targeted at experienced, executive-level professionals with over 10 years of work experience. EMBA programs bring senior leaders together to upskill, network, and knowledge share, with participants bringing their professional projects into the classroom.

Which MBA is most in demand?

While the MBA is typically a generalist degree, some programs offer the opportunity to major in specific industries or functions, to students with interest in a certain area. Some top specializations include: MBA in Business Analytics & Big Data; MBA in Marketing Management; MBA in Financial Management; MBA in Human Resource Management; and MBA in International Business.