How Long Does It Take to Finish an MBA?

Many students choose to enroll in an MBA program because they aspire to become entrepreneurs to learn how to start and grow a business. In contrast, others might want to specialize in different aspects of the business world to broaden employment opportunities.

The skills and expertise learned from a master’s program in business administration prepare career-focused students with a detailed understanding of business concepts. Graduates are also qualified to take on leadership positions, resulting in higher wages and more employment opportunities.

Below we will discuss how long does it take to get an MBA program, how many credits are needed to complete the program, how the curriculum is designed, and what specializations this degree offers.

How Long is an MBA Program?

The length of an MBA program varies on the institution and type of program. MBA programs can be traditional, accelerated, part-time, and dual degree programs.

Accelerated MBA programs generally require a duration of between 12 and 18 months to complete, while part-time MBA programs usually require between 30 months and five years. Longer completion times are standard among students employed full-time, as well as among those who select joint and dual degrees or multiple concentrations.

The traditional MBA is a full-time program where students take a well-rounded core of graduate-level courses. Classes are held on campus, and the program takes two years to complete.  Some MBA programs allow students to narrow the focus of their business education by choosing an area of specialization.

Taking a full-time course load ensures that you can complete your degree quicker and enjoy the advantages available. You can also take full advantage of the resources, internships, and networking opportunities the university offers.

How many credits are needed for an MBA?

At Bay Atlantic University, students can earn an MBA degree by completing the program course requirements of 36 credit hours (12 courses of 3 credit hours). No matter the concentration, there are 24 core credits, and 12 credits are concentration elective courses. In order to earn the MBA degree, students must meet all credit requirements.

The MBA Curriculum

The program is intended to prepare students with comprehensive knowledge of business principles. Students are offered a broad business education as they learn the critical content areas of management, marketing, finance, accounting, economics, and law.

Here at Bay Atlantic University, core courses in MBA programs are meant to provide you with practical business knowledge and skills required to excel in today’s business world. These courses include Managerial Accounting, Research Methods, Financial Management, Leadership & Organization, among many others.

As per elective courses, students need to choose courses themselves in order to complete the required credit hours. The options for elective classes differ depending on the specialization of the MBA program. For instance, an MBA in Economics & Finance will have electives on Money & Banking and U.S. Economic & Trade Policy, while a degree in Entrepreneurship includes courses on Strategic Management and Marketing Analytics.

MBA Concentrations

Specialized business master’s degrees concentrate on a single field, where the program consists of courses in a specific subject on top of a core MBA curriculum. Bay Atlantic University offers MBAs with a concentration on Entrepreneurship, Global Affairs, and Economics & Finance.

All concentrations have the same learning goals for students, such as demonstrating leadership skills, understanding the ethical issues that businesses face, being aware of how cultural differences impact businesses, gaining the skills necessary to identify and develop business strategies, etc.

However, where these specializations differ is on the elective course options, what student the concentration is aimed at, and the selected specialization’s career outlook. For example, students who are up to date with the dynamics of today’s global political issues are ideal for the MBA with a concentration on Global Affairs.

Career Outlook with an MBA

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is listed among the highest-paying master’s degrees. Pursuing an MBA can offer a promising career outlook with many opportunities for growth and advancement. With an MBA, you can better understand business principles, leadership skills, and strategic thinking.

Many industries, including finance, consulting, marketing, and technology, highly value MBA degrees and actively seek out MBA graduates for their business acumen and problem-solving skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to complete an MBA program?

The duration of an MBA program can vary depending on the type of program. Traditional full-time MBA programs usually take two years to complete, while accelerated programs can take 12 to 18 months. Part-time programs may span from 30 months to five years.

What is the difference between full-time and part-time MBA programs?

Full-time MBA programs are typically completed in two years and are immersive, while part-time MBA programs are designed for working professionals and can take longer.

How many credits are required for an MBA degree at Bay Atlantic University?

At Bay Atlantic University, an MBA degree requires the completion of 36 credit hours, which includes 24 core credits and 12 credits of concentration elective courses.

What are the core courses typically included in an MBA curriculum?

Core MBA courses generally cover management, marketing, finance, accounting, economics, and law. Specific courses include Managerial Accounting, Research Methods, Financial Management, and Leadership & Organization.

What are the available specializations for MBA programs at Bay Atlantic University?

Bay Atlantic University offers MBA concentrations in Entrepreneurship, Global Affairs, and Economics & Finance, each with its own set of elective course options.

How can an MBA degree impact one’s career outlook?

An MBA program equips students with research, leadership, and management skills, preparing them for leadership roles in various fields, including government, private sector, nonprofit management, international business, consulting, and diplomacy.

What are some key factors to consider when choosing an MBA specialization?

When selecting a specialization, students should consider their skills, career goals, and interests. They should also research their chosen field’s job market and career prospects.