Part-time MBA programs: Earn your degree on your time

Time is a resource we all wish we had more of—whether it’s to spend with our children, pick them up from school, focus on advancing our careers, or simply have time for ourselves. A part-time MBA program is crafted precisely to provide that flexibility, proving it to be a valuable alternative to its traditional counterpart. 

The adaptability of a part-time MBA is its greatest advantage. Not all students study on the same timeline, and these programs allow students to balance coursework, class participation, network building, and enhancing their business administration skills while continuing to work. 

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“[Part-time MBAs] are designed to accommodate working professionals, ensuring that even those with the busiest of schedules can advance their education without sacrificing their careers,” Kyle Anderson, the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and Evening MBA Program Faculty Chair at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, tells Fortune.

How much time does it take to complete a part-time MBA?

Each business school’s program is unique. Variations in class schedules, program pacing, and opportunities for extracurricular activities and networking can impact the duration of the program. However, generally, students typically take two to five years to complete their degree in a part-time MBA program.

Program structure and intensity and how it impacts part-time MBA program length

Typically, part-time MBA programs are designed to accommodate working professionals, offering a more flexible approach to earning an advanced business degree than their full-time counterparts. As such, program structure is a key influencer in the length of part-time MBA programs. 

Many institutions offer evening and weekend classes, allowing students to balance their professional commitments with academic pursuits. The number of courses offered per term and the frequency of class meetings can significantly impact program duration. For instance, programs with more frequent class sessions or more courses per term may enable students to complete their degrees more quickly, while those with a lighter course load might extend over a longer period.

You don’t want to rush through a graduate degree

Conversely, Brian Rothschild, the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies and Senior Director of Graduate Management Programs at Stevens Institute of Technology, emphasizes the importance of fully absorbing the lessons learned in a part-time MBA program and taking your time.

“You don’t want to rush through a graduate degree. It’s not about how quickly you can get that piece of paper; it’s about how well you can transfer the knowledge from the classroom into your job,” he explained.

While most students in his program earn their MBA in two to three years, it’s typical for people to take much more time. Rothschild shared a powerful example of one student who took five years to complete her part-time MBA at Stevens. “She received four promotions at Pfizer, directly applying what she learned in the classroom to her job,” he adds. 

This approach aligns with the needs of working professionals who often juggle multiple responsibilities. “The longer it takes, the more experience you’re getting, and the more you can implement it all. That’s what moves you up in your career.” 

Part-time MBAs and their estimated lengths

There is a wide array of part-time MBA programs, each offering different paths to completion. Some students prefer to take their time, balancing their studies with other priorities. In contrast, others are eager to fast-track their education and showcase their diplomas to potential employers.

Accelerated, evening, flexible, self-paced, and weekend MBAs fall under the part-time umbrella. Each format offers a unique timeline, allowing students to choose a path that best fits their personal and professional commitments.

Accelerated MBA program

Accelerated MBA programs are designed for students who want to complete their degree as quickly as possible. These programs typically require a significant time commitment, with students often taking on a full course load while still working. The average completion time for an accelerated, part-time MBA is usually around two years.

Evening MBA program

Evening MBA programs, like those offered at the Kelley School of Business, are structured to accommodate working professionals. Students attend classes in the evenings, often after a full day of work. The duration of these programs is typically around two to three years, depending on the number of courses taken per semester.

Flexible MBA program

Flexible MBA programs offer the most adaptability, allowing students to switch between part-time and full-time status, take semesters off, or adjust their course load based on life circumstances. This flexibility means the program length can vary widely, with some students finishing in as little as two years and others taking up to six years.

Self-paced MBA program

Self-paced MBA programs give students the ultimate control over their schedule. These programs can be short or long, depending on the student’s dedication to weekly study sessions and available time. While some may finish in two years, others might take up to seven years, making them a great option for those with unpredictable schedules.

Weekend MBA program

Weekend MBA programs are ideal for students who cannot commit to evening classes because of work or other responsibilities. These programs often feature intensive weekend sessions, allowing students to focus on their studies without disrupting their workweek. Completion time usually ranges from two to four years.

How long are Fortune’s best part-time MBA programs?

When comparing the lengths of part-time MBA programs listed in Fortune’s rankings, it’s clear that there is a wide range of options and time differences among programs. The University of Florida’s weekend MBA (No. 9) can be completed in as little as 16 months. 

In contrast, programs at UCLA (No. 4), NYU (No. 6), and the University of Minnesota (No. 10) can last more than five years, depending on the specific kind of program you enroll in. Below is a list of Fortune’s ten best part-time MBA programs, their format, and, most importantly, how long they take to complete. 

Lastly, no matter the length of the program, Rothschild advises that the only way to the finish line is to start. Instead of saying, “I am too busy; I’ll wait until next year,” he says to follow Nike’s immortal words: Just Do It.

Frequently asked questions

See how the schools you’re considering fared in Fortune’s rankings of the best full-time, traditional MBA programs.

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