What is a Professional MBA Program (PMBA)?

Anyone considering an MBA program other than the traditional full-time, on-campus type has probably encountered a professional MBA, also known as a PMBA. Professional MBAs have two characteristics: the first is that they can be completed part-time, and the second is that their curriculum is entirely different from that of a traditional MBA.

The Virginia-based Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a nonprofit organization of 227 graduate business schools worldwide. GMAT administers the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which 7,000 graduate programs use worldwide. In the GMAC 2023 Application Trends Survey Report, the organization classifies all university business school programs into four categories: full-time MBA, professional MBA, executive MBA, and master’s programs in business. However, GMAC’s 2024 report classifies professional MBA programs as part-time programs.

GMAC further breaks down professional MBA programs into several sub-categories based on whether they are cohort-based, lockstep, executive, self-paced, flexible, or online. The common element to all these professional MBA programs is that they are all part-time programs.

In other words, for GMAC, the term “professional MBA” denotes any part-time MBA program. That can encapsulate an evening or weekend MBA program geared to working professionals, an executive MBA program intended for seasoned executives aspiring to top management, or any other type of self-paced, flexible, or online program, as long as they are part-time.

While the GMAC identifies all part-time programs as professional MBAs, other business schools employ this term to name a specific type of program that they offer.

Regardless of how the designation is used, there are only two groups of PMBAs: part-time and executive MBA programs. Because several MBA candidates earn their degrees this way, it can be said that part-time MBA programs, including programs with the words “flexible” and “online” in their titles, are synonymous with graduate management education in the United States.

Part-Time MBA Programs

Part-time programs include the “night school” and weekend programs that have been rebranded with newer designations in addition to “professional MBA,” such as the “fully-employed MBA.”

These programs are often more affordable than full-time programs. In addition, by being offered online, these programs enable students with minimal leadership experience to continue working full-time while taking a reduced course load and generally involve less competitive admissions due to the reduced applicant pool.

Executive MBA Programs

A smaller portion of seasoned business leaders attend executive MBA programs, which are different from other part-time programs. According to the Executive MBA Council and the Financial Times, EMBA programs are accelerated programs with fewer class hours that allow business leaders to receive their MBA in two years or less while working full-time. Condensed scheduling options include all-day classes once a week, three full days over a long weekend every three weeks, or one week a month.

As noted above, EMBA students complete classes with the same cohort, which can become a valuable lifelong network. EMBA programs also provide exceptional services to address the needs of busy business leaders, such as personal career coaching, certain concierge services like travel arrangements and textbook purchases, and meals during classes. The Financial Times business education editor, Della Bradshaw, claims that in recent years the trend has been to develop EMBA programs taught in different countries, often through partnerships between business schools around the world.

Full-Time or Professional, the Degree is the Same

Most part-time students earn the same MBA degree as the full-time students and benefit from the same alumni network. In addition, many reports suggest that most recruiters and hiring managers do not care if a student attended a full-time or part-time program.

For example, Duke University MBA Sam Lee said: “I’ve never had a hiring manager ask me if I did my MBA full-time or part-time. As a hiring manager myself, I never once asked a candidate that question either; it’s simply not relevant.”

For more about the similarities and differences between these different kinds of MBA programs, please check out the following BSchools.org guides:

• MBA vs Professional MBA vs Executive MBA Programs
• Is a Part-Time MBA Program Worth It?
• What is an Executive MBA Program (EMBA)?

Who Should Consider a Professional MBA?

A Professional MBA program is ideal for those who are already working and wish to continue their education without leaving their active jobs. This program is especially suitable for:

• Professionals with three to ten years of work experience
• Employees who aim for managerial or leadership roles
• Entrepreneurs who are looking to strengthen their business knowledge
• Career switchers who wish to transition into business roles

A PMBA program allows students to apply what they have learned directly to their current job, making it a practical choice for career advancement.

Key Features of a Professional MBA

Professional MBA (PMBA) programs are designed to be practical and flexible. Key features include:

• Weekend or evening classes to accommodate working schedules
• Opportunities for building a network with other professionals from diverse industries
• A curriculum blending theory with real-world application
• Access to leadership development resources and career services

These programs are structured to help students manage work, life, and studies simultaneously.

Admission Requirements

Although admission requirements vary by institution, most Professional MBA programs have the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Several years of professional work experience
• A current resume indicating career achievements
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement or essay
• GMAT or GRE scores (though waivers may be available)
• An interview, in some cases

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum in a Professional MBA typically includes:

• Core business courses in marketing, accounting, operations, and finance
• Elective courses based on student interests, such as data analytics or entrepreneurship
• Case studies and team projects to encourage collaboration and practical learning
• A final assignment or capstone project that applies learning to a real business challenge

Some programs may also offer executive coaching sessions or international immersion experiences.

Online MBAs vs. On-Campus Professional MBAs

Professional MBAs are available in several formats. Online PMBAs offer maximum flexibility with live or self-paced classes. On-campus PMBAs provide traditional classroom experiences and in-person interaction. Finally, Hybrid PMBAs combine online learning experiences with occasional in-person sessions.

Students can choose the format that best fits their lifestyle and learning preferences.

Top Schools Offering Professional MBA Programs

According to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), over 50 percent of all business schools offer Professional MBA programs. Several reputable universities offer professional MBA programs. Some of them include:

• Drake University
• Johns Hopkins University
• Northern Illinois University
• Rice University
• University of Tulsa