What is a Flexible MBA Program? What are the Benefits?
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The 21st century has been excellent for MBA programs. Not only have they grown in popularity, but the available choices for students in the types and formats of MBA programs have increased. As a result, applications for (and enrollment in) two-year MBA programs have exploded during the past decade.
Traditionally, MBA programs require students to complete coursework through in-person lectures on campus. These programs are often most suitable for recent undergraduates looking to increase their hiring capacity, expand their networks, gain the education needed for bigger dreams, or take advantage of “bridge programs” that offer MBAs with only one additional year of schooling. Often, these types of MBA candidates can attend full-time, on-campus programs with fixed schedules.
However, the range of MBA candidates is broadening, and now includes many older people and others who are already a part of the workforce. Older candidates may be looking for MBA programs that delve into more advanced topics, allow credit transfer through work experience, or are specifically geared toward growing one’s career into leadership and/or management. Because of age, employment, or other life responsibilities, going back to school full-time on campus may be impossible for some prospective MBA students.
Flexible MBA programs—i.e., programs built around scheduling flexibility—are designed with these types of students in mind. There are various options available, including completely online programs, entirely on-campus programs, and hybrid programs that combine both.
This guide explores the benefits of flexible MBA programs, which offer minimal disruption to students’ existing schedules.
| Featured Flexible & Part-Time MBA Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina | MBA@UNC Online MBA | View Full Profile |
| George Mason University | Online MBA | View Full Profile |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Flex Master of Business Administration (MBA) | View Full Profile |
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For the latest academic year, we have over 250 schools in our BSchools.org database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details. |
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What are the Benefits of a Flexible MBA Program?
Complete Programs at Your Own Pace
Most flexible MBAs allow students to take a significantly decreased course load, perhaps only one or two three-credit classes per term. While this lengthens the total number of semesters or terms spent in the program, the smaller per-term load enables students to acquire knowledge and skills without major disruption to their personal and professional lives.
Flexible programs can also serve driven students who wish to accelerate their learning and complete a program in months rather than years. Accelerated MBA programs may include longer class periods, simultaneously online and on-campus courses, or summer sessions. In addition, waiving some foundational classes due to comparable professional or academic experience may accelerate the pathway to a completed MBA.
Complete Programs Wherever You Are
Flexible MBA programs benefit students who don’t want to relocate, can’t relocate, or don’t have access to high-quality or accredited institutions in their states. These programs may offer classes fully online or minimize the amount of on-campus time required to complete the program. Many online-only programs also allow international students to take courses without travel or relocation to the US.
Network and Interact with Professors and Peers
In addition to allowing students to take classes when and where they choose, flexible MBA programs may still enable them to interact in real time with an instructor or fellow students, thereby incorporating the important social/networking aspects of business education.
Examples of Flexible MBA Programs
There are three flexible programs for MBA students at the Kenan-Flagler Business School. Students can choose from an entirely online degree or complete their studies through the weekend program or the evening program. The flexible executive MBA is also available at the Charlotte campus.
The program offers nine pathways and concentrations. These include business analytics and business science, capital markets and investments, consulting, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, healthcare, real estate, sustainable enterprise, and technology innovation and product management.
The faculty are the same in all three programs, so students receive the same high-quality education no matter which format they pick. In fact, the online MBA tied for number one in the country according to US News & World Report (2022). The MBA degrees are STEM-designated to emphasize the academic rigor students should expect.
| Location: Chapel Hill, NC | Curriculum: 34 credits of core courses; 28 credits of electives or concentration courses | Length to Complete: Online program (18-36 months); weekend program (21 months); evening program (24 months) |
The MBA at George Mason University is available fully online, on-campus, or in hybrid format. The curriculum focuses on communication and leadership, integrating functional areas of business, analytical decision-making, and contemporary issues in business. Online students may participate in the global residency program, which involves one week abroad as part of a team project.
The school offers more than a dozen graduate certificates, some of which stand alone, and seven of which can be applied to the MBA degree through selected electives. Those seven are affordable housing, business analytics, general business fundamentals, government contract management business fundamentals, human capital and human resource management, information security management, and marketing.
| Location: Fairfax, VA | Curriculum: 30 credits of core courses, 3 credits of global coursework, and 15 credits of elective courses | Length to Complete: Three years |
The flex MBA program at Middle Tennessee State University offers students core courses that emphasize advanced business concepts, analytical decision-making, professional development, persuasive communication, and leadership skills. Students who do not choose a concentration complete a total of 11 courses
The optional concentrations include data analytics, healthcare management, human resource management, IT project management, legal and ethical governance, music business, risk management, and strategic marketing analytics.
| Location: Murfreesboro, TN | Curriculum: MBA 28 semester hours; concentrations 34 to 40 semester hours | Length to Complete: Two to three years |
The flexible MBA program through the Carey Business School provides an overview of business concepts plus various core economic sectors like finance, health care, and real estate. The 54-credit program is geared toward part-time students and can include in-person, online, or hybrid enrollment options. Students in online classes can access the school’s library, student services, academic advising, and IT services. The program also includes career development support to help graduates secure meaningful and fulfilling careers.
In the online program, courses include real-time activities plus tasks that can be completed at a student’s convenience. The distance-based option is available for concentrations in financial management; healthcare management; business analytics and risk management; digital marketing; entrepreneurial marketing; and entrepreneurship. Please note that students taking online “business communication” and “leadership in organization” classes must visit campus for three days per course. The “negotiation” class also requires students to visit campus.
The on-campus program offers classes for working professionals during non-business hours. Students can study in Baltimore or Washington, D.C. once a week on a weekday evening or on Saturday. Finally, students can blend their program, combining online and on-campus classes. The financial, healthcare management, and leading organization concentrations are available in this format.
| Location: Baltimore, MD | Curriculum: 20 credits of foundational courses; 34 credits of electives | Length to Complete: 2.7 years, taking two classes during each eight-week term |
Students who take part in the MBA program through the Lubar School of Business can choose from the following concentrations: business analytics; cost management and ERP; entrepreneurship; financial strategy; global strategy; health care management; investment management; information technology management; management and leadership; marketing; or supply chain management. Students can also create their own customized concentration from a series of electives. Each concentration includes an overview of basic principles such as accounting or strategic management.
The required 33 to 39 credits can be taken fully in person, or as a hybrid online program. UW Milwaukee also offers a 12-month fully online MBA program, or a 16-month executive MBA program delivered on alternate weekends. The executive MBA program focuses on management and leadership, relationship building, and networking.
The fully online program features accelerated eight-week core courses and sixteen-week elective offerings. Focused certificates are also available online.
| Location: Milwaukee, WI | Curriculum: Up to five credits of intro classes; 18 to 24 credits of core courses; 9 to 15 credits of electives | Length to Complete: MBA program (three years); online program (12 months); executive MBA program (16 months) |
The UTC flexible MBA program blends on-campus and remote/online learning opportunities for full- or part-time students. Students can pursue a general business MBA or pursue an MBA with concentrations in healthcare administration, business analytics, or finance.
Face-to-face courses are conveniently taught Monday through Thursday at the Tennessee campus. The University of Tennessee–Chattanooga also offers 100 percent online general MBAs, or 100 percent online MBAs with concentrations in business analytics, finance, or healthcare administration.
| Location: Chattanooga, TN | Curriculum: Eight three-credit classes; nine credits of electives in three courses; one three-credit capstone course in strategic management (students compete against each other on a computer business simulation) | Length to Complete: 18 months for full-time students; 24 months for part-time/online only |
The part-time program through the Raymond A. Mason School of Business focuses on teaching valuable lessons about business. Its format includes smaller classes along with a variety of discussions. On-campus programs take place one evening per week per class.
The school also encourages students to utilize the services of its “Executive Partner” program, which invites local business leaders to share their perspectives with students. The school’s MBA options also include an 18-month executive program that meets two weekends monthly and requires students to take two global trips; as well as an online MBA, where students will complete 49 credits over two years. The online program also includes a one-weekend residency.
| Location: Newport News, VA | Curriculum: Part-time and Executive MBA (48 credits each); online MBA (49 credits) | Length to Complete: Part-time MBA (2.5 years); Executive MBA (18 months); online MBA (24 months) |
Through the J. Mack Robinson College of Business, students learn about risk management, health information, marketing or business analysis, and general business management and leadership. The program includes night and weekend courses scheduled for the convenience of busy professionals. Students can also specialize in their course of study by choosing among 18 different concentrations. Career services are also available, providing students with career advancement strategies, career coaching, and job shadowing.
| Location: Atlanta, GA | Curriculum: 7.5 to 16.5 credits of cornerstone core courses (e.g., managing in the global economy; strategic business communication; data-driven decision; and legal environments); 10.5 to 16.5 credits of the functional core; three-credit capstone course focusing on global competitive strategy; and 18 credits of electives | Length to Complete: Two to three years |
