How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA?

Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree can have a notable impact on your career growth. At the same time, seeking any kind of advanced degree or certification will require some amount of time commitment.

Most full-time MBA programs take about two years to complete. Accelerated degree programs can take less time—about one year—while part-time degrees can take three years or longer.

In this article, we'll explore the amount of time different MBA programs can take to complete and factors that can influence the amount of time it takes to earn an MBA.

How many years does it take to get an MBA?

MBA programs can take anywhere from one year to five years to complete, depending on the type of program and schedule. Here are some common types of MBA programs and how much time they’ll typically take:

MBA program options and time to complete

The time it takes to earn an MBA degree varies by the type of program and by school. Some MBA programs are designed for students to complete in a year, while others can take several years. Regardless of the type of degree program you enroll in, you generally receive the same graduate degree in the end.

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of MBA programs:

• Full-time MBA: A full-time MBA program, sometimes called a two-year program, is considered to be the “traditional” path toward a degree. Programs typically take two years to complete, and students are expected to be enrolled full-time—meaning they live on or near campus and don’t hold a full-time job while pursuing their degree.

• Part-time MBA: A part-time MBA program usually takes between three and five years to complete, and classes are scheduled outside of normal business hours. This allows students to work full time while attending school. In fact, you might also see them called weekend or evening MBA programs.

• Accelerated MBA: Sometimes referred to as a one-year MBA program, an accelerated MBA program only takes about one year to complete. In order to condense the timeframe, many accelerated MBA programs will require either a bachelor’s degree in business or a series of prerequisite courses, and may lean on prior work experience to swiftly move through topics. It could be possible to continue working during an accelerated MBA program, however many programs do require full-time enrollment.

When you're looking at MBA options, you may come across specialized programs, designed for individuals at different stages in their career or with different career goals. Some common programs include:

• Executive MBA: Designed for full-time professionals about a decade into their careers, an executive MBA program typically takes about two years to complete, with the bulk of the classes taking place on weekends. 

• Global MBA: Like a full-time MBA, a global MBA will typically take around two years to complete on a full-time schedule. The difference is in the program scope: a global MBA will emphasize global business practices, and may attract a more internationally diverse group of candidates.

• Dual MBA: A dual degree program is basically a double major. There are a variety of dual MBA programs, often combined with law degrees (JD) or other master’s or doctorate degrees in health care, public policy, international studies, or technology. Dual MBAs are fast-tracked in that you are able to complete two degrees at the same time, however depending on the program, they may take longer than the two years often anticipated with a full-time MBA program.

What factors impact the time it takes to complete an MBA?

The biggest factors that impact the amount of time it will take your complete your MBA program are your program type, enrollment status, and additional specializations. Let's take a closer look at each factor.

• Program type: Different types of MBA programs structure their coursework to accommodate different timeline preferences. Accelerated MBA programs, for example, will typically condense the same amount of coursework into a shorter completion timeline, whereas part-time MBA programs will extend coursework over a longer completion timeline. Online MBA programs may offer more flexibility to take courses on your own timeline, depending on whether the courses are synchronous or asynchronous.

• Enrollment status: If you are enrolled in full-time coursework, you'll complete your MBA program faster than you would if you were enrolled part-time. With full-time MBA programs, your primary occupation during your time of study will be student, meaning you likely won't have time for other full-time employment. Part-time enrollment tends to be a better option for students who wish to continue their full-time employment elsewhere, while attending classes on nights and weekends.

• MBA specializations and dual-degrees: Choosing an MBA concentration generally won't add time to your total degree time—often, your concentration or specialization will take the place of existing elective requirements—however choosing to complete additional specializations or a dual degree program can add to your overall time in school.

Are online MBA programs faster?

Online MBA programs are gaining more popularity among applicants, thanks in part to the flexibility these programs can offer. Online MBA candidates are able to learn from anywhere with an internet connection, sometimes on their own schedule, and often for a lower tuition than an in-person program.

In general, online programs require the same time commitments as their in-person counterparts because the programs are pretty comparable. For example, a full-time online MBA program may take two years to complete, whereas a part-time online MBA program may take between three and five years to complete.

If you are looking to complete your MBA quickly and with flexible learning options, consider looking for an online accelerated MBA program.

Continuing your business education

Whether you have the time and resources to commit toward an MBA degree or not, there are flexible ways to continue building upon your business foundations. If you have a few years to work toward your degree, an online MBA program, such as the iMBA from University of Illinois Gies College of Business, offers the ability to work on your degree from anywhere in the world.

For a shorter time commitment, you may be able to achieve your goals with a Master of Science (MS) in business or a professional certificate. The iMSM from University of Illinois and Google Project Management Professional Certificate are two programs designed to explore business practices in less time than a traditional MBA might take.

To help determine the right path for you, consider your goals and how each business education program may help you achieve them in the timeframe that feels most right for you.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)