Traditional Model
MBA Programs are designed in several different ways. Each program has its own unique rules and philosophy.
The traditional MBA model requires its students to take certain core requirements in their first year and to take electives courses in their second year. This model enables student to establish a solid background in the fundamental areas of the study of business and explore particular areas of interest in their second year of study.
Generally, schools identify themselves with certain areas of expertise. In order for you to specialize in a particular area, you typically will need 5 courses within a specialty. For individuals with strong math and accounting backgrounds, it is possible that they will be exempted from certain courses and thus able to finish their degree more quickly, but such exemptions occur strictly on a school to school basis. Such an exemption allows you either to finish early or to take more advanced level courses. Again, this will depend upon the specific guidelines of a particular program.
Accelerated Programs
One year programs typically last a year to a year and a half. In general, all students in your program are on the same track. They have the advantage of smaller investment of time and money than two-year programs however they often lack the opportunity to specialize. Many European business schools are one-year programs. In the US, some top business schools also offer accelerated MBA programs in addition to the traditional two-year track. For example, Johnson Business School of Cornell University offers a one-year MBA program for students with other advanced degrees. Columbia Business School offers a one-and-half year MBA program for students with more work experience or other advanced degrees.
Besides traditional full-time MBA programs, some schools also offer part-time, dual degree and distance learning programs for you to earn your MBA in the most optimal way based on your interests, lifestyle, and individual preferences.
Part-Time MBA
Besides traditional full-time MBA programs, some schools also offer part-time, dual degree and distance learning programs for you to earn your MBA in the most optimal way based on your interests, lifestyle, and individual preferences. Pros | Cons |  | Save Money |  | Fewer Career Options |  | Keep Job |  | More Limited Network |  | Do Not Have To Move Your Family |  | Smaller Increase In Salary |  | Earn MBA |  | Lots Of Work, Maybe Very Stressful |
Please be aware that part-time students tend not to get the same treatment as full-time students. Sometimes full-time students are privileged in terms of spots in courses and simply as a result of having more time are able to get to know professor and have a flexible enough schedule to do so. In a similar sense, part-time business school students have fewer opportunities to network and their jobs tend to prevent them from enjoying all that a program has to offer-i.e. opportunities to actively participated in clubs, opportunities to attend events (recruiting events, parties, lectures).
As a means of making the part-time MBA status work well for you, we suggest  | Excellent time management. |  | Do not drag out the process, take enough classes (though not excessive) to enable you to finish in a timely manner. |  | Make friends, especially attempt to connect with some fellow part-time students. |  | Remember that if part-time is too frustrating, you can switch to full-time status. |  | Make time for yourself to relax. Three to four years without weekends is too much to take. |  | Try working from home occasionally. |
If being a part-time makes sense financially and professionally, you should do it. You will in the end have the same degree as your fellow full-time students. And you will have accomplished the not-so-easy task of balancing work and study, a marketable skill. You will have the opportunity to get to know your fellow part-time students and through them to develop some valuable connections.
Another option is to begin as a part-time student and end as a full-time student. That way you can make yourself more available at the end when it seems to be the most intensive period for seeking post-business school positions.
Dual Degree Programs
Joint-degree programs offer the opportunity to get through two degrees at once faster than you would finish them separately, but more than that, dual-degrees offer you the unique opportunity to diversify your background through the study of two disciplines in which you have an interest and witness where and how these disciplines overlap. A JD/MBA program is a very common dual-degree. But there are many others.
There are a variety of dual-degree programs from which you may choose. Some students view the dual-degree program as an opportunity to gain expertise in range of disciplines. From school to school, the programs vary. You can combine a Public Health master's degree, a Medical degree, a Law degree, or an International Affairs degree with an MBA. Certain schools have established excellent dual-degree programs.
Take a moment and consider what you will do with a dual-degree before jumping into one. This will be both a financial commitment and a commitment of additional time in school. You will need to consider where you want the degree to take you and if this combination will suit those needs. Will this combination provide you with additional opportunities or limit them? Will the degree increase your earning potential or limit it?
For some students, the financial commitment in itself may be enough to deter them from engaging in a dual degree program. But for others, they may find the dual degree to offer them a diverse experience, a chance to be a part of two worlds and an ability to gain knowledge of a field that will work as a complement to their business and management skills. On average, less than 10 percent of MBA students seek an additional degree. However, the dual degree may be just the thing you want.
Distance-Learning Programs
Many schools offer distance-learning programs. In these programs you attend courses, often online, or through occasional trips to campus throughout the year. The duration of MBA programs can vary greatly but generally they are self-paced.
While distance learning programs lack direct exposure and interactions with faculty and students, they can have the benefit of allowing you to be flexible with where you live and work as you pursue your MBA.
Distance learning MBA programs also grant you the same degree as your full-time MBA or part-time MBA colleagues earn and often at a lower tuition.
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