Business continues to be among the most popular undergraduate degrees in the U.S., with nearly one in five bachelor’s degrees being in business between 2018 and 2019. It’s no surprise why! The business sector shows no sign of slowing down. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in business and finance is expected to grow 8 percent between 2020 and 2030. However, in order to have a competitive edge in an employment market where your main competitors are fellow business majors, earning an MBA can be the best way to stand out. An MBA provides graduates with the leg-up they need in recruitment, promotions, and advancement to management and leadership.
Whether you’ve decided to enter the world of business, or you’re interested in broadening your career options, an MBA is worth considering. But, as a working professional, you may find yourself wondering, “How long does it take to get an MBA?” After all, spending any amount of time away from the workplace may diminish your enthusiasm. Luckily, there are two ways to pursue and earn your MBA in a timely fashion.
Traditional MBA Programs
A full-time MBA typically takes two years to complete. Traditionally, MBA programs require that students maintain their full-time status and, frequently, complete their courses primarily in-person. However, attending school full-time and in-person is no longer necessary for students to successfully complete their MBA degree. Many schools, including University of Bridgeport, offer their students accelerated and/or flexible study options, including online courses, which can help students complete their degree more quickly.
Curriculum
The curriculum of an MBA degree can vary from school to school. At University of Bridgeport, the MBA curriculum is 36 credits and includes courses such as:
- Managerial and Cost Accounting
- Marketing and Branding
- Global Program and Project Management
- Advanced Financial Management and Policy
- Organizational Behavior
Additionally, students take courses in an area of concentration, designed to provide them with specialized and in-depth knowledge and skills. Lastly, they’ll take capstone courses that provide a final integration of a student’s learning across all disciplines explored in the course of the MBA.
How Long Does it Take to Complete an MBA Degree Full-Time?
Though the traditional MBA route does require students to learn in the classroom, some schools do offer flexibility to their students. University of Bridgeport offers classes on campus during the day, evening, and on weekends. Students can also take courses year-round, in an effort to graduate faster than the two years of a standard MBA program. At University of Bridgeport, the MBA can be completed in as few as 18 months.
Alternatively, students who are working professionals have the option to complete their MBA program within seven years, giving them the flexibility to earn their degree at a pace that works best for them. Students must simply take a minimum of three courses each term in order to maintain their full-time student status.
Available Concentrations at University of Bridgeport
At University of Bridgeport, full-time MBA students are able to concentrate in the following MBA specializations:
- Accounting: With a concentration in Accounting, students gain the skills they need to work in Auditing, Accounting Regulations, Finance, and more.
- Analytics Intelligence: With this concentration, students are prepared for careers in Network Administration, Systems Development and Analysis, Big Data, and Business Intelligence.
- Finance: The Finance concentration prepares students for a career as Financial Managers, Financial Analysts, Budget Analysts, Corporate Controllers, or more.
- Healthcare Management: The Human Resources concentration is best for students who have an interest in Recruitment, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Relations, Strategic Planning, Training and Development, or Organizational Development.
- Human Resources Management: This concentration prepares students for careers in Hospital Administration, Pharmaceutical Project Management, Policy Analysis or Research, Medical Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Management, Healthcare Consultation, and more.
- Management: This concentration prepares graduates for careers in Project Management, Operations Management, Information Management, and Consulting.
- Marketing: The Marketing concentration prepares students to work as Marketing Managers, Market Research Analysts, Market Communications Directors, or Marketing Directors.
Online MBA Programs
Online MBA degrees offer students the ability to earn their degrees at a flexible pace, in an online format, all while fast-tracking their careers.
Curriculum
The curriculum of an online MBA degree can vary from school to school. At University of Bridgeport, the MBA curriculum is 36 credits and includes courses such as:
- Managerial and Cost Accounting
- Advanced Financial Management and Policy
- Global Program and Project Management
- Information Systems
- Organizational Behavior
- Marketing and Branding
Additionally, students take courses in an area of concentration that will prepare them for an exciting and highly specialized career.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an MBA Degree Online?
The online MBA degree is ideal for busy professionals and can be completed in as little as one year.
Students are offered multiple start-date options, giving them the chance to start their studies at a time that works best for their schedule. Classes are held in 7-week, accelerated online sessions, further offering students the flexibility to study where and when they want to. Additionally, despite the program’s accelerated format, students are able to choose an area of concentration that allows them to tailor their degree to suit their goals.
Available Concentrations at University of Bridgeport
At University of Bridgeport, the areas of concentration that students in the online MBA degree may choose from include:
- Analytics Intelligence
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resources Management
- Management
Pursuing an MBA degree is an investment of time, money, and energy. The rewards of earning an MBA, however, are well worth a student’s investment. An MBA can help graduates bypass years of climbing the corporate ladder. The starting salary for MBA graduates is $20,000 more annually than those who complete their education at the undergraduate level. So, if you’ve found yourself stalling on earning an MBA degree because of the time commitment, wait no longer. Whether you choose an in-person or online program, the benefits of an MBA far outweigh whatever time you spend earning it.
Looking to take the next step in your career? Learn more about University of Bridgeport’s School of Business here!