It used to be that MBA programs were basically all the same. But with the demands from business and students leaning toward flexibility and specializations, MBA programs have become quite different.
The Executive MBA
Most Executive MBAs require that you have professional experience prior to starting the program. They are programs designed for professionals that desire to increase their business knowledge and expand their education. Course schedules are constructed for students that work full-time, such as classes that run from 6pm to 9pm on weeknights and Saturdays. Executive MBA curriculum is tailored to students that have professional experience, therefore, helping them connect the daily activities of the office with theory and practical expertise. Most Exec MBA programs also help students hone their leadership skills and have a better understanding of how to effectively manage and motivate people in the workplace. Overall, they provide professionals a more complete understanding of business from strategy to finance.
The Traditional MBA
Most traditional MBAs do not require that students have prior work experience—although there has been much debate over this requirement among AACSB-accredited schools. Some schools feel students understand the material better when they have several years of work experience, while other schools feel students are better equipped for the workplace after they have a base of business knowledge. Regardless, there is a traditional MBA program for almost everyone. The curriculum is all about business. Your classes will include introductions to accounting, finance, marketing, economics, statistics, human resources, and more. Because many students are full-time, program course schedules vary from evening to day classes. But, you can almost always find an evening version of a class if you work during the day. Traditional MBA programs also are usually held in both full-time and part-time format.
The Cohort MBA
The term cohort basically means a group that has spent time together. A Cohort MBA program is one that is either full-time, part-time, executive, or traditional. It requires an admitted group of students to take the same classes together. The advantages of the cohort style are networking and relationship building among classmates, as well as learning to work with a group of people across multiple subjects for a specified length of time. Depending on your learning preferences, students either love or hate this setup. However, it will surely teach you to work with people that you like and dislike to achieve an ultimate goal (such as a good grade on a project). All of which are things that most people struggle with in the workplace.
The Dual Degree MBA
The dual degree MBA is becoming a popular option for students. For instance, if you have an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering you could choose a dual degree MBA/MSE program. After graduation (which does take a bit longer than the traditional MBA), you will have an MBA and a Master of Science in Engineering. A degree such as this could position you to advance into an engineering management career.
MBA Programs with Specialized Tracks/Concentrations
Due to the demands from students and business, many schools now offer customizable or specialized MBA programs. For instance, an MBA with a concentration in finance or an MBA with a concentration in marketing. These programs are great for students that want the broad base of knowledge that MBA curriculum provides, yet also want to learn more about a specific area of business.
To learn more about MBA programs and search AACSB-accredited schools, visit: www.bestbizschools.com/masters
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I never knew there were so many different types of MBA. Thank you for sharing this information with us.
Posted by: Foreign Language Learner | January 29, 2011 at 22:10
Great post as always;)
Posted by: online casinos | February 06, 2011 at 12:37
Awesome post! Thank you so much for sharing.
Posted by: ROI Unlimited | April 20, 2011 at 12:41
Hi Rosie,
There are quite a few AACSB-accredited schools that offer weekend executive MBA programs. Those types of programs are actually becoming quite popular, even for general MBA programs.
Weekend programs can be difficult, since schools usually keep you on campus all weekend for long days. But, it can be better than having 15 hour days--working all day and then going to class all evening.
You can search for executive MBA programs on our student website. Then, visit school websites to determine if they offer weekend versions. The schools on this list are all AACSB-accredited.
If we can assist you further, don't hesitate to contact me personally: sari@aacsb.edu.
Best of luck!
Posted by: AACSB International | October 27, 2011 at 09:46
You have made a clear difference between all the types..Thank you..
Posted by: MBA in real estate | January 03, 2012 at 06:20
Was unaware of the cohort version of MBA programs, will have to look into that. For those who work during the day there is a plethora of online MBA programs available today. Choosing such a problem looses reduces the networking possibilities you have in a normal program or as i learned just now in a cohort program. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Cheapest online MBA | April 25, 2012 at 20:35
What is leadership, and what are the qualities of a leader?
Posted by: what is management | July 20, 2012 at 06:34