Part-Time Vs. Full-Time MBA Programs: An In-Depth Comparison

No two MBA students are alike. If you plan to join their ranks, you can be sure that your reasons for pursuing an MBA, your personal life, and your financial resources won’t be the same as anyone else’s. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right MBA program for you.

At Bentley, we’ve created an MBA program with three format options, specifically to address those differences. Our options include: full-time, part-time and accelerated online. So if you’re currently exploring the merits of part-time versus full-time MBA programs, take a look at the descriptions below. One of them might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time MBA Options: Which Program Is Right For You?

Full-Time MBA

• Program identity: a 24-month program for students who want to fully immerse themselves in the world of business. In 24 months, students will have the business expertise and leadership skills to get ahead in their careers. It also offers a strong network of support for students and the opportunity to learn from peers with different backgrounds and perspectives.
• Who enrolls in the program: A variety of undergraduate degrees and backgrounds are represented — everything from liberal arts to business. Students can expect to get an overview of the connections between different business disciplines (accounting, finance, the supply chain, IT, etc.) as well as a more in-depth look at one business area of their choosing that fits with their career goals, such as accountancy, law and taxation, leadership, business analytics, information systems, marketing or strategic health care management.
• Time to complete: Up to 24 months.
• When classes take place: Both day and evening hours. Students take four courses per semester, once a week, at 2.5 hours per session for 15 weeks.
• Online options: Most courses are in person, or in a classroom. However, some evening courses have an online “hybrid” option where students may, if necessary, join the class in real-time online. In that case, students participate in the class just as they would if they were in the classroom, with access to all class materials and the ability to “raise their hand” electronically, as well as participate in group activities simultaneously with the class.
• International study: All students are encouraged to participate in one scheduled “global business experience” abroad. Faculty members design the experience with a particular academic aim in mind. Working in conjunction with a host university at the location, students combine cultural activities with business and learn more about local enterprises through seminars and class projects.
• Career outcomes: Students coming out of the MBA program, full-time have built an impressive résumé based on the foundational knowledge and experiences they have acquired and are well-positioned to launch their career in whatever area they choose. They have the advantage of being able to hit the ground running, having more business knowledge, and a broader understanding of how organizations work than non-MBA job candidates. For in-depth knowledge in a particular field, students can choose from eight concentrations to specialize their knowledge or elect to take advantage of the MS+MBA program.
• Student experience: Most students live in the surrounding area. They spend a considerable amount of time with one another both in class and during after-class activities, working collaboratively and sharing their perspectives and experiences.

Part-Time MBA 

• Program identity: This program is for working professionals, to be completed while they continue to work. It is part-time and flexible, designed to fit in with students’ personal and professional lives. Because they can continue to work while taking the courses, students experience minimal income dislocation and career disruption. They can also immediately apply the concepts and skills learned in class at their current job.
• Who enrolls in this program: Students in the program come from all industries and a variety of jobs (everything from nursing to law, to science). No matter what their background, the common goal is to understand more about business principles and learn key skills, like decision-making, business strategy, and management. Some students hope to gain more relevant, up-to-date skills with the objective of changing professions; others want to broaden their skill set to compete for higher-level jobs within their current organizations.
• Time to complete: Students have up to five years to complete the program, but most complete it in about two years. The time varies from student to student — some scale back on classes as needed, while others leave work periodically to take on additional coursework.
• When classes take place: There are a variety of course formats, including evenings, week-long intensive courses, and blended formats, with the vast majority, offered online.
• Online options: Most classes are offered in an online “hybrid” format. Students can either attend the class in person or participate in real-time online. In that case, students participate in the class just as they would if they were in the room, with access to all class materials and the ability to fully participate in group activities simultaneously with the class.
• International study: Students have the option to take a three-credit study abroad course. Called a “global business experience,” students choose a travel destination from the offerings available that semester. Trips last anywhere from seven days to two weeks and include visits with local business leaders, cultural tours, and alumni gatherings.
• Student experience: Thanks to the flexibility of the online hybrid learning environment, students come from a variety of geographies. The opportunity to learn from other working professionals in the classroom enhances the experience and provides students with a broader business perspective.

Choosing the right format that fits your life — whether it’s a full-time or part-time MBA program — is an important decision. Bentley also offers an Accelerated Online MBA, which is one of the fastest-certified MBA programs in Boston. It allows students to complete their degree in as little as 18 months with a concentration in leadership by taking three intensive courses per semester. Students progress together through the lesson plan by watching recorded lectures and studying independently on their own schedule, then come together at designated times for an online discussion.

If you have additional questions about any of the MBA programs at Bentley, please contact Graduate Admission.