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How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA Online?

By Charlie Davenport

The business world sees a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree as a sign of success. This master’s degree program has grown in popularity in recent years due to the significant return on investment it can provide. To improve their career prospects, more people are making investments in higher education. You can network with other professionals while in graduate programs and gain access to many beneficial contacts and resources.

The rise of online education has given working professionals more accessibility and flexibility to complete their MBAs. As a result, many want to know how much time it takes to finish an online MBA program. The length of a typical online MBA program varies as there are additional variables to factor in. This article explains the basics along with some variables that impact a standard two-year timeline for finishing a master’s degree.

What is an MBA?

This graduate-level degree program has a strong emphasis on business administration and management. As opposed to more fundamental business skills, MBA degrees demonstrate a specialized understanding of various business sectors. MBA training covers advanced careers in:

  • business management
  • leadership
  • human resources
  • economics
  • finance
  • statistics

The majority of MBA programs require you to have a bachelor’s degree along with a certain amount of professional experience. You can apply for an MBA program even if your undergraduate degree is not in a business-related field.

 

Career Opportunities

As an MBA student, you have the unique opportunity to shape yourself into a successful and confident leader. Forbes says it’s important to be in a business management program because good leaders are hard to come by. No one immediately has the knowledge and experience needed to lead. Directors, executives, and other business leaders often earn their master’s throughout their careers to advance in the sector of their choosing.

Financial Sector

One of the most sought-after career paths for MBA graduates is the financial sector. An MBA can help you prepare for a career as a financial analyst, investment banker, or financial advisor, among other things. These jobs typically involve studying financial information, coming up with investment plans, and giving clients financial guidance.

Business Management

Another popular choice for MBA graduates is a career in management. MBA graduate students are prepared for management positions across a variety of industries, including consulting, technology, and healthcare. Management positions typically involve controlling operations, managing teams, project management, and making strategic decisions.

Entrepreneurship 

An MBA can help entrepreneurs gain and fine-tune the skills needed to start and run a business. This includes writing business plans, managing money, and self-promoting your products or services through marketing.

Marketing

Having an MBA can also open doors to opportunities in the field of marketing. A marketing career lets you show off your creativity and strategic thinking by making ads and finding target markets. MBA graduates have the skills to create good marketing plans, do market research, and understand how consumers behave. 

Human Resources (HR)

MBA grads can effectively manage and develop a company’s employees, focusing on organizational behavior and leadership. HR professionals can shape a company’s culture and keep employees motivated and engaged. They handle recruitment, talent acquisition, employee onboarding and training, and performance reviews.

Operation Management 

Operation managers play an impactful role in ensuring the smooth operation of the company. You can contribute to a company’s success by managing the supply chain, ensuring quality control, and overseeing production.

International Business

MBA graduates can understand different cultures and global markets, helping them expand businesses internationally with strategies. From identifying potential markets to managing international partnerships, individuals with an MBA can thrive in the dynamic world of international business.

No matter what field you choose, an MBA program can give you a good base for success.

Online MBA Flexibility

The flexibility an online MBA program offers is among its most important benefits. Online grad school programs cater to the needs of working professionals, allowing balance to your studies with professional and personal commitments.

Online MBA courses offer you the ability to study without moving or traveling, which adds convenience and flexibility to your schedule. Not all online programs are completely flexible and have some similarities to on-campus programs. Some online programs may need you to meet once a week, or have a set schedule for course instruction.

Traditional vs. Accelerated Programs

On average a master’s program typically lasts between one to two years. An online MBA program’s length can change depending on the format selected. Most full-time, on-campus MBA programs last two years, which is the typical length of traditional grad school programs.

Accelerated programs can provide quicker advancement in graduation. These programs are more demanding, lasting 12 to 18 months on average. This time frame requires you to commit to a heavier workload and a faster learning pace. This may be beneficial if you are seeking to advance your career quickly.

Self-Paced Programs

Some self-paced online MBA programs allow you to finish your coursework at your own pace within a predetermined time frame. Depending on your availability and commitment to your studies, your time frame of completion will vary. While self-paced courses give you the most flexibility, they also demand a lot of self-control to finish on time.

Personal Commitments

Your personal commitments and time availability play a crucial role in determining the program duration. Online MBA programs offer flexibility, but your commitment and dedication will help you earn your MBA. Balancing work, family, and other responsibilities can impact the number of classes you enroll in per semester, which affects program duration.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time Enrollment

Your enrollment status, whether part-time or full-time, significantly affects how long an online MBA will last. Full-time students put in more effort and typically finish the program sooner than part-time students. Part-time students, who often work and study, may take more time to finish their MBA. However, they can easily balance their academic goals with their current lifestyle better.

Prior Education and Experience

You can get credits or exemptions for previous learning or work experience to reduce the program’s duration. Online MBA programs often accept transfer credits for relevant coursework from other schools or based on previous work experience. If you have a bachelor’s degree in business this may lead to having to take fewer courses. Every business master’s program varies, so do your research when applying.

NDNU School of Business and Management (SBM)

You can earn your online MBA degree through Notre Dame de Namur (NDNU) in as little as 18 months. Working adults can enroll in our 36-unit program, which offers:

  • 100% online learning
  • flexible evening classes
  • Courses offered in 8-week sessions
  • Free textbooks for most courses
  • No GMAT scores needed to apply

Engage in on-the-spot discussions with knowledgeable professors and other students to benefit from their knowledge and variety of perspectives. Our campus provides services to the thriving Bay Area peninsula in Belmont, California. We offer online programs and traditional in-person learning. These hybrid courses are a mix of in-person and online learning for a complete educational experience.

Unlock Your Potential

When considering pursuing an online graduate program, assess your personal and professional commitments, learning style, and desired time frame for completion. Choosing the right program and understanding factors can lead to a fulfilling educational journey, improving your career and personal growth.

An MBA is a valuable investment in yourself and your future, with lifelong benefits. Enroll in NDNU’s MBA program to acquire the abilities and necessary information to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.

Ready to dive in? Speak to our Admissions Team to learn more about our year-round application process.

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Mark Dee

Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

Chosen Cheng

Chosen Cheng is owner of CMC Group, a privately held engineering and marketing consultancy for small business startup ventures. He currently works with project teams developing patented award-winning solar roofing systems and patent pending drone-based augmented reality geological and thermal mapping solutions. He was formerly a Silicon Valley marketing and innovative corporate training manager. As an avocation and a way to “pay it forward” he enjoys teaching and career coaching college and graduate MBA students many of whom are pioneering first generation college students from underserved communities. He and his wife, a Notre Dame alum, celebrated their wedding reception at the Ralston Mansion in the 70’s and have two stupendously successful, married adult children who between them have four stupendously adorable grandchildren.

Arthur Chait

Entrepreneur, Executive, Engineer, Investor, Professor, Mentor. Founder & CEO EoPlex Inc. ($31 million VC funded startup acquired by ASTI Singapore). President Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting Division (800 staff worldwide). SVP Flextronics (responsible for $8 Billion in global accounts). President Zitel Software. Principal Booz Allen. R&D Director Halliburton. Adjunct Professor Menlo College, Visiting Professor Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala), Mentor Draper University, Judge Startup Chile. BS Engineering Rutgers, MBA Strategy University Pittsburgh.

Kelly Cansler

Kelly completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU. She utilized her business education to launch an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance. It’s grown into multi-million-dollar agency, organically and through acquisition. She has been recognized by Farmers Insurance being ranked within the top 10% of agents nationwide, but also as a speaker, trainer, and mentor within the Farmers Insurance Community. Kelly is extremely connected with local businessowners through several networking channels.

Cliff Burnette

Cliff is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Rambus, a global chip and IP provider that advances data center connectivity and solves the bottleneck between memory and processing. Cliff has over 20 years of experience leading global human resources operations for publicly traded companies with expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and compensation strategy. Prior to Rambus, Cliff worked for several other high-tech companies in the semiconductor and medical device space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Texas State University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organization Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes has been a San Mateo County resident for more than 45 years. He has been a three-term San Mateo County Board of Education incumbent, a Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce board member, a Sequoia Hospital Foundation member, a co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo, and a civic/community activist. 

Sheryl Young

Sheryl serves as a director for Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which provides $10M each year for innovative teachers and social entrepreneurs throughout the Bay Area. Prior Sheryl served as CEO of Community Gatepath and AbilityPath.org. She has over 30 years of managerial experience in operations, finance, and marketing. Young is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, earned an M.A. of Public Health from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.

Brian Schumacker

Brian manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant and with a dedicated staff of over 40 professionals who safeguard community health and protect the fragile San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University. Brian has also earned the highest levels of professional certifications in wastewater treatment.

Mario Rendon

Mario Rendon serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. He develops the communications, public relations and constituent service strategy for the office and supervises a small team that represents Mr. Mullin in the 22nd Assembly District within San Mateo County. He has over twenty year’s experience working with elected officials at the local, state and federal level developing public policy.

Jerry Hill

Jerry’s public service started with his local neighborhood association that progressed to the California State Assembly and Senate where he authored legislation resulting in laws on issues related to consumer protection, utility safety, coastal protection, public health, education and the environment. Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, receiving his BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.

Magda Gonzalez

Magda was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California. Prior she was the City Manager of East Palo Alto, California and Assistant City Manager, Redwood City. Magda was President of Cal-ICMA, representing the Local Government Hispanic Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County. Magda is also a member of ICMA and the State Bar of California and received several awards and recognitions, including Career Excellence Award (WLG) and the Ethical Hero Award from Cal-ICMA.

Jeremy Dennis

Jeremy currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager. Previously, he’s worked for elected officials at all governance levels, including twice as District Director for local assemblymembers. He worked as the Palo Alto Long Range Planning Director, and for San Mateo County in management roles. Jeremy has a Masters in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, and graduated from UC Davis studying US History/Political Science.

Kate Comfort-Harr

Kate is Executive Director of HIP Housing, a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. Kate is a frequent speaker on a wide array of affordable housing topics and is passionate about the cultivation of collaborations between the private, public and social sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and was awarded the Chamber San Mateo County’s 2020 Business Woman of the Year Award.

Jeff Cox

Program Director for Master of Public Administration

Jerome Nadel

Jerome Nadel is Internationally experienced design-led marketing executive (CMO and GM) with a track record of improved market position, revenue growth, and M&A. He is an advance degreed psychologist and user experience product/service design expert, board member and advisor. Jerome recently retired from Rambus as where he was CMO and GM of the security software division that he led the sale to Visa. He has had a variety of chief marketing officer and chief user experience officer roles at companies including Human Factors International, SLP InfoWare, Gemplus, and Sagem. He started his career in the IBM Human Factors Labs. He is also an avid cyclist with National and multiple California State Champion titles.