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Explore part-time MBA programs

You don’t have to put your life on hold to earn an MBA with part-time online MBA programs. Learn how to earn your online MBA part time, and enroll today on edX.

Explore MBA programs

Why earn an online part-time MBA degree?

Work while in school

Enrolling in a part-time MBA program makes it easier to work while you earn your degree.

Flexible format and schedule

A part-time online MBA program allows you to plan your class schedule around your other commitments.

Respected by employers

Many employers prefer to hire someone with an MBA, so earning yours can help you stand out from other job applicants.


Prestigious
An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.
Flexible
Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.
Equivalent to on-campus
Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

Full-time MBA vs. part-time MBA

Prospective students can earn an online MBA degree on a part-time or full-time schedule, depending on the school. This section explores the differences between part-time and full-time MBA programs.

Full-time MBA program

  • Faster completion time
  • Less flexible schedule
  • Less likely to be available online
  • Difficult or impossible to work full time while in school
  • Opportunities for networking and interactions with classmates and professors

Part-time MBA program

  • Longer completion time
  • Offers more schedule flexibility
  • More likely to be available online
  • Easier to work a full-time job while in school
  • Potentially fewer networking opportunities and visibility in classrooms

What jobs can you get with an online MBA degree?

An online MBA program can prepare you for lucrative and in-demand business careers in nearly any field, including finance, accounting, marketing, and healthcare. Earning an MBA can help graduates differentiate themselves from other applicants for management jobs.

Below, we outline some potential career paths for graduates with an MBA.

  • Top executive: Help businesses meet their goals through strategic planning and management.
  • Financial manager: Direct investment activities and create plans that help organizations meet long-term financial goals.
  • Advertising, promotions, and marketing manager: Coordinate programs to attract interest in products or services.
  • Sales manager: Coordinate the creation of products or services for sale to customers.
  • Financial analyst: Advise organizations on ways to make a profit using various investments.

Salary expectations for MBA program graduates

MBA program graduates can pursue high-paying careers in nearly any industry. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that top executives earned a median annual salary of $105,350 as of May 2024.

Financial managers made a median annual salary of $161,700, while sales managers earned $138,060 during the same period.

Your earnings after graduation can vary depending on your previous education, professional experience, industry, and geographic location. Other factors that may impact your salary include your employer, specific role, and area of specialization.

Career outlook for MBA graduates

An MBA can help you enter a business occupation for the first time or take your career to the next level.

The BLS projects that overall employment of management occupations will grow faster than the average for all jobs between 2023 and 2033. The Bureau expects about 1.2 million job openings each year during this period.

In general, growth in business and management jobs will likely mirror economic growth.

What can you learn in an online MBA program?

A master of business administration is a graduate-level degree program that helps students develop broad but advanced knowledge of business theory and practice. It can prepare you for various management and business roles in diverse industries.

In an online MBA program, you can learn fundamental business skills and explore topics including marketing, finance, accounting, and management. Students take core, elective, and concentration courses like:

  • Marketing management
  • Management communication
  • Accounting
  • Strategic leadership
  • Managerial finance
  • Business ethics

Students learn skills like communication, leadership and management, critical thinking, and teamwork. They can also develop business strategy, time management, entrepreneurship, and networking acumen.

Some online like:

  • Marketing
  • Supply chain management
  • Business data analytics
  • Finance
  • International business
  • Leadership
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Artificial intelligence

Admission requirements for an online MBA

Each school and program has its own specific admission requirements. In general, online MBA programs require that applicants meet the following criteria:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited university
  • Relevant professional experience
  • A minimum GMAT or GRE score (if applicable)
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (if applicable)
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Frequently asked questions

Is a part-time online MBA worth it?

The value of an online MBA varies based on your career goals and financial constraints. Still, earning a part-time online MBA can pay off, depending on the program. To calculate the degree's return on investment, consider program length, cost of tuition, and how much you expect to make after graduation.

What are the downsides of part-time MBA programs?

Part-time MBA programs take longer to complete and might cost more than a full-time MBA. You also might miss out on networking opportunities and connections with classmates that are typical in a full-time MBA program.

Is a part-time MBA less prestigious?

It depends on the program, but many part-time MBAs are more accessible, affordable, and flexible than full-time MBA programs. This can translate to less prestigious programs. However, part-time and full-time MBA programs cover the same material and prepare students for the same types of jobs.

Is it hard to earn an MBA while working?

It might be difficult or impossible to complete a full-time MBA program while working. However, if you choose a part-time MBA program, schools usually expect that students balance full-time jobs.

How many years should you work before getting an MBA?

Admission requirements related to work experience for MBA programs vary by school. However, most business schools want applicants to hold some relevant professional experience.

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Last updated August 21, 2025