What are the different types of MBA programs?

Business schools have responded to changing student needs by developing a wide variety of MBA programs. Explore the different types of MBA programs to find the option best aligned with your situation and goals.

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Find the right MBA program for you

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.

Why an MBA can be a good investment

An MBA degree has long served as a core credential for advancing into the corporate management and executive ranks. Despite increasing specialization in business education, they still hold this status today.

However, MBA programs are expensive. In its Cost of MBA Report 2024, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) cited an average total program cost of $243,267. The GMAC data focused exclusively on 21 top MBA programs from U.S. business schools.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) tracks more general data. A 2020 NCES study found that MBA students paid an average of $17,058 in tuition and required fees in the 2019–20 school year.

No matter where you study, you can expect to make a significant investment in your MBA. However, it's an investment that can pay off: GMAC's 2024 Corporate Recruiters Survey reported an average starting salary of $120,000 per year for new MBA graduates.

MBA programs also teach transferable skills relevant to virtually all industries, with leading examples including consulting, finance, healthcare, retail, and technology. Explore the sections below for more details and insights into the different types of MBAs you can pursue.

Types of MBA programs

MBAs serve all types of students, from recent college graduates to mid-career professionals. Whatever your professional interests and background, there's likely a program that can help you achieve your goals. Find out more about enrollment formats, average completion times, and specialized concentration options.

Full-time MBA

A full-time MBA program builds advanced business skills that can prepare you for management roles. These programs typically require 30-60 credits and last 1-2 years. They offer a broad but rigorous overview of areas such as finance, economics, and marketing. An MBA program can also help you build soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership.

Part-time MBA

A part-time MBA program offers the same education as a full-time program but at a slower pace. Rather than enrolling in a full-time course load each semester, you can take your time and complete just a class or two, which can be useful if you're working. A part-time program can take anywhere from 3–5 years to complete.

Online MBA

An online MBA program offers the same curriculum as an in-person one but with a more flexible delivery format. Some online programs never require you to visit campus, while others hold a limited number of intensive on-campus sessions. An online program can be a practical choice if you work full-time or can't relocate for your studies.

Executive MBA

Executive MBA programs serve experienced business professionals, with the expectation that you'll be working full-time as you earn your degree. These programs offer classes in the evenings and weekends and tend to focus less on business fundamentals and more on specialized skills in leadership and management. You may also be able to take specialized courses that focus on your industry.

Specialized MBA

A specialized MBA program can help you build general business skills while concentrating your studies on a specific industry or business area, such as marketing or healthcare. This type of MBA program can be a great choice if you want to enter a specific industry or find work in a specific role.

Types of MBA specializations

MBA specializations allow you to customize your degree to meet your professional goals, training you for specific aspects of business or industries. Any MBA prepares you for many different professional pathways, but a specialization can determine your career options immediately after you graduate.

Common types of MBA specializations include:

Management
Accounting
Healthcare
Information technology
Entrepreneurship
Human resources
Finance
Marketing
Project management

How to choose the best MBA program for you?

There are many factors to consider when choosing between different schools and different types of MBAs.

Some key considerations include:

School size: Larger schools can offer more resources and professional opportunities, but you may receive less one-on-one time with faculty.
Cost/financial aid: Tuition rates vary widely among MBA programs. Public schools usually offer the lowest tuition rates, but private schools may offer more financial aid opportunities.
Accreditation: Make sure your MBA program holds programmatic accreditation from either the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

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Frequently asked questions

How many types of MBAs are there?

You can choose from dozens of types of MBA programs, including various delivery formats and business concentrations. Common formats include full-time, part-time, and executive. Common concentrations include entrepreneurship, general management, and healthcare.

Which type of MBA is the best?

An MBA that's worth your time should fit your education needs and prepare you to meet your professional goals. If you're eager to enter the workforce, a full-time accelerated program might be a good choice, or if you're in the middle of your career, a part-time executive MBA might be a good fit.

What type of MBA pays the most?

There isn't one type of MBA program that helps you access more higher-paying roles than another. However, earning an MBA generally can help you qualify for some of the highest-paid management positions in finance, information technology, and healthcare management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that management occupations across a wide array of industries earned a median annual salary of $122,090 in 2024.

Which MBA class is the hardest?

The MBA class that you find most difficult likely depends on your skill set and educational background. If you struggle with numbers, classes in statistics and economics might be difficult. Conversely, classes that emphasize soft skills like creativity or teamwork can be difficult for some learners, as these skills aren't easily taught.