How long does it take to get an MBA?

By: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Valerie Black

Last updated: July 31, 2025

An MBA can help you break into corporate management, but multiple factors can affect your timeline. Dig into the details as you search for the right graduate business program.

How long is an MBA program?

While the traditional timeline is two years, MBAs can take more or less time to earn depending on many factors. The main determinants of how long it will take you to graduate are your enrollment status and program format.

Full-time MBA

Standard full-time MBA programs usually cover 30-36 semester credits or the equivalent. That works out to about 10-12 classes, which you can complete in about two academic years.

Full-time programs foster peer networking relationships and immerse you in continuous learning, helping you build momentum as you move through your curriculum. However, you may find it challenging to balance a full-time MBA program with work or other commitments.

Part-time MBA

Part-time MBA programs usually consist of the same 30-36 credits as full-time programs, but allow you to take as few as one course at a time. This slows your learning pace, which may help you master challenging material and continue working while in school.

You can graduate a part-time program in 3-5 years. Some schools may allow up to seven calendar years to complete the degree. While part-time study may work better for your immediate needs, it can delay your entry to the workforce.

Accelerated MBA

Accelerated MBA programs pack the same curriculum as part-time and full-time programs into an even shorter time period. These intensive degree programs last 2-3 consecutive semesters and usually last 10-16 months.

Accelerated programs offer an efficient, cost-effective way to earn an MBA. However, they offer less flexibility, maintain an intense pace, and may prefer or require applicants to have relevant professional experience.

How can I make my MBA program shorter?

Beyond choosing an accelerated program, you may have several options for making your standard MBA degree shorter. Examples include:

• Overloading classes beyond a typical full-time schedule.
• Choosing a program that grants credit for your existing academic and professional experience.
• Studying full time during summer breaks if your program doesn't utilize the summer semester.

Finishing faster can help you save on tuition and enter the workforce with an MBA faster. However, it can also create challenges. MBA programs are demanding, and packing your schedule with intensive coursework can compromise academic performance. You might also find a quicker pace more stressful.

For most students, proceeding at an efficient but manageable pace works best.

What jobs can you get with an MBA?

Below are some jobs you can pursue after earning an MBA, with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Management analyst

Median annual salary (May 2024): $101,190

Management analysts help businesses optimize their efficiency. They gather and analyze data, conduct interviews, survey operations, and discuss ways to improve existing operating practices or develop new ones with stakeholders.

Marketing manager

Median annual salary (May 2024): $159,660

Marketing managers oversee internal marketing departments and the advertising and promotional campaigns they produce. They plan strategies, create budgets, develop and execute marketing plans, and assess their results.

Medical and health services manager

Median annual salary (May 2024): $117,960

These professionals work in hospitals and healthcare settings, ensuring that business activities align with quality of care and compliance standards. Some come from backgrounds in medicine or nursing, but business schools also offer healthcare-focused MBA concentrations that can help you pursue medical and health services manager roles.

Operations manager

Median annual salary (May 2024): $102,950

Operations managers are the frontline in implementing strategic plans that govern organizational activities. They manage budgets, resources, and personnel, and their duties often focus on maximizing efficiency and profitability.

Industrial production manager

Median annual salary (May 2024): $121,440

Production managers work for businesses that use mass-scale methods of producing physical merchandise. They guide production schedules and budgets, hire and train employees, gather and analyze production data, and work to make production methods as cost-effective and efficient as possible.

MBA degrees are also an excellent option for emerging entrepreneurs and business owners.