Is a 1yr MBA as competitive as a 2yr MBA?

Question

Hi there,

I have an undergrad in Marketing & International Business and am a marketing manager at a top tech company. I'd like to get out of a tech B2B role and get into brand/product management.

Since I'm staying in a fairly similar job function and took most MBA core classes as an undergrad, I'm considering a 1yr MBA program. I'm particularly interested in Kellog & USC.

I'm curious if a 1yr MBA is as competitive as a 2yr MBA (i.e. as hard to get in to the program). Can anyone share some insights?

Thanks!
-A

vannbj · Answer

That's a good question. I wonder the same thing.

YourDreamTheater · Answer

I have no evidence to back this up, but I'd be willing to bet they're pretty similar. I'd guess that 1-year MBA-ers would be a bit more focused and driven since they want to get in and out as quickly as possible. Perhaps a few more from unconventional backgrounds (i.e. arts, non-profit) due to the lower costs...

I'm completely guessing, though. Great question!

I'm completely guessing, though. Great question!

shadow · Answer

the 1 year MBA (usually called executive MBA) and 2-year MBA are largely different beasts. the 1 year MBA is mostly for people who don't intend to switch career paths (or even companies) post MBA. it also applies to people who have a family business or something similar, and are looking to head back to the same place after they're done.

by and large, the 2 year MBA is for people looking to switch either function, industry, specialization or any combination of these. there is a formal recruiting process for students in the 2 year program; i'm not sure there is the same thing for a 1 year MBA program (since the schools expect you to already have your post MBA goals set out).

i do not believe that the GMAT is required for 1 year MBAs. I don't know the firm numbers, but if i had to guess, I would say that the 2 year MBA is more selective since they draw from a much larger applicant pool.

keep in mind that you would normally need a significant amount of work experience to be eligible for the 1 year program at most schools. for kellogg, i believe you need 8 years of full time work experience.

bozman · Answer

learningtheways, are you specifically talking about MBA programs in the US or abroad. Many European schools have one-year full-time MBA programs. I think INSEAD is actually 10 months!

I'm actually curious to know if Oxford's one-year program is viewed in the same light as Stanford's two-year program. They're both high in the rankings, so I'm not sure who would actually be able to discern if one is better than the other solely based just on the length of the program.

-Craig

gurpreetsingh · Answer

That is a good question.

Even I want to know the difference between full time MBA's of 1 year and 2 year, not the difference between executive MBA -full time and normal MBA.

Eg... 1 year MBA of ISB, Ivey, INSEAD are not executive MBA but they are basically accelerated programs.

learningtheways · Answer

- Craig,

I was referring to US programs, although I have been looking at the Oxford one as well.

Seems like in general 1yr programs skew toward an older audience, but as far as industry perception & selectivity things are a bit vague.

-Anna

annae · Answer

European 1-year programs usually require some years of work experience to help ease the stress. Classes are Monday to Friday, longer days, less holidays, and in general, a more accelerated pace compared to 2-year programs, as I've understood. Core courses are compressed in one or two terms out of three or four, after which you have to do electives, consulting, and other company cooperation projects. In my knowledge most programs, if not all, require you to study or work or perform other program-related things through the summer.

The American, accelerated 1-year MBA often crams the first year of a two-year program in the summer, after which the class joins second-years in the fall. Then there are true, "European-style" 1-year programs, such as Hult IBS for example, or Katz.

The American, accelerated 1-year MBA often crams the first year of a two-year program in the summer, after which the class joins second-years in the fall. Then there are true, "European-style" 1-year programs, such as Hult IBS for example, or Katz.

shana22 · Answer

Don't confuse executive MBA with 1-Y MBA programs that are just shorter and skip the internship (Insead, Babson, Kellogg 1Y, Emory, and whatever Columbia has...the Jan start?...are the ones I know). These programs are competitive and absolutely require the GMAT. Most executive MBA's are called executive MBA programs, not 1 year MBA programs. My impression is that they are primarily weekend programs, though I have not researched them extensively. Kellogg's 1Y (different than the Kellogg EMBA) does not require 8 years work experience. In fact, if you've been out 8 years, you are NOT eligible, according to their website. At that point you would look at the Kellogg EMBA, I assume. https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/adm ... ligibility He's right that the lack of internship makes career switching more challenging in a one year program. (Columbia positions their accelerated program as something that is not as good for career switchers...)

Is a 1yr MBA as competitive as a 2yr MBA?

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