Part Time Vs. Full Time MBA

Question

Hi all,

I have been researching online on this topic but haven't had a conclusive answer as to which one, part time or full time, is a better option.
I have 3 years of work experience and am considering starting my MBA degree next year, I have been looking at both full time and part time MBAs. Overall it looks like part time MBAs allow people to obtain the degree without quitting their job, even tho it might take 1 year or 2 longer to graduate. But I find it hard to convince myself to quit my job to get a degree while I totally have the option to get the same degree without quitting my job at all. So what is it about full time programs that makes them more attractive(judging from enrollment number) and competitive (judging from admission criteria)? Is it because of employer preference on full time over part time? post graduation salary? or is there actually a difference between the degrees obtained from full time and part time?

Any input is appreciated!

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Great question! Both part-time and full-time programs offer an MBA degree. Full-time programs tend to be geared toward career switchers a bit more, though many PT students switch into great jobs as well.

The FT program dynamics are different since students have little or no obligations outside of the MBA for two years so the interactions and intensity is very different from a PT program.

They are both great options though and a very big benefit of PT is not giving up salary of course.

See below for a blog post I wrote on the differences.

https://www.personalmbacoach.com/#!PartT ... ee13c8324d

If you are interested in discussing your profile more, what program is best and how I can help you get in, send me a note! [email protected]

EFTW · Answer

How about EMBAs? How are they different from Part time MBAs besides higher experience requirements?

ARINGO · Answer

There are a large number of people who are unwilling or unable to pay out the fees in advance of a full-time MBA course. For those, remaining in the workplace is the only viable option. A part-time MBA is a good way to lessen the cost of a quality MBA degree—by going part-time while keeping your day job. And if your employer is willing to pay for some or all of the cost of your tuition, you may end up with the best possible outcome—no student debt at all.

To read more about Part Time Vs. Full Time MBA please visit: https://aringo.com/Part-Time-MBA-Programs/
If you are also debating between MBA Vs. EMBA please visit: https://aringo.com/mba-vs-emba/

mailneelk · Answer

I am seriously considering the option of taking up a part-time MBA option in one of the top 10 schools. As you would know, this is not a cheap or easy decision. I have a graduate degree in engineering from a Top 30 research school here in the US and an undergraduate degree from a top-10 school in India. Combined, have almost 7 years of experience and a graduate degree. For various personal/financial/other reasons, going full-time is ruled out, even though I would love to do it. I have been with my current company(Blue Chip MNC) as a software/automation/R&D engineer for the past 5+ years and also have almost 2 years of manufacturing/consulting services experience in India. I definitely love my current career/job, but getting into consulting (Management/Technology) for primarily engineering businesses has always been my long term career goal.

My biggest concern now is if a part time MBA is worth the investment in terms of time, money and effort, especially if I want to make a career change at this stage. I still want to work for tech/engineering firm, but on the business side. Some of the admission officers I talked to in my target schools such as Kellogg/Ross/Tepper (Tech/consulting heavy schools in Midwest) etc are promising that part time students enjoy almost the same benefits as full-time students in terms of career opportunities. I talked to a few current students and they also seem to give a positive opinion about these part-time programs.

Given that I would be around 34 with some 10 years experience by the time I graduate, do you still think it is still a good idea? How do recruiters/companies view such profiles?

Thank you very much.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

MAILNEEK - I would say at the schools mentioned the career options for PT vs FT are not quite as robust but are very close. In your final year at a PT program like Kellogg you will go the through the same recruiting process as 2nd year FT students and largely compete for the same jobs. You will most likely not have the same level of exposure to these companies given the FT students have all day to connect with these employers but you will have your opportunities. I know internally the perception of students in the FT program often see PT students as not quite of the same caliber given most PT requirements are less rigorous when it comes to admission but most recruiters look at the students largely the same.

With your profile PT probably makes more sense for you

With your profile PT probably makes more sense for you

VeritasPrepMike · Answer

Well don't worry you have found a conclusive answer, because I don't think there is one, so don't worry about that. Why are full time programs more difficult to get into? I think you nailed it with employer preference. I can tell you as a recruiter for my company, I typically don't interview part time MBA students. But, regardless of what recruiters are looking for, what are you looking for? Do you like your job and company and want to stay there? Then maybe it makes sense to go part time. Want to totally change your career? Probably full time is the best answer then. Good luck in trying to answer this hard question!

Part Time Vs. Full Time MBA

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