Full-Time MBA Programs

The traditional full-time MBA lasts two academic years, including a summer break that many students use to pursue internships. Students are immersed in full-time coursework, with the core classes covered in the first year and the option to take electives in specialized focus areas the second year. A range of specialized majors is offered (something that might be limited in executive MBA programs) and in many cases dual degree options allow students to combine their business degrees with their non-business academic or professional backgrounds. The internships available to full-time MBAs are highly valued as they give MBA students the chance to gain specific hands-on practical experience. In many cases business hire fomer interns to full-time positions after they have completed their MBA programs.

Full-time MBAs are often a few years out of college and looking to make a career change or build broader expertise to advance in a business or finance-related field. The full-time environment typically offers greater networking opportunities with a strong sense of community among students. As students are on a similar full-time schedule, there are more opportunities to participate in campus social clubs, extra curricular activities, study groups and other organizations that form cohesion among the student body. Students must be able to take a two-year break from work and finance two years of full-time study.

As many students are looking for new jobs upon graduation, the career placement offices of full-time programs often have longstanding relationships with companies, actively attract companies to recruit on campus, and offer students strong support in their interviewing and job search process.