How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA at Iona University?
Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree requires substantial planning to ensure you allot enough time to earn your master’s in business. On average, graduate students can complete a full-time MBA in one year, while part-time students can finish their degree in 15 to 18 months.
From the MBA application process to the program format, prospective students must consider all components of the graduate business school experience.
Determining Your MBA Timeline
Housed within the LaPenta School of Business, Iona’s MBA program prepares students to thrive in the business world by enriching their industry knowledge and equipping them with high-value professional development.
We recognize that our students come from diverse backgrounds and have needs unique to their personal and professional lives.
Our MBA degree program offers full- and part-time enrollment options and in-person or online learning formats to ensure all students have equitable access to graduate business education.
The duration of your graduate studies in the MBA program depends upon the enrollment options and program format you select. Regardless, the MBA degree consists of 12 courses, totaling 36 credits.
The LaPenta School of Business’s graduate programs run on a trimester schedule with Fall, Winter and Spring terms. Additionally, we offer two Summer terms, allowing students to complete their MBA at an accelerated pace.
Life is ever-changing, and so is your schedule. Whether you initially pursue your graduate business degree full-time or part-time, you can always change your enrollment status each semester depending on your scheduling needs.
For more information about important upcoming dates and deadlines, review Iona’s Graduate School of Business Academic Calendars.
MBA Curriculum
Whether you select the in-person or online format, Iona’s MBA program curriculum lays a strong foundation in business fundamentals. Our MBA degree consists of 36 credits in total—24 core credits and 12 elective credits.
To round out their strategic thinking, communication skills and content knowledge, all graduate students take required courses in quantitative analysis, accounting, finance, marketing, management and information systems. These courses are offered on rotation each term.
For a complete list of available MBA courses and course descriptions, review the LaPenta School of Business graduate catalog.
MBA Concentrations
Our program offers students the opportunity to specialize their MBA degree by pursuing a 12-credit concentration. Students enrolled in the in-person MBA program can concentrate their degree in the following areas:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Financial Managements
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
If a student pursues a concentrated MBA, it will not add additional time to earn their degree. Since concentrations consist of 12 credits, they fulfill the required 12 electives.
Students enrolled in the fully-online MBA program do not have the option to specialize their degree.
Full-Time MBA Time to Completion
Graduate students who opt for full-time enrollment can complete their MBA degree in one year. Full-time MBA students take three courses during their Fall, Winter and Spring semesters and three courses over two Summer terms (Summer II and III).
Sample Full-time Schedule
| Term | Classes |
|---|---|
| Fall Term | Class 1 (3 credits) Class 2 (3 Credits) Class 3 (3 Credits) |
| Winter Term | Class 4 (3 credits) Class 5 (3 Credits) Class 6 (3 Credits) |
| Spring Term | Class 7 (3 credits) Class 8 (3 Credits) Class 9 (3 Credits) |
| Summer II | Class 10 (3 credits) Class 11 (3 Credits) |
| Summer III | Class 12 (3 credits) |
Part-Time MBA Time to Completion
For graduate students looking for a slower-paced degree option, Iona offers a part-time MBA program. Typically, students pursuing their degree part-time take one to two courses per semester, allowing them to complete their degree in 15 to 18 months.
Sample Part-Time Schedule
| Term | Classes |
|---|---|
| Fall Term | Class 1 (3 credits) Class 2 (3 Credits) |
| Winter Term | Class 3 (3 Credits) Class 4 (3 credits) |
| Spring Term | Class 5 (3 Credits) Class 6 (3 Credits) |
| Summer II | Class 7 (3 credits) |
| Summer III | Class 8 (3 Credits) |
| Fall Term | Class 9 (3 Credits) Class 10 (3 credits) |
| Winter Term | Class 11 (3 Credits) Class 12 (3 credits) |
How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA Online?
In addition to the traditional, in-person MBA format, Iona also offers an online MBA degree. Created for working professionals, the online MBA program offers more flexibility to accommodate students’ changing schedules and can be completed in as little as 12 to 15 months by taking two to three courses (6-9 credits) during each 10-week trimester. However, it is common for students pursuing their MBA online to attend the program part-time while they continue full-time employment.
If you must pause your graduate business education for any reason, you can resume your studies when it suits your personal and professional needs. While this will ultimately affect the duration of your degree, the MBA program length is flexible. Students have up to six years to complete their degree.
MBA Application Timeline
Iona’s MBA program accepts students on a rolling admissions basis, allowing students to begin their graduate business education during any term—June, July, August, November or February. There are no application deadlines for any term.
It is encouraged to apply at least one month before the semester begins to ensure Iona’s admissions office receives all your required application materials and that you have a seamless transition into the MBA degree program.
It is essential to consider how long it will take to acquire the necessary application materials, including transcripts and one letter of recommendation from a professional or academic reference. Our program does not require applicants to submit standardized test scores, such as the GMAT or GRE, for admission.
International students are required to submit an official National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) course-by-course evaluation.
Learn more about how to apply to Iona’s LaPenta School of Business.
Elevate Your Career by Earning an MBA From Iona University
Iona’s MBA program allows students to explore their intellectual curiosity, sharpen their professional skill set and become innovative business leaders.
Learn more about our business master’s program by submitting a graduate inquiry form.
Ready to begin your MBA journey at Iona University? Apply today!