How Long is an MBA Degree Program?
Committing to a graduate program is an investment. New students looking at MBA degree programs need to make sure they have the time and resources to dedicate to their education. In many circumstances, however, the investment is well worth it for the career opportunities that materialize after earning an advanced degree like a Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA). At Iona University, MBA students can take advantage of the MBA program’s flexibility to earn their degrees in as little as one year.
MBA Program Duration: National Averages vs. Iona University
How long is an MBA program? At Iona University, with campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville, New York, MBA students benefit from a flexible program that prepares them to move into leadership positions or make changes in their careers. Not all MBA students choose the same path, so there are certain choices that will influence an MBA program’s duration, including whether a student enrolls full-time or part-time.
At Iona, full-time MBA students can finish their degrees in just 12 months, while part-time students can typically finish within 18 months. In contrast, MBA programs at other institutions take an average of two years to complete for full-time students and three years for part-time students. One reason that Iona students can complete their MBA degrees faster is the program’s flexibility in course delivery. MBA students can opt to complete courses online, attend in person, or choose a hybrid format for maximum efficiency without sacrificing the quality of their education.
The demand for accelerated MBA programs is growing across higher education. According to industry trade publication Inside Higher Ed, “Between 2019 and 2024, the number of one-year M.B.A. programs in the United States, Canada, and Latin America accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) increased from 131 to 210.” Prospective MBA students are increasingly aware of the cost of taking a full two years out of the workforce to pursue a traditional MBA and are looking for faster paths, such as that afforded by Iona.
Factors That Influence the MBA Program Length
The top factor that influences an MBA degree’s duration is whether a student is able to attend full-time or part-time. Many MBA students maintain jobs and have other obligations, both personal and professional, while they pursue their MBA degrees, making part-time attendance the best option. Even at a part-time pace, MBA students at Iona can complete their degrees in less than two years. Whether students opt to pursue further specializations and whether they complete courses online or in person can also have an impact on the duration of an MBA program.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment
Deciding between full-time and part-time class enrollment is a highly individual choice, influenced by each student's unique responsibilities and goals. At Iona, students have the flexibility to pursue balance in both full-time and part-time schedules. For instance, online and hybrid course options allow students to attend lectures and network with classmates without spending time on a commute, giving them more time to spend with friends and family or even pursue new career opportunities.
Transfer Credits and Advanced Standing
For students transferring to Iona University, a maximum of six credits earned at other institutions may be eligible for transfer, allowing you to apply them toward your degree program at Iona. Students pursuing specific degrees with concentrations will need to work closely to evaluate which credits have been completed and identify any remaining requirements needed to successfully achieve their academic goals.
Online or In-Person Classes
Online learning offers flexibility and convenience, making it an excellent option for busy MBA students. A flexible format also fosters a more varied student body with diverse academic and professional backgrounds, enriching the learning experience and helping students build broader professional networks for the future.
Iona’s online course options cater to professionals who are eager to earn their MBA degrees and return to work.
Balancing Work, Life, and an MBA
Pursuing an MBA while balancing work and personal commitments can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it’s entirely achievable. At Iona University, we understand that many of our MBA students juggle demanding careers, family responsibilities, and academic goals. That’s why our program is designed with flexibility in mind, offering part-time enrollment options, evening classes, and online learning formats to fit into even the busiest schedules. Additionally, students benefit from access to academic advisors, career support services, mentorship, and networking opportunities, all tailored to help them stay on track. By creating a well-structured plan and leveraging the resources available at Iona, students can successfully manage their responsibilities while advancing their education and careers.
Specializations and Their Impact on Program Duration
At Iona, students can use their elective credits to pursue one of the following concentrations:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- Healthcare Management
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
The ability to specialize is built into the accelerated MBA timeline, allowing students to complete the program in as little as one year, regardless of their chosen concentration. However, the flexibility of modality plays a key role in this timeline. Students open to a hybrid format can complete the program within one year, while those strictly seeking an online format may not be guaranteed an accelerated completion timeline.
Students at Iona may opt to choose a specialty certification rather than an elective concentration. The specialty certification may be taken in conjunction with MBA courses or may be a precursor to enrolling in the MBA program.
For instance, an applicant may choose to complete the 12-credit certification in business and then use those credits, which can roll over into the graduate degree program, to get a jumpstart on an MBA. Listed below are the available specialty certifications, each of which constitutes 12 credits of coursework:
- Business
- Business Continuity and Risk Management
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Health Care Management
- Marketing Analytics
MBA students should choose a specialization or certification area based on their personal interests as well as their career goals. Completing a certification first can help students finish the Iona MBA program faster, as those credits are applicable to the graduate degree.
How to Accelerate Your MBA at Iona University
The Iona MBA program is designed to be completed in just one year for students who are able to commit to full-time coursework. Iona graduate students can take less time off work and finish their degrees faster due to rolling admissions, which allow them to apply and begin their studies in any of the five terms throughout the year rather than waiting for the fall or spring.
Why Iona’s MBA Program Stands Out
The Iona MBA program is part of the LaPenta School of Business, which is committed to helping students finish their graduate degrees on a timeline that works for them. Rolling admissions allow applicants to enroll in their MBA program during any of five start terms during the year: June, July, August, November and February.
Enrolled students can choose an in-person, online, or hybrid course delivery format. These flexible options allow for more diverse cohort experiences because people who may not have the freedom to pursue an in-person MBA program are able to take advantage of the Iona program.
Networking is key to any MBA experience, and the Iona MBA program has faculty and alumni in a range of industries who are ready to meet and mentor MBA students. Networking within the cohort as well as with business leaders with close ties to Iona is an invaluable part of the MBA experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About MBA Duration
Q: How many hours per week will I need to dedicate to my MBA program?
A: Students can expect to dedicate about 10-15 hours per week to their studies. For those pursuing in-person classes, that timeframe includes actual time spent in class.
Q: Can I extend my program beyond the typical timeline if needed?
A: Yes, students are generally required to complete the program within six years. However, if you need to extend beyond this timeframe, you will be required to submit a readmit application and have your credits formally reviewed by the Program Director. In some cases, students may be advised to retake certain courses if th ose courses are no longer considered current.
Q: What happens if I need to take a break from my studies?
A: Students who have not registered at Iona for a period of at least one academic year (two consecutive semesters), or who seek to return to study after a separation from the University, will need to file for readmission. More information can be found on the readmission page.
Start Your MBA Journey Today
More than 75% of Fortune 500 CEOs have MBAs or other graduate degrees, making pursuing this degree meaningful if you are aiming for the top of the business world. No matter what your end goal is for your career, having the skills that are taught throughout the MBA program at Iona University will help you in more ways than one.
At Iona, MBA students can finish their degrees in as little as one year at a full-time pace or approximately 18 months for part-time students. The fast-paced program makes it possible to continue to work while still pursuing this long-term goal. Rolling admissions allow MBA applicants to start during any term, including summer.
Contact Iona to learn more or apply today to get started.