How Long Does it Take to Get an MBA Online?

If you want to pursue a position in business management, you should plan to study for an MBA online.

An MBA is an advanced-level professional degree that helps students master several different concepts in business so that they are prepared for administration roles and leadership roles. Upon graduation, it is common for an MBA graduate to land an upper-level management or executive position with their current employer or with a competitor.

Since the MBA can pay off rather quickly for those seeking promotional opportunities, it is a smart move to make. If you would like to learn how long it takes to earn your MBA by studying online, learn what you need to know by reading on.

Fulfilling Prerequisites Before Getting Into an MBA Program

How long you will take to earn your MBA at this point depends on the type of degree that you currently possess. No matter where you are attending an online business school, you are required to have a Bachelor’s degree before you can apply. While the major that you select does not matter, you will need to have specific English, math and communications programs under your belt to fulfill course prerequisites. If you do not possess a Bachelor’s, you will need to complete the 4-year degree program before you can even start the process of earning your MBA.

The Length of the Application Process

If you have your Bachelor’s degree, the application process to get into an online program for your MBA might take some time. It is important that you review deadlines and required documents well before you want to start your MBA program. It can take a good 4 to 6 months to get prepped to apply for an MBA program regardless of if you study online or in-class. This is why you should review calendars near the beginning of the year if you want to attend in fall.

You will need to register for your GMAT exam, sit for the exam, require recommendation letters, write essays, prepare your resume, select schools and prepare your application before the deadline. Since you are going to spend a great deal on the degree, it is smart to spend a great deal of time on the application to secure your future.

How Long Will You Spend Studying the MBA Curriculum?

Online programs tend to be much more flexible than the traditional classroom cohort-style options. Because of this, you might be able to finish your degree in two years without any delay if you study online. Some programs even have accelerated 12 or 18 month schedules where you will study the curriculum without any breaks. Consider how quickly you want to graduate and how rigorous you want the program to be before you jump into a program that might be too fast paced.

When you are spending thousands of dollars on your higher education, you want to be sure that the degree that you earn will take you places in your professional life. Find a program that is accredited by a respected body like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business before you apply. Only after you have done the homework and you have chosen a program that will work for you can you commit to earning your MBA online.