MBA Background   The MBA is one of the most well known degrees in the Masters degree category and finds its origins in the United States

The Masters of Business Administration degree is currently one of the most popular, well-known and fastest growing among Masters degrees. As a title, it has gone from strength to strength and there is no indication that this might change any time soon. As a degree, the MBA is now widely accepted and recognized as a highly valuable degree to have. MBA programmes seek to be practically oriented, business relevant, combining theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. There are many elements that are very specific to the MBA degree: the admissions process, the module formats, the emphasis on networks and the cost, to name but a few. As is the case with all other Masters degrees, the MBA can take on a variety of modes:
 

Full-time MBA: A full-time MBA can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months depending on the country, the institution and the actual programme. Most MBA programmes in the US tend to be two-year programmes. Students enrolled in a full-time MBA programme typically do not work during the time of study, as the programme is often quite demanding.

Part-time MBA: Part-time are intended for working professionals who wish to continue to work while studying. Classes are usually held in the evening. Many business schools offer full-time as well as part-time MBA programmes. In some cases a part-time programme might comprise fewer courses than the full-time equivalent and includes only a basic body of knowledge without the possibility to specialize further. Other part-time programmes offer the same courses as a full-time programme but will be twice as long in duration. Part-time MBA programmes are popular with career-oriented professionals who cannot afford to take time off work to complete a full-time programme and the cost for the programme can be spread over a longer period of time.

Executive MBA: The Executive MBA (EMBA) is a type of MBA programme that is designed for working executives who wish to enhance their careers. Executive programmes are an attractive option as they are often sponsored by the student’s employer. The executive MBA student remains fully employed throughout the course of the MBA programme and it therefore often does not include an internship or practical component. Classes are held either at night or on the weekends and the course material is condensed into sometimes as little as four lecture days a month.  As the schedule is very compact, there is little opportunity for specialization. An Executive MBA programme can be one of the most demanding courses of study and students must be prepared to long hours between job and studies.

Distance Learning MBA: Similar to most distance-learning Masters programmes, a distance-learning MBA programme is delivered through remote means, i.e. Internet, email, video and other communications channels and students. It is becoming and increasingly popular MBA format and a significant number of highly reputable business schools now offer these programmes. A distance-learning MBA programme may have the least impact on the student’s professional life and is often a more convenient mode of study for those managers who wish to study in their own time. A significant draw back of such distance learning programmes is the limitation in social interaction with other class members, building a network and engaging in general exchange as it is custom in other modes of MBA study.
MBA programmes can either be general in outlook or focus on a specialized area. The variety of such specialized MBAs is substantial, from MBA degrees in Accounting to an MBA in Tourism, Telecommunications or even Wines. What mode or type of MBA is the best match depends entirely on each individual background, goal and ambitions.

Selecting the right MBA programme

In order find the best MBA programme fit, it is helpful to evaluate the degree according to a number of criteria:

• Does the programme offer a general or specialized business education?
• How reputable is the institution – some employers prefer to recruit from a number of prestigious business schools only.
• What are the admission requirements? If the prerequisites for entry into a course are discernibly lenient it might indicate a lacking academic rigor of the entire programme.
• What course modules does the curriculum contain? If you have a clear idea of what you expect to achieve with an MBA, knowing the course modules will help you decide how valuable a specific programme is for your career goals.
• How does the MBA fit into your CV? The MBA degree should present a continuation of your career path if possible

Not every MBA programme is suitable for everyone. In order to make the most of your investment in this degree assess what value it will add to your individual career path. For more information on this read our section Value of an MBA.

Before enrolling in any MBA programme it is helpful to start with some basic questions:

• Do I benefit more from a general or specialized MBA programme?
• Do I want to be taught in English or local language?
• How much time can I allocate to the degree programme?
• Where do I wish to work post-MBA?
• What is the reputation and standing of the business school of my choice?
• What options do I have to finance the degree?
• What are the admissions requirements for the MBA programme?
  

For more information on general and specific MBA programmes available see our Business School and Programme Database.