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CLU: Your MBA: One Year or Two?
As a business school dean, I am often asked by potential applicants, “Which is better for me, a one year or two year MBA?”
Before I respond, I generally pose a few questions of my own:
- How much time do you feel comfortable in interrupting your career?
- Is the total cost of an MBA important to you?
- How strong is your academic background, and how well prepared are you to study advanced business subjects?
- Is there flexibility in the MBA programs you are considering?
Each of these considerations is important in the process of deciding which is better for you, a one or two year MBA. This is why:
How much time do you feel comfortable in interrupting your career?
Whether to pursue an MBA could be one of the most important career decisions you will make. Those who complete an MBA tend to be more highly paid, rise to higher levels in their firms, and have more flexibility in their careers than those who have not achieved this valuable credential. However, there are also sacrifices that accompany these advantages. As an example, if your working environment (inside or outside your organization and industry) is a highly competitive or rapidly changing one, any absence from day-to-day activity may put you at a career disadvantage (even if only a temporary one). Under those circumstances, you may wish to consider an MBA program of shorter duration.
How important is the total cost of an MBA to you?
Whether you are earning the equivalent of US30,000 or US130,000 a year, those earnings will likely cease while you are pursuing your full time MBA. Also, considering the cost of living during that one or two year period, this all adds to a substantial investment in your MBA training. Are both one and two year programs affordable for you? Or does a shorter program make more overall financial sense to you?
How strong is your academic background, and how well prepared are you to study advanced business subjects?
If your academic background is a very strong one and you are prepared to intensely study, then a one year MBA may be better for you. Alternatively, if your academic background is weak or marginal, then you may prefer a two year program. Importantly, unlike traditional two year programs, most one year programs schedule few breaks or vacations. As such, one year programs tend to be highly efficient and compact. The total number of days studying (or in class) may not be substantially higher in two year programs. Be sure to look into this in all of the programs you are actively considering.
Is there flexibility in the MBA programs you are considering?
At CLU, the length of your MBA program can be customized to your individual needs, abilities, and interests. While most students who enter our full time program complete their MBA in 12 months, there are others who prefer to extend their program to 15, 18, 21, or even 24 months. The choice is up to the student, and the decision can be made prior to enrollment or after entering the program. It is important that you determine the best length of your MBA. At CLU, we strongly encourage you to consider a wide array of MBA alternatives; it is possible that CLU offers one of them. CLU has been granting MBAs for over 30 years, and our MBA program increasingly attracts highly qualified applicants from around the world. Clearly, we are the “best choice” for many who seek an MBA in the USA. Look closely at what CLU has to offer. We would be honored if you would consider us in your selection process of which MBA is best for you.
