An Ultimate 2023 Guide to Part Time MBA

A part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is geared towards early or mid-career professionals who are looking to build managerial and leadership capabilities. It differs from a conventional or an Executive MBA in that it is mostly preferred by those who, more often than not, haven’t held top-level managerial positions. Through this blog, we will discover the subtle features of a Part-time MBA program, how it’s different from a full-time or Executive MBA, and the leading universities offering this program around the world.

Part Time vs Executive MBA

Though similar in content, there are many subtle differences between a Part-Time MBA and an Executive MBA. Both the similarities and the differences have been mentioned below.

Work Experience Requirements

A part-time MBA program typically requires only a few years of experience. This can range from 1-5 years. In contrast, an Executive MBA program mandates at least 5 years of professional experience.

Preferences

Those with experience in junior or non-leadership roles prefer this MBA program as it provides opportunities to break through to the top levels of management. On the other hand, an Executive MBA program is chosen by senior professionals who have already worked in top management roles and are looking for niche-knowledge advancement and expansive networking opportunities.

Identical Course Content

Both programs have similar or identical course content often taught by the same faculty. This means that you’ll be studying almost similar topics during the course or subjects that are interrelated.

Different Age Groups

Part-time programs tend to attract students aged between 24-30 years while an Executive MBA is structured for a more mature audience group of 30-42 years.

Also Read: 6 Best Institutions for Executive MBA Programs Around the Globe

Part-Time vs Full-Time MBA

When it comes to weighing against a full-time MBA program, a part-time degree differs in several ways. A full-time program is a regular, more intense, and demanding course while a part-time MBA program is tailored towards individuals who are looking to study while working. In a typical part-time program, classes convene three days a week or on weekends. (theclickreader) A full-time program has an unmatched preference compared to part-time programs on offer.

Also Read: 

• Integrated MBA
• MBA Courses

Course Structure and Duration

The course structure is specially designed keeping in mind the needs of a working individual who wants to structure his career for a top-level role in management. The course curriculum is highly flexible with students being given ample opportunities to mould the program as per their interests and inclinations. In general, a part-time MBA program may run between 2 to 3 years depending on the course and the university.

Also read: MBA Career Options

Advantages of Part-Time MBA

• Flexible
• Low Fee
• Exposure
• Career growth

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have completed their Bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.Com, BBA, B.Tech, B.Sc.) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% or equivalent CGPA.
• A minimum of three to five years of work experience is required.
• A few institutes that provide part-time MBA degrees have an age limit in place. A candidate’s age should not be less than 27 years old and not more than 50 years old, according to various institutes.

Part-Time MBA Entrance Exams

• CAT
• XAT
• SNAP

Skills Required

• Managerial skills
• Persuasive skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Business minded
• Goal oriented
• Decision making
• Analytical thinking
• Leadership

Major Universities Offering Part Time MBA Programs

Part-time MBA programs have experienced a remarkable rise in popularity among young professionals who want to advance into senior leadership and management roles. Therefore, it is important to get a degree from a top-notch business school that keeps you in good standing for quick growth and career advancement. A few of the most favoured options for top part-time MBA programs are listed below:

Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, USA

Program: Evening MBA/ Weekend MBA

Average Work Experience Required: 2-10 years

Course Duration:  2.5-5 years

Krannert School Management, Purdue University, USA

Program: Weekend MBA

Average Work Experience Required: 5-12 years 

Course Duration: 21 months

Classes: Alternating Saturdays

Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa, USA

Program: Professional MBA

Average Work Experience Required: A minimum of 18 months

Course Duration: 2-10 years

University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

Program: Part-Time MBA program

Average Work Experience Required: A minimum of 18 months

Course Duration: 2-3 years

Classes: One-two day a week for 24 weeks a year

Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Program: Global Part-time MBA Degree

Average Work Experience Required: at least 3 years 

Course Duration: 18-24 months 

Also Read: University of Manchester Acceptance Rate

Imperial College Business School, United Kingdom

Program: Weekend MBA

Average Work Experience Required: at least 3 years 

Course Duration: 21 months

London School of Business, UK

Program: Executive MBA (Part-time)

Average Work Experience Required: 8-20 years

Course duration: 20 months

Colleges in India

• XLRI Jamshedpur
• MDI Gurgaon
• FMS Delhi
• IMT Ghaziabad
• JBIMS Mumbai
• KJ Somaiya Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
• School of Business Management – NMIMS, Mumbai
• Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune
• LBSIM Delhi
• IFIM Bangalore

FAQs

A part-time MBA program is creatively designed to provide working professionals with an opportunity to get the expertise and skills needed to forge a fulfilling career in Senior Management. Let the mentors at Leverage Edu guide you in selecting an ideal MBA program that can assist you to sail further in your dream career in Management.