Balancing work, life, and education is no small feat, especially for ambitious professionals striving to advance their careers. Pursuing an MBA while working adds another layer of complexity, requiring careful planning and a realistic understanding of the commitment involved. “Grad school can feel like a part-time job,” says Morgan Gorman, a Success Manager for Northeastern's Online MBA program. “No matter which program you choose, it requires effective time management. But with the right tools and support, you find a way to make it work for you.”
So, how long does it take to do an MBA while working? The answer depends on your chosen format and how well it aligns with your schedule and goals. From traditional full-time programs to flexible online options, each path offers unique advantages. Let’s start by exploring the different MBA formats to help you find the one that fits your life and career aspirations.
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Understanding the Different MBA Formats
Traditional, Full-Time Program
A traditional, full-time MBA program typically spans two years and immerses students in an intensive, on-campus experience. While this format offers robust networking opportunities and a focused academic environment, it's less common for working professionals.
Why? Oftentimes the full-time schedule requires a career break that many professionals aren’t able to do for financial reasons. For someone like you, who may be balancing work, family, and career advancement goals, this format might not provide the flexibility you need.
In-Person, Part-Time Program
If you’re looking for a structured learning environment without pausing your career, an in-person, part-time MBA could be an excellent choice. This format is specifically tailored for working professionals by offering flexible evening or weekend schedules to fit around work commitments.
With a typical time commitment of two and half to five years, a part-time MBA allows you to pace your studies according to your lifestyle. For instance, during less demanding seasons at work, you might take on a heavier courseload, while during busier times, you can scale back. This flexibility makes it easier to balance your professional responsibilities, personal life, and education.
Online Program
An online MBA offers unmatched flexibility, making it ideal for professionals balancing work, family, and education. With a typical completion time of one and half to three years, you can adjust your pace to fit your schedule. “Students can speed up or slow down at any time in our Online MBA program,” Gorman says.
Although virtual, online MBAs maintain the same high standards as in-person programs, offering rigorous coursework and collaborative opportunities. “No matter what program you take, you're going to do good work. That’s just the nature of an MBA program,” Gorman says. “You’re always going to learn how to work with other people, play different roles in a group, and accomplish a business decision.”
An online MBA’s flexibility helps you balance education with your commitments, but how long it takes to do an MBA while working depends on more than just the format. Factors like courseload, pacing, and personal support play a crucial role. Let’s explore these in detail.
Factors That Influence How Long It Takes to Complete an MBA While Working
- Courseload
The number of courses you take each term directly impacts how long it takes to do an MBA while working. Opting for a heavier course load can shorten the time to completion but may add significant pressure to your already busy schedule. For many working professionals this means a program that offers opportunities to tailor an individualized schedule. This can mean starting with a lighter course load—such as one or two courses per term—is a practical way to balance school, work, and life.
“Many students forget that you don’t need to take on a full course load,” Gorman says. “You can still earn an MBA by doing one class at a time.”
This approach allows you to adapt to the demands of graduate school without becoming overwhelmed. As your personal or professional commitments lighten, you can consider increasing your course load to accelerate your progress.
To manage your course load effectively:
- Create a schedule that accommodates work, school, and personal life.
- Use productivity tools like digital calendars to track deadlines.
- Increase course load during less demanding periods to accelerate progress.
- Pacing
Pacing is another critical factor that influences how long it takes to do an MBA while working. The ability to adjust your pace based on your goals and life circumstances is one of the biggest advantages of many MBA programs. “Oftentimes, I ask students to meet with me, and we do a sit-down one-on-one conversation to talk about what their goals are, what their life looks like, and how they want to achieve this,” Gorman says.
To effectively manage the pacing of your MBA focus on breaking your program into manageable milestones rather than viewing it as one long-term commitment. Divide your progress into smaller phases, such as completing core courses first or tackling electives during less busy times.
In addition, remember to leverage the flexibility of your program by planning ahead for predictable life events, like work deadlines or family obligations. This forward-thinking approach ensures you can maintain momentum while accommodating shifts in your personal or professional life.
- Professional and Personal Time Commitments
Your professional and personal commitments play a critical role in shaping your MBA experience. For many working professionals, balancing job responsibilities, family life, and unexpected events requires strategic planning to stay on track.
To effectively manage these demands, start by assessing your current commitments and identifying potential conflicts. This can help you better anticipate busier seasons in your professional or personal life. For example, planning ahead for family vacations or life events ensures you don’t fall behind on coursework or group assignments.
Beyond planning, maintaining open communication with your support network is essential. Let your employer, family, and close friends know about your academic goals and how they can support you. Whether it’s your employer offering flexibility during exams or family stepping in to help with daily responsibilities, these adjustments can make a significant difference in balancing your commitments effectively.
- Support Resources
Support resources are crucial to successfully completing an MBA while working. From financial assistance to professional guidance, these tools and opportunities can make a significant difference.
For instance, employer-provided benefits like tuition reimbursement and flexible work arrangements are some of the most valuable resources. “At Northeastern we know how much support students need,” Gorman adds. “So we make sure we discuss possible employer benefits, what the budget is, if it's calendar or fiscal year-based, and how they can work within those limitations to avoid out-of-pocket costs.” And for many working professionals, understanding and leveraging these benefits is essential to reducing financial stress.
MBA programs can also offer extensive academic and professional support through their faculty, alumni, and peers.
“Even though we’re an online program, students can expect to build relationships with professors and subject matter experts, which become a huge resource of mentorship and support,” Gorman says.
Earn an MBA On Your Time
Pursuing an MBA while working is a significant commitment, but the flexibility and support offered by programs like Northeastern’s Online MBA program make it possible for any professional. Designed specifically for those balancing full-time careers, the program adapts to your schedule and goals.
So, how long does it take to do an MBA while working? With Northeastern’s Online MBA program, the timeline is entirely up to you. Whether you choose an accelerated path of 18 months or a more measured pace of two to three years, the program’s flexibility ensures you can make steady progress while managing your personal and professional commitments.
To help you get started, here’s a checklist to plan your MBA journey:
- Assess your schedule: Identify time you can dedicate to studying and coursework.
- Choose the right format: Decide between full-time, part-time, or online programs based on your lifestyle and commitments.
- Explore employer benefits: Research tuition reimbursement or flexible work arrangements.
- Create a weekly plan: Block time for studying, work, and personal responsibilities.
- Use productivity tools: Manage deadlines with digital calendars or task management apps.
- Build a support network: Share your goals with family, friends, and colleagues to gain their help.
- Set short-term goals: Focus on completing core courses or smaller milestones first.
- Plan for busy seasons: Anticipate work deadlines or family events and adjust your course load as needed.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, Northeastern’s Online MBA offers the structure and flexibility to help you achieve your goals on your terms.
