If you are currently working as a professional, you may want to consider enrolling in a Professional MBA program that is tailored just for you. Attending school while you have responsibilities at work can be difficult, but MBA programs with flexible schedules do make attaining your goals much easier. Unlike an Executive MBA program, you do not have to be an manager or upper-level executive to be granted admission to the flexible program. The professional program format is great when you cannot move your schedule around or call out just to complete assignments. Read on, and learn more about Professional MBA programs so that you can decide if this is the best match for you.
What Courses Will You Complete?
If you are enrolled in a program for professionals, you can expect to take curriculum that is very similar to the curriculum offered to standard MBA students. The dynamic curriculum and cohort format are designed to help you learn a wide variety of disciplines as you connect with classmates and network. Once you complete all of the core coursework and the electives you have chosen, you will have a rich body of knowledge and how to take an integrated approach with the disciplines so that you are able to make the best possible business decisions. Be prepared to study finance, marketing, organizational behavior, operations management, and corporate accountability.
What Makes the Professional MBA Schedule Unique?
The main difference between a professional and a full-time MBA program is the schedule. Rather than spending week days in the classroom, the program will be held either on week nights or even on alternating weekends. You must compare the schedules that you can choose from and decide which is practical for you. Remember that you will have both professional and familial obligations that you need to balance as you study for your MBA. If you are overbooked, you may not finish the program.
Admissions Requirements
Most graduate schools will require an applicant to have a bachelor’s degree and to have taken the GMAT exam. In addition to these two common requirements, you may need to meet professional requirements to enter a professional program. The requirements for these programs are not as stringent as EMBA programs. Some will not have a work experience requirement, but those that do may need to verify that you have been working in a business setting for 1 to 5 years if competition for admissions is high.
Does the Program Offer Career Placement Services?
When you compare graduate schools, you need to consider staff-to-student ratios and outcomes. You also need to consider which services the school offers to help students succeed. One service is career placement. Most schools will offer you career placement assistance when you are nearing graduation, which can help you find a higher paying position.
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The average MBA program taken on a part-time basis costs about $80,000 in tuition, according to Investopedia. While the cost can be high, you must consider the benefits of earning this credential. If you want to become an executive or work for a Fortune 500 corporation, you will need an MBA to compete. Compare tuitions, look for the most affordable route, and consider having your company foot the bill by earning a professional MBA while you are employed.
