How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA?

Key takeaways

Master of Business Administration degree programs can take anywhere from one to five years to complete, depending on the type of program and schedule.

• Pursuing an MBA can have a notable impact on your salary, with MBA graduates earning a projected median salary of $120,000 in 2024, compared to $69,320 for individuals with a bachelor’s degree [1].

• You can finish your degree more quickly and with more flexibility by choosing an online accelerated MBA program.

• You can graduate faster if you enroll full-time, while part-time or dual-degree paths may extend your timeline but offer other benefits like the ability to work while you earn your degree or complete two degrees at the same time.

Discover the amount of time different MBA programs can take to complete and the factors that can influence the amount of time it takes to earn an MBA.

How long does it take to get an MBA degree?

MBA programs can take anywhere from one to five years to complete, depending on the type of program and schedule. Most full-time MBA programs take about two years to complete. Accelerated degree programs can take less time—about one year—while part-time degrees can take three years or longer.

Pursuing an MBA can have a notable impact on your career growth. At the same time, seeking any advanced degree or certification will require some time commitment. Here are some common types of MBA programs and how much time they’ll typically take:

MBA program options and time to complete

The time it takes to earn an MBA degree varies by the type of program and by school. Some MBA programs are designed for students to complete in a year, while others can take several years. Regardless of the type of degree program you enroll in, you generally receive the same graduate degree in the end.

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of MBA programs:

• Full-time MBA: A full-time MBA program, sometimes called a two-year program, is considered the “traditional” path toward a degree. Programs typically take two years to complete, and students are expected to be enrolled full-time—meaning they live on or near campus and don’t hold a full-time job while pursuing their degree.

• Part-time MBA: A part-time MBA program usually takes three to five years to complete, and classes are scheduled outside of regular business hours. This allows students to work full-time while attending school. In fact, you might also see them called weekend or evening MBA programs.

• Accelerated MBA: Sometimes referred to as a one-year MBA program, an accelerated MBA program only takes about one year to complete. To condense the timeframe, many accelerated MBA programs will require either a bachelor’s degree in business or a series of prerequisite courses and may lean on prior work experience to swiftly move through topics. It could be possible to continue working during an accelerated MBA program; however, many programs do require full-time enrollment.

When you're looking at MBA options, you may come across specialized programs designed for individuals at different stages in their careers or with different career goals. Some common programs include:

• Executive MBA: Designed for full-time professionals about a decade into their careers, an executive MBA program typically takes about two years to complete, with the bulk of the classes taking place on weekends. 

• Global MBA: Like a full-time MBA, a global MBA typically takes around two years to complete on a full-time schedule. The difference is in the program scope: A global MBA will emphasize global business practices and may attract a more internationally diverse group of candidates.

• Dual MBA: A dual-degree program is basically a double major. There are a variety of dual MBA programs, often combined with law degrees (JD) or other master’s or doctorate degrees in health care, public policy, international studies, or technology. Dual MBAs are fast-tracked in that you can complete two degrees at the same time; however, depending on the program, they may take longer than the two years often anticipated with a full-time MBA program.

Learn more: What Is an Executive MBA?

MBA salary: How much more can you earn?

An MBA can increase your salary. According to the 2024 Graduate Management Admissions Council’s Corporate Recruiters Survey, MBA graduates earn 1.75 times more than bachelor’s degree graduates [1]. The median starting salary for an MBA graduate in 2024 was $120,000, compared to $69,320 for individuals with a bachelor’s degree [1].

What factors impact the time it takes to complete an MBA?

The most significant factors that impact how long it will take you to complete your MBA program are your program type, enrollment status, and additional specializations. Let's take a closer look at each factor.

• Program type: Different types of MBA programs structure their coursework to accommodate different timeline preferences. Accelerated MBA programs, for example, will typically condense the same amount of coursework into a shorter completion timeline, whereas part-time MBA programs will extend coursework over a longer completion timeline. Online MBA programs may offer more flexibility to take courses on your timeline, depending on whether the courses are synchronous or asynchronous.

• Enrollment status: If you are enrolled in full-time coursework, you'll complete your MBA program faster than if you were enrolled part-time. With full-time MBA programs, your primary occupation during your time of study will be student, meaning you likely won't have time for other full-time employment. Part-time enrollment tends to be a better option for students who wish to continue their full-time employment elsewhere while attending classes on nights and weekends.

• MBA specializations and dual degrees: Choosing an MBA concentration generally won't add time to your total degree time—often, your concentration or specialization will take the place of existing elective requirements. However, choosing to complete additional specializations or a dual-degree program can add to your overall time in school.

How long does it take to get an MBA online?

Online MBA programs are gaining popularity among applicants, thanks in part to their flexibility. Online MBA candidates can learn from anywhere with an internet connection, sometimes on their own schedule, and often for a lower tuition than an in-person program.

In general, online programs require the same time commitments as their in-person counterparts because the programs are pretty comparable. For example, a full-time online MBA program may take two years to complete, whereas a part-time online MBA program may take between three and five years.

If you want to complete your MBA quickly and with flexible learning options, consider looking for an online accelerated MBA program.

Get free resources to help you work toward getting an MBA

If you’re considering enrolling in a degree program, keep up with the latest trends and in-demand skills in your area of study by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat To continue exploring degree programs, check out these free resources:

• Hear from an industry professional: How This Self-Taught Web Developer Went Straight to a Master’s Degree

• Consider your options: What should you earn: a certificate or a degree?

• Watch on YouTube: Education Pays: 7 Degrees for Higher Salaries

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