How Long Does It Take to Earn an MBA?
It may take as little as one year to complete an MBA program—but some take several years to do so, depending on various factors, such as how much time you can devote to earning an MBA, while balancing your work schedule and family life.
No matter the time frame, a Master of Business Administration is a great way to advance your career in business by building the necessary knowledge and skill sets. An MBA can lead to promotions and salary increases within your present company or to new positions elsewhere.
Still, there’s more to consider than the number of years it will take to get an MBA. You should also look at how many courses you’ll need to take and how many hours that will add in terms of additional study time, projects and the like.
And it may take less time than you think.
Our weeknight MBA program can be completed in one to two years full time, depending on waiver eligibility.
The MBA program can also be completed part-time in three years or more, depending on waiver eligibility.
Our professional accelerated MBA is designed to be completed in one year. You can pursue this program fully asynchronously online or through our hybrid model on Saturdays — with just 12 days of in-person learning on campus.
A 4+1 program would encompass a four-year undergraduate program plus a one-year MBA program.
Adelphi business students in the James Riley Jr. Trading Room
Choose the Right MBA Program for Your Career and Schedule
At Adelphi, we offer all those options and you can choose the MBA program that best suits your needs and your situation.
Weeknight MBA Program
With this traditional approach—offered on our Garden City campus—you can design your own path either by opting to take a more general approach or choosing to specialize in one of a number of areas. If you’re looking to focus your MBA studies on a specific business discipline, Adelphi’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business offers eight options for specialization: accounting, finance, health services administration, human resource management, information systems, management, marketing and sport management.
Or you could choose our MBA, with its international emphasis and concentrations in entrepreneurship and finance.
Keep in mind that each MBA course you add beyond the core curriculum may require an additional seven hours or more per week in time commitment from you.
Part-Time MBA Option
Pursuing the Willumstad School’s MBA part time would take somewhat longer—but the program is ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s best grad school programs for 2023.
Professional Accelerated MBA
By taking the fast track, you can earn your degree in just 12 months on a schedule designed for working executives who want to balance professional and personal obligations. You’ll learn online and in our small Saturday classes and receive exceptional guidance and support from our inspiring and accomplished faculty with real-world experience. Our program requires eight hours of online activities per course in addition to in-class instruction; additional work would be required for assignments and projects. Be mindful that a shorter, accelerated program could mean a more strenuous workload.
4+1 Programs
By combining your business bachelor’s degree program with a one-year MBA, you’ll jump-start your career by entering the workforce a year early and career-ready. A combined-degree MBA also means saving an entire year of tuition.
Graduate Certificate Programs
What if you are interested in sharpening your business skills, but don’t want to pursue a full MBA just yet?
One of our seven graduate certificates could be the way to go. These programs offer a fast, accessible and affordable pathway to career advancement, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field. Moreover, when you’re ready to pursue a full graduate degree, credits earned in a certificate program can be applied toward an MBA or a qualifying master’s program at the Willumstad School of Business.