Pursuing an MBA degree part time is definitely possible nowadays. This schedule is appropriate and more attractive for those working professionals who cannot attend a full time program especially on campus. A part time schedule offers more flexibility and convenience because you can still work full time and attend classes only during your days off or in the evening after work. This set-up further allows you to complete your degree at your own pace and time. Many institutions have adapted to the needs of their students and thus, have implemented more convenient programs such as the part time schedule.

Take time to consider several points before committing to a part time MBA program. Courses included in most MBA part time programs are scheduled throughout the year and may give you a hard time in completing an internship. Although the part time set-up includes the same specialization as that of the full time program, it only offer a limited number of specialized courses as it puts more emphasis on the core subjects. And it may take you four to five years to complete an MBA degree compared to the full time MBA that takes only two years. The reason for this is the spreading out of the courses in a longer time frame.

The part time MBA has its own pros and cons. You can develop your present skills and learn new ones while still working on your current job. You can take schedules that are either before or after your office working hours. Situations and problems that happen in the office can be integrated in your classroom study and solutions you may take up during classes can be applied in real life. On the financial side, you can avail of tuition assistance or student loans to support your MBA study. However, if your employer offers to shoulder or reimburse your tuition, the ideal program is the part time. In addition, to those who are self-supporting their MBAs, the part time set-up is not so much of a burden because the tuition fees are divided over a longer time frame. Geographically, this program offers more flexibility notably if you live far from your school and less travel stress as you need to attend classes either only once or twice a week.

On the other hand, a few disadvantages can only be pointed out in the part time schedule. These may be on tuition assistance which is not available for a longer period, frequent travel or relocation due to one’s job and the difficulty to transfer credits if ever you want to shift to the full time program or the other way around.

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