{"id":18865,"date":"2025-04-14T09:35:04","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T13:35:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/?p=18865"},"modified":"2026-03-09T12:52:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:52:35","slug":"how-long-does-it-take-to-get-an-mba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-an-mba\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are an aspiring MBA, you\u2019ll be happy to hear that increasingly more program options are available. However, the challenge may be figuring out which one is right for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people are familiar with the typical two-year full-time MBA. For these programs, prospective students generally apply between September and April of a given year to matriculate the following August. Some applicants start preparing their applications for these programs up to a year in advance. Therefore, you might say it can take up to three years to get a two-year MBA since the application process can take a year. A two-year full-time MBA program typically begins in August, and then students graduate 20 months later. Most students in these programs will complete an internship during the summer between their first and second years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What some don\u2019t know is that there are other options for MBA programs. Want to still attend classes in person but finish quicker? You might consider accelerated MBA programs, which generally last ten months to a year. Looking for flexibility and open to learning virtually? Online MBA programs might be an attractive alternative. Interested in studying abroad? Many European programs are generally shorter than their US counterparts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many applicants ask us which MBA program is the right fit for them. Although some options may seem obvious, identifying the programs that truly align with your goals and profile requires thoughtful introspection, thorough research, and meaningful dialogue. Check out \u201c<\/span>Full Time, Part Time, or EMBA: Four Steps to Choosing Your B-School Journey<\/b><\/a>\u201d for more information on selecting the right type of program for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s break down the differences among the various MBA program options, including their time commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Accelerated Full-Time MBA Programs<\/b><\/h3>\n

Some MBA programs offer both a two-year full-time and an accelerated one-year MBA. The application process for an accelerated program will be similar to that of two-year full-time programs, so you can plan on a year of prep and a year of classes. You might consider these programs if you have a targeted goal and don\u2019t need an internship to gain experience or make a career pivot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n