While many of our clients are looking for an immersive, full-time MBA program, some young professionals want to go to business school but feel they can’t afford to step away from their current role. It’s a common dilemma, and a part-time MBA can be the perfect solution. 

Part-time MBA programs are designed to fit into your busy life, allowing you to gain valuable skills, build a strong network, and boost your career prospects without sacrificing your current income or experience. Finding the right fit among the top part-time MBA schools can be daunting, so this guide provides an introductory guide to the options.

So, why consider a part-time MBA degree? Let’s break it down:

• Flexibility: Part-time MBA programs accommodate the demands of a full-time job. They offer classes in the evenings, on weekends, or even online, giving you the flexibility to manage your work, studies, and personal life. This is especially true for part-time online mba programs.
• Actionable: One of the biggest advantages is the ability to immediately apply what you learn in the classroom to your day-to-day work. This creates a powerful synergy between your education and your career. Not only does this enhance your immediate impact at work and impress your boss, but it also reinforces your learning by putting it into practice right away. We hear from our Fortuna clients who pursue part-time programs that this means they really cement their knowledge, making it easier to retain and recall later.
• Networking: You’ll be learning alongside other working professionals from diverse backgrounds, creating a rich networking environment and exposing you to new perspectives and opportunities. You’ll also gain access to the school’s broader alumni network which can be a powerful asset throughout your career.
• Financial Planning: Spreading out tuition payments over two years while maintaining your income makes a part-time MBA a more financially manageable option; part-time MBA students typically go into less debt than their full-time counterparts.

Whether you’re aiming for a promotion within your current company, looking to switch industries, or seeking to specialize in a particular area, a part-time MBA can provide the tools and resources you need to achieve your ambitions. Understanding the EMBA vs. part-time MBA distinction is crucial; an EMBA is generally for more experienced executives with a minimum of 10 years work experience.

 

Top Part-Time MBA Programs

With so many options available, finding the best part-time MBA to suit your personal and professional goals requires careful consideration. The top-ranked part-time MBA programs are renowned for their combination of academic rigor, flexible formats, and strong career outcomes, offering a balanced approach to education that empowers working professionals to thrive. These programs cater to diverse needs, from flexible evening and weekend schedules to part-time online MBA options, enabling you to balance your studies with a demanding career and personal commitments. To help you make an informed choice, here are some of the most highly regarded programs, which are consistently recognized in the best part-time MBA rankings.

1. University of Chicago Booth School of Business

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business offers one of the most prestigious part-time MBA programs, consistently ranked among the very best. The program was placed first in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings. The curriculum is rigorous, challenging you to sharpen your leadership skills and think analytically. With flexible evening and weekend formats, you have a number of options for balancing work, life, and school. You’ll also be learning from the same incredible faculty and using the same resources as the full-time students. Chicago Booth is of course one of the famed M7 schools and you’ll gain access to the entire school’s alumni network.

 

2. University of California, Berkeley (Haas School of Business)

If you’re drawn to the energy of Silicon Valley and have a passion for tech, entrepreneurship, or innovation, Haas is definitely worthy of consideration. Its part-time MBA program features a flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their education through a wide selection of elective courses, for example in entrepreneurship, tech management, or sustainable business. The school offers three schedule options to accommodate varying needs: the Evening format, the Weekend format, and the Flex format. The first two options allow students to attend classes on-campus during evenings or weekends, while the Flex format incorporates online learning with limited in-person sessions. This versatility ensures that students can balance studies with demanding work schedules and personal commitments. Students can engage in experiential learning opportunities and initiatives like the Haas Entrepreneurship Program or the Sustainable and Impact Finance Initiative. 

 

3. Northwestern University (Kellogg School of Management)

Kellogg is known for its collaborative spirit, and that’s also a hallmark of the school’s part-time MBA program. You’ll be working closely with classmates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, creating a dynamic and rich learning environment. It’s a great place to build your network at one of the world’s top business schools. You can choose from an Evening or Weekend MBA format, and follow a Traditional or Accelerated pace to earn your degree. With the Traditional format, students typically earn their degree in 2.5 years; with the Accelerated option, the typical duration is 2 years. As well as a wide variety of electives, the school offers outstanding experiential learning opportunities, including global immersion trips and hands-on projects through Kellogg’s renowned research centers. 

 

4. New York University (Stern School of Business)

Located in the heart of New York City, the Stern School of Business provides unique access to a global business hub, networking opportunities, and industry leaders. Being in the heart of NYC gives Stern a significant advantage: the city itself becomes an extension of the classroom. Immersed in industries like finance, media, and technology, students benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities and real-world exposure that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Stern’s part-time MBA offers multiple scheduling options, including weeknight and Saturday classes, and an Online/Modular option for even greater flexibility. Students can choose an accelerated option to complete their degree in 2 years, or can stretch it to 6 years. Stern emphasizes experiential learning through initiatives like the Stern Consulting Corps and numerous global immersion opportunities.

 

5. UCLA Anderson School of Management

Located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, the UCLA Anderson School of Management offers a ‘Fully Employed MBA’ (FEMBA) that combines flexibility with academic rigor. The program’s proximity to industries such as entertainment, technology, and healthcare provides students with unique opportunities to network and gain real-world exposure in these fields. 

Anderson’s FEMBA offers multiple scheduling options, including evening and weekend classes, as well as a hybrid option that blends online and in-person learning. Participants can complete their studies over a period ranging from 27 months to five years. Experiential learning opportunities include the school’s famous Global Access Program (GAP), where students work in teams to develop market entry strategies for international companies.

 

6. University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)

The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan provides access to a vibrant academic community and a supportive network of peers and faculty in the beautiful college town of Ann Arbor. Additionally, its proximity to major industries such as automotive, healthcare, and technology creates world-class opportunities for networking and applied learning.

Ross’s part-time MBA program offers three formats: Evening, Weekend, and Online. The Evening and Weekend formats are ideal for students in the Ann Arbor and Detroit areas, while the Online MBA provides maximum flexibility for working professionals in any location. 

A distinctive feature of the Ross part-time MBA is the Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP) program. In MAP, students work in teams to solve real-world business challenges for organizations across a variety of industries. This reflects the school’s heavy emphasis on action-based learning.

 

7. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper School of Business)

The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon offers a part-time program called the Online Hybrid MBA that leverages its expertise in analytics, technology, and leadership development. The program provides access to Pittsburgh’s thriving technology and innovation ecosystem, offering opportunities for hands-on learning and networking.

Tepper’s Online Hybrid MBA offers synchronous classes in the evening, pre-recorded asynchronous classes, and Access Weekends when you’ll be part of an immersive weekend experience and connect with faculty, classmates, and alumni.

A signature feature of Tepper’s part-time MBA is the Capstone Experience, where students apply their knowledge to solve real-world business challenges for companies across various industries. This project-based approach emphasizes developing teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

 

8. The University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business)

The McCombs School of Business offers a highly regarded part-time MBA program that blends academic rigor with practical application. Located in the thriving city of Austin, McCombs provides access to an innovative business ecosystem, particularly in technology, energy, and entrepreneurship. 

McCombs offers three part-time MBA formats: the Evening MBA, the Weekend at Dallas/Fort Worth MBA and the Weekend at Houston MBA. Students can complete their degree in as little as 21 months. 

A standout feature of the McCombs part-time MBA is the Texas McCombs+ consulting projects. These experiential learning opportunities involve working with classmates on an 8-10 week micro-consulting project with a team of your classmates to solve real challenges faced by real companies, and are a great way to get exposure to new industries and functions. 

 

9. University of Southern California (Marshall School of Business)

The Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California offers a top-tier part-time MBA program. Located in Los Angeles, students benefit from access to a thriving business hub, particularly in entertainment, media and technology. The school’s alumni network is particularly strong in Southern California, a huge plus for career advancement in the region.

Marshall’s part-time MBA, also known as the MBA for Professionals and Managers (MBA.PM), offers a flexible schedule with classes held in the evenings and on weekends.. The program also features a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions with online components for added flexibility.

A highlight of the Marshall MBA.PM program is the PM GLOBE (Global Leadership and International Business Education) experience, which provides students with the opportunity to participate in an international consulting project during a 10 day trip. 

 

10. Georgetown University (McDonough School of Business)

The McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University offers a part-time MBA program that combines academic rigor with a focus on global business and policy. Located in Washington, D.C., McDonough provides access to key industries such as consulting, finance, international development, and government. The city’s vibrant professional ecosystem allows students to immerse themselves in a dynamic, influential environment that complements their studies.

Georgetown’s part-time MBA, known as the Flex MBA, offers either in-person or online classes, and the degree can be completed in two to five years. 

A hallmark of the Flex MBA is its Global Business Experience (GBE), an experiential learning opportunity where students collaborate on consulting projects for international organizations and travel abroad to present their recommendations. 

 

Common Questions About Part-Time MBAs

• How long does it take? Most programs take two to three years, but some offer flexibility to extend up to five or even six years.
• Is it worth the investment? Absolutely. A part-time MBA allows you to advance your career without interrupting it, leading to new skills, a broader network, and increased earning potential. For example, students of the Anderson FEMBA program see a 60% salary increase on average, and 80% get a promotion or achieve a career switch.
• Do I need the GMAT or GRE? Most of these programs give candidates with outstanding academic backgrounds the option to request a test waiver. Requirements vary by school so it’s important to check individual school websites.  
• What’s the difference between a part-time MBA and an Executive MBA (EMBA)? Part-time MBAs are designed for early- to mid-career professionals who want to advance their careers while continuing to work. The curriculum typically mirrors that of a full-time MBA, with a focus on foundational business knowledge and electives. EMBAs are tailored for more senior professionals with significant managerial or leadership experience, emphasizing strategic thinking, advanced leadership skills, and global business perspectives. 
• What are the pros and cons of doing a part-time versus full-time MBA program? Part-time MBA programs offer significant flexibility, making them an attractive option if you want to work while earning your degree. This format allows you to immediately apply what you learn to your job, maintain your income, and avoid the opportunity cost of leaving the workforce. However, the extended timeline of part-time MBAs can be a drawback for those seeking a swift career pivot or advancement. Also the networking opportunities and immersive experiences are typically more limited at part-time than at full-time MBA programs. 

 

Final Thought on the Top Part-Time MBA Programs

A part-time MBA is a powerful tool for career advancement. It offers a blend of academic rigor, practical application, and flexible scheduling, empowering you to reach your professional goals without putting your life on hold. If you’re ready to take the next step, dig deeper into these top part-time MBA programs: connect with admissions offices, current or former students, and attend online or in-person school events

Unsure which part-time MBA program is the right fit for your career aspirations? At Fortuna Admissions we offer expert advice and support throughout the application process, from school selection to interview preparation. Schedule a free consultation today.