The Full Time MBA Program

To help you decide if the full time MBA program is best for you, here are details of the features of this type of program. The characteristics are split into the following categories to make it easier for you to compare with the other MBA program types, which are also detailed on this site:

1. Curriculum
2. Program length
3. Delivery method
4. Career Placement Services
5. Networking Opportunities
6. Financing
7. Other aspects to consider

1. Curriculum
Most full time MBA programs start with core courses that span across all management disciplines. After the core courses you can normally select from a variety of electives, which allow you to deepen your knowledge in a specialized area. In most cases there is also research or consultancy based project work or an MBA thesis or dissertation.

One year full time programs tend to be more intensive and are shortened from the traditional two year course by either limiting the time spent on core courses or reducing specialization.

The academic reputation of the business school, and how an MBA from this school is going to help you to achieve your own goals, is particularly important when considering a full time program.

You should undertake significant research to make sure that that the business schools you apply to match your own aspirations and requirements. We highly recommend that you consult resources, such as Princeton Review's Best 282 Business Schools 2007 as part of your research.

If you wish to focus on UK business schools, the best resource for this, despite its misleading title, is Which MBA? A Critical Guide to the World's Best MBAs which contains around 100 pages of information on UK business schools and MBA programs.

2. Program length
The two year full time MBA program can be between 18 and 24 months, whilst the one year program may be up to 16 months.

3. Delivery method
The full time MBA requires you to regularly attend the business school on most weekdays.

4. Career Placement Services
Business schools should have a full spectrum of career services available for full time students, including campus interviews with prospective employers.

5. Networking Opportunities
The full time program provides for full immersion within the program and offers excellent networking opportunities with course participants from diverse backgrounds, faculty members and prospective employers.

6. Financing

• For most full time MBA programs there are scholarships and / or loans available and the full range of financial aid options should be considered. For more details of these, please click here to visit our Financial Aid section.
• Sponsorship is less likely to be available from employers for full time MBA program participants.
  

7. Other aspects to consider

• There can be opportunities for internship within the two year full time MBA program but otherwise undertaking a job to generate income whilst studying is unlikely to be acceptable to the school.
• You will need to consider indirect costs associated with the full time MBA, such as accommodation and living expenses if you are relocating to attend your chosen business school.
• You will also need to assess the cost of foregone income.
• You need to be certain what you want to achieve with your MBA to ensure that you get the best return possible on what is a significant investment of time and money.