Ask Stacy Blackman

Dear Stacy,

I have seen that often the requisites for the part time program are less competative than for the Full time and accelerated programs.

1) Is there part time MBA valued at par with the Full time MBA (with employers)?

2) Is there any significant difference between doing a full time MBA verses a Accelerated MBA in USA?
- How do employers value one versus the other.

Asa:

The dirty little secret with business schools is that the rankings are based soley on the full time programs, which top b-schools use as their flagship to gain clout. Part time and executive programs are usually more profitable and obviously designed for working professionals who want to remain employed during the MBA. While it is common for employers discount the part time and executive programs, the truth is that you will come out with the same set of skills if you apply yourself and put the time in to study and do the work. The bottom line is, it is usually worth the time and expense of a full time program if your goal is gaining access to top recruiters and employers upon graduation. Even though your resume is not indicative of the type of program you were in, for that critical first job after graduation, the full time programs in general will provide you with better credibility and access. If you are gainfully and happily employed and plan to remain with your employer after you graduate, then a part time program is a good alternative. In other words, if you are looking to expand your skill set and get the MBA designation for advancement in your current role, you can save a lot of money (by continuing to make a salary) with a part time or executive program. If you plan to change careers or employers, in general a full time program will probably be more fruitful. In the long term though, it matters less and less. Hope this helps.

Thanks this was very helpful