In recent years, MBA programs in the USA have undergone a notable shift, with the emergence of increasing numbers of 12-month options. Traditionally, the MBA journey has been associated with a standard 24-month timeframe, but the demand for more flexible and efficient educational models has given rise to these “accelerated” programs.
The supply of these options is expanding. The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania recently launched an accelerated MBA program, catering to professionals looking to build on their previous education in business. Students complete the on-campus program in 12 months instead of two years to earn the MBA.
It is similar in structure to the long-standing 12-month MBA at Kellogg School of Management in Illinois. “It also allows students with undergraduate business degrees to by-pass certain core courses and dive immediately into advanced electives of their choice and interest, which also means a cost saving in terms of tuition,” says Steve Thompson, senior director for full-time admissions at Kellogg.
“Because of the expedited nature of the program, it allows students to get back to the workforce quickly, typically in a similar role or industry that they were in pre-MBA,” he adds.
Key financial benefits
One of the key advantages of 12-month MBA programs is the cost and time efficiency they offer. By completing the program in half the time of traditional models, students can reduce their opportunity costs and enter the workforce sooner. Additionally, the shortened duration often translates to lower tuition fees, making these programs an attractive option for individuals seeking a swift return on their initial investment.
“The return-on-investment (ROI) is a significant benefit,” notes Brian Mitchell, the associate dean of full-time MBA programs at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, in Georgia.
“The overall cost is lower than the two-year MBA program, and the opportunity cost of being out of the workforce is lower. Taken together, the financial ROI is a good reason why many students choose the one-year MBA program.”
Another benefit is the small, tight-knit cohort of one-year MBA students. “An extremely close bond is formed during the initial semester, and it is common for those bonds to last a lifetime due to the intensity of the work and the shared values among students,” says Mitchell.
High levels of intensity
These programs condense the core business concepts and coursework into a shorter timeframe, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in the material. This condensed schedule demands a high level of commitment and time management from participants, however, creating an environment that closely mirrors the fast-paced nature of the business world.
“The most significant challenge is managing the intensity of the program, particularly in the beginning,” Mitchell says. “There is a significant amount of new content that will be taught from day one. For professionals who have left their jobs to come back to school, it can sometimes come as a surprise when the environment feels as fast-paced as many workplaces do.”
However, once students get into the rhythm of the initial semester, he says the benefits become abundantly clear.
Other benefits abound too. To accommodate the accelerated pace, many 12-month MBA programs offer specialized tracks that allow students to delve deeply into specific areas of business. Unlike traditional MBAs, which have a broader curriculum spanning two years, accelerated programs often emphasize targeted skill development and industry-specific knowledge.
This focus enables graduates to enter the workforce with a specialized skill set, potentially making them a valuable asset in their chosen fields. “One benefit of one-year MBA programs is the opportunity to develop significant depth in a particular area of focus,” confirms Mitchell. “Many one-year MBA students have an idea of what specific skills they want to develop. An accelerated program allows them to go deep while still optimizing their time.”
Plenty of challenges and trade-offs
It is not plain sailing, however. Schools stress that there are plenty of potential challenges and trade-offs associated with completing an MBA in just 12 months.
“Due to time constraints, the job search can be challenging, but not impossible,” says Leigh Tost, the vice-dean for MBA programs at USC Marshall School of Business in California, which has been offering its 12-month MBA since 1978. “Students need to start early and be vigilant with carving out time to do their career search, resumes, preparation and interviews.”
Tost says that students also need to be realistic with their own expectations and be prepared for just-in-time hiring, noting that working with the careers team at a business school can help them significantly in their career journeys. But USC insists that employers value graduates of accelerated MBA programs, and may even see unique advantages in hiring individuals with a 12-month MBA.
“Employers value the unique combination of mid-level management experience, international perspective, and ability to adapt and succeed under pressure,” says Mark Lucas, USC’s senior associate director for experienced professionals career management.
