Part Time vs. Full Time MBA Programs

One of my acquaintances decided to go for a Full Time MBA right after graduation. After completing the course he is working in a well-known company and getting a good salary. On the other hand one of my friends working in a prestigious organization went in for a Part Time MBA program to enhance her skills. The course was perfectly suited to her needs and she got the required raise and promotion in her company.

Thus both these programs work well but the choice depends on your own goals and career requirements. Both full time and part time courses in MBA have their own merits and drawbacks. You must take your pick according to what you are aiming for.

Selection

The selection process in Part Time MBA is simpler. A full time course involves a more thorough and long admission procedure. The number of students who apply for a full time program is larger and hence a deep evaluation process is the norm for selection.

It is easy to get admission in a part time course as compared to a full time one. The average score required for Full Time MBA Program is actually much higher than the selection cut off for a part time one.

Flexible

A part time program is flexible in the sense that classes can be taken by students on weekends or after work on weekdays or mix and exchange the two as per the work schedule demands of those taking up the course. However a full time course has fixed classes and a regular schedule.

Full Time MBA programs have one date in a year for the commencement of the course while if you go for a part time course you have the choice of a couple of dates to begin with the course in the entire year.

Curriculum and program duration

The curriculum for both is the same. But a full time Management course is a two year program whereas a part time course gives you time up to an average of five years to complete the course. Generally students going for the latter take 2 to 5 years to finish the program.

Earn and learn

In a Part Time MBA course, you can continue to work while you do your course. The classes are held in such a manner so as to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. In a Full Time MBA you have to concentrate only on the Program. This course is more thorough and intensive.

Keep up with industry trends

In a full time program since you are studying and not involved in the industry as such you are not aware of the industry trends. But in a part time Management course you can be abreast with changes in the industry if you are working along with studying. This is especially helpful in technology sectors where change is quite rapid. So with this program you have experience along with education in the required area. However for those who wish to start new or are planning a total career switch, a full time program with its thorough approach is more suitable.

Internships

Full Time MBA offers internships but a part time course has no such provision. Internship is important for gaining experience. If you are taking up a Part Time MBA course while you are working, then you would already have work experience but if you opt for it otherwise the most valuable thing that you will miss in the program is an internship opportunity.

Scholarships

There are very few part time Management programs that offer scholarships. Students bear the cost of the program themselves or take a loan. Some companies also sponsor their employees for such programs in order to improve their skills. Full time Management programs on the other hand offer a number of scholarships.

Campus Placements

A Full Time MBA has as its main attraction a complete campus recruitment drive. Much effort and money is put into preparing students for campus selection and the same is done to attract good companies to facilitate attractive placements. In a Part Time MBA there are no opportunities for campus placements.

A part time program is regarded as more suitable for those who are already placed in the industry and are looking to do better. Such individuals are able to balance work and studies with such a program. However for those who have just graduated and wish to acquire management skills for landing a new job with good future prospects, a full time course is the recommendation.

Pic courtesy: www.pixabay.com