Last Updated on January 7, 2023 by MBA Gateway Team
MBA-Master’s in Business Administration is a very popular program among professionals. Generally, professionals are stuck between part-time and full-time MBAs. There is another vision to look at which will provide another outlook. There are two-course durations for MBA, one is a conventional one 2 year MBA program and another is a 1-year MBA program.
Academics:
The good news is that there is no difference between a 1 year MBA program and 1st year of 2 year MBA program. The curriculum and course are the same. There is no significant difference in quality between a 1-year full-time MBA and a 1-year degree.
Professional Aspect:
professionals or students pursuing 1 year MBA will study generalized MBA in a year and there will be no specialization. On another hand 2 years in an MBA one will study general MBA in 1st year along with that in the second-year aspirant will go for a particular specialization.
Duration And Cost:
As said “ Time Is money” which is true 1 year MBA saves one full year for a professional and prepares him to work in the industry early. It is a better choice for the individual who cannot afford to take a long break and has to start work early.
Now as the time span is shorter than definitely there will be a reduction in cost. The 1-year program is cheaper than the 2-year program. Thus, provides cost benefits too.
Suitability for 1 year MBA:
1 year MBA is most suitable for the students who want to complete their studies before entering the market and mostly for the professional who cannot take a long break. Today, those with four to five years of experience can obtain a Master’s degree by opting for our shorter course. Until the one year MBA program was introduced, even experienced individuals had no option but to take a two-year break from their jobs.
Benefits of the 1-year programs:
In terms of benefits, the one year course offers more value primarily because it adopts a practical and applied approach. The experience of working in an organization for a few years will help you understand theoretical concepts and their implications in a much better manner.
The one-year full-time executive MBA scores over conventional options by offering better networking opportunities to its students. The one year course is relatively easier to apply, considering the fact that there is equal emphasis on academic as well as practical considerations during the selection process.
Benefits of the 2-year program:
2 year MBA program will nurture the individual completely. One will become an expert in the profession. There will be a better approach to and understanding of the profession. It is necessary to get full depth knowledge of your field.
Internships:
Summer internships are a part of any full two year MBA program. They are a great opportunity for students to rub shoulders with current professionals, networking with them, and opening up doors for future employment options.
One year MBA programs are too short to include any time for internships. The lack of which takes away golden networking avenues.
Job Opportunities:
Nearly all two-year MBA applicants get a chance to avail the university placement facility. Also job options, in the US, are conveniently available to students graduating from American universities, which happen to be predominantly 2-year programs.
Candidates looking to work in the US are usually faced with the additional hurdle of arranging a sponsored work permit from outside the country – from Asia or Europe. They also lose out on possible campus placement with US employers.
Conclusion:
It totally depends on the person and his situation regarding which MBA to choose. If a student goes for 2 years MBA if a professional or one who cannot give a long time can go for a 1-year course.
Mind your own business takes on a whole new meaning in MBA. Every candidate comes with their own demands of the degree. What suits one may simply not work out for the other, though the end goal may still be the same – career growth and salary spurt!
Here is a more detailed comparison table for 1 Year vs 2 Year MBA Programs
| Feature | 1-Year MBA | 2-Year MBA |
|---|---|---|
| Length of program | 1 year | 2 years |
| Tuition costs | Typically higher than 2-year programs | Typically lower than 1-year programs |
| Career opportunities | Maybe more limited than those available to 2-year program graduates | Generally more extensive than those available to 1-year program graduates |
| Class Schedule | Intense, with classes often held during the week and on weekends | Less intense, with more time for internships, club involvement, and elective courses |
| Work experience | Designed for students with significant work experience | Designed for students with little or no work experience |
