How Long Is an MBA Program?
Written by:
North Carolina Central University
• Mar 3, 2026
Is it the right time to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA)? According to the higher education marketing agency Validated Insights, the number of people applying for and completing an MBA is rising and is expected to continue growing through 2030.
This change is likely happening for a good reason, as Validated Insights also found that the number of job postings for people with an MBA has been increasing since 2023. While total job openings fell by 10.8% between October 2023 and October 2024, job postings for MBA holders increased by 35.6% during that same time period.
If you’re looking to make a career change or advance in your current career, earning an MBA can increase your employability, value, and career prospects. However, how long an MBA program is varies by the type of program and the school.
How Long Are MBA Programs?
Students typically start an MBA program to advance their careers, change roles, or pivot to a new industry. However, not all MBA programs are the same. Typically, students can pursue five different types of MBA programs.
Traditional MBA
A traditional MBA is usually completed in about two years and is divided into two parts. In the first year, students focus mainly on coursework. However, in the second year, students typically add an internship that helps them practice what they’ve learned while also networking, an essential part of the business world.
Traditional MBA programs are designed for individuals who can commit to a full-time, two-year program. They’re also typically for those who don’t already have professional experience in their chosen field.
Accelerated MBA
Whereas someone who commits to a traditional MBA program is generally expected to be in the program for two full-time years, an accelerated MBA offers greater flexibility. Accelerated MBA programs are a good fit for someone with experience looking to take the next step in their career more quickly than a traditional MBA allows. Accelerated MBA programs also tend to offer classes both in person and online.
An accelerated MBA program, when attended full time, is typically completed in 11 to 16 months.
Part-Time MBA
Many MBA students are already working, making a part-time MBA a popular option. These programs allow students — many of whom are working full time and have other commitments — to choose their own schedules. These programs often offer both in-person and online options.
Typically, a part-time MBA will take between four and six years to complete. However, because students have a lot more flexibility with a part-time MBA than with a traditional MBA, how long a part-time MBA program is can vary greatly.
Executive MBA
Generally, an MBA program focuses on foundational business concepts, whereas an executive MBA is for individuals who’ve already developed extensive knowledge of the business world and their industry. An executive MBA is designed for anyone looking to become a more effective and valuable leader in their role, with the goal of advancing in their field.
Executive MBA programs target working professionals, so these programs tend to offer greater flexibility than traditional MBA programs. Classes may be provided online or, for in-person classes, in the evenings or on weekends when most students aren’t working full time.
Executive MBA candidates typically work toward their degree part time due to other commitments, so these programs take between two and three years to complete.
Dual MBA
A dual MBA is a degree program that allows students to work toward their MBA while simultaneously earning another degree in a different field. While an MBA program teaches foundational business concepts such as finance and marketing strategy, a dual MBA teaches students skills specific to their industry through their second degree.
Dual MBA programs typically take about three years to complete. However, the duration varies based on the other degree, as some degrees may extend the completion date for the dual MBA.
Dual Concentration MBAs
Another option to a dual MBA is an MBA program that allows students to pursue dual concentrations. For example, the online MBA at NCCU Online has core business requirements, after which students can choose one or more concentrations, including:
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Commercial real estate
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Cybersecurity
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Data analytics
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General management
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Hospitality management
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Information systems management
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Marketing
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Wealth management
Although NCCU Online’s program is typically completed in 14 to 24 months, depending on the student’s pace, a second concentration extends the completion time by at least one semester — still significantly shorter than a typical dual MBA program.
Advance Your Career With an MBA From NCCU Online
The higher education sector is seeing a resurgence in MBA enrollments. As more employers are seeing the value of an MBA, reflected in the increase in job postings for MBA holders, more students are returning to school and looking to take the next steps in their careers.
With the online MBA at NCCU Online, students can earn their MBA in as little as 14 months, depending on their course load. NCCU Online works with you to achieve your goals on your schedule — fully online and with five convenient start dates. You start when you’re ready, set your own pace, and choose one or more concentrations that fit your industry and your career goals.
Earn your MBA at NCCU Online.
Recommended Readings
14 Growing Trends in Business Education
What Can You Do With a Business Administration Degree?
Sources:
Indeed, How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA? (Plus Other FAQs)
Indeed, How to Get an MBA: A Step-by-Step Guide
Indeed, MBA vs. Executive MBA: Which One Is Right for You?
Indeed, Understanding MBA’s Meaning (Types and Available Jobs)