There are different ways of completing an MBA or master’s degree and continuing to train yourself individually. Basically, the MBA and Master programs offered differ in their program form. In addition to full-time studies, you can also choose part-time programs alongside work, the Executive MBA (EMBA) or distance learning. Which program form suits you best and meets your needs is up to you. Below you will find initial details on the four study variants mentioned. Note: According to AbbreviationFinder, Master of Business Administration is abbreviated as MBA.
The full-time degree
This type is often chosen by prospective students who have less than two years of professional experience and little management experience. A degree is possible within a relatively short but very intensive study period of 12- 18 months maximum. However, this also makes it easier to get started quickly and to achieve higher salary expectations. A full-time course usually also offers more internationality, which is given by the English-language lessons, stays abroad as well as international lecturers and fellow students.
The part-time course
This form is most often chosen because it is the best compatible with professional life. It is largely chosen by employees with medium to high professional experience who want to boost their careers with an MBA or master’s degree. The course of study varies depending on the teaching institution, usually classes take place on weekends, in the evenings or in seminar blocks. The individual seminar blocks can usually be attended in any order, which means that the programs can be designed flexibly. However, this also means that the duration of the course is usually between 18 and 24 months.
The Executive MBA (EMBA)
This form of MBA is ideal for employees with more than ten years of professional experience and with high personnel and budget responsibility. An EMBA course is divided into several small-group courses that offer an excellent learning and discussion atmosphere and in which a lively exchange of ideas and ideas takes place. An EMBA program is often structured in a similar way to a part-time MBA, classes are held on weekends and / or in seminar blocks. However, compared to other MBA programs, EMBA programs are associated with significantly higher costs.
The MBA distance learning
It is often chosen by employees with medium professional experience and can be designed flexibly and regardless of location. Distance learning can take place anywhere in the world, which is particularly advantageous for working people, especially if they are located in small towns without educational institutions. Anyone who chooses to study at a distance must also be aware that this form requires very efficient time management, as well as great motivation and ambition, so that flexible study design does not become a disadvantage.
The MBA in business
With an MBA in economics, you can boost your own career and improve the prerequisites for a job in the upper management floors. For this reason, the Master of Business Administration, which MBA stands for in its long form, is still regarded as a helpful educational qualification. Large companies worldwide have numerous employees who have completed an MBA and have the title of the same name behind their name.
And an MBA is still a good stepping stone to gain leadership positions. The knowledge acquired in an MBA course and the fact that many teaching units are held in English are highly valued in large international corporations.
The MBA has its roots in America, where business schools such as Harvard or Darthmouth College offered MBA courses for the first time over 100 years ago. The aim was to create a course of study for all those who want to acquire general specialist management knowledge, especially for those employees who already have several years of professional experience.
MBA programs are not only part of the courses offered at business schools, but also at universities and (technical) colleges. The MBA is sometimes very subject-specific and often far removed from the original, generalist approach of studying business administration. Nevertheless, a high percentage of employees study and complete the MBA in the field of economics, which continues to open the doors to top positions in the economic sector.
The selection of MBA programs offered today is huge, it is estimated that there are more than 10,000 worldwide. The best known business schools are Harvard, Wharton, the London Business School and INSEAD. When choosing the MBA course, one should not only pay attention to the respective provider, but also inquire about the details of the MBA degree. The decisive factor is which school awarded the title. This criterion must be observed before the start of the course, since an MBA usually represents a high investment with study costs between 10,000 and 70,000 euros. It should also be noted that the international reputation of MBA titles acquired at European schools has increased significantly in recent years.
If you want to get an overview of MBA programs in the area of general management, you will find a corresponding list here.