Two-Year Full-Time MBA Programs

Two-year full-time programs are primarily for students who are able to take the time off from working full-time to concentrate on their studies.

In addition, two-year programs:

• Usually last four semesters, spread over two academic years, with a three- or four-month break for an internship
• Include core course requirements the first year, with functional specialization, a specific concentration of study and elective courses, the second year
• Often draw students who have relocated to attend

Employers that sponsor MBA students give up the employees' services for the duration of the program:

• Global company might send a candidate for total immersion (including cultural immersion) to another country that represents an important business market.
• A consulting firm or investment bank may require employees to earn a master's degree before they can be promoted. Some require a full immersion program with the option to return to the company upon MBA completion. They may offer tuition reimbursement.

Two-year, full-time programs offer advantages for both career switchers and career enhancers, who continue in the same job function or industry. Students can develop knowledge in a specific discipline, leading to new job skills and prospects. For those early in their career, specialized study may help accelerate career advancement.

Academic and Nonacademic Learning

• Course work is customized through electives and concentrations.
• Two-year programs accept the widest variety of academic backgrounds, most requiring an undergraduate degree meeting the business school's standards. (Usually, a bachelor’s degree)
• The environment encourages learning beyond the classroom through student collaboration.

Career Enhancement

• MBA internships offer a chance to learn and practice new skills and enhance your résumé for post-MBA employment.
• The summer break brings opportunities for networking in the business world.
• You can develop a network of MBA colleagues, because the entering class takes core courses together.
• Full-time programs offer career services (including campus interviews with prospective employers), social and professional clubs (often across industry segments and functional preference), executive speakers' series, career counseling, and other "campus life" services.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Scholarship money may be available. Get information from specific schools.
• Loan money is available for eligible full-time students.

Two-year, full-time programs may be ideal for those who have well-defined career goals, who are ready to spend two years out of the workforce─and have the financial resources to pay for it.

But if you don’t know what you want to do in the future, a lack of focus can limit the value of what you learn and what you gain from networking opportunities.

Before you consider a two-year, full-time program, you should be confident about your goals and committed to spending the necessary time and resources to get there.