The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most versatile graduate degrees, designed to support professionals at different stages of their careers. Several options are available based on student needs and schedule, including full-time, part-time and one-year online programs. An MBA degree equips students with essential business skills in finance, marketing and strategic management as well as specialized topics and courses in their chosen field.
This guide compares the different MBA formats, based on factors such as time commitment, cost, career potential and learning style. Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online MBA programs offer flexibility and affordability to help you achieve your educational and professional goals.
What is a Flexible MBA Program?
A flexible MBA program gives students complete control over their educational schedule, making it an ideal option for adult learners, working professionals and those looking to advance or change their careers. Southeastern’s fully online MBA degree format allows you to study at your own pace and on your own time. You can learn as you go, freeing up valuable time for work, family and your personal life. According to the independent marketing research firm Gitnux, the average annual salary for MBA graduates is $105,000 worldwide, emphasizing the degree’s career value and return on investment.
Flexibility applies to program duration, course delivery and scheduling, so you can continue your current career without pausing or relocating. All online MBA courses at Southeastern are accessible anytime and from anywhere, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace. According to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), institutions with online MBA programs, like Southeastern’s, are growing faster than those without online programming.
Full-Time MBA Programs
A full-time MBA program is an intense, immersive learning experience that typically takes around two years to complete. Ideal candidates for this degree are those who want to change careers, accelerate their career growth or who prefer a more in-depth learning experience. Because this program typically takes around two years, the average tuition costs are higher than those for a part-time MBA program.
Before you decide whether a full-time MBA program is right for you, it’s important to look at the pros and cons. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of enrolling in a full-time MBA program:
Pros:
- A full-time MBA program offers students a more intensive learning experience.
- This program is ideal for students who want to accelerate their careers or seek new roles within their chosen field.
- Networking opportunities are often more abundant for those participating in a full-time MBA program.
Cons:
- The curriculum is more intense, making it challenging to balance school and a career at the same time.
- Tuition costs can be significantly higher for a full-time MBA program.
- This program has a strict fixed schedule, so it’s more rigid and less flexible than part-time MBA programs.
Part-Time MBA Programs
A part-time MBA program typically takes two to five years to complete, depending on each student’s schedule and pace. The tuition for this program tends to be less than that of a full-time MBA program. Enrolling in a part-time MBA program is ideal for candidates who are currently working and want to upskill or learn new skills that may help them transition to a more advanced professional role.
This part-time program offers you greater flexibility to focus on work, family and studies. Here are some of the pros and cons of a part-time MBA program:
Pros:
- A part-time MBA program is much more flexible, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
- Tuition for this program is typically lower than that of a full-time MBA program.
- Students currently working in a career may continue to do so while learning and pursuing their degree at a time that is most convenient for them.
Cons:
- Networking opportunities are typically more limited than those participating in a full-time MBA program.
- Most students focus on career progression in their current industry rather than branching out to a new field.
- Students enrolled in a part-time MBA program tend to advance to new roles with their current employer rather than seeking employment elsewhere, which may limit their earning opportunities.
One-Year MBA Programs
A one-year MBA program takes just 12 months to complete, making it easier for students to fast-track their careers. Southeastern’s accelerated online programs are a flexible way for professionals to earn their degree without putting their careers on hold. Ideal candidates for this program include busy working professionals, recent graduates and full-time employees.
Tuition for a one-year MBA program is affordable since the program is completed in just one year, but total costs vary depending on the school you choose and the specifics of the program you enroll in. Always examine the pros and cons before deciding whether a one-year MBA is the best option for you.
Pros:
- A one-year MBA program enables students to fast-track their degree and their career trajectory.
- Most students see a higher return on investment (ROI) in less time.
- You’ll learn targeted skill development specifically tailored to your desired skillset and career goals.
Cons:
- While a one-year online MBA program still offers flexible schedules, students are expected to finish the program within the allotted timeframe.
- Since this program is accelerated, courses may be more intense and require more in-depth study.
- The shorter duration of this program may mean students have fewer networking and internship opportunities.
Which MBA Format Is Right for You?
Before you decide which MBA format is right for you, think about your lifestyle, career and budget, and consider how these factors align with enrolling and participating in a graduate degree program. Here are some questions to reflect on before deciding which MBA format is right for you.
- Do you currently have a lucrative career, and if so, would a full-time MBA program affect your employment?
- Is an in-depth, immersive learning experience more important to you, or is flexibility in scheduling your number one priority?
- Will the start dates and course schedule work with my availability?
- Are you able to complete an accelerated MBA program that lasts 12 months, or would you need more time?
- What is your budget in terms of tuition and other related costs?
- Do you have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a stable Internet connection for online classes?
- Would you like to pivot your career to a different specialty or industry altogether, or would you prefer to advance your career while remaining with your current employer?
It’s also important to think about which field or aspect of business is most appealing to you and what your income goals are. Your direction or specialization can have a direct impact on your salary. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average median pay for marketing managers was $159,660 per year in 2024. Similar opportunities exist in industries such as finance, healthcare and technology, demonstrating that the right MBA path can shape your professional and financial future.
Inside Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Online MBA Programs
Southeastern’s online MBA programs are designed for working professionals who aspire to advance their careers without having to put them on hold. You can complete your degree in as little as 12 months while continuing to build experience in your current role. With affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition, Southeastern offers one of the most cost-effective AACSB-accredited options available. Our programs emphasize real-world preparation through applied business projects, organizational behavior and capstone experiences to help you deliver relevant workplace value.
Southeastern’s online Master of Business Administration programs feature 15 concentrations, including project management, human resources, data analytics, entrepreneurship and more. Each program is flexible, fast and career-focused. No GMAT score is required, making our application process quick and easy. Complete and submit your application on our website to get started, without having to submit standardized test scores.
Advance Your Career With an MBA Program
With Southeastern’s online MBA programs, you can tailor a high-quality education to your career, lifestyle and goals. Before deciding which program is right for you, remember to reflect on your responsibilities, career trajectory and budget.
If you’re ready to learn more, contact our admissions department. You can also get started by applying for your program of interest now.