70% of prospective part-time MBA students wanted a more flexible MBA experience and the school is set to deliver in the fall
Travel, deadlines, globalization—today’s careers are changing and fewer people are willing to take a break from full-time work to pursue an MBA.“The nine-to-five working day is no longer the norm,” says Prashant Malaviya, associate dean of Georgetown University McDonough School of Business and designer of the Flex MBA, a revamped part-time MBA program the school is launching in fall 2019.
Leading the charge for flexi-learning, McDonough is tapping into the changing nature of employment by reinventing its part-time MBA Evening Program —which already ranks 11th in the US among other part-time programs by US News & World Report.
The new Flex MBA will provide all the same content as the school’s Full-time MBA and confer the same degree, but teaching will be delivered in more flexible ways.
The Flex MBA will combine face-to-face and online learning, with a selection of ‘hybrid electives’ allowing students to learn virtually, remotely, and on-the-go.
The duration of the program will range from 28 to 60 months depending on what works for each MBA student – with new opportunities to transfer in previous graduate coursework. Evening classes allow students to attend school once their working day in the office is done, or Saturday electives offer an alternative to long days of work and school.
One- and two-week intensive learning experiences also provide opportunities for students to learn on campus and network with peers, without keeping them away from work commitments for long.
Before creating the Flex MBA, McDonough surveyed prospective part-time MBA students and discovered 70% were interested in a more flexible, customizable experience.
For Prashant, flexibility has become a key component of any learning resource. He’s quick to highlight that the core courses, which comprise half of the Flex MBA program, ensure that the community building atmosphere thrives in-keeping with the school’s cohort model.
Adrienne Cohen is a 2018 McDonough MBA graduate and chose the school, in part, due to the fact that students received the same quality of education in the part-time MBA as the full-time program. “On a day-to-day basis, I was able to see direct linkages between what I was learning in class and what I was doing in my job,” she says.
When Adrienne had to travel more frequently for work, making attending evening classes tricky, she was thrilled that Saturday electives ensured that she did not have to sacrifice work or her MBA commitments.
Adrienne is now marketing manager for Western Europe at Microsoft, achieving the role change she wanted from her MBA. “The Saturday elective was a game changer for me,” she beams. "It gave me the best of both worlds."
Tyler Shymansky has first-hand experience with hybrid electives, being amongst the first cohort to try the pivotal aspect of the Flex MBA.
As an analyst associate in commercial real estate finance, he viewed the MBA as a focal credential for career enhancement—a “door opener”. His role is execution orientated and heavily quantitative so he wanted an MBA that would develop soft skills in negotiation and strategy.
Georgetown McDonough’s reputation—its MBA is ranked in the top 30 globally and 17th among U.S. schools in the 2019 Financial Times MBA Ranking—and the flexibility that they offer were the key reasons he chose the school.
Tyler took the hybrid course Real Estate Private Equity. It required two in-person classroom meetings (the first class and last class), supplemented by online lectures, tutorials, assignments, and quizzes.
“This flexible format more closely resembles today’s working world where schedules are increasingly task-oriented,” he says.
Tyler adds that the hybrid classes replicated a realistic business environment —short meetings and reliance on e-mail communication— which set students up well for real-life application of the MBA skillset.
He benefited from the opportunity to work more efficiently, choosing the time of day he studied and speeding up and slowing down online content to work at his own pace.
“Time is my most important resource, and there never seems to be enough of it,” he says, “so if business schools can cater courses to allow greater flexibility, without sacrificing student engagement, it is a ‘win-win.’
“McDonough School of Business is doing exactly that!”
Student Reviews
Georgetown: McDonough School of Business
GWU - excellent investment for future
George Washington University is a good respected institution with strong programs in various studies, including project management, international affairs, politics, medicine and etc. The university provides students with good opportunities for internships and networking.
GWU has a diverse student body and a reputation for academic excellence.
Safety on campus
I have had an amazing experience at Georgetown University. The classes are enjoyable, the professors are exceptional, and I feel like I am receiving a worthwhile education. The people and faculty at this institution are extraordinary, and I have discovered my true self while being here. Additionally, I always feel secure on campus, as it is the safest place in town.
Georgetown is on top!
I've been enjoying this school so far. I wouldn't alter it, despite the fact that the school is on a hill and that it requires a lot of walking to get around it. For minority and first-generation students, there are a ton of services available. Even though the usual dorm rooms are modest, there is still plenty of area for storage. We have a ton of alternatives every day in the dining halls since they provide so many different dishes from so many different cultures
Physical and mental health
Georgetown is my second home. The pre-professional counselors are incredibly helpful, and I feel supported and inspired to pursue my aspirations. We are certainly ranked as the top research university in the nation. They place a high priority on the development of the students as well as their physical and mental well-being.
Wonderful university
Georgetown University is wonderful. The school's amazing diversity is one of its greatest strengths. The athletes are extremely committed to their sport, and the campus is amazing. The dorms are excellent! They are comfortable and spacious. If you ever find yourself bored on campus, you can always go off campus; it's fantastic. You'll never get bored dining in the cafeteria because the food is so delicious on campus.
Academics
The university's academics are what really set it apart; the lecturers are kind and motivating. Although it can be challenging to connect with the majority of students because they are so intense and competitive, social life and student life are what you make of them. It is undoubtedly a very difficult four years that are challenging to get through. But in the end, it strengthens you and provides you with a wealth of knowledge and incredible prospects.
Fantastic university
Georgetown university is a Fantastic university. The professors are outstanding, there are lots of ways to participate in campus life, and there are numerous groups and organizations where students can get involved. The campus is lovely and always kept clean, and there are people are willing to assist you 24 hours a day whenever you need help.
Review of Georgetown university
Being at Georgetown university has been one of my best experiences. The Professors are knowledgeable, approachable, and very helpful. You will fall in love with Georgetown because of its daily activities, the vibrant students you will encounter, the food served on campus, and the lush surroundings. The housing and dorms are fantastic. There is no better place than Georgetown University if you’re looking to study, discover new things, make lifelong friends, and have fun!
Academically challenging institution
Georgetown University is certainly an academically challenging institution, however, if you ask for assistance when you need it, the workload can be managed. Students are happy to assist one another, and most Professor want you to succeed. Student life is vibrant, the location is excellent and everyone here is friendly and welcoming.
4 Years as an Expat at Georgetown University
Georgetown University provided an exceptional environment for my academic journey as an expat from Italy. As someone who initially felt apprehensive about moving to a new country, Georgetown quickly alleviated my concerns and made my transition incredibly smooth.
One of the standout features of Georgetown is its diverse and welcoming community, particularly for international students. The campus is teeming with students from various corners of the globe, fostering a rich cultural tapestry that made me feel right at home. The vibrant campus life and numerous extracurricular activities offered ample opportunities to connect with fellow students, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling university experience.
Georgetown's unique setting within the heart of Washington, DC, adds another layer to its charm. While the university is situated in the bustling city, the campus in the historic area of Georgetown provides a distinct and almost intimate atmosphere. This blend creates a truly unique feel and contributes to an unforgettable educational experience.
Initially enrolled in the College with a desire to major in Linguistics and minor in Art & Journalism, I appreciated the flexibility and openness of the Georgetown education system. After my freshman year, I discovered my true passion lay in Marketing and International Business. The university's seamless transfer process allowed me to transition to the McDonough Business School, where I found the perfect fit for my academic aspirations.
Georgetown's commitment to helping students explore and find their academic niche is indeed one of its most commendable qualities. The ability to explore various subjects before settling on a major is a testament to the university's dedication to fostering individual growth and success. The journey from Linguistics to Marketing & International Business exemplifies the beauty of a Georgetown education — a dynamic and supportive environment where students can discover and pursue their true passions.
In conclusion, Georgetown University provided not only a top-notch academic education but also a transformative and enriching experience. From the welcoming international community to the unique campus setting and the flexibility to explore diverse academic paths, Georgetown stands out as a beacon of higher education that truly caters to the individual journey of each student.
