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One-Year MBA Vs Two-Year MBA Programs: How To Choose

Business schools are offering both one-year and two-year MBA programs, but how can you work out which option is right for you?

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Mon Dec 23 2019

BusinessBecause

Should you choose a one-year MBA or a two-year MBA program?

Applications to one-year MBA programs rose twice as fast as applications to their traditional two-year counterparts between 2017 and 2018. As more top business schools unveil their own one-year MBA offerings, you might be left wondering whether this faster route to an MBA is right for you. 

Whichever option you choose, you can expect similar academic content, but in other ways these two programs offer quite different experiences.


Two-year MBAs

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In the US at least, two-year programs are the more traditional option. In a two-year MBA, students study their core and elective modules over two academic years and take a summer internship in between.

This internship gives students the chance to explore a new role and build up experience in their target industry if they’re attempting a career pivot.

“A summer internship acts as a proof-point and a pipeline into certain industries,” explains Brian Mitchell, associate dean for full-time MBA programs at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School

According to Brian, having this extra time to explore, and to complete an internship, is the main differentiator between one and two-year MBA programs.

Certain companies, such as investment banks, only hire from a pool of applicants who have completed their summer internship, Brian adds. For applicants who want to enter these roles, completing a two-year MBA is the best option.

“In a two-year program, you have a little more time, and can use your summer internship to try things out,” he notes.

This was Catie Mannarino’s goal when she decided to pursue the Two-Year MBA program at Goizueta. Prior to the MBA, Catie worked as a financial analyst with hospital network, UW Health.

Hoping to accelerate into management positions, Catie decided to attend business school.

With its small class sizes, tight-knit community, and abundant travel opportunities, Goizueta quickly stood out. 

“I knew I wanted to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible,” Catie recalls. With two years of study, she feels she is able to do so. 

During the summer, Catie landed a three-month finance internship with Delta Air Lines. Having gelled well with the company, she’s beginning their MBA Finance Rotational Program when she graduates from Goizueta in 2020.

“The internship ensured that I was a good fit for their culture,” she reflects.


One-year MBAs

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On the other hand, a one-year MBA is a great career accelerator for students who have a clear idea where their careers are heading and don’t want or need to complete an internship.

One-year MBA programs tend to start in the summer, a few months earlier than two-year MBA programs, and are completed in just one year. 

For students who aren’t shifting industries, or intend to apply for roles that don’t require prior experience, the one-year program is a good fit, Brian explains.

With lower tuition fees and an accelerated schedule, one-year MBA programs also tend to offer a faster return on investment. 

These were important considerations for Pedro Garcia, a student in Goizueta’s One-Year MBA program. “I’m at a point in my career where I don’t want to take two years off,” he says. 

When Pedro began the one-year MBA, he left behind an eight-year career in data analytics with Porsche. Since getting involved with a medical implant startup, Vertera Spine, back in 2016, he’s been keen to shift his focus toward managing and leading a business.

“I was a little bit pigeon-holed in analytics,” he reflects. “There’s a very specific skill set that’s required in order to manage people and succeed in business that I wasn’t going to get sitting behind a desk at Porsche.”  

Like Catie, Pedro was drawn to Goizueta’s intimate learning environment and strong, diverse community. The typical one-year MBA cohort is even smaller than its two-year counterpart, with only 50 to 60 students.

“The people who do the one-year program are very focused on their career and where they’re going,” Pedro notes. 

His particular goal is to expand his work in the health care sector, or move into a private equity role, leveraging his data analytics experience along with the leadership and management skills Goizueta has imparted.


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Teaching the same toolkit 

Whichever MBA option students choose, the opportunities on offer are very similar, Brian emphasizes. 

“The programs share a common set of core courses because the fundamental tools that people are coming to business school to learn don’t change.”

In both MBA programs at Goizueta for instance, students can choose from 20 specializations, and 90 elective courses. All students also have the chance to travel domestically and internationally, build a professional network, and take on community service projects.

Both programs have similar career prospects too, Brian observes.

About half of graduates move into consulting roles, while a quarter choose marketing and a sixth enter the financial sector.

“There are a lot more similarities than there are differences,” Brian concludes.

Student Reviews

Emory University Goizueta Business School

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Excellent institution with valuable resources

In general, Emory University is an excellent institution with valuable resources. The majority of the professors I encountered were outstanding and displayed a genuine concern for their students. Furthermore, Atlanta provides a plethora of opportunities and experiences.

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Pleasant weather, campus and professors

Emory enjoys pleasant weather for the most part, with warmth and mild conditions. The only drawback is the spring season, particularly due to the heavy pollen presence. Everything becomes coated in layers of pollen, which can be problematic for allergy sufferers. Fortunately, this pollen season is relatively short-lived. During the spring and fall, the weather can be quite unpredictable, swinging from scorching heat to chilly temperatures. You'll often find students relaxing or studying outdoors on campus with Professors ever ready to attend to students personally.

Student

Verified

30/10/2023

On Campus

Outstanding academics

At Emory, the academics are outstanding! It takes a lot of effort and commitment, but the results are well worth it. Teachers are very approachable and like answering inquiries from students. Nobody ever turning away a student that I know of. The campus is beautiful and tidy at Emory, with many places to relax and study.

Student

Verified

24/10/2023

On Campus

Academic performance surpassed my expectations

Emory University's academic performance surpassed my expectations. Achieving good grades often requires substantial effort, and the academic rigor varies depending on your chosen major. Nevertheless, I encountered highly knowledgeable professors, well-equipped to teach their respective courses. Emory offers a wide range of subject areas to choose from, providing students with diverse academic opportunities.

Student

Verified

24/10/2023

On Campus

Outstanding institution with stunning aesthetics

Emory University is an outstanding institution! The campus boasts stunning aesthetics, the individuals are friendly, and there is an abundance of activities available in the surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia. Undoubtedly, my most cherished aspect of Emory was its people. I forged numerous friendships and encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds. Academically, Emory provides a manageable experience. The majority of my professors were excellent, although, as is the case with any university, there may be certain classes or professors that one may not enjoy. Nevertheless, conducting some inquiries and perusing online reviews should provide a fairly accurate insight into what to anticipate in each class.

Student

Verified

23/10/2023

On Campus

Professors skilled in interactive discussions

I take great pleasure in the small class sizes and the professors' skill in creating interactive discussions. The professors demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for their subjects, consistently making the course content fascinating. Moreover, I am captivated by the beautiful campus, and its location is equally appealing.

Student

Verified

23/10/2023

On Campus

Exceptional faculty members

Emory University takes pride in its exceptional faculty members who are highly educated and committed to utilizing innovative and successful teaching techniques.It is widely recognized for its extensive research endeavors, offering students a wide-ranging knowledge foundation that can be readily applied to a variety of academic disciplines.

Student

Verified

25/02/2023

On Campus

Review of Emory university

The Professors are awesome and you get a lot of opportunities to get involved both on and off Campus. The campus is very lovely. The community of people are welcoming, super nice, and entertaining. The dining halls have popular music from throughout the decade playing and the overall atmosphere is super relaxing and enjoyable.

Konya

Verified

3/11/2022

On Campus

Batch'20

Emory is an amazing campus and a school with a nice social scene. I always wanted to see what it was like living in the states and this made it happen. Loving making new friends, acquaintances and some for life bonds as well as learning new subject every week. Emory is a great choice.

Jamie

Verified

26/05/2024

On Campus

Professors are always enthusiastic

Emory University is simply outstanding. They have excellent academic programmes with a vast selection of engaging courses. The instructors are extremely informed and enthusiastic about their subject matter. Additionally, the student support services are excellent. They have advisors that help you at every stage and offer resources for career counselling, mental health support, and tutoring. Emory genuinely cares about your prosperity and welfare. This university is fascinating and forward-thinking at the same time!

Linda

Verified

26/05/2024

On Campus

Lending a helping hand

The instructors at Emory University are redefining what it means to be helpful. They support us academically and serve as supporters, mentors, and confidants in addition to being educators. They are always there to provide advice and support, whether it is by remaining after class to address unanswered questions or by getting together for coffee on the weekends to talk about our professional goals. Their commitment to our achievement goes well beyond the school day, demonstrating time and again that students at Memory are people with dreams, not just a name. It's all possibilities when you have instructors like these.

Paige

Verified

26/05/2024

On Campus

Exceptional mentorship

Emory University is a refuge for both intellectual prowess and individual development. These instructors motivate students in addition to instructing. They go above and above to make sure every student succeeds, offering anything from spontaneous office hours to late-night emails that explain difficult subjects. Their commitment to us doesn't stop in the classroom; they support and encourage us as we overcome both academic and personal obstacles. In addition to being competent, Emory's faculty members have a personal stake in our success, both within and outside the classroom. Emory stands out for the kind of help he provides.