What are the Benefits of a One Year MBA Program?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an advanced degree a person may complete in about two years. A person who wants to earn an MBA but doesn't want to make this time commitment may choose to complete a one-year MBA program instead. The primary benefits of a one-year MBA include the shortened length of the MBA program and the chance it provides for individuals to earn an advanced degree through intensive study. In many cases, earning a one-year MBA can help a person secure more job opportunities and even land jobs that offer higher pay. In some cases, earning a one-year MBA may even help a person advance to a higher position with the company that currently employs him.

The chief benefit of a one-year MBA program may be the reduced time commitment it entails. For a person who is already pursuing a career, taking two years to work toward an MBA may be too long. The same may apply for individuals who have families to support and need to secure high-paying work sooner rather than later. While a one-year MBA does require a student to focus on his studies for about a year, an individual who enrolls in one of these programs knows he can get back to pursing his career goals fairly quickly.

A one-year MBA program may also prove beneficial for a person who wants to focus on the subjects likely to help him in his business career. When a person enrolls in a one-year MBA program, he may have fewer core requirements to meet. He typically gets an intensive education in business topics, however, including strategic management, leadership, and managerial finance. Often, these programs also put emphasis on entrepreneurship, international business, and ethics. Additionally, a one-year MBA program may focus more on skill development than some traditional programs do.

Often, the focused environment of a one-year MBA program makes it easy for students to foster lasting relationships with other students. This may prove helpful after graduation in situations in which business contacts and networking may prove critical. Additionally, some of these programs offer students access to career counseling or job placement services. Some also plan special events or have professional groups that help students build lasting connections.

Completing a one-year MBA program may not be all positive, however. Some employers may not consider this credential as sufficient business preparation. Instead, some employers prefer job candidates who've earned traditional MBAs.