Choosing the right MBA program delivery method largely depends on your lifestyle, career goals, and personal preferences.
Business schools often have a wide variety of programs for graduates to choose from, however, there are four main delivery methods to choose from:
Full-time MBA program
A full-time MBA program is a traditional and immersive program that requires students to attend classes on campus full-time. It is a highly structured and intensive program that typically takes one to two years to complete.
In a full-time MBA program, students are provided with a comprehensive education in business and management, with a focus on developing leadership skills and preparing MBA students for top-level executive positions. The curriculum includes a wide range of courses in business fundamentals, such as finance, marketing, accounting, operations management, and strategy, as well as elective courses in specialised areas of interest.
The courses in a full-time MBA program are typically taught by experienced professors, who provide students with the latest knowledge, skills, and techniques in business and management. The teaching methods used in full-time MBA programs may vary, but they usually include a mix of lectures, case studies, group projects, and other experiential learning activities.
Part-time MBA program
A part-time MBA program is designed for working professionals who want to continue their education while maintaining their current employment. This program is typically less intensive than a full-time MBA, and it allows students to attend classes on a part-time basis, usually in the evenings or on weekends.
The curriculum in a part-time MBA program is similar to that of a full-time MBA, and includes a mix of core courses and electives. Core courses provide a foundation in business fundamentals, such as finance, accounting, marketing, and operations management, while electives offer students the opportunity to specialise in areas of interest, such as entrepreneurship, international business, or healthcare management.
Unlike a full-time MBA program, a part-time MBA allows students to maintain their employment while attending classes. This means that students can immediately apply what they learn in the classroom to their job, and gain valuable real-world experience while pursuing their degree.
Another key difference between a part-time MBA and a full-time MBA is the length of the program. A part-time MBA typically takes two years to complete, compared to one or two years for a full-time MBA.
Weekend MBA program
A weekend MBA program is similar to a part-time MBA program, but classes are held on weekends. It is designed for working professionals who want to continue their education while maintaining their full-time employment during the weekdays.
The curriculum in a weekend MBA program is similar to that of a part-time MBA and a full-time MBA, and includes a mix of core courses and electives.
Weekend MBA courses typically take two to three years to complete, with some programs offering an accelerated option that can be completed in 18 to 24 months.
One of the benefits of a weekend MBA program is that it offers flexibility for working professionals who cannot commit to a full-time MBA program or a part-time MBA program with weekday evening classes. Students can attend classes on the weekend and complete their master’s while maintaining their employment.
Online MBA program
An online MBA program is a distance learning program that offers the flexibility of completing coursework from anywhere in the world, at any time. The curriculum of online programs is similar to that of traditional MBAs, including core courses in business fundamentals such as finance, accounting, marketing, and operations management, as well as electives that allow students to specialise in a particular area of interest.
One of the primary benefits of an online MBA program is flexibility. Students have the freedom to complete the coursework at their own pace, and can study from anywhere with an internet connection. Online MBA programs are designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals, who may need to balance their studies with work and family commitments.
The length of an online MBA program varies depending on the institution and the pace of the student. Some programs can be completed in as little as 12 months, while others may take up to three years.
Most Flexible of Them All — HyFlex
The HyFlex MBA program is a relatively new and innovative approach to delivering an MBA program that combines the flexibility of online classes with the benefits of traditional face-to-face instruction. The term “HyFlex” refers to the hybrid and flexible delivery model of the program.
Synchronous and Asynchronous lessons
In a HyFlex MBA program, classes can be delivered synchronously or asynchronously, depending on the needs and preferences of the students. Synchronous classes are those that take place in real-time, where students attend a live session with their professors and peers.
These sessions can be held in person or online, using video conferencing or other digital tools. Synchronous classes provide students with the opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions, and interact with their classmates and professors in real time.
Asynchronous classes, on the other hand, are pre-recorded or pre-designed lessons that students can access and complete on their own time.
This allows students to work at their own pace and on their own schedule, and is ideal for those who cannot attend live sessions due to work or other commitments. Asynchronous lessons can include pre-recorded video lectures, interactive modules, online discussion boards, and other digital resources.
Most HyFlex programs combine both synchronous and asynchronous lessons into their curriculum, rather than allowing students to choose one over the other.
Live Weekend Lessons
Weekend lessons in a HyFlex MBA program typically take place on Fridays and Saturdays, consisting of lectures, group discussions, and interactive activities. These classes are designed to provide students with the ability to interact with their professors and peers, which can be beneficial for networking and building relationships.
Students can usually choose to attend these lessons on campus or virtually.
Extra Flexibility Upon Request
In most HyFlex MBA programs, extra flexibility is often available upon request for students who need it. This could include additional support, accommodations, or adjustments to the program schedule to better meet the needs of individual students.
Schools That Offer HyFlex MBAs (Across The World)
Only a select number of institutions offer HyFlex MBA programs, due to their complexity. Below are a few popular institutes that offer HyFlex MBAs.
ISU (Illinois State University)
In a HyFlex MBA program at ISU, students can attend classes in person, online, or a combination of both, depending on their preference and schedule. This allows students to choose the mode of instruction that works best for them, while still benefiting from the structure and interaction of traditional classroom learning.
The HyFlex MBA program at ISU also offers a variety of other flexible options, such as evening and weekend classes, to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. In addition, students can choose from a variety of specialisations, such as healthcare management, digital marketing, and business analytics, to further tailor their education to their career goals.
Waseda University
Waseda University, located in Tokyo, Japan, offers a HyFlex MBA program that blends in-person and online learning. The program is designed to be completed in two years and includes a range of core business courses, as well as elective courses that allow students to focus on specific areas of interest.
The HyFlex MBA program at Waseda University uses a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction to give students flexibility in how they attend classes. Students can choose to attend classes in their business school, or participate online through live streaming or recorded lectures, depending on their preferences and schedules.
This blended MBA program also emphasises cross-cultural communication and global perspectives, with a focus on the Asian business environment. This includes opportunities for students to participate in international study trips and engage with business leaders from around the world.
UBI Business School
UBI Business School offers a HyFlex MBA program that provides students with a flexible and personalised learning experience. The program combines both in-person and online instruction to offer students maximum flexibility, allowing them to choose the mode of instruction that works best for them.
The HyFlex MBA program at UBI Business School is designed to be completed in one year and includes a range of core business courses, as well as elective courses that allow students to focus on specific areas of interest. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including finance, marketing, management, innovation, and sustainability.
The program also includes a range of experiential learning opportunities, such as case studies, internships, and consulting projects, that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world business problems. These opportunities also help students build their professional networks and gain practical experience in a supportive and collaborative environment.
The UBI Business School Experience
There are several reasons why you might consider UBI Business School’s HyFlex MBA program:
- Flexibility: The HyFlex format allows you to choose the mode of instruction that works best for you, whether you prefer in-person or online learning.
- Personalisation: The program includes a range of elective courses that allow you to tailor your education to your specific career goals and interests.
- Experiential learning: The program includes a range of experiential learning opportunities, such as case studies, internships, and consulting projects, that allows you to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world business problems.
- Sustainability and Innovation: The program emphasises cross-cultural communication, sustainability, and innovation, preparing you for leadership roles in a rapidly changing global business environment.
- Strong Industry Connections: UBI Business School has strong industry connections in both Brussels and Luxembourg, providing you with valuable networking opportunities and access to potential employers.
Overall, UBI Business School’s HyFlex MBA degree offers a flexible, personalised, and experiential learning experience that prepares you for success in a rapidly changing global business environment. If you’re looking to advance your career, gain practical experience, and build your professional network, UBI Business School’s MBA program may be a great option for you.