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Accelerated MBA's
In troubled economic times many people turn to the idea of further education in an attempt to gain job security or move up in the corporate later. It is a logical step, but for many who are considering continuing education the idea of spending 2-4 years completing more degrees seems like a daunting task. Fortunately, there are accelerated programs currently available that can cut those completion times significantly. Accelerated MBA programs have been available for the better part of a decade in the United States.
Accelerated MBA programs offer students the option of finishing the traditional, 2-year MBA degree, in as little as 10 months. The programs generally range from 10-15 months with an average completion time of 12 months. Accelerated MBA programs aim to raise the course load and shorten breaks to ensure students finish the program as quickly as possible. A traditional MBA program will see a large break between semesters. In a traditional program a student would be afforded about 6 weeks of downtime between the fall and spring semesters and a 3 months break between the spring semester and the following fall course load. In an accelerated program there is a 2 weeks break between semesters and summer sessions are offered to move students through the program quickly. The exam schedule is also hastened so students can finish the necessary course work in less than 2 years
Accelerated programs are not the norm in the United States, but they are becomes increasingly popular among students. Accelerated programs, however, have been common for decades in Europe and Latin America. The programs have served graduates well and appeal to a specific subculture of students who are just now being considered important. Research has shown that students who graduate from accelerated programs from accredited institutions are just as successful as students who graduate from traditional MBA programs and in some cases are more successful depending upon the program and the school that offers it. The success of Europe's accelerated MBA programs has likely prompted U.S. schools to create similar degree programs.
In years past colleges believed that students jumping directly from an undergraduate degree were their most valuable asset in graduate programs, but as the tides turned and the economy changed traditional students are no longer the greatest asset to colleges and universities. The continuing education students are coming back to school in droves and accelerated programs are most appealing as continuing students have many other commitments they must consider when picking a graduate program.
Accelerated MBA programs are a good fit for students who have the drive and desire to achieve, but cannot dedicate two years to a full MBA program. Older, or continuing education students are generally most successful in accelerated programs as they are better adjusted to dealing with tighter deadlines and stressful situations. Accelerated programs are also catered to returning students with many of the classes being offered at night and on the weekends to ensure working students can schedule their classes as necessary.
