Accelerated Online MBAs: One-Year Programs

What Is a One-Year MBA?

A one-year online MBA consolidates a traditional MBA curriculum into just 12 months, allowing students to get a jump start on advanced careers in business. Synchronized coursework offered along a cohort model spans 4-8 weeks, and learners and instructors interact through group projects, discussion forums, and online lectures.

An accelerated online MBA requires a significant investment of time and effort. Prestigious business schools have turned toward offering online MBAs, giving learners the chance to earn a well-regarded, credible degree at an affordable price. Along with only having to pay one year of degree-related expenses, students can also find programs that cost one lump sum.

Pros and Cons of an Accelerated MBA

The pros and cons of an accelerated MBA demonstrate how the degree meets the needs of different types of learners. Students often complete coursework with a cohort, allowing for the development of a cohesive, familiar learning environment. However, by keeping students in the same groups until graduation, cohorts may keep enrollees from interacting with a more diverse student body.

Additionally, one-year MBAs rarely allow students to specialize in one area. Consider the following pros and cons while exploring online one-year MBAs.

Interview with an Expert

Claire Gravenhorst

Preferred Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Claire Gravenhorst is an enthusiastic business professional passionate about diversity, corporate social responsibility, and the power of businesses to enrich their employees' lives and their communities. Gravehorst has over five years' experience in global business environments as a training specialist, an HR professional, and an analyst in the tech space. Most recently, she is working as a business process analyst supporting global HR initiatives across 40+ countries. Gravehorst holds an Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) from Human Resource Certificate Institute (HRCI), a bachelor of science - HR management from Western Governors University (WGU), and a master of business administration (MBA) from Western Governors University (WGU). She hopes to build her career for the next five years before pursuing a doctor of business administration (DBA).

Where did you get your MBA?

I got my MBA at Western Governors University (WGU).

At what point in your career did you get your MBA, and why then

I considered this to be early in my career. I had over five years of experience at this point and was working in my chosen field of HR. I decided to get my MBA because my long-term goals need to be supported by both education and experience.

I aspire to both executive leadership and business ownership in my career. An MBA allows me to stand out at this stage in my career and sets me up for further education and experience.

What do you do for your career now

Currently for my career I work as a business process analyst, consulting on and documenting processes for multiple functions inside the HR team.

What advice do you have for someone considering pursuing an MBA

I would advise them to look at their reasoning for getting the MBA and identify what is most important. Are you looking for a degree to set your resume apart from the rest? Are you looking to go down a specific career path?

I wanted an MBA over a more concentrated master's so that I had the flexibility to adjust my career path if an incredible opportunity came along. An MBA provided the general qualifications to work in any area of a company.

What's most important when selecting an MBA program? Program prestige, location, cost, something else?

For me, getting the degree quickly and inexpensively was imperative, but I didn't want to sacrifice accreditation or quality of education.

As a working adult, the ability to build my school schedule around my work schedule and go at my own pace gave me opportunities to push or rest as I needed to. Without this ability, setting aside the time and resources to get my education would not have been possible. I didn't have to put my career on hold in order to get the degree.

Additionally, one-on-one attention when I needed instruction was very important to me. WGU has a robust system of mentors who provide instruction and support through your time there, and that was one of the things that kept me motivated while I was studying.

Do you think people in a one-year MBA program get the same quality education as folks in a traditional two-year program

I would say it probably depends on the program. The competencies and content are about the same, in my experience. What sets a one-year program apart from a two-year program is the pace at which you have to learn. I also think that there are fewer breaks and rests in a one-year program, and the individual daily time commitment is higher.

Who is a one-year MBA program best suited for

Students who learn quickly, have experience in the field, and are highly motivated to get their degree.

What advice would you give someone considering a one-year MBA program

I would say be prepared to prioritize your education above everything else. It's important to clear time for school in order to complete the degree on time. This can mean giving up hobbies for the year, adjusting how much time you spend with friends, and giving up free time.

I considered my degree a second job. Each weekday I would get home from work, go to my computer, and work on my degree.

I would also say get your support system on board — your partner, friends, family, co-workers. You will need cheerleaders and support to get through.

I also would advise students to connect with other students. The ability to bounce ideas off each other, study together, and commiserate was one of the things that helped me learn the material and develop the competencies necessary to earn my MBA.