MBA Course Duration

Can you tell me about the duration of MBA (Master in Business Administration) course in India? Also tell me about the types of MBA (Master in Business Administration) course in India?

[Kiran Chandar]

A Master of Business Administration, commonly known as an MBA, is a graduate-level degree that covers a wide range of business fields, such as marketing, accounting and management.

Types of MBA programs

There are a variety of MBA programs many colleges and universities offer:

• 2-year Full Time MBA Program –
Requires full time attendance, which means you can't easily work while attending school. Most traditional colleges and universities offer this type of program.

• Accelerated MBA Program –
Usually completed in 18 months, the accelerated program is similar to the full time program, but with less down time between semesters. For example, you may take classes over the summer and winter breaks.

• Part Time or Weekend MBA Program –
The part time MBA program is popular with working adults, because it allows you to attend class on the weekends or weekday evenings. The drawback is the part time MBA program takes longer to complete.

• Executive MBA Program
The Executive MBA Program is designed for working professionals who want to attain their MBA but cannot interrupt their careers to do so.

• Distance Learning MBA Program –
Another option for busy and working professionals, the distance learning program allows you to take classes from your computer and is less time intensive since there is no commute and coursework may be completed on your own schedule.

• Dual MBA Programs –
These are usually in combination with another closely related discipline. The most common is an MBA in combination with a Juris Doctor, a.k.a. the JD/MBA program. Other popular programs are the MBA/MA program and MBA/PhD program.

MBA Common Specializations

• MBA in Health Care Management - prepares for middle to upper level management in healthcare. Keep in mind that many of these positions may require some sort of medical credential in addition to MBA.
• MBA in Human Resources (HR) - prepares to work as the head of the HR department, advertising for, recruiting, hiring, training, evaluating and firing employees.
• MBA in Marketing - prepares for a job in marketing, which include media purchasing, working with a creative team, or writing ad copy for an advertising agency or PR firm.
• MBA in Communication - the study of communications prepares for jobs related to journalism, PR, media and advertising.
• MBA in Project Management - project management is essential for fields like construction, technology, software development, architecture, and R&D firms.
• MBA in Entrepreneurship - focuses on developing critical thinking skills necessary for flexibility and innovation in a rapidly changing environment, usually best suited for technology endeavors.
• MBA in IT Management - prepares with a background in programming, software development, CIS, database administration or IT to take on greater responsibilities managing a team.