So, you’d love to do an MBA program but you have the sticky problem of also having to pay rent? We hear ya! In an incredibly busy - and expensive - world, many of us are forced to do the kind of juggling act that would put a circus performer to shame - but don’t worry, you do have options.
An evening MBA program
can be a fantastic solution for those looking to upscale their skills or develop new ones while still keeping the lights on and, in this article, we’re enrolling with the best evening MBA schools that offer flexible options.
What to Look For In the Best Evening MBA Programs
Once you set your sights on a flexible MBA program, the first thing you’ll discover is that there are absolutely tons of ‘em - so, which to choose? Your initial step is to figure out when you will be able to study; whether that’s in the morning, in the evening or at weekends. This decision will dictate whether you’re looking for an in-person, bums-on-seats class or an online course. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, you need to check to see which courses tick all your boxes in terms of depth, length and alignment with your goals. The next (pretty important) step is to weigh up the financial and time cost of your course to see how it balances with any potential career advancement. Last, but not least, it’s time to zero in on what kind of connections, partnerships and career services are tagged onto each program as these will be super-important following your graduation.
1. Santa Clara University – Leavey School of Business
The Evening MBA at Santa Clara University is a top choice, whether in Silicon Valley or beyond. Ranked number one in Silicon Valley and among the top 20 nationally in its part-time format, it stands out as one of the
best Evening MBA schools. It also delivers great value for career advancement. This program involves attending two in-person evening classes per week, making it ideal for those working full-time.
So, what will you get? A 70 unit degree, connection to more than 100,000 alumni and unrivalled access to the best that Silicon Valley has to offer; including the most forward thinking tech firms and startups. Over two years, you’ll follow the same comprehensive curriculum that you would studying full-time as well as enjoying speciality options in exciting areas such as finance, analytics, marketing and business ownership - all within a modern and well equipped facility.
2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Anderson Fully Employed MBA
Established waaaaaay back in 1919, UCLA is a California stalwart and this is reflected in its number five ranked Anderson’s Fully Employed MBA which has been at the tippety top of the charts in Southern California for a whopping 28 consecutive years. Choose from classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Saturday courses or even a combination of weekend and online learning for the ultimate in flexibility.
You can expect your course to run for around 33 months on average and you’ll enjoy the same benefits, faculty, connections and - most importantly - qualifications as those full-time MBA students. With a focus on career progression within tech, fintech and consulting, this FEMBA program is hard to beat.
3. Arizona State University – W.P. Carey Evening MBA
If it’s flexibility and personalisation you’re after, Arizona might just be the next stop on your itinerary. With over 40 (count ‘em!) different electives, tech qualifications and degree options to choose from - along with the choice of one or two on-site classes, with the rest of your learning online - flexibility is the word here.
As if all that isn’t enticing enough, you can also elect to spread out your MBA from two years to four. Tailor-made for professionals who are looking to get ahead, ASU’s STEM programs and MBA courses rank at the top for Arizona part-time education and 18th nationally as listed by the U.S. News and World Report for this year.
4. Ohio State University – Fisher Working Professional MBA
Named after Max M Fisher, highly-regarded industrialist and 1930 alumnus of Ohio State University, this MBA program has an impressive top 15 ranking for part-time courses in the USA. Students here can spread their learning from two years to six and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to flexibility with options including on-campus evening classes during the week and weekend availability.
The Fisher ethos is all about achieving professional goals and, as such, there are 27 core credits and 21 elective ones up for grabs; allowing students to reach for the stars in finance, tech, analytics and much more. As well as unrivalled flexibility, this course has rock-solid connections to Fortune 500 firms as well as access to a staggering 580,000 former graduates worldwide.
5. Georgia Institute of Technology – Scheller Evening MBA
If southern hospitality is your bag, you’ll do no better than signing up for this 10th ranked tech focused program. Number one in Georgia for the last three years, the Georgia Institute of Technology is famed for its rich engineering heritage and business training success including number 5 ranking nationally for business analytics. Students here can choose from evening or weekend study with the same world-beating curriculum as full-time students.
The Scheller Evening MBA is usually achieved over three years, but if your schedule allows, it is possible to do it in just two. With its Atlanta hot-spot location, you’ll also have potential opportunities with massive international companies including Coca Cola (it’s the real thing!), Delta Airlines and UPS.
Making Your Decision
For those looking to gain an MBA without also accruing the debt involved in a full-time course, there’s never been a better time to get started. As we’ve shown with the five programs highlighted in this article, there are
many options available including on-site, remote and a combination of both; allowing you to balance your current employment with studies that will take you further.
Whether you’re looking to study analytics in Arizona or coding in California, it’s super-important to do your research to find the program that fits in with your work, budget, location and aspirations. Your first - and most important - step is to go through all of the requirements and costs involved to make sure that you’re eligible and can afford it.
Next, take a look at the websites or the universities that interest you and, if possible, visit the campuses for open days and information sessions. You might also want to connect with current and former students to get the lowdown on your chosen course.
And finally, make time to put together a killer application to give yourself the best chance of being accepted onto your MBA program.
