Balancing work, life, and graduate school can feel overwhelming — but a part-time online MBA makes it possible. These flexible programs let working professionals advance their careers without putting their jobs on hold. You’ll gain the leadership skills, business expertise, and credentials needed to grow. OMD breaks down the top part-time online MBA programs, key benefits, and tips to help you decide if this flexible, career-friendly path is the right move for you.
Author: Shannon Daigle
Expertise: Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate Ed.Editor: Gwen Resulta
Expertise: EditorialGraduate Ed.Online Learning- Right for You?
Reflective questions to help me determine if this degree aligns with my goals and readiness…
Read more - Degree Benefits
What the benefits of this type of degree are, how it’ll help me succeed, and why I should enroll…
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Programs
A list of today’s best online and hybrid programs based on quality, affordability, and student support…
Read more
Considerations For a Part-Time MBA
Even with all their advantages, part-time MBA programs require a significant commitment. How do you know if this path fits your goals and life situation? Below are five important questions to ask yourself before you decide to enroll. By reflecting on these points, you can gauge whether a part-time online MBA aligns with your career aspirations, learning style, and personal responsibilities.
- What do I want to achieve with an MBA? – First, define your career goals and motivations. Knowing your “why” will help determine if an MBA is the right tool. Are you looking to move up in your current field, switch careers, or start a business? If your goals could be met through a smaller certification or a different graduate degree, consider that too. Ensuring an MBA aligns with your ambitions will keep you motivated and help you choose the right electives and networking opportunities to get you there.
- Can I balance the MBA with my work and personal life? – Be honest about your time management and support system. Since a part-time MBA will add 10-20 hours of coursework to your week, do you have time in the evenings or weekends to dedicate to classes and studying? Consider your family and personal commitments; it helps to talk with your family and employer about the demands of the program. If you already feel stretched thin by your current obligations, you may need to adjust your schedule or wait for a better time.
- How will I finance my MBA, and is the investment worth it for me? – Crunch the numbers and ensure you obtain your master’s degree with no debt. Determine how you will pay tuition: savings, current income, student loans, employer tuition assistance, or some combination. Will you need to cut expenses or take on debt? Also, consider the ROI: research the salary uplift or new positions an MBA could help you attain, especially in your industry. You should also explore scholarships the program offers. Being financially prepared and confident in the value you’ll get will reduce stress and let you focus on learning instead of worrying about money.
- Am I comfortable with online learning and self-motivation? – Reflect on which mode of learning is best for you and your level of discipline. Part-time online MBAs require you to be proactive and organized, since you won’t have a professor looking over your shoulder daily. Consider doing a trial: many programs offer sample lessons or webinars – try one to see if you find it engaging. Being honest about your study habits and comfort with online tools will help you choose a program that fits and ensure you stay motivated throughout the degree.
- Is this the right time to start, given my career and personal life? – Timing can be critical. Evaluate your current situation: consider personal life events that might coincide with school. On the other hand, assess if waiting has downsides, as delaying could mean you won’t reap the benefits of the MBA until later in your career. Ultimately, ensure you feel reasonably ready and can commit for the program’s duration.
The Benefits of Part-Time MBA Programs
Whether in an online or hybrid format, pursuing an MBA part-time allows you to advance your education while maintaining your professional and personal commitments. Below, we explore three major benefits of online part-time MBA programs for working professionals, each illustrated with examples of how these advantages can improve your experience.
Flexibility for Working Professionals
Part-time online MBA programs let you learn anytime and anywhere. For example, you can attend live evening classes after work or watch recorded lectures on weekends. This flexibility means you don’t have to quit your job or relocate, allowing you the freedom to study around your responsibilities.
Immediate Impact on Your Career
Because you keep working while studying, you can apply new skills in real time. For instance, a marketing manager in an online MBA program could use techniques from an analytics class to improve a campaign at work. Employers often notice this instant ROI – many part-time MBA students earn promotions or expanded roles before even graduating.
Expanded Network and Resources
Part-time MBA students build connections with diverse peers and faculty around the world. Online programs also typically offer the same career services and alumni networks as on-campus programs. That means you get networking events, mentorship, and recruiting opportunities, growing your professional network without having to be on campus full-time (such as joining optional weekend residencies).
Reputable Online MBAs: Program Breakdown
Choosing the right program is key. Here are three accredited U.S. MBA programs designed for part-time online or hybrid learning. These standout programs blend rigorous curriculum with flexibility, allowing you to earn a respected MBA on your terms, giving you a barometer of school qualities to look out for in your search for your perfect match.
University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler) – MBA@UNC Online MBA
MBA@UNC is part of UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, known for its top-ranked curriculum and strong alumni network. Courses are interactive and delivered online, with weekly live classes and self-paced coursework.
Students can tailor their experience with six concentration options (like Finance or Marketing) and even join optional in-person global immersion “Summits” held in cities worldwide. Throughout the program, you receive career coaching and access to UNC’s extensive resources and 51,000+ alumni network – all without needing to relocate or pause your employment.
Duration: 18–36 months
Mode: Online (with optional in-person immersion weekends)
Cost: $2,026 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (in any field)
- Minimum 2 years professional work experience
- Online application and $150 fee
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- Essays (personal statement)
- GMAT/GRE scores if less than 5 years of work experience (standardized test can be waived for experienced applicants)
- English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native English speakers
Indiana University (Kelley) – Kelley Direct Online MBA
Kelley Direct, offered by IU’s Kelley School of Business, is one of the most established online MBA programs. Uniquely, Kelley Direct requires two in-person experiences: Kelley On Campus, a residency in Bloomington with case competitions and networking in the first year, and Kelley On Location, a 3–4 day experiential learning trip in the second year. Students can also extend their studies slightly if needed. Kelley Direct emphasizes return on investment – it manages the program in-house to keep quality high and costs down – and offers the same faculty as its on-campus programs. Graduates benefit from Kelley’s network of 133,000 alumni and lifelong career services.
Duration: 2-3 years
Mode: Online (live evening classes + asynchronous coursework) with 2 required in-person residencies
Cost: $94,944 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Online application and ~$75 fee (waivers available)
- Official transcripts
- Current resume
- Personal statement essays
- One letter of recommendation
- GMAT or GRE scores
- For international applicants: TOEFL/IELTS if required for English proficiency
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) – Part-Time Online Hybrid MBA
Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School offers a Part-Time Online Hybrid MBA that blends online convenience with regular in-person sessions. The program is STEM-designated, reflecting Tepper’s analytic curriculum focus. Every couple of months, the cohort comes together for Access Weekends – immersive in-person experiences held in Pittsburgh and other locations about six times a year. The curriculum is rigorous and quantitative, but an Accelerated Online Hybrid MBA option is available for those who have recent undergraduate business coursework. Students receive personalized leadership coaching and full career services access throughout the program, and join an international alumni network upon graduation.
Duration: 2.5–3 years
Mode: Hybrid. Online courses (live and asynchronous) + in-person “Access Weekends” (6 weekends per year)
Cost: $769 per unit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Online application and $200 application fee
- Current resume
- One required essay (personal statement)
- One two-minute video statement outlining career goals
- One professional letter of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test score: GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment
- For non-native English speakers: TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test if applicable
- An admissions interview (for final candidate)
Answering Questions About Part-Time MBAs
How much does a part-time online MBA cost?
Part-time MBA tuition varies widely by school, but public universities and fully online programs generally tend to be less expensive while private and top-ranked business schools charge more. Keep in mind that you pay per credit, so longer programs cost more overall. Many options like employer tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and federal aid (loans) can offset costs. The table below shows examples of three part-time MBA programs at different price points:
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois | 72 | $347 | $24,984 |
| Indiana University | 54 | $1,758 | $94,944 |
| UNC Chapel Hill | 62 | $2,026 | $125,589 |
What are the typical admissions requirements for a part-time MBA?
Admissions criteria for part-time MBA programs are similar to those of full-time MBAs. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and must submit transcripts. Most programs prefer several years of work experience (5–7 years). GMAT or GRE scores are often requested, but many online and part-time programs offer waivers if you meet certain criteria (such as a strong GPA or substantial managerial experience). A current resume and one or two letters of recommendation, essays, and a personal statement are often required, and some programs include an interview as part of the process.
Can I work full-time while pursuing a part-time online MBA?
Yes; these programs are specifically designed for working professionals. In fact, the vast majority of part-time MBA students maintain full-time jobs during school. Courses are scheduled with flexibility in mind – often during evenings or weekends, or asynchronously so you can complete work at your own pace.
Many students find that by scheduling study blocks (for instance, dedicating a few weeknights and some weekend time to coursework) and by leveraging downtime (like listening to lecture recordings during a commute), they can successfully balance job, MBA, and personal life.
Will a part-time MBA help me advance my career?
A part-time MBA can be a powerful catalyst for career growth. You’ll acquire new skills and credentials that can open doors to promotions or new roles. Many students experience career acceleration even before graduating: raises, leadership opportunities, or switches to better jobs.
According to a Graduate Management Admission Council survey, 2 out of 3 MBA alumni reported earning more promotions than peers without an MBA. Over time, MBA graduates tend to see strong ROI in the form of higher salaries and expanded career opportunities across industries.
Do employers value an online MBA as much as an on-campus degree?
In most cases, yes – employers view a reputable MBA the same way, regardless of format, but the key is to enroll in a program that is accredited. That said, it’s wise to choose an accredited program with a solid reputation. Many top business schools now offer online or hybrid MBA options, and they confer the exact same degree as their traditional programs (and the diploma will often exclude the fact that you obtained it online).
Today’s Best Online MBA Programs Offered Part-Time
Navigating your career and education simultaneously requires a thoughtful approach, and choosing the ideal part-time online MBA program is crucial for success. This specialized list of today’s best part-time online master’s programs in business administration considers quality, flexibility, and avenues for career advancement. Keep reading to find the MBA program that takes your business career to the next level.