The Best Part-Time MBA Programs in Toronto
Earning a part-time MBA is increasingly becoming a more-and-more realistic endeavors for many working professionals. For many who are already employed at a job that they love, the flexible and affordable option of attending classes on a part-time basis can make perfect sense.
In Toronto, the commercial and cultural center of the Ontario province, there are options abound for pursuit of a part-time MBA. The city’s diverse business landscape provides rich opportunities to both current residents and those who may be planning to relocate.
Wilfrid Laurier University
The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfred Laurier University’s part-time program boasts small class sizes and affordability among its advantages. With a variety of specializations including Operations Management; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Organizational Behavior/Human Resource Management, as well as Marketing, the part-time MBA is offered on evenings and alternate weekends.
Lazaridis also offers combined MBA/CPA degrees, along with a double MBA/CFA option. GMAT scores are required, as are two years of full-time work experience. The degree can be completed in about three years.
Rotman School of Management – University of Toronto
Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto is formally regarded as one of Canada’s top business schools for good reason. Rotman offers a Morning MBA, which takes place in the pre-work hours, from 7-9 a.m. two mornings a week; and the evening version, which also meets twice a week from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For an August 2017 start, the application deadline is February 8. One student, Karina Ling, says in a testimonial, “I knew that I wanted to work while I was going to school… [and] to be able to apply what I was learning immediately in the workplace. I’m excited to go to work [after class] to share what I’ve learned.”
Ling also notes the connections that she made with other students as a result of the work/school balancing act. “We shared a lot of the pains and the gains.” The part-time program can be completed over three years at a cost of $33,000 CAD (about $25,000 USD). Among the sixteen possible majors are unique options such as Brand Management; Business Design; Sustainability and Health Sector Management.
Schulich School of Business – York University
York University’s Schulich School of Business’ dual campuses, notes, “provide the right mix of flexibility to adapt your MBA to where you live, work and play.” The degree offers daytime, weekend and evening classes over three years/ten terms. Whether students choose to study at the downtown Toronto or Keele campuses, the option is always available to shift to full time if schedules shift. Made up of 60 credits, the program offers specialization in twenty different areas including Arts, Media & Entertainment Management; Organizational Studies; Business & Sustainability and Social Sector Management.
Schulich also offers classes in Hyderabad, India and boasts a global network which provides study opportunities in ten countries worldwide. Tuition for the part-time MBA is $7,400 CAD ($5,600 USD) for domestic students and $24,000 CAD ($18,000 USD) for international students.
Ted Rogers School of Management – Ryerson University
Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management part-time MBA requires 11 courses equaling 13 credits. For this and the full-time degree, tuition is roughly $30,000 Canadian (CAD) or $23,000 USD. Completed over six terms, the part-time MBA offers specialties in Mining/Corporate Social Responsibility; Human Resources; International Business; Marketing and Real Estate. A summary of full requirements can be found here.
The MBA at Rogers provides each student with a strong foundation in global business.
DeGroote School of Business – McMaster University
McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business has recently redesigned its co-op and full-time MBA programs, and the part-time option is next in line. The school has yet to announce deadlines for the January 2018 launch, but there will be updates throughout the coming year on their site and via email, mbainfo@mcmaster.ca
About the Author
Maggie Boccella
Maggie Boccella, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. She has consulted on various film and multimedia projects, and she also serves as a juror for the city's annual LGBTQIA Film Festival.
