The Complete Guide to Philadelphia Accelerated MBAs
Earning an MBA takes many levels of commitment. Of course there’s the financial commitment, and for some there’s still a work commitment. There’s also a large time commitment involved—going to class, extensive immersion-style courses, case competitions and so much more adds up to a ton of time.
Some may want to try to complete their MBA program as quickly and efficiently as possible. That’s where accelerated MBA programs come into play: in only 12 months, those pursuing accelerated degrees are back in the job market, ready to start their next career.
Earning an MBA doesn’t need to put your life upside down. Here is a guide to good business schools in the Philadelphia metro that offer one-year MBA programs. Note: If a program is more than 12 months, this information is listed underneath the school name.
The Complete Guide to Philadelphia Accelerated MBAs
Haub School of Business – Saint Joseph’s University
Named after Erivan K. Haub, St. Joseph’s Haub School of Business (HSB) was established in 1979 as a Jesuit institution. HSB is the largest Jesuit business school in the country, boasting 3,400 enrolled students and more than 22,000 alumni. Haub features an assortment of MBA options: traditional full-time or part-time MBA programs for working professionals, four EMBA degree options and an online MBA. While most students enter with an average of four years of work experience, none is required.
Haub’s One Year Executive MBA Program is designed specifically for professionals with an undergraduate degree in business and at least five years of professional/managerial work experience. The program takes place in a cohort setting, and requires students to take 19 courses that comprise 30 credits over three semesters. Classes meet for one full day each week on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. Seven courses are taken in the summer semester, five courses in the fall and seven courses in the spring, with each semester totaling 10 credits. All courses are required.
You can learn more about the Haub School of Business here.
La Salle University
The School of Business at La Salle University was founded in 1954. Today, the MBA program is among the top three largest graduate programs offered by the school. The school features four degree-earning options, which include: the full-time MBA, an accelerated One-Year MBA, a Saturday MBA and a flexible part-time MBA that holds classes in the evenings, on weekends and in a distance learning format.
La Salle’s One-Year program runs for 12 months on the Philadelphia campus, from fall through the end of the summer semester. The program is taught in a set sequence by a small group of trained faculty members.
The La Salle University One-Year MBA program offers students a choice of three set course sequences: Investment Analysis, the CFA track and the Managerial Finance track and an Accounting track. A dual-degree program, in which students complete an MBA in Accounting as the final year of a four-year joint degree, is also available to undergrad students.
Summer pre-program, prerequisite courses and skill refresher workshops are also offered, including a 13-credit hour pre-MBA program for incoming students without an undergraduate business degree that runs for six weeks starting in early July.
Lehigh University College of Business and Economics
Having recently celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2010, today, the Lehigh University College of Business and Economics offers both a flexible pacing and one year MBA programs to students on campus and through distance education formats. Students also have the option to earn a dual MBA degree in either engineering or educational leadership.
The Lehigh One Year MBA program is a full-time, on-campus cohort program that features a rigorous curriculum. Most classes are offered during daytime hours, though some electives are offered in evenings. Required corporate visits may span day and evening.
One of the best parts of the Lehigh experience is the personal coaching team. Each incoming student is assigned a coaching team made up of a faculty member, a Lehigh alumnus and a dedicated career services staff member. These individuals will be around to serve as mentors to the students, assisting in finding internships and full-time jobs.
Editor’s Note: As part of the Lehigh 1-MBA program enhancements, the internship component was replaced with a Consulting Practicum. Click here to learn more about the 1-MBA.
Lerner College – University of Delaware
The Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics was established in 1963 and accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in 1966. The graduate-level programs were accredited in 1982.
Lerner College doesn’t offer a standalone Accelerated MBA program, but the MBA 4+1 program offers undergraduate students in certain University of Delaware majors the opportunity to pursue the MBA in conjunction with their undergraduate degrees.
Rohrer College of Business – Rowan University
Even though it’s not in Philadelphia, Rohrer College of Business in nearby South Jersey is an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools in Business International accredited business school. Located in the town of Glassboro, Rowan is located just 18 miles southeast of Philadelphia and is easily accessible from the Atlantic City Expressway and New Jersey Turnpike, as well as any of the Delaware bridges.
Rowan offers a traditional full-time MBA program, a part-time program and an online MBA option. The full-time and part-time MBA programs can each be completed in a regular or accelerated format and can be begun in either the fall or spring semesters.
The Accelerated full-time MBA is a 12 month, three semester program with summer classes. Rowan requires all MBA students to fulfill 36 semester hours (credits), with 27 hours devoted to required courses and nine hours to business electives. Students may also choose a specialization by enrolling in three courses in one of the following six areas: Marketing, Management, Finance, Management Information Systems, Accounting or Supply Chain and Logistical Systems.
West Chester University
The MBA program at West Chester University is part of the university’s School of Business—an AACSB accredited business school. The University divides the academic year into five eight-week terms. All MBA coursework, whether in person or online, spans one full term. In the full-time Accelerated MBA program, students can complete the program in as little as nine months if they so choose.
About the Author
Max Pulcini
Max Pulcini is a Philadelphia-based writer and reporter. He has an affinity for Philly sports teams, Super Smash Bros. and cured meats and cheeses. Max has written for Philadelphia-based publications such as Spirit News, Philadelphia City Paper, and Billy Penn, as well as national news outlets like The Daily Beast.
