It’s common knowledge that professionals with MBA’s have higher average salaries after graduation, greater networking potential and a number of other advantages. A part-time MBA is a great way to earn these advantages at your own pace while minimizing student load debt and maintaining career momentum. If you’re thinking of getting your MBA, but can’t imagine the time commitment of a full-time graduate program, there are a host of part-time programs that can accommodate a busy schedule.
Here are some of the best Washington DC part-time MBA programs available:
Howard University School of Business
Howard University School of Business has two options for those looking for a part-time education. Students can choose either the part-time Online or part-time on-campus version of the program, both of which take 32 months to complete. The online curriculum requires only one live online class per week. The on-campus option requires that students attend classes two evenings per week. Students can also opt to take the accelerated part-time MBA, which will allow them to finish their degree up to a year earlier than those in the regular part-time program. Howard is a testament to the power of merging convenience with quality resources and education. For those worried their prospects will suffer for the convenience of this program, according to US News, Howard grads earn an impressive average base salary of $91,084.
Kogod School of Business—American University
Kogod School of Business offers Business@American, an online version of the MBA program that results in the same degree as the full-time on-campus option. Students on this track will take one to three courses per term, including one live class each week. This lets b-schoolers have direct interactions with their peers and faculty. This program is unique, as each year students are required to attend two immersions on campus, wherein they have the opportunity to network with classmates and business leaders. For the three days of each immersion, students participate in group projects, attend panel discussions and meet peers and faculty.
McDonough School of Business—Georgetown University
McDonough School of Business’s part-time MBA takes place in the evenings Monday through Thursday, so that working students can attend class after the workday has ended. The curriculum requires 60 credits and takes 34 months to complete. This evening MBA may be appealing for those looking to balance their work schedules while still cultivating a close relationship with peers, as the core classes are cohort-based and meet more frequently than some of the other part-time programs.
Robert H. Smith School of Business—University of Maryland
Robert H. Smith School of Business offers particularly flexible part-time options. Students can choose to earn their degrees in 24 months, 28 months or they can go at their own pace and take as long as five years. The part-time program is cohort-based, for those students looking for an education that blends convenience with networking and team-building. Smith also offers some geographic flexibility; the program can be completed in Washington, D.C., Shady Grove or Baltimore. Smith was also ranked first place in the world for MBA “faculty quality in the Economist’s 2016 rankings.