The Northeast Region’s Top Accelerated MBAs
The numerous advantages of an accelerated MBA start with one that’s particularly appealing–low cost. And while accelerated programs are more affordable, they are by no means less valuable or challenging than two year programs. In fact, they can be quite intensive in that they allow students to leverage their undergrad business education directly to MBA studies by covering core requirements.
While many schools in Europe have adopted the accelerated model, graduate business programs in the U.S. are still catching on. We recently looked at some of the southeastern region’s best one-year programs, and now we’ll turn our attention to the top northeastern MBA accelerated options.
The University of Delaware Lerner College of Business’ accelerated program is 100 pecent online, and offers completion in as little as 16 months. Ranked as the 22nd best online MBA by U.S. News & World Report, Lerner’s program offers such advantages as a personal career coach and availability to students from any undergraduate background.
Available concentrations are finance, business analytics, healthcare, strategic leadership, and international business. Students can also choose to combine specializations for the best return on their investment. GMAT and GRE waivers are available to qualified applicants.
The Ramapo College of New Jersey’s Anisfield School of Business touts its accelerated program for providing “the fundamental pillars [of an MBA] … Responsible Leadership, Critical Thinking, International Management & Lasting Value.” A third of Ramapo’s curriculum is delivered online, and the 42 required credits can be completed in 20 months. Despite being a relatively new program, Ramapo is a leader in providing an education that is immediately applicable to real world scenarios.
The program offers a week-long immersion trip to China, during which students explore one of the world’s most powerful economies. Students spend two evenings per week on campus in Mahwah, New Jersey and three hours per week online. Terms are 10 weeks long, with two classes per term. The program consists of core courses, divided into foundational and functional curriculum; and then advances into Leadership, a Global Component, Electives, and a Capstone Course.
Cornell University’s SC Johnson School of Management’s One Year MBA boasts a rigorous curriculum, numerous leadership opportunities, and cross campus learning at campuses in New York City and Ithaca. Students in this program commit to a full year of residency on campus with a start in May.
Integration with the Tech MBA is a unique, new facet of the Johnson MBA program. Students undertake core classes in financial accounting, data analytics, and strategy, among others. The second part of the program is comprised of electives and weekend courses in New York City alongside two year students. This is followed by a Management Practicum, and then Immersion and Intensive Learning courses.
Applicants must hold a professional certification such as a CFA, CPA or an advanced degree.
La Salle University College of Business’ One Year MBA is designed for students who are recent graduates, along with those at various stages of their careers. Undergrad business majors are eligible for the 12 month program, and non-business undergrads must complete the required pre-MBA foundation credits.
CHECK THIS OUT: The Southeast Region’s Best Accelerated MBAs
Formal work experience is not required for La Salle’s One Year program, but students must prepare for an intensive schedule, including full course loads in the winter and spring semesters. There is also a winter intersession and a summer semester. Undergrad business students with a minimum 3.2 GPA are eligible for waiver of the GRE or GMAT. Students can specialize in accounting, business systems, analytics, or finance. The accounting and finance majors are designed especially for those who are on track to receive their CFA or CPA.
Villanova University School of Business‘ fast-track MBA is another top northeastern accelerated degree, with completion possible in as few as 21 months. With a cohort-based curriculum, the program offers Tuesday and Thursday classes at the main campus, and Wednesday and Friday courses in Center City Philadelphia. The program is comprised of 48 credits.
Applicants can choose from specialties in Finance, Healthcare, International Business, Cybersecurity, Real Estate, Sustainability, Strategic Management, Marketing, and IT. The program is comprised of 48 credits, beginning with MBA Fundamentals and the Functional Core, followed by VSB Pillars, Capstones, and the Specialization modules.
Shippensburg University’s John L. Grove College of Business’ One-Year MBA is a 30 credit program, consisting of eight core courses and two electives, delivered in intensive eight-week sessions. Students can opt to take up to three courses in person.
Applicants who have less than five years of post-graduate work experience (including mid-level management experience) are required to take the GMAT or the GRE. Applicants must meet certain academic prerequisites including quantitative analysis and oral/written communication skills. This is a 48 credit program consisting of foundation courses (or the equivalent); core classes, a capstone, and electives.
Those who wish to complete their MBA in less than 24 months can also enroll at the Rowan University’s Rohrer College of Business. The 36 credit program takes place in eight week modules. Required courses include Marketing Management, Professional, Legal and Managerial Responsibilities, Organizational Strategy, and International Business and Society.
Among the elective options are E-commerce, Strategic Human Resource Management, and Corporate Entrepreneurship.
West Chester University’s accelerated Online MBA offers one of the best values in the northeastern U.S. It’s also among the top in the country for veterans, according to U.S. News and World Report.
The coursework is asynchronous, allowing students to complete work within their unique schedules. Comprised of 10 courses and 30 credits, the program culminates in an exam which requires a passing grade in order to complete the degree.
Among the courses offered are Financial Analysis and Valuation, Global Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Components of Effective Leadership.
Boston University’s Questrom School of Business offers an accelerated schedule to its 52 credit MBA, with a core curriculum taking place over a one year cohort, and the remaining nine electives over a schedule that meets the needs of students’ schedules.
Each term of the first year consists of nine credits, followed by a 25 credit second year. Questrom offers specializations in Energy & Environmental Sustainability, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Organizational Transformation, Marketing, Operations & Technology Management, and Strategy & Innovation.
The University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business has an 11-month accelerated MBA that offers six concentrations, along with a selection of targeted certificates. It consists of 51 credits.
Katz requires a GMAT score of 600 or higher or a GRE in the 150 or higher range, and the program begins in May. Students can specialize in Finance, Info Tech and Technology Management, Operations, Strategy, and Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management.
Among the available certificates are Corporate Valuation, Global Supply Chain Management, Organizational Leadership, and Project Management.
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.
