Earning your Master of Business Administration can give you access to more opportunities, but when you research different programs, you might find yourself wondering, what is a modular MBA program? Colleges design modular MBA programs for students who already have a high level of experience in the business world. You typically need to work as an executive or in a higher position or you need to demonstrate that you spent a minimum of three to five years after finishing your undergraduate degree. The design of these programs let you complete your degree without disrupting your career.

Flexible Courses

Flexible courses is just one answer to the question of what is a modular MBA program. When you work full-time as an executive or in a similar capacity, you don’t have a lot of time to work on your studies. Traditional MBA programs require that you attend classes several times a week. Even programs that offer evening or weekend programs can interfere with your professional life. A modular MBA program requires that students complete different modules every few months. These programs often have a residency requirement that asks students to attend one week of classes every two to three months. Other programs ask that you commit to spending one weekend on campus once a month. Each module covers a different business topic, including finance, management, accounting, international business, entrepreneurship or leadership.

How Long Does the Program Take?

According to Business Week, MBA holders earn more than $120,000 a year. Many of those former students enrolled in modular MBA programs that started in the fall of each year. Depending on the layout and design of the program, students can complete their MBA in 14 to 20 months up to just over two years. Programs that offer weekend classes typically take longer to complete than programs that require weekly modules do. When looking at various modular MBA programs, you’ll also come across a few that require a residency component on an international campus in France, England or another country.

MBA Concentrations

Those looking for an answer to the question of what is a modular MBA program often want to know if they can concentrate on a specific topic. Traditional MBA programs let students take general business courses before choosing a concentration, while modular MBA programs offer a number of courses on similar topics. Many programs still give you the chance to choose a specific concentration. Entrepreneurship is a good option for those hoping to open or run their own business later, while international business is a good choice for those planning to work overseas and those who do a large amount of business in other countries.

Internships and Field Experiences

Not all modular MBA programs offer the same opportunities that you would find in a traditional MBA program. As someone currently working in the business field, you might not want to complete an internship or a field experience. These programs let those with little business experience find out more about how businesses operate. If you dream of working for a larger company or in a foreign country, find out if your modular MBA program offers those options.

Related Resource: Types of MBA Degrees

Modular MBA programs let working professionals complete the MBA program in two years or less, live on campus for a short period of time and even work overseas. Now that you know what a Modular MBA program is,  you can made a decision if it is the right degree path for your needs.