Many prospective business school students ask themselves the question: “What is an Accelerated MBA?” the first time that they come across the option. If you are wondering the same exact thing, it is time to learn about accelerated programs and how they differ from what is classified as a traditional MBA program. New program layouts and distance education technologies have changed the ways that business schools deliver advanced education to MBA students. Now, not all students must spend 24 months in the classroom learning the principles, theories and real-life business skills they need to know to succeed in leadership roles. Here is your guide to understanding how accelerated MBA programs differ from traditional programs:

Why Are Accelerated MBA Programs Increasing in Popularity?

Even though accelerated programs have been in the norm in Europe for quite some time, they just recently started gaining popularity in the United States within the last decade. As the name would suggest, an accelerated program gives students the opportunity to complete their coursework in as little as 12 months while still attending school by taking a degree program with an intensive format.

One of the main reasons why MBA programs with an accelerated layout are so popular, is because students want to reap the benefits of earning their degree while saving time and money. If it takes double the time to earn a degree, students must stay at their lower wage and pay twice the tuition expenses than they would if they took a shorter path. They can also graduate in half the time, so that they can start applying for the higher paying positions. Since institutions can reasonably run higher education programs without having campuses, offering accelerated MBA programs has become possible. You may notice that more and more schools are advertising their fast-track opportunities available for students who want to attend school on campus or online.

Is the Accelerated MBA Program Right For You?

It seems as if members of society are always looking for a way to complete things faster than ever. Earning an MBA in just 12 months may be possible, but these programs are not for everyone. You need to consider your learning preferences. A traditional MBA program is already an intensive one, so when you are condensing the program into a single year you can just imagine how intensive it will be. If you are already easily overwhelmed, choosing to enroll in a one-year program may not be best for you.

Another thing you must consider is how quickly you absorb information. You will be taking a significant number of business courses in a short period of time, and you need to absorb what you are learning to put it to use as a professional. You may feel exhausted while you are in school, but this is to be expected due to the territory.

Related Resource: MBA in Accounting

According to Hanover Research, the percentage of students who prefer an accelerated degree program is on the rise. While a majority of students still want to attend school for 19 to 24 months, about 28.5% of those surveyed prefer a faster track program. If you are in the process of applying for an MBA program, now is the time to compare your options. Now that you know what an accelerated MBA is, you can make the best decision for you.