An MBA requiring 36 credit hours is on the shorter end of the program length range. With accelerated study, you can finish in just 12 months full-time or 2 years of part-time study online.
The cost savings are significant. You gain a high-value degree with just one year away from work, or in two years of online study without a career interruption.
Prestigious on-campus MBA degrees are typically 48 credits or more, imposing greater costs. A shorter MBA allows you to develop business skills while limiting time and financial investments.
Credits for an MBA
MBA programs generally range between 30 and 60 credit hours. 36-credit programs are a popular option, especially for online programs around the world.
A 36-credit MBA typically includes 12 courses, each offering 3 credit hours. Participants explore essential areas of business, including finance, marketing, operations, and leadership. You often have the opportunity to specialize by devoting around 12 credits to a major.
Below is a quick comparison of different MBA credit requirements.
| Credits | Subjects | Duration (Full-Time) | Duration (Part-Time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 12 | 1 – 1.3 years | 2 years |
| 48 | 16 | 1.3 – 1.7 years | 2.7 – 3.7 years |
| 60 | 20 | 2 years | 4 years |
Source: Tomas Herbert from Good MBA, How Long Does an MBA Take?
The flexibility and efficiency of a 36-credit MBA make it appealing. You can gain business competencies quickly and affordably.
How Long an MBA Takes
A 36-credit MBA can be completed in as little as 12 months of full-time study. For part-time students, the typical duration is around two years. This flexibility makes it ideal for working professionals to balance study with a job and personal life.
MBA programs typically require from 36 to 60 credits. The exact number depends on the business school and the program type, whether it’s full-time, part-time, or accelerated.
Andrew Lancaster at the Telegraph, MBA Credit Hours by Program Type
The structure of 36-credit MBAs often includes short study blocks, allowing for quicker completion. Online programs, in particular, often offer accelerated degrees that avoid long breaks. Students can move through their coursework over a steady sequence of singe-subject study periods lasting 6-7 weeks.
Examples of Programs Requiring 36 Credits
Many respected universities, colleges and business schools offer MBA programs that require 36 credits.
| University | Type | Duration (F-T/P-T) |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville State University (US) | Online MBA | 12 months / 24 months |
| JCU Online (Australia) | Online MBA | 24 months (part-time only) |
| Franklin University (US) | Online MBA | 12 months / 24 months |
| Durham University (UK) | Online MBA | 12 months / 24 months |
| University of Edinburgh Business School (UK) | Full-time MBA | 12 months (on-campus) |
Advantages
A significant advantage of a 36-credit MBA is the reduced time commitment. Graduates can complete their degree fast compared to programs requiring 48 or 60 credits. Mid-career professionals often cannot afford to step away from work for an extended period. A shorter degree allows for a quicker return to the workforce or a faster promotion track.
Additionally, a 36-credit MBA typically comes with lower tuition fees. Fewer credits mean a lower overall cost, making the program more affordable. The combination of time and financial savings makes it one of the most efficient ways to earn a respected MBA.
| Advantages | Details |
|---|---|
| Time efficiency | Complete in 1-2 years, quick return to workforce |
| Cost-effective | Low tuition fees vs 48 or 60-credit MBAs |
| Career flexibility | Ideal for working professionals |
Related: MBA Career Paths and Opportunities
Disadvantages
As with virtually all things in life, a 36-credit MBA may come with a few downsides. With fewer credits, these programs may offer less opportunity for specialization. Core subjects will usually make up around two-thirds of the degree.
Another disadvantage is the potential for reduced networking opportunities. Shorter programs, especially those that are online, tend to have fewer touchpoints with peers and faculty. This can be a drawback for those looking to expand their professional networks.
| Disadvantages | Details |
|---|---|
| Limited specialization | Fewer electives or niche concentration options |
| Reduced networking opportunities | Fewer touchpoints with peers and faculty |
Related: How MBA Programs Produce Leaders: Reflection, Knowledge and Experience