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For some working professionals, a regular MBA program simply takes too long to complete and would keep them away from the working world for too long, creating a financial impact that would be hard to recover from. While most traditional programs take two years to complete, some schools are now offering MBA programs that can be completed in as little as 12 months. This can allow students to get the degree they need in less time and get back to working towards the careers they really want, with a new MBA in hand.

Most one year MBA programs will offer students the chance to take classes that are very similar to those taken by those in two year programs. The biggest difference is that one year programs often cut out summer internships which are designed to give students business experience and networking opportunities before graduation. Those already working in business may not need this boost and can easily make due post graduation not having completed an internship program. These students may simply want to get additional skills in business or give themselves an edge when applying for higher level positions, and a shorter MBA program can be a more efficient way to do so.

Some may question the quality of education provided by an abbreviated program, but some of the top business schools in the country (and possibly the world) offer accelerated programs. These programs are of the same quality as the other business degrees offered by these schools and the more intensive coursework and team building can help students emerge fully ready to enter the job market at a higher level. Schools supporting shorter programs include Cornell, Northwestern, Emory and Columbia, all extremely well ranked nationally and worldwide for their high quality business programs.

One year MBA programs are usually better suited for students that have had some pervious experience working as managers in the business world or who have completed their undergraduate degrees in a business related field. Students without this background may not be accepted or may struggle to keep up with their more experienced classmates. Some schools may require that students have graduated from an undergraduate program a set number of years prior or will want students to have taken at least a few extra courses in business, accounting, finance, economics or business topics. Students will also find that some one year programs are designed to meet the needs of professionals in specific fields or who already hold higher degrees.

Different one year programs will have different requirements in when they will start and end. Some will want students to attend over the summer to take basic courses and to join up with the two year students in the fall and spring to take more specialized classes. Other programs of study will simply allow students to start at any time and complete their work over a 12 month period. Students should also keep in mind that shorter MBA programs are not designed to suit the needs of every student. Those who have little experience in business may want to take a program that will give them more time to learn about the basics and those looking to specialize in fields like marketing, IT, or media may want to choose a longer program that will offer more time to take specialty courses.