One-Year MBA or Two-Year MBA : What Should You Choose?

In 2018, the total number of Indian students studying in universities abroad was 7,52,725 according to a report released by the Ministry of External Affairs. The United States continue to dominate as the preferred country for higher education followed by Canada and Australia.

In the US alone, the total number of international students from all places of origin in the field of Business and Management was 2,00,312 in 2015-2016. They constitute 19.2% of the total foreign student enrollment.

Table of Content

1. What’s the Significance of MBA?
2. What are the Features of One and Two - Year MBA?
3. What are the Advantages Of 1-Year MBA?
4. What are the Advantages of a 2-Year MBA Programme?
5. Where to Study International MBA?
6. What’s the Growth And Employment Outlook Of MBA?
7. Conclusion

What’s the Significance of MBA?

The reason scholars opt for business courses is understandable. The central role a post graduate programme in management plays in creating value and better career opportunities and in ensuring higher wage premium attracts students to this discipline. According to a report published by Sofi, the return on Education in MS Computer Science cases is 10.2%, and the return on education in Engineering (Computer Science) + MBA cases is 48.9% in the United States. These high return figures clearly indicate the significance of getting an MBA.

So, now we will answer the oft-asked question connected to choosing an MBA program abroad. Which one is a better option: a one-year MBA program abroad or a traditional two-year one?

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What are the Features of One and Two - Year MBA?

One-Year MBA

• Duration is 10-12 months.
• The course structure is intense and densely packed.
• Most colleges reside in the UK and Europe such as INSEAD, IMD, and Cambridge.
• It is suitable for people who have considerable work experience as the course is more practical and work oriented.
• The One-Year MBA College Fees at INSEAD, the leading school, is less than $1,00,000.

Two-Year MBA

• Duration is 24 months.
• The course structure is divided over two years, offering more theoretical knowledge. 
• A mandatory internship is also a part of the course which provides practical experience whereas in one year programs, it is kept optional. Although, it is advisable to take internships in one year, considering the industry’s favourable attitude towards graduates with internships
• Most of the preeminent colleges are in the U.S.
• Doesn’t require extensive work experience of many years as it is in the case of one year programmes. In some cases, people with 4 or 4+ years of work-experience can still apply for it.
• The fees at Stanford, the top school for 2-year MBA, is more than $1,20,000.

Read more about: Best MBA Countries: Top 10 Countries to Study MBA Abroad

What are the Advantages Of 1-Year MBA?

The major advantage of a one-year MBA course is the cost. It is a financially viable option and perfect for students who are bound by limitations pertaining to time.
The course fees are slightly on the lower side. Also, a one-year programme implies reduction in the cost of studying abroad by a year’s worth of living, accommodation, travelling, and miscellaneous expenses, as a result of which the student is able to make substantial savings.

For people who are already in a good job role, working with a reputed brand, and are being paid an excellent salary, this programme is the most suitable one as it does not lead to a long break in their career. It prevents the sense of disconnect from the professional sphere. Also, it reduces your opportunity cost, i.e. the amount of money you will not save as a result of taking off from work.

A lot of companies prefer to sponsor one-year management courses, if the candidate agrees to re-join the firm and bring relevant knowledge acquired over a 2 year MBA program. For individuals who own a business or have already done an MBA, the accelerated program adds to their value and skills.If you are looking for vertical growth in the organisation you work, it is the ideal course for you to elevate your career prospects.

What are the Advantages of a 2-Year MBA Programme?

The significant merit of a standard MBA is its duration which gives the students a considerable period of time to develop and strengthen their understanding of the topics covered in the course. Au contraire, the one-year MBA course gives limited time to students to acquire a grip on the subject. In fact, students only with an existing strong base in Economics and Mathematics are likely to learn better in this course. 

• A two-year management degree ensures holistic learning. It teaches:
  • Soft skills
  • Leadership skills
  • In-depth understanding of human resources, marketing, finance, accounting, etc.
• It renders opportunities and time to the students to create a strong network with current professionals through the mandatory summer internship program. This in turn increases the possibility of getting better employment prospects for the students.
• The practice-oriented coursework is essential for a deeper grasp of concepts. A one-year management course doesn’t allow it.
• It enables the student to switch careers or attain comparatively a higher post.
• The degree is fitting for any student from any field of study. From arts to media to engineering, a conventional MBA is for all whereas in one year programs, students must have a strong foundation in Mathematics and Economics to cope with the developments within the program.
• Some employers prefer to recruit full-time two-year MBA graduates because firstly, they are expected to have done a more extensive study, and secondly, they are likely to be familiar with all aspects of business activities. 

Where to Study International MBA?

List of One-year MBA Colleges

• INSEAD, France
• IMD, Switzerland
• University of Cambridge- Judge Business School, UK
• SDA Bocconi School of Management, Italy
• IE Business School, Spain
• University of Oxford- Said Business School, UK
• Northwestern University- Kellogg School of Management, US
• Cornell University- SC Johnson College of Business, US

List of Top Two-year MBA Institutes

• Stanford Graduate School of Business, US
• Harvard Business School, US
• The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, US
• London Business School, UK
• MIT Sloan School of Management, US
• University of Chicago Booth School of Business, US
• Columbia Business School, US