An MBA can afford business professionals many new career opportunities, increased salary potential, and more respect and responsibilities at work and within their field. Those who are anxious to earn an MBA and turn these possibilities into a reality will want to consider enrolling in an accelerated MBA program. These programs are much faster-paced than traditional graduate programs, but they do aim to give students the same quality training as the programs that operate on a less extreme schedule. Most programs operate on a one-year long schedule and are designed to combine hands-on experience, internships, elective courses and of course, core MBA classes. Depending on how soon students want to earn their degree, they are sometimes allowed to choose a program that runs through the summer or one that includes a summer vacation.

Since accelerated MBA programs do not waste time going over basic business principles and instead immediately immerse students in the graduate-level coursework that is relevant to their degree and their career goals, these programs generally require applicants to have at least an undergraduate degree in a business field or one that is related to their focus area, and they need to have passed the GMAT. Qualifying GMAT scores vary according to school. Work experience is also preferred, especially in a field that demonstrates business know-how and an interest in the focus area that the student wishes to pursue. Students usually need to be approved for the accelerated program in addition to the regular MBA program, and those who are behind in business core classes will not be accepted. This system also lets students begin taking their elective and focus area classes much sooner than a traditional program.

Even though students accepted into an accelerated MBA program have proved that they have a solid understanding of basic business principles, these programs do have core courses that cover topics like strategy, micro- and macroeconomics for managers, managerial finance, financial accounting, marketing management, and leadership. This curriculum stresses the importance of leadership and management in all aspects of business. Areas of concentration also vary by school, but typical specialties offered by accelerated MBA programs include entrepreneurship, sports management, marketing, finance and accounting, and others.

While accelerated MBA programs put business professionals on the fast track to a graduate degree and increased marketability in their fields, it can be an overwhelming experience for some. Keeping up with multiple courses a semester or quarter is paramount, but it can be difficult when trying to maintain a full-time job. Some accelerated programs are offered online, making it easier on professionals who can’t fit in commute times in between studying and work. Others may want to consider working only part-time, especially if their supervisor agrees to invest in their graduate education. Still other students might choose to pursue another type of MBA program that takes longer to complete but allows for a more relaxed schedule.