Inside the Part-time MBA Program at DeGroote School of Business

As well as a 20-month, full-time MBA program, DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University also offer a part-time, blended learning MBA program which lasts three years.

To learn more about the school’s part-time program, and how it compares to its full-time equivalent, we spoke to Rita Chen, the school’s recruitment and admissions manager.

Tell us a bit more about your part-time program.

While there are other schools with accelerated MBA programs in the blended learning format, we are currently the only business school in Ontario to offer a full MBA program in the blended learning format.

Our blended learning part-time (BLPT) MBA is delivered 50 percent online and 50 percent in-person. The online components are offered via synchronous and asynchronous learning, while the in-person components are delivered via nine weekend residences a year. 

It takes three years to complete the program, and students take two courses per semester (every four months), on a set schedule. 

What are the costs associated with the BLPT MBA?

The total cost of tuition for the entire BLPT MBA program is currently $57,500. Unlike the full-time programs, this is the tuition fee for the whole three years. 

What are the pros and cons of doing an online program?

The issue with a truly online program is that, while convenient, it doesn’t allow for strong networking opportunities. In an online program, most students do not typically know or build relationships with their classmates.

The beauty of a blended learning program is you get the convenience of an online program with the ability to grow your professional networks and connect with your classmates via the in-person residences. 

How different are the school’s full-time and part-time programs from one another?

They are very different. Our full-time MBA programs cater to less experienced cohorts. Students in the MBA program currently average three years of experience and students in the MBA with co-op program currently average just one year of work experience.

The two programs allow students to specialize in a field of interest in their second year, and students get opportunities to pursue paid work terms during their course of study. Students do need to complete the GMAT exam as part of the application process.

In comparison, the Blended Learning Part-Time MBA is best suited for students with four to 10 years of work experience, and the current cohort averages eright years of work experience.

This program does not allow for specializations, though students do get the opportunity to choose three elective courses in their final year of study. Students also complete a strategic innovation project in their third year. A GMAT is not required as part of the application process, though it may be recommended on a case-by-case basis.

We also offer an accelerated MBA program which students can pursue on a full-time or part-time basis.  The primary differentiator between the two delivery models for this program is the length of time needed to complete the program. (eight months full-time vs. two years part-time.)

What does work-life balance look like across your different MBA programs?

I would say the work-life balance is quite similar across all programs.  Aside from studying, we encourage students in all programs to maximize their MBA experience by being involved in networking events and extracurricular activities outside of their studies. 

Will my choice of program make a significant difference in my post-MBA job prospects and salary?

As the work-experience requirement and student profile are different across all programs, students will naturally see variances when it comes to their job prospects and salaries. After all, it is unlikely someone with one year of work experience would command the same salary as someone with eight years of work experience.

However, the post-graduate work opportunities available and the career strategies we equip students in each program with are equally effective.