MBA Gender Trends: MBA Program Preferences and Motivation

Women have more of a preference for part-time MBA programs than men, despite the fact that they are only slightly more likely to prefer a longer MBA program. This information comes from the 2011 QS Applicant Survey, the largest survey assessing the mind-set and aspirations of MBA applicants. The survey data is based on the responses of 4,527 registrants for fall 2010 and spring 2011 QS World MBA Tour. Read on for more data about the differences in MBA program preferences between men and women, as well as information on how gender affects the motivations for getting an MBA.

Motivations for Considering an MBA Program

The primary motivations for getting an MBA are about the same for men and women. The most noticeable differences in motivation are seen in the lower items on the table, particularly career advancement, salary, and starting a business.

Career advancement is a motivation for considering an MBA for 41% of men surveyed, as opposed to 35% of the women. This difference corresponds to research that suggests that women are more adverse to taking risks than men.
Other noticeable differences are that salary, and starting a business are more common motivations for men than women. Salary is a motivation for 33% of the men surveyed, but only 26% of the women. Using an MBA to start a business is a motivation for 32% of the men, compared to 25% of the women.

Program Length Preferences

While survey data shows that women are more willing than men to take lower paid jobs in exchange for better work life balance, female MBA applicants are only slightly more inclined than men to choose a longer MBA program.

Study Mode Preferences

Women show more of a preference for part-time and other non full-time MBA programs compared to men.

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