So, you have decided to go for an MBA and are looking at the kind of program that fits your circumstances and career goals. You should be doing a lot of introspection and think about what you want from an MBA? Your answer pretty much gives you an idea of the schools you want to aim at. MBA programs can range from one-year full time to five years part-time programs.

You think about a mode of pursuing an MBA it and it is available

FULL TIME PROGRAM
This is the traditional campus experience which involves direct student-faculty interaction. It offers you two flexible options:
Two-year program
The more preferred of the two programs is two year program. First year covers the core course with a hectic schedule. The second year gives you some time to relax and follow your interests through course electives. These are optional courses, requiring you to select the subjects of your interest which are in tune with your career goals.

Program Advantages
If you are committed for such time, a two-year MBA is an excellent academic opportunity. After completing the first year of core classes, students are allowed to customize the remaining year of course work according to their career goals. For this reason alone, two-year MBA programs are perfect for students who are looking to obtain skills that will help them in their current field. A two-year MBA program is also a benefit to students who want to develop specialized knowledge that will allow them to change careers.

Program Disadvantages Two-year MBA programs do have their disadvantages. They are typically very expensive. If you will not be sponsored by an employer, you must make arrangements to pay the tuition yourself. Before choosing a program, make sure that you can afford it.

Also keep in mind that full-time, two-year MBA programs require major commitment from students. You will need to work very hard if you want to keep up with the coursework.

Your chances of admission into a two-year MBA program will vary depending upon the selectivity of the business school that you choose. However, compared to other MBA programs, two-year programs do accept the widest variety of academic backgrounds.

One-year program

This program tries to capture the two year program in one year. Third semester gives you the option to choose elective courses. You do not have much time to go for a specialization. Two year program gives you the advantage of pursuing summer internship, usually after first year of study. This gives you the opportunity to network with the people which help you during your search of a full time placement. You are usually paid for your summer internships.

Program Advantages
When you are getting an MBA, a one-year program can save you considerable amount of time. It is especially perfect for students who wish to pursue specialized study that will help them advance in their current career or field. Most one-year MBA programs reduce core requirements and allow customization of courses through electives and concentrations.

Program Disadvantages
Unfortunately, some employers who require an MBA frown upon the one-year MBA. Do your research before choosing this program. Also realize that internship opportunities are much more limited within a one-year program. One-year MBA programs have a very competitive admission process. Prerequisites include an exemplary academic record and/or work background.

PART TIME PROGRAM

This is becoming more preferred mode of pursuing a degree. Part-time MBA usually takes between two and three years to complete. Hectic work schedule, study responsibilities and family commitments are difficult to be met so students lesser choice of electives. But you can gain a degree and keep working simultaneously. Sometimes, your company also sponsors you to pursue a degree.

Executive MBA
This program targets senior managers, with 6-7 years of work experience or more. EMBA combines part-time and modular course delivery. Mostly this program has full financial backing from the employer. The delivery of EMBAs has been greatly facilitated by developments in e-learning and alliances between business schools. A number of business schools now offer multi-centre international or global MBA programs.

Modular MBA
In Modular MBA longer blocks or modules of residential study are interlarded with study assignments, online seminars, discussion forums and distance-learning modules. These full-time learning experiences blend with classroom and practical learning. Companies sponsor their employees for such programs. Time is spent back at the company working on projects linked to what they have learned on campus.

Single company and consortium MBA
Company MBA usually offers an MBA customized to a particular industry or company. Many business schools operate company MBA programs in collaboration with sponsoring employers. Mostly the students are managers from the same company (single-company MBA) or a group of companies (consortium MBA). The entry to these programs is restricted. It also means that the mix of student backgrounds is less diverse.

Distance learning
Distance-learning programs have the same course as a part- and full-time. The difference is that almost all are undertaken by private study. Typically, a distance-learning MBA takes three to four years and involves on average 15 hours study a week. Online teaching and the Internet have given distance learning an enormous boost, both in turnaround time on assignments, and in facilitating contact between students and faculty through chat rooms. Students benefit from flexible study hours and comfortable pace.

Internet-based MBA
Online MBA is designed to help professionals build powerful careers in today's highly complex and rapidly changing business environments. It is a good alternative for students whose schedule does not allow frequent trips to the classroom location in campus. These programs can be completed from one's home or office. There are not many takers of this program because of its limited acceptance.

• Want to change career? Why thinking of an MBA out of the blue?
• Research the Programs Find out about various options and choose the program that fits your needs
• Want to choose between the schools? Evaluating these factors will help you choose the right schools
• Time Yourself Know how to pace yourself against all the requisites of a typical MBA application