There are many potential pros and cons of an evening MBA program. Such programs offer professionals ways to continue their education while remaining employed. They are sometimes more affordable and allow people to immediately integrate the knowledge they acquire into the work setting. Noted detractions of such programs are that they take longer, aren’t always offered at the best MBA schools, and require a considerable time commitment.
An attractive element of the evening MBA program is that it may fit into the schedule of most working professionals. There are also some weekend or online programs that can offer attendance flexibility, and these may be more attractive depending on schedule. As useful as it is to take night classes, it does tend to mean that students will spend their evenings and/or weekends in class or doing homework. Some people find that adding part-time schooling onto an already full work schedule and life leaves very little free time, and many of these programs have a summer session too, so breaks are minimal.
Time commitment during the week is not the only issue of an evening MBA program. Since these are usually part-time programs, they take about three to five years to complete, which is a weighty time commitment. It can be especially difficult if people have other obligations besides work, like parenting or volunteering. Some feel it’s better to leave work and commit to a full-time MBA program instead, but others can’t afford this or are concerned about job prospects once a degree is finished.
An advantage for working professionals in an evening MBA program is they’re often able to integrate what they’re learning into present work. Another advantage may be funding. A lot of companies will pay school tuition for additional education, and that can incentivize staying in work while earning a degree. The overall expense between a full-time and evening program could be lower with some schools, as people take fewer classes at a time.
One argument against an evening MBA program is that it may not be a degree from the best MBA schools, but there are many fine schools that have part-time and alternative attendance programs. Provided a school has a good reputation and is accredited, this concern may not be significant. Another thing some students complain about is that they miss out on the college experience, but most people have already had this experience as an undergraduate. The argument advanced that students in evening programs don’t network may have merit, but since most people in these programs are already working, there exists opportunities to network with peers who are already professionals.
The benefit of an evening MBA program depends on the individual’s requirements and needs. Though study takes longer and requires considerable time, such programs may offer inexpensive (especially with company tuition reimbursement) and financially sound ways to earn a degree. An MBA in any form confers many professional advancement opportunities.
