Full-Time vs Part-Time MBA Rankings

Let's first set aside the notion that Businessweek's MBA rankings aren't perfect and simply use them as a very general guideline -- what I'm wondering is why there's such a wide disparity between full-time and part-time rankings? (http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/rankings/)

I understand that many of the top 20 full-time MBA programs do not offer part-time programs. Yet as I look at the top 20 part-time programs, am I naive to admit that I haven't heard of most of these universities?

The reason I ask is because I'll be looking to apply to a part-time program within 1-2 years and I would like to enroll in a program that is not only competitive, but also has the "brand" a top 20 full-time MBA program would have. Please note that I would not be looking to interview around (employer would be paying for tuition). Having said that, the part-time MBA for me would ideally be for career advancement. And having a "brand" name MBA could possibly help me more down the line than an MBA from a university no one has ever heard of.

Thoughts?

8 Comments
 
Best Response

If you're employer is paying for it, you might have hard restrictions around which schools you can apply to (geographic constraints, programs they are willing to pay for). That said, I agree with your basic premise that you should combine the part-time approach with the best branded program you can get into, particularly if you think you might want to change industries down the road. An MBA from a part-time program that isn't a household name will not help you much from a networking or career transition standpoint, and in my opinion, the greatest value you get from an MBA is the stamp on your resume and the relationships you forge while you're there.

Here's a link to some answers people gave to the advantages of FT vs PT - http://bit.ly/71FnC

and other advice on Which MBA Programs Should You Apply To? - http://bit.ly/ajpk9

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I mean I've heard of them, but when I think of top MBAs, these schools weren't the first that came to mind. There are some that say top 20 MBA (or top 10) or nothing. My worry is that I might spend ~3 years going through a part-time MBA program for naught (eg. if I decide to shift companies, employers might not give my MBA any credit).

 

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