Over the years, we have seen a lot of changes in the delivery of MBA education. You can complete your degree online, by correspondence, full-time and part-time. The changes in the life styles encourage individuals who consider an MBA to evaluate their options more closely and choose the one that best fits their schedule. It is great that there are an increasing number of universities that can accommodate working adults.
At the Rotman School of Management we deliver our regular MBA program in three formats. You can take it full-time or part-time in the mornings or in the evenings.
What is the difference between the Full-time MBA program and Three-Year MBA program at Rotman?
In terms of the academics, we have one standard curriculum, which is based on Integrative Thinking, and we use it for both programs. The same faculty teaches both programs. The quality of the education does not change regardless of the format you choose.
Full-Time MBA Program @ Rotman:
It is a two-year program. The first year; the Start of Something Big as we call it @ Rotman, covers all the core courses. From September until April, the program moves in cohorts. We believe in the value of the cohort for a number of reasons: when our students study in cohorts, they form camaraderie and build their network, which is important to form a healthy alumni community. During the first year, our students can participate in one of the international study tours offered in January and May.
During first year, students work with the Corporate Connections Centre to find their internships. We have industry days, networking events, and guest speakers to allow our students to learn more about their chosen field and make an informed decision. The majority of students complete their internships between May and August.
The internship opportunity between the first year and the second year allows individuals to test the waters and see if there is a fit. It is a great opportunity that lets you try out before making a firm commitment. Our employers take the internships very seriously because it is a great recruitment tool for them in the long run.
The second year of the program; Choosing a Direction; in Rotman words, allows individuals to choose their major. Students are asked to choose ten electives. We have a fun system; students bid on the electives based on the Rotman points they collect. While choosing electives, the second year students will generously share their tips on the electives as not too long ago they were first year students as well! Our full-time students may participate in an exchange program in the second year.
Who are the students in the Full-Time MBA program?
Our Full-Time MBA program is designed for [career changers], individuals who are interested in moving into a different field. The internship opportunity allows them to get their foot in the door. The average age for the full-time program is 27 and the average amount of work experience is around 4 years.
Three-year MBA Programs @ Rotman
Our Three-year MBA programs are delivered part-time and give you two options: the Morning MBA and the Evening MBA. Both programs are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Morning program, running 32 months, starts at 7:00am and ends at 8:59am, giving you enough time to leave the building and arrive at the office by 9:30am. The Morning MBA also has three intensive weeks to be completed on a full-time basis throughout the program. These intensive weeks are communicated well in-advance so that students can make arrangements with their employers. The Evening program starts at 6:30pm and ends at 9:30pm, and it runs for 36 months.
In both programs, the first 20 months cover the core courses. The rest of the program covers the electives and majors. The electives can be taken during the day or in the mornings or evenings. Students can still take advantage of international opportunities in the three-year programs as well.
Since one of the requirements to enter our part-time MBA programs is to be currently working, we do not offer internships to our three-year students. For those who are interested in changing jobs, they will have full access to the postings arranged through the Corporate Connections Centre in the third year of the program. During the first two years, resume support and counseling will be available.
Who are the students taking their MBA part-time?
Our three-year programs are designed for [career enhancers]. Individuals who are currently working and need to further their education for advancement in the same industry or with the same employer prefer to pursue their MBA on a part-time basis. When we look at the demographics and average work experience, the average age is 33 and the average work experience is around 6 years.