17�Թ���

You’re working full time and thinking seriously about what comes next in your career. A master’s in business administration (MBA) keeps coming to mind, but so do the realities of your schedule, your responsibilities, and your life outside of work. The real question is: Will earning an MBA fit alongside a full-time job without putting the rest of your life on hold?

Many working professionals face this decision at a turning point in their careers. The answer depends on the program you choose and how it aligns with your schedule. This guide outlines how professionals can make an MBA work while continuing to build their careers.

Can You Get an MBA While Working Full Time?

Yes, you can work while getting an MBA. Many professionals do. The deciding factor is whether the program you have in mind is built for someone who already works 40 or more hours per week.

A traditional full-time MBA treats school as the main priority. Classes run during the day, group work shifts week to week, and recruiting and networking are built into the schedule. Trying to combine that structure with a standard workweek can lead to constant overlap and tough tradeoffs.

MBA programs designed for working professionals take a different approach. They plan around jobs, calendars, and outside responsibilities. Coursework runs in the evenings, on weekends, or through online formats that allow more control over timing. Deadlines follow a steady rhythm. The workload is serious, but easier to anticipate and plan for.

What Makes Working While Getting an MBA Challenging

For most working professionals, the challenge is not the academic material itself, but how the work shows up across a typical week. Assignments, group work, and deadlines tend to cluster around the same limited hours you already use for work and personal responsibilities.

Common pressure points include:

• Time compression. Reading, assignments, and group meetings often happen early in the morning, late at night, or on weekends.
• Group projects. MBA programs rely heavily on team-based work, including case analysis and presentations. Aligning schedules with classmates who also work full time takes intention.
• Peak weeks. Midterms, finals, and major deliverables often coincide with demanding periods at work.
• Mental fatigue. Shifting between professional responsibilities and academic problem-solving requires focus and recovery time.

Taken together, these pressures highlight the importance of having a clear structure, realistic expectations, and routines that support sustained progress while working full time.

When It Works Best

Getting an MBA while working full time works best when a few conditions are in place:

• Your employer offers some flexibility, even on an informal level
• You can set aside specific blocks of time each week for coursework
• You enroll in a program designed for working professionals
• You have a clear reason for pursuing the degree and how it connects to your next career step

When these pieces line up, the workload feels demanding and contained rather than chaotic.

Before committing to a program, take a few minutes to assess your current situation:

• Can I consistently commit 10 to 20 hours a week for school?
• Do I have at least one or two evenings or weekend blocks I can reserve for school work?
• Am I willing to pause some optional commitments for a defined period?
• Does the program structure respect that I have a full-time job?

If most of your answers are yes, then getting an MBA while working full time is a realistic option.

Pick the MBA Format That Matches Your Schedule

Not all MBA programs are designed for working professionals. Choosing the right format plays a major role in how manageable your experience will feel week to week.

Most MBA programs fall into four broad categories, and each one involves different scheduling expectations, workload patterns, and tradeoffs.

Part-Time MBA Programs

Part-time MBA programs are built for professionals who plan to keep working while earning their degree. Classes usually meet in the evenings, on weekends, or in a structured weekly schedule that stays consistent across terms.

This format works well if you prefer in-person learning and can commit to fixed class times. It also suits professionals whose jobs follow predictable schedules.

Common features of part-time MBA programs include:

• Evening or weekend classes
• A steady course load spread across two to four years
• Cohorts largely made up of working professionals
• Opportunities to apply coursework directly to your current role

The main consideration is time. Even with fewer credits per term, part-time programs require consistent weekly engagement.

Online MBA Programs

offer the most flexibility for working professionals, particularly those with demanding jobs, travel requirements, or family responsibilities.

Many online programs use asynchronous coursework, which allows you to complete lectures and assignments on your own schedule. Some also include live sessions at set times, so it is important to understand how much real-time participation is required.

Online MBA programs often appeal to professionals who:

• Work nontraditional hours
• Travel frequently
• Need greater control over when and where they study
• Prefer asynchronous class times and fewer commutes

When evaluating an online MBA, pay close attention to deadlines, group work expectations, and how collaboration is handled across time zones.

Hybrid MBA Programs

Hybrid MBA programs combine online coursework with periodic in-person sessions. This format offers flexibility while still providing face-to-face interaction with faculty and classmates.

Hybrid programs typically include:

• Online classes during the week
• In-person sessions scheduled on select weekends or residencies
• A mix of asynchronous and live instruction

This option works well for professionals who want flexibility but still value in-person discussion, networking, and campus engagement.

Executive MBA Programs

Executive MBA programs are designed for experienced professionals, often with significant management or leadership backgrounds. These programs move at a faster pace and assume a high level of professional responsibility.

Classes are usually scheduled on weekends or in intensive blocks. Coursework focuses on strategy, leadership, and organizational decision-making rather than foundational business concepts.

An Executive MBA may be a good fit if you:

• Have extensive professional experience
• Manage teams or departments
• Want to advance within senior leadership tracks

Because of the accelerated pace and time commitment, this format works best for professionals with strong employer support.

How to Narrow Your Choice

Before selecting a format, consider:

• How predictable is my work schedule?
• How much flexibility do I need week to week?
• Do I learn better in person, online, or through a mix of both?
• How quickly do I want to complete the degree?

Your answers will point toward a format that works with your schedule rather than forcing major tradeoffs. Once you’ve chosen the right format, the next challenge is execution.

4-Step Guide: How to Get an MBA While Working

Success in an MBA program while working full time comes down to repeatability. You do not need a perfect week. You need a week you can replicate again and again without falling behind.

That starts with understanding where your time goes, protecting a few critical blocks, and using your effort where it matters most.

Step 1: Create a Realistic Time Budget

Before classes begin, map out a full week on paper. Include work hours, commute time, family responsibilities, and personal commitments. Then add school.

Most working professionals spend 10 to 20 hours a week on MBA coursework, depending on course load and program structure. That time usually comes from early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Seeing everything in one place helps answer two questions:

• Where do I already have usable time?
• What needs to change for this to work?

This exercise often reveals small adjustments that make a big difference, such as reclaiming commute time on public transportation for reading or shifting personal tasks to lower-energy windows.

Step 2: Protect a Few High-Value Time Blocks

You do not need to study every day. You do need consistent blocks you can count on.

Identify two to four recurring windows each week you can dedicate to coursework.

These might be:

• Early mornings before work
• One or two evenings
• A longer weekend session

Treat these blocks as fixed appointments. Avoid moving them unless absolutely necessary. Consistency reduces stress and limits last-minute catch-up.

Step 3: Set a Plan for Group Projects Early

Group work is a major part of most MBA programs and one of the biggest sources of friction for working professionals.

At the start of each project, align on a few basics:

• Preferred meeting days and times
• Expected response windows for messages
• Clear roles and deadlines

Suggest fixed meeting windows rather than ad hoc scheduling. This helps everyone plan around work commitments and reduces back-and-forth.

Step 4: Study Smarter, Not Longer

MBA coursework rewards focus more than volume. Studying smarter helps you stay efficient during busy weeks.

Practical strategies include:

• Review rubrics before starting assignments to understand grading priorities
• Focus first on readings and cases tied directly to discussions or deliverables
• Use short decision rules, such as stopping once you can explain a concept clearly, rather than rereading material repeatedly

When your week has structure, the workload feels contained. That foundation makes everything else easier, from managing work expectations to protecting your energy over the long term.

Get Buy-in at Work Without Oversharing

Support at work can make a meaningful difference when you are getting an MBA while working full time. That does not mean you need to disclose every assignment or ask for special treatment. It does mean having a clear, professional conversation early and setting expectations that protect both your performance and your time.

What to Ask For

The most effective requests are specific and limited. Focus on changes that help you manage peak academic weeks without disrupting your role.

Common requests include:

• Predictable deadlines. Advance notice around major deliverables makes it easier to plan coursework during heavy weeks.
• Flex time during exam periods. Adjusting start times, end times, or remote days for a short window can ease pressure without affecting output.
• Tuition support, if available. Some employers offer reimbursement or professional development funds for graduate study.

Frame these requests around planning and consistency, not reduced expectations.

A Simple Script for the Conversation

You do not need a long explanation. A short, direct approach works best. You might say:

“I’m starting an MBA program designed for working professionals. My goal is to maintain my performance here while managing coursework. I wanted to share my schedule early and talk through any planning considerations, especially around exam weeks.”

This keeps the focus on accountability and preparation. It also signals that your job remains a priority.

How to Keep Performance Steady

Once the program begins, consistency matters more than intensity. A few habits help protect your reputation at work:

• Plan deliverables ahead of known academic deadlines
• Communicate early if conflicts arise
• Avoid last-minute requests whenever possible

Strong performance builds trust. Trust creates flexibility.

Protect Your Energy So You Finish

Burnout is one of the most common reasons working professionals struggle in MBA programs. Managing energy is as important as managing time, especially over multiple terms.

Schedule One Weekly Reset Block

Choose a short, nonnegotiable window each week to step away from both work and coursework. This does not need to be long. Even a few hours can help reset focus and reduce fatigue.

Use this time consistently. Treat it as part of your schedule rather than a reward.

Set Boundaries That Save Time

During an MBA program, not everything can stay on your calendar. Being selective helps preserve energy for what matters most.

Common adjustments include:

• Saying no to optional meetings or events
• Reducing involvement in nonessential commitments
• Limiting decision-making late at night or after long workdays

These boundaries are temporary. They support long-term progress.

Know When to Reduce Course Load

There are moments when pushing through is not the right call. Reducing course load can be a strategic choice, not a setback.

Consider scaling back if you notice:

• Ongoing sleep disruption
• Declining performance at work
• Difficulty keeping up with group commitments
• A steady sense of exhaustion that does not improve with rest

MBA programs designed for working professionals often allow pacing adjustments. Using that flexibility can help you finish strong.

Top 4 Benefits of Getting an MBA While Working

Earning an MBA while working full-time changes how the degree shows up in your career. Instead of waiting until graduation to see results, many professionals start seeing value while they are still enrolled.

1. Apply Learning Immediately

When you are working while earning your MBA, coursework does not stay theoretical for long. Concepts from strategy, finance, operations, and leadership often connect directly to decisions you are already making at work.

That immediacy helps reinforce learning. It also gives you a chance to test ideas in real situations, refine your approach, and build confidence as you go.

2. Keep Your Income

Continuing to work while earning an MBA allows you to maintain financial stability. For many professionals, that matters as much as the degree itself.

Keeping your income can reduce reliance on loans, limit financial stress, and make it easier to focus on your coursework. It also allows you to stay engaged in your industry rather than stepping away for an extended period.

3. Build Leadership Experience in Real Time

Leadership development does not happen only in the classroom. Working professionals often practice what they learn immediately through managing projects, leading teams, or influencing stakeholders at work.

Over time, those repeated applications help turn academic concepts into practical skills. By the time you graduate, you are not starting from scratch. You are building on experience gained throughout the program.

4. Strengthen Your Professional Network

MBA programs designed for working professionals attract students who are actively building their careers. Classmates often bring experience from a range of industries, roles, and organizations.

That shared context can lead to more practical discussions, stronger peer relationships, and connections that extend beyond graduation.

Flexible MBA Options at 17�Թ���’s Lubin School of Business

For working professionals, flexibility means having options that reflect both schedule demands and career goals. 17�Թ���’s Lubin School of Business offers multiple MBA pathways designed to meet professionals at different stages of their careers, across industries and functional areas.

The General Business MBA is a 39-credit program that can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time. Students may choose to complete the program online or on campus, depending on their schedule and learning preferences.

The curriculum is designed to build broad, practical business expertise that applies across roles and industries. Core areas of focus include:

• Leadership and team management
• Business analytics and decision modeling
• Financial accounting and finance
• Marketing performance
• Global business and strategy
• Operations and project management
• Technology, innovation, and ethics

The core curriculum provides a shared foundation, while electives allow students to tailor the degree to their interests. Students select concentration electives across disciplines such as accounting, finance, data analytics, management, marketing, information systems, law, or taxation. The program concludes with a capstone course focused on strategic decision-making.

This structure enables working professionals to build both breadth and focus without extending time to completion.

Specialized MBA Programs Across Business Disciplines

In addition to the General Business MBA, Lubin offers a range of specialized MBA programs for professionals who want deeper expertise in a specific area. Options include MBA programs in:

• Accounting and Public Accounting (including CPA preparation)
• Business Analytics
• Corporate Finance
• Investment Management
• Marketing Management
• Marketing Analytics
• Information Systems
• Strategy and International Business
• Talent Management
• Arts and Entertainment Management

Many of these programs are available in New York City, online, or in hybrid formats, giving students flexibility in both location and delivery. This range allows professionals to align their MBA with current responsibilities or a targeted career shift.

Combined Degree Options for Long-Term Planning

For students planning ahead, 17�Թ��� also offers combined degree pathways such as BBA/MBA and MBA/JD programs. These options make it possible for students to accelerate their education and reduce total time and cost by completing undergraduate and graduate coursework in a structured sequence.

Designed for Working Professionals

Across programs, ���ܲ�����’s MBA offerings share a common design philosophy. Courses are structured to accommodate full-time employment. Scheduling is predictable. Coursework emphasizes applied learning that students can connect directly to their work.

Career support is available throughout the program and beyond graduation. According to 17�Թ��� Career Services, 96 percent of ���ܲ�����’s master’s degree graduates from the Class of 2023 were employed, continuing their education, or engaged in volunteer or military service.

Lubin also holds dual accreditation in business and accounting from the , a distinction held by fewer than two percent of business schools worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting an MBA While Working

Can You Work While Getting an MBA?

Yes, many professionals earn an MBA while continuing to work full time. The experience is most manageable when the program is designed for working professionals and offers predictable scheduling, flexible delivery, and realistic workload expectations.

How Many Hours a Week Is an MBA While Working Full Time?

Most working professionals spend 10 to 20 hours per week on MBA coursework. The exact number depends on course load, program format, and whether you are balancing group projects or exams during that week. Planning for consistent study blocks makes the workload easier to manage.

How Do You Choose Between an Online MBA and a Part-Time MBA?

The decision comes down to schedule predictability and learning preferences. Online MBA programs work well for professionals who need flexibility and control over when they study. Part-time MBA programs often appeal to those who prefer in-person classes and can commit to set evenings or weekends. Reviewing course schedules, live session requirements, and group work expectations can help clarify the best option.

Is Getting an MBA While Working Full Time Worth It?

For many professionals, yes. Working while earning an MBA allows you to apply what you learn immediately, maintain income, and continue building experience. The value is strongest when the degree aligns with your career goals and the program supports working students.

What Does a Typical Week Look Like When You’re Working and Getting an MBA?

Most working professionals spend 10 to 20 hours per week on MBA coursework. That time is usually spread across a few evenings and one longer weekend block. Weeks with exams or group deliverables may require additional time, which is why building in buffer windows is important.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are considering an MBA while working full time, 17�Թ���’s Lubin School of Business offers multiple pathways built around professional schedules.

Review the MBA options, connect with admissions, or plan a visit to learn how each program is structured.