Mini MBA: Minimize Costs, Maximize Learning

List of Mini MBA Programs

Below is a list of mini MBA programs in the US and Canada, offered at some of the top business schools in the US and the best MBA programs in Canada. Although there are not many mini MBA programs on the list, it is becoming an increasingly popular option at business schools.

Mini MBA Programs in the US

1. Rutgers Business School at Rutgers University
2. University of Buffalo
3. Miami University
4. Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
5. University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business
6. Clemson University
7. Bentley University
8. Chicago Institute of Business
9. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
10. Broward College
11. Loyola University Chicago
12. Ferris State University
13. Belmont University
14. University of Houston
15. University of Richmond Robins School of Business
16. Yale University

Mini MBA Programs in Canada

1. McGill University
2. York University
3. UBC Sauder School of Business
4. University of Windsor
5. University of Toronto
6. Carleton University
7. Western University Ivey School of Business
8. Royal Alberta College
9. Académie Canadienne de Management et de Technologie

What is a Mini MBA?

A mini MBA is a short, condensed version of a traditional MBA program. However, unlike an MBA or Executive MBA, or even a part-time MBA program, a mini MBA does not grant you a graduate degree. Instead, you earn a graduate certificate.

On the plus side, completing a mini MBA provides you with fundamental business skills and knowledge, at a fraction of the cost and time of a traditional MBA. The mini MBA, also called a micro MBA or MBA certificate, is becoming an increasingly popular alternative in graduate business education. Even though a mini MBA certificate doesn’t hold the same weight as a master’s degree in business, it is a viable option for anyone wanting to enhance their business knowledge or improve their professional skillset.

Not only are mini MBAs much shorter, even than a one-year MBA program, the cost of an MBA is significantly reduced with a mini certificate program. On average, mini MBAs cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000, although some may cost as much as $10,000. Compared to the cost of attending an M7 MBA program, this is a mere drop in the bucket. Plus, you can still apply MBA scholarships to a mini MBA program, meaning you may be able to cover all the costs of your schooling.

Mini MBA vs MBA

If you’re curious about how to get an MBA but you’re still on the fence about whether it’s the right choice, consider the mini MBA as an option. For starters, a mini certificate program might give you all the benefits you’re looking for without making the hefty commitment an MBA requires. Or, it may give you a sort of trial run of a full MBA program and give you a better idea whether an MBA is right for you. Consider why you want to pursue an MBA as you explore the different program options.

Keep in mind that a mini MBA is a certificate program, so it is a non-degree program. However, some programs are “credit” and others are “non-credit”. Credit certificate programs mean you can earn course credits from completing a mini MBA, so if you decide to later on pursue a business degree or a traditional MBA, you might be able to apply some or all of those credits towards your new degree.

Let’s dive into what a mini MBA looks like.

How is a mini MBA structured?

A mini MBA will cover many of the same coursework as a full MBA program, just in an accelerated and condensed timeline. Getting a mini MBA is arguably the quickest way to upgrade vital business skills without taking on a large amount of student debt or committing yourself to a full-time MBA schedule.

The mini MBA curriculum is not as “in-depth” as the traditional course, as it is much shorter, but you can nonetheless pick and choose your coursework. So, if you want to gain some specialized business skills, you can do so fast through a mini MBA.

Here’s a few of the subject areas covered by a mini MBA:

• Business management
• Finance
• Marketing
• Business operations
• Leadership and team management
• Entrepreneurship
• Data analytics
• Business ethics
• International business

At the end of a mini MBA program, there is often a capstone project or culminating final project to demonstrate what you’ve learned in the course, just like a traditional MBA.

What is the mini MBA schedule like?

The mini MBA curriculum also cuts down significantly on how long it takes to get an MBA certification. Instead of 1-3 years for a full-time MBA, or longer for a part-time MBA, you can finish a mini MBA in anywhere from 2-5 months. This is even faster than the best online MBA programs, which have an accelerated, 1-year schedule.

Mini MBAs also offer a greater degree of flexibility. Not only are they often offered both online and in-person, but they can also be taken on a part-time basis. Working professionals therefore don’t need to sacrifice work to get additional MBA qualifications.

Writing an MBA personal statement? Check out these tips!

What are the mini MBA admission requirements?

The admission requirements for a mini MBA program are far less intensive than the MBA requirements. In general, mini MBA programs only require a bachelor’s degree and a suitable GPA, GRE scores or GMAT scores, and at least some previous work experience.

You’ll still need to submit an MBA resume for a mini program, but it’s less likely you’ll need to write an MBA statement of purpose or attend an MBA interview. Most programs will still ask you to submit GRE or GMAT scores, however, so it’s wise to learn how to study for the GRE or how to study for the GMAT!

Pros and Cons of a Mini MBA

Is a Mini MBA Worth it?

So, is a mini MBA program worth it? For the right student, it can be the most sensible choice. Not only are there undeniable benefits in terms of savings and time, it can still provide you with many of the fundamental skills and business knowledge that a traditional program provides. Mini MBAs are not nearly as in-depth, but they can be a cost-effective and time-saving solution for professionals who want to:

• Upskill their professional assets
• Get an MBA without taking time away from work
• Quickly specialize your business knowledge
• Try out MBA coursework to see if a traditional MBA is a good choice for you

The credentials of a mini MBA don’t hold as much weight as a full MBA, but they are still recognized as valid and can be a nice boost to your resume.

Getting into a mini MBA program is also much less competitive than the traditional MBA. MBA programs tend to be some of the most competitive graduate programs, as they are highly in demand and offer undeniable value to professionals. However, since mini MBAs and certificate programs are less sought after and don’t receive as many applicants, it makes them of the easiest MBA programs to get into.

If you’re still unsure how to choose the right MBA program for you, be sure to check out other MBA alternatives such as part-time MBA programs and online MBA programs, too.

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To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting 

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