MBA Job Students Getting Down to Business

December 29th, 2008 by Joel

A recent survey shows that college programs are staying strong to help prepare those looking for an MBA job.

The Executive MBA Council’s 2008 Membership Program Survey found that executive MBA programs are continuing to focus on core business functions. Programs also are investing more course time on skill development in other areas important to business, according to an article by RiskCenter.

About 307 programs responded to the survey, which offers a comprehensive overview of programs throughout the world. The survey was completed this past summer and fall.

The survey found that when it comes to the number of required in-class hours, core functional areas receive the most time. Students are required to study:

  • Finance for 56.2 hours
  • Accounting for 48.6 hours
  • International business for 44.5 hours
  • Strategic business policy for 44.3 hours
  • Marketing for 44.2 hours
  • Economics for 43.5 hours
  • The survey also found that students are spending an increased amount of time in the following areas:

  • Leadership class hours by 64 percent
  • Entrepreneurship class hours by 105 percent
  • Ethics class hours by 124 percent
  • Communications class hours by 81 percent
  • Professional development class hours by 183 percent
  • The survey also looked at the structure of MBA programs and found the average class size is about 44 students, up from 42 students in 2007. The average program lasts 20 months and 58 percent of programs require an international trip, up from 53 percent during 2007.

    MBA graduates often receive a tuition reimbursement. About 36 percent of graduates receive a partial reimbursement, up from 33 percent during 2007; 32 percent receive a self-sponsorship, down from 33 percent during 2007 and about 32 percent receive a full reimbursement, down from 34 percent last year.

    The survey further found that the average MBA student is 36.5-years old and 27 percent of students are female. The average MBA graduate has 12.8 years of work experience and 8.2 years of management experience.

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