Earning an MBA While You Work

A Realistic Guide for North Carolina Professionals

An MBA doesn’t have to mean two years away from your career. Here’s how North Carolina professionals can make work and graduate school fit together.

Earning an MBA while working full time comes down to finding the right program, pace and format for your schedule. The UNCG MBA can be completed full time or part time, online or on campus with online options. Part-time students typically take one or two classes per semester, allowing professionals to keep working while progressing toward the degree.

Key facts about the UNCG MBA

45

Credit Hours
Online or On Campus With Online Options

FLEXIBLE

Part Time: 1-2 classes
3-6 Credit Hours Per Semester

21

Month Minimum Completion Time
Part-time average about 2.5 years

Can you earn an MBA while working full time?

Yes. The UNCG MBA offers part-time study and flexible format options that allow students to remain employed while earning the degree. Part-time students typically take one or two classes, or three to six credit hours, per semester.

That pace can make graduate school more manageable alongside work and personal responsibilities while letting you apply classroom concepts on the job.

The goal is not necessarily to finish as quickly as possible. For a working professional, the better pace is the one you can realistically sustain.

Working professional completing MBA coursework while balancing a full-time career.

How long does an MBA take while working full time?

Part-time UNCG MBA students average about 2.5 years to complete the degree, while students moving at a faster pace may finish in as few as 21 months. The program totals 45 credit hours.

Choose a pace around busy seasons, travel and personal responsibilities. A lighter course load may extend your timeline but make the experience more sustainable.

Consideration	Online MBA
Location	Complete coursework remotely
Commute	No regular campus commute
Flexibility	Greater location flexibility
Interaction	Online faculty and classmate interaction

Is an online or on-campus MBA better for working professionals?

The better format is the one that fits your schedule, location and learning preferences. UNCG offers the MBA online or on campus with online options, giving professionals more than one way to structure the degree.

Online study may suit professionals with travel, unpredictable schedules or long commutes, while on-campus study may suit those who prefer face-to-face interaction. Also compare faculty access, support and career resources.

How much does an MBA cost in North Carolina?

For North Carolina residents, the Bryan School’s published 2025-26 estimate is approximately $24,500 for the online UNCG MBA and $28,000 for the on-campus program with online options. Both estimates are based on 45 credit hours and include tuition and fees.

Compare total program cost, including transportation and technology, and check employer tuition assistance, scholarships and financial aid.

Because the published figures above use the 2025-26 tuition schedule, current costs should be confirmed before publication or enrollment.

Some employers may offer tuition assistance or reimbursement. If appropriate, ask them about how you can utilize that program to help pay for your degree.

*Published estimates are based on UNCG’s 2025-26 Graduate Tuition and Fee Schedule. Prospective students should verify current costs before enrolling.

UNCG MBA students participating in graduate business coursework.

Should you work while getting your MBA?

Working during an MBA lets you build professional experience and business knowledge at the same time, with opportunities to apply coursework directly to your current role.

There are tradeoffs. Work deadlines do not disappear when an assignment is due, and some weeks will be busier than others. Choosing a manageable course load and planning ahead are important parts of making the combination work.

Can an MBA help your career before you graduate?

Yes. The skills, relationships and experiences you gain during an MBA can begin affecting your professional development before graduation. New business knowledge may help you contribute to projects outside your current function, approach problems differently or participate more confidently in broader business conversations.

Your network can also grow through classmates, faculty and alumni. UNCG MBA students have access to graduate career resources, including one-on-one career coaching and professional development.

Does professional experience change your UNCG MBA requirements?

Yes. The UNCG MBA uses experience-based tracks. The Early Career Professional track is designed for students with fewer than five years of professional experience, while the Experienced Professional track is for students with five or more years.

Eligible Experienced Professional students can choose to waive Basecamp and the internship. Basecamp is a one-day in-person orientation that aims to prepare students for the demands of graduate school and the expectations of the professional workplace Qualifying recent undergraduate business coursework may also make some applicants eligible for course waivers, subject to review.

Working professional organizing MBA coursework and job responsibilities on a calendar.

“

Pursuing my MBA through the Bryan School while working full-time at Lincoln Financial has allowed me to immediately apply what I learn in the classroom to real-world challenges in my career. As I’ve taken on greater responsibilities at work, the analytical skills I’ve developed and confidence I’ve gained through the MBA program have helped prepare me for continued growth and the next steps in my career.”

– Javien Boulware, Class of 2027
Senior Intermediary Sales Representative, Lincoln Financial

How do you balance an MBA with a full-time job?

A sustainable schedule matters more than a perfect one. Put major academic deadlines on your calendar early, compare them with busy periods at work and establish predictable blocks of time for coursework. It’s important to choose a course load you can maintain throughout the semester.

How do you know if now is the right time to get an MBA?

The right time depends on your goals, resources and capacity. An MBA may be worth exploring if you are preparing for leadership, seeking broader business knowledge or considering a career change.

Career goals: Where do you want to be in three to five years?
Skill gaps: What knowledge would help you move forward?
Available time: What can you realistically commit each week?
Format: Would online or on-campus study fit better?
Cost: What will the program cost, and what funding is available?
Experience: Would you qualify for the Experienced Professional track?

FAQs about earning an MBA while you work

Can I get an MBA while working full time?

Yes. Part-time UNCG MBA students typically take one or two classes, or three to six credit hours, per semester, online or on campus with online options.

How long does the UNCG MBA take part time?

Part-time students average about 2.5 years. The UNCG MBA can be completed in as few as 21 months at a faster pace.

How many credit hours is the UNCG MBA?

The UNCG MBA is 45 credit hours, including core and integrative coursework, electives and a capstone consulting course. For those with five or more years of experience and on the Experienced Professional Track, the UNCG MBA is only 42 credit hours, as the 3-credit-hour internship requirement is waived.

Can I earn the UNCG MBA online?

Yes. The UNCG MBA is available online or on campus with online options, allowing professionals to choose the format that fits their schedule and location.

How much does the UNCG MBA cost for North Carolina residents?

Published 2025-26 estimates are about $24,500 online and $28,000 on campus for North Carolina residents. Verify current tuition and fees before enrolling.

Can my employer help pay for my MBA?

Possibly. Check your employer’s tuition benefits, reimbursement limits and service requirements, along with available scholarships and financial aid.

Do I need work experience to apply to the UNCG MBA?

No. UNCG has tracks for early-career and experienced professionals; the Experienced Professional track is designed for those with five or more years of experience.

What changes if I have five or more years of work experience?

Eligible students with five or more years of professional experience may choose to waive Basecamp and the internship requirement.

Take the next step toward earning your MBA while you work

Earning an MBA while working full time requires commitment, but it does not necessarily require stepping away from your career. The UNCG MBA offers full-time and part-time study, online or on-campus learning with online options, experience-based tracks and graduate career resources.

Explore the UNCG MBA