What Entrepreneurs Should Know About Mini MBA Programs

A Guest Post by Brian Jenkins

Mini MBA programs are increasingly popular. They give busy entrepreneurs a strong foundation in current business theory and practice. These programs are taken by individuals who want to acquire some business administration skills in order to start their own businesses.

Mini MBA programs typically include elective courses and workshops. Most of the programs are provided in 10 week sessions and cost substantially less than a standard MBA program. They can be tailored to meet the needs of any student. Some schools even allow students to create their program from “a la carte” segments.

People should know the mini MBA is NOT equivalent to an MBA. They’re actually continuing education courses. Students typically receive continuing education credit for the courses, however some schools let students earn credit hours towards a degree program. Also, some schools don’t require MBA mini program applicants to have a business degree, nor do they require any admissions tests.

Major Subjects Covered

The programs provide a condensed overview of important subjects and concepts. Mini MBA programs cover subjects such as management, accounting, human resources, finance, corporate strategy, economics, general business administration, and marketing.

Categories of Supplemental Subjects

Students can sometimes choose to take segments of courses in accounting, capital markets, global markets, business ethics, capital budgeting, human resources, business law, tools of analysis, executive decision making, corporate culture, and leadership. For example, a student can choose to study only the cost/benefit analysis segment of a complete course in accounting.

Specialized Mini MBA Programs

Some colleges and universities offer mini MBAs in finance essentials, strategic health-care management, strategic marketing, biopharma innovation, biopharma entrepreneurship, and other subjects.

Here’s a list of some things to consider before selecting an online mini MBA program:

• Asynchronous online programs: Allow students to attend online classes whenever they want. Asynchronous online programs provide a lot of flexibility. These programs may be the preferred choice of busy entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Synchronous online programs: Require students to attend classes at specific times to interact with their instructor and other students. Interacting on a real-time basis with instructors and other students makes online students feel as though they’re part of a learning community.
• Self-paced versus scheduled: Self-paced programs allow students to complete courses at their own convenience. Scheduled online programs have a specific timeline with scheduled exams, assignments, and completion dates.
• Faculty: Is the online mini MBA program taught by the instructors who teach the standard on-campus MBA program? Do the instructors provide individualized attention?
• Accreditation: Has the school been provided accreditation by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?

Mini MBA programs include a condensed overview of important subjects and concepts and include a variety of electives. Entrepreneurs can enhance their knowledge and skills through a mini MBA program. If you’re a busy entrepreneur, this program might be right up your alley.

Brian Jenkins writes about MBA programs, among other college degree programs, for BrainTrack.