Business schools in many countries offer programs tailored to full-time, part-time, executive (coursework typically occurring on evenings and/or weekends), and distance learning students, many with concentrations. The core courses in an MBA program cover various areas of business such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations in a manner most relevant to management analysis and strategy. During the last decades, many new Master programs emerged which specialized on one certain topic, such as Real Estate or Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Brand Management, and other Business areas.
F ull-Time Master programs normally take place over two academic years (i.e. approximately 18 months of term time). For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, they often begin in late August/September of year one and continue until May of year two, with a three- to four-month summer break in between years one and two. Students enter with a reasonable amount of prior real-world work experience and take classes during weekdays like other university students. A typical full-time, accelerated, part-time or modular MBA requires 60 credits (600 class hours) of graduate work.
The degree culminates with coursework in business strategy. A dissertation or major project is usually a degree requirement after the completion of coursework. Topics in business ethics may also be included. For Executive MBAs (EMBAs), the curriculum is generally similar. Many Master programs end with a comprehensive exit examination.
