If you’re considering a micro MBA, great job! We applaud you for honing in on the fastest, most flexible option for business education.
A full-time MBA program from a top business school will cost $200,000 or more and will take two years. Part-time programs are also expensive and take longer to complete.
There are alternative ways to acquire MBA skills and build your network. A micro MBA delivers exceptional value in a short amount of time, for a fraction of the price.
If you are a professional looking to move to a leadership role, a micro MBA degree is likely your best option.
The Best Micro MBA Options
1) Business Intensive (Professionals and Entrepreneurs)
2) McGill University Mini MBA Series (For Advanced Managers)
3) Y Combinator (Startup Founders)
Picking the course that best suits your needs is important, as there are different programs to consider.
One type provides guidance and seed funding for startup founders looking to launch a new company.
Other programs provide critical business training and networking opportunities for busy professionals.
1) Best Micro MBA for Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs: Business Intensive
Business Intensive at a glance:
• Length: 7 Weeks
• Format: Fully online
• Cost: Starting at $1,499
The 7-week course teaches 8 core business skills including: strategy, sales, marketing, pricing, and finance. It also provides great networking opportunities.
Students will finish hands-on projects including:
• Pitch a business idea
• Develop and test a business strategy
• Run a market sizing, revenue growth and competitor analysis
• Conduct user interviews
• Analyze financial reports and models
• Develop and execute a marketing and sales plan
• Build a no-code website
There are live weekly guest speakers. Past guest speakers include: Andrew Yang, PayPal Founding COO David Sacks, Ellevest Cofounder and CEO Sallie Krawcheck, product gurus Jackie Bavaro and Gayle Laakman Mcdowell, and Peloton Cofounder Graham Stanton.
The Business Intensive is designed to transform students from passive consumers of business concepts into active business leaders. The course was named by Forbes and intelligent.com as the best online business course.
2) Best Micro MBA Program For Advanced Managers: McGill
McGill University’s micro MBA, at a glance:
• Length: 3-4 Months
• Format: Online & In-Person
• Cost: Starting at $4,895
McGill offers three different programs that build off of each other. They are tailored to where students are specifically in their career.
The offerings are the executive development course (EDC), the advanced management course (AMC), and the integrated management thinking course (IMT).
Topics for the courses include: human resource management, strategic analysis, accounting and finance, managerial negotiations, and marketing.
Students can choose to take one series or all three depending on their needs and the amount of time they’re willing to commit.
Each program is strategically built to enhance the skills of the students so they can excel in their desired industries.
3) Best Micro MBA Program for Full-Time Startup Founders: Y Combinator
Y Combinator, at a glance:
• Length: 3 Months
• Format: In Person and Online
• Cost: 7% equity (could be worth millions!)
Y Combinator is a startup accelerator program that provides seed funding and guidance. This program is for founders who want help to get their own business going but are new to entrepreneurship. Y Combinator has a tremendous track record. They helped launch Airbnb and Stripe.
There is no tuition for Y Combinator. Rather, they invest $125,000 for 7% equity.
Y Combinator is highly selective. They only accept 1.5% of applicants. For reference, a top business school such as Stanford accepts 6.1% of applicants.
What Is A Micro MBA?
A micro MBA is a very accelerated business program meant to teach busy professionals the necessary skills to succeed in the business world.
The time commitment is between a few weeks to a few months. The programs are a fraction of the cost of an MBA, starting at $1,499.
Micro MBA coursework helps students acquire in-demand business skills. The curriculum is similar to a full-time MBA, but only teaches practical, relevant business information and case studies.
Is A Micro MBA Worth It?
While a full-time MBA program isn’t worth it anymore, a micro MBA makes sense. Two years is too much time to take away from the workforce, but a few weeks of part-time instruction is a no brainer.
A micro MBA provides the same information as a six-figure, full-time program in less time by cutting out inessential information and theory.
Micro MBA grads gain access to a diversified business network. Their exposure to necessary tools and templates gives them the confidence to solve any modern business problem.
A great bonus is you don’t have to sacrifice your career and critical work experience by leaving your full-time job to complete one. Instead, you can apply your new knowledge from your business degree towards your current position. You will see an improvement in your leadership ability and decision making skills, increasing your earning potential and career trajectory.
Is A Micro MBA Right For Me?
If you want the best business education in the shortest amount of time, a micro MBA is the right choice for you. You will gain access to a great network and develop strong business skills while keeping a full-time job.
In terms of furthering your business education, you can’t go wrong with a micro MBA.
Get your micro MBA application in today! Gain MBA skills at a fraction of the price. We are currently accepting applicants for the Business Intensive.