Program FAQs
1. What is the difference between the accelerated MBA and regular MBA?
The accelerated MBA is built specifically for graduates of a four-year undergraduate business program from a recognized Canadian or U.S. post-secondary institution. The accelerated MBA option saves participants up to 45 per cent in tuition cost, as well as significantly reduces their program length. Students enrolled in the accelerated MBA option take 11 courses, as opposed to 20 courses in the regular MBA option.
2. What is the difference between the accelerated MBA and Executive MBA?
An Executive MBA is targeted to mid- to senior-level professionals who have already achieved significant success in their careers and typically manage a team, business unit or organization. The teaching style is designed to leverage the collective experience of the cohort. Further, additional support is provided to enable the students to be effective learners despite the fact that they have not been students for potentially many years.
3. What is the reputation of the program?
The Haskayne MBA program has a strong reputation locally, nationally and internationally.
The Haskayne School of Business is an AACSB accredited business school, a recognition awarded to less than 5 per cent of business schools worldwide. Our MBA program is internationally recognized by independent bodies. For example, the 2015 Better World MBA ranking placed Haskayne’s MBA at number 5 from over 100 programs it examined around the globe and Haskayne MBA was ranked #4 in the worldon the Global Green MBA in Corporate Knights (2013).
With 85 per cent of our alumni remain in Calgary and the surrounding area, we also have a very strong local reputation with employers.
4. How will the accelerated MBA impact my career?
Many students are seeking to make a career transition or accelerate their career through their MBA. In addition to enhancing your critical thinking skills and knowledge there are a myriad of opportunities to expand your leadership capacity. Students benefit from networking opportunities with other MBA students and alumni, faculty and local business leaders.
5. Can I specialize?
Students in the accelerated MBA have the option to specialize in one of six areas:
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Finance
- Global Energy Management and Sustainable Development
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Real Estate Studies
For more information, see Specialization Options.
Alternatively, students can select from across the broad range of electives available to pursue a general MBA.
6. What is the difference between the GEMS specialization and the Global Energy Executive MBA?
The GEMS specialization is designed for early to mid-career professionals who are seeking to explore a potential career transition to the energy sector or to consolidate and broaden their knowledge within the sector. The Global Energy Executive MBA is targeted at senior leaders who have already achieved significant professional success within the energy sector.
7. What is the difference between the GEMS specialization and the M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Development?
The GEMS specialization is comprised of management courses within the topics of Energy Management and Sustainability as part of the Haskayne MBA. The M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Development is a multi-disciplinary (business, engineering, law and environmental design) degree providing a balanced education relating to energy and environmental management.
8. Will I stay with the same group of people throughout the program?
You will be in the same class as your cohort for your core courses. However, for electives, you will have the opportunity to meet students from across many other MBA cohorts.
9. What sort of networking opportunities are there?
Integrated across the program are opportunities to network with your classmates, other MBA and EMBA students at Haskayne, MBA students from other universities, faculty, alumni and business leaders. These networking opportunities could take numerous forms, such as case competitions, guest speaker events or the Leadership Development Program.
10. Can I work while completing the program?
The accelerated MBA is flexible and can be completed by working professionals.
11. How much time will I need to study?
Students in the Haskayne MBA program typically spend 12 hours studying per course, this includes class time (more in block weeks).
12. If I need to travel for work, can I still complete the program?
In the case of missing an individual class, students are expected to make arrangements with their faculty member and study team. If you travel extensively during the week and meet with minimum admission criteria the Executive MBA program may be a better fit with your needs.
13. What is the mix of classroom versus online learning?
The accelerated MBA is a classroom based option; faculty may choose to provide supplemental tutorials online through our learning management system as part of class preparation or review.
14. Is there more than one start date?
There are two intakes of the accelerated MBA each year, commencing in Fall and Winter.
15. How long does the accelerated MBA take?
The accelerated MBA can be completed in as little as 12 months.
16. What is a typical schedule for a semester?
Evening students typically take one block week class and two evening classes during the Fall and Winter semesters, and choose to study one or two evening classes during Spring and Summer.
Daytime students have two evening required courses in the Fall and one in the Winter, and can fill their schedules with electives as they wish (including block weeks).
17. What qualification do I receive when I complete the program?
Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Master of Business Administration. If an individual fulfills the relevant requirements, their specialization will also appear on their parchment and transcripts.