MBA
My MBA Career: Insights on the Removal of the One-Year MBA Program at Notre Dame
Last Updated on October 11, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes
Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business has announced the discontinuation of its one-year MBA program, despite its financial viability and increasing popularity among prospective students. This decision follows a similar move by Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management in October 2022, which terminated its Accelerated MBA program to focus on the Tech MBA program in New York City.
Both Notre Dame and Cornell were recognized as top one-year MBA programs, along with other prestigious business schools such as Northwestern Kellogg, Duke Fuqua, and Emory Goizueta. A survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council revealed that prospective MBA students are increasingly favoring the one-year format over the more expensive two-year option.
Notre Dame’s one-year MBA program boasted impressive success rates, with 96% of graduates finding employment within three months of graduation. The program was also acknowledged for alumni effectiveness and network by The Economist and The Financial Times, respectively. However, due to lack of student interest, Notre Dame had previously discontinued its MBA-Master of Science in Business Analytics program.
With the discontinuation of the one-year MBA, Notre Dame aims to prioritize the two-year MBA program and enhance experiential learning, leadership development, and career discernment. Current one-year MBA students will not be affected by the closure of the program. Notre Dame continues to offer a range of other master’s programs, dual-degree programs, Ph.D. programs, and its undergraduate program.
The decision reflects the challenges faced by one-year MBA programs and the evolving preferences of prospective students. Despite the success and appeal of the one-year format, some schools are shifting their focus and resources towards other specialized programs. However, the faculty and staff at Notre Dame remain committed to supporting the growth and success of current and future one-year MBA students.
