How Long Does it Take to Complete the M.B.A. at St. John’s?

Tobin College of Business

It typically takes 18 months to three years to complete the M.B.A. program at St. John’s University, depending on whether you enroll full-time, part-time or online.

St. John’s offers a flexible Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) structure designed for both recent graduates and working professionals. The full-time M.B.A. can be completed in as few as 1.5 years (three semesters), while the part-time format may extend up to three years, depending on your pace. Specialized tracks, such as the STEM M.B.A. and Accounting M.B.A., may require additional credits, which slightly extend the timeline.

Balancing work, life, and school isn’t easy but you’re not the only one figuring it out. St. John’s understands this reality and has designed its M.B.A. offerings to accommodate student flexibility and career readiness. More than 40 percent of M.B.A. students nationally choose part-time study to accommodate jobs, families or personal responsibilities and St. John’s programs are designed with that flexibility in mind.

All M.B.A. courses are scheduled in the evenings or on weekends, making it easier for working professionals and busy adults to attend without disrupting daytime obligations.

Given these options, which M.B.A. path at St. John’s best fits your professional goals and personal commitments?

How Long Does Each M.B.A. Format Take at St. John’s?

The answer depends on how you plan to study full-time, part-time, or through a specialized track like STEM or Accounting. Each format is designed to meet different needs and life situations. 

Below is a breakdown of each format, including timelines and the individuals it’s best suited for.

Full-Time M.B.A.: Fast-Track Your Degree in 1.5 Years

The full-time M.B.A. at St. John’s is the most accelerated path to completing your degree. By enrolling in 12 credits per semester, students can finish the program in just 1.5 years or three semesters of focused study.

This format is designed for students who are ready to immerse themselves in graduate education fully. You’ll engage deeply with academic coursework, collaborate on group projects, gain real-world experience through internships, and take advantage of valuable networking events. The structure fosters momentum and offers direct access to faculty mentorship, career coaching, and experiential learning opportunities.

It’s an ideal fit for recent graduates seeking to maintain academic continuity, professionals looking to make a fast career pivot, or anyone with the flexibility to commit full-time without significant outside work obligations. All classes are held in the evening or on weekends. If you’re ready to dive in, stay focused, and accelerate your future, the full-time track is built to help you get there quickly and effectively.

Part-Time M.B.A.: Designed to Fit Around Your Life

The part-time M.B.A. at St. John’s is designed for individuals balancing real-life demands. Whether you’re growing your career, raising a family, or managing a full plate, this format gives you the flexibility to move forward without putting everything else on hold. Most students in the part-time track take six to nine credits per semester and complete their degree in approximately 2.5 to three years. Like all M.B.A. formats at St. John’s, courses are held during weekday evenings or on weekends to accommodate.

This path works exceptionally well for working professionals who want to build their education around a full-time job. It’s also a wise choice for parents or caregivers seeking a steady, manageable pace that aligns with their home responsibilities. Some students simply prefer to spread out their studies to avoid burnout or financial pressure. 

One of the most significant advantages? You get to apply what you're learning right away in your current role. That kind of real-time relevance is one of the reasons many part-time M.B.A.  students say this format adds immediate value to their careers.

Online M.B.A.: Your Timeline, Your Terms

The online M.B.A. at St. John’s is built for maximum flexibility without compromising on quality. You’ll follow the same curriculum taught by the same faculty as the on-campus program. The difference? You can learn from anywhere and shape your schedule to fit your life.

Depending on how many credits you take each term, you can complete the program in as little as 18 months or stretch it to five years. Courses include scheduled live virtual sessions to keep you connected and engaged with faculty and classmates.

This format is especially well-suited for working professionals, caregivers, frequent travelers, and international students, anyone who needs an academic structure that fits around unpredictable days and busy routines. Whether you’re across the country, always on the move or simply prefer the flexibility of digital learning, this program gives you the freedom to earn your M.B.A.  without missing a beat in your personal or professional life.

Specialized M.B.A. Tracks: STEM and Accounting

Suppose you're aiming to specialize in your M.B.A., St. John’s offers two focused tracks, STEM and Accounting, that provide in-depth training and expanded career opportunities. These programs require more credits than the standard M.B.A., and as a result, they typically take longer to complete.

The STEM M.B.A. program typically takes approximately two years to complete, comprising 45 credits, with a focus on analytics, technology, and strategic decision-making. It’s ideal for those pursuing roles in tech, consulting, or operations where data-driven thinking is key.

The Accounting M.B.A. spans approximately three years, comprising 57 credits, and covers advanced topics in auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. It’s well-suited for students preparing for certified public accountant (CPA) licensure who do not have an undergraduate degree in business.

Both tracks offer rigorous, career-aligned pathways for students seeking to excel in specialized fields, with classes scheduled in the evenings or on weekends.

What Determines How Long Your M.B.A. Will Take at St. John’s?

The time it takes to complete your M.B.A. at St. John’s isn’t one-size-fits-all; it depends on several personal and program-specific factors. One of the most significant factors is your enrollment status. Full-time students typically complete their studies more quickly while part-time students take a more gradual approach. The number of credits you take each semester plays a role too; the more you take, the faster you progress.

Your start date can also affect your timeline. Students can begin in the fall, spring, or summer; however, some courses, especially electives, may only be offered in specific semesters, which can impact the pacing. If you choose a specialized track, such as STEM or Accounting, you’ll have a higher credit requirement, which naturally extends the program.

Lastly, your work, family, and personal commitments matter. If you're balancing a career or caregiving responsibilities, you may take fewer credits per term. St. John’s gives you the flexibility to adjust your course load when life gets busy, helping you stay on track, at a pace that works for you.

Flexibility and Support to Keep You on Track

No matter your schedule or responsibilities, St. John’s is built to support you through your M.B.A. journey. The program is designed with working professionals, parents and nontraditional students in mind, because life doesn’t stop when school starts.

If you need a more adaptable approach, the FLEX format allows you to mix online and on-campus classes to match your availability. All classes during the week are held in the evening, making it feasible for those working during the day. Personalized academic advising and career coaching help ensure you’re on a path that aligns with your goals. You can even switch between full-time and part-time formats mid-program if your circumstances change.

Whether you want to move fast or take it semester by semester, St. John’s gives you the structure and the support to make it work.

Take the Next Step Toward Your M.B.A. at St. John’s

Your professional goals are unique and your M.B.A. experience should reflect that. Whether you're aiming to complete your degree quickly, need a schedule that adapts to your lifestyle or are pursuing a specialized track in STEM or Accounting, St. John’s University offers the flexibility and support to help you succeed.

Explore a graduate business program designed for working professionals, recent graduates and lifelong learners alike. Wherever you are in your journey, St. John’s helps you move forward with structure, purpose and momentum.

Start building the M.B.A. path that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the fastest I can complete the M.B.A. at St. John’s?

The quickest way to complete your M.B.A. at St. John’s University is through the full-time program, which can be finished in as little as 18 months (three semesters). This accelerated format is ideal for students who can commit fully to graduate studies without the need to work full-time during the program.

Can I switch between part-time and full-time M.B.A. formats?

Yes, St. John’s offers flexibility to switch between part-time and full-time formats based on your life changes, career demands or personal needs. You can adjust your enrollment status mid-program with the help of an academic advisor to ensure your transition doesn’t delay graduation.

Are online M.B.A. courses at St. John’s the same as on-campus ones?

Yes, the online M.B.A. at St. John’s delivers the same rigorous curriculum, faculty expertise and degree outcomes as the on-campus version. The key difference lies in the delivery mode, offering greater flexibility for working professionals, parents and students with demanding schedules.

Do specialized M.B.A. tracks like STEM or Accounting take longer to complete?

Yes, specialized M.B.A. programs typically require additional credits compared to the general M.B.A. For instance, the STEM M.B.A. takes about two years, while the Accounting M.B.A.  may take closer to three years to complete. These tracks provide advanced expertise but may extend your timeline slightly.