Montclair State University

Student Toolbox

Saturday-only MBA

This special program is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals who are willing to commit the time and effort needed to earn an MBA in just two years, by completing all the required courses on an accelerated schedule of Saturday-only class sessions.

The Saturday MBA is not offered on our main Montclair campus, although it is taught by the same School of Business graduate faculty and offers the same curriculum. It is a stand-alone, cohort-based MBA program, held on the campus of Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ, a few minutes away from Exit 109 on the Garden State Parkway.

Students who choose the Saturday-only MBA take two courses in each 10-week term, for a full day of classes, for two years. This course load is compatible with busy professional schedules, but by committing to this accelerated program schedule, students know they will finish their studies in the shortest practical period – and progress through their studies with a cohort of fellow students who are also committed to this demanding – and rewarding – MBA program.

Students who choose the Saturday-only MBA may, in special circumstances, take courses on the main campus – if, for example, the student wishes to add a concentration to the MBA degree.

But you should only select the Saturday MBA option if you think you're ready to commit to the special schedule and structure of this program for your required courses. If you find, however, once you start, that the program is not right for you, you can switch to the main campus MBA program to complete your studies.

The curriculum has been carefully designed to maximize the educational experience while minimizing the amount of time away from the job, and students progress through the curriculum as part of a cohort.

Structured much like an Executive MBA program, the Montclair Saturday-only MBA program at Brookdale is well-suited to individuals at all stages of their careers who can manage a challenging pace and who prefer the convenience of a weekend course schedule.

Click HERE for an overview of the Montclair Saturday-only MBA at Brookdale

Frequently Asked Questions about the Montclair Saturday MBA program

1. How long will it take me to complete the Saturday MBA?
Students in the Saturday MBA program at Brookdale earn the degree in just two years, by taking two courses each Saturday (morning and afternoon) over eight 10-week terms.

2. If this is an Saturday-only program, when do I have time off?
There is a Saturday break following the end of each 10-week term, and there are no classes on major holiday weekends.  Longer breaks are scheduled around Christmas and in the summer to give students additional time off.

  • To see sample schedules, click HERE for Brookdale Cohorts 6 and 7, now in progress, and Cohort 8 which starts on February 28, 2009.

     

3. Where are the courses offered in the Saturday-only MBA Program?
The MBA classes are held at the Lincroft campus of Brookdale Community College in Monmouth County. This site features state-of -the-art classrooms and computer facilities.

For directions, see Brookdale Community College's website.

4. Can I take any MBA courses on the Montclair campus?
Students in the Saturday MBA program at Brookdale are fully-matriculated MBA students, and may, in special circumstances, take courses on the main campus – if, for example, you would like to add a concentration to the MBA, and some of the elective courses needed for that are not being offered to your Brookdale cohort.

The Montclair MBA at Brookdale is a generalist program without concentrations. In the second year, students complete four advanced elective courses, usually in different subject areas. Brookdale students may choose different electives, and even choose to add one - or two - of our wide range of concentrations to the MBA, by taking elective courses on the Montclair campus instead.

However, you should only select the Saturday MBA option if you think you're ready to commit to the special schedule and structure for your required courses, as this is a cohort-based program.

It is not practical to switch back and forth between the Saturday-only MBA program and our main campus MBA courses, but if you find that the Saturday-only MBA is not right for you, once you have begun your studies, you can switch to the main campus MBA – changing your status is a simple process.

5. Does the MBA Program waive courses or grant advanced standing for prior graduate or undergraduate work?

Yes, the same advanced standing guidelines apply to all MBA students, at Brookdale or in Montclair. Click here for details.

6. Is this MBA program accredited?
Montclair State University's School of Business is accredited by AACSB International.  This accreditation covers all the Business degree programs - including the Saturday-only MBA at Brookdale.

7. Are there any prerequisites for the MBA Program?
We have MBA applicants from all undergraduate majors, and the only pre-requisite is an undergraduate course in Calculus.

If you did not take calculus as an undergraduate, you may apply to and be accepted to the Montclair MBA program on a conditional basis. Once admitted, you may take the required calculus course at any college (including Brookdale Community College, of course!). For more information, click here.

8. Is work experience required?
Work experience is not required for acceptance to the MBA program. However, work experience is considered as a positive factor in the admissions decision, and most Montclair MBA students have worked full-time for 2-6 years before applying to the program. More information on work experience is here.

9. What is the program of study for the Montclair Saturday MBA at Brookdale?
The curriculum of the Saturday MBA program curriculum at Brookdale is identical to that offered on our main campus, though we offer only a generalist MBA (without concentrations) through this cohort program. Students take courses that expose them to the primary functional areas in business, as well as advanced courses that provide the breadth and depth of knowledge appropriate for today's organizations.

Student input is solicited on the selection of elective courses, and Brookdale MBA students are entitled to take any advanced courses they may prefer by traveling to our main Montclair campus, as well.

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10. Who are the faculty for the Montclair Saturday MBA program?
All Montclair MBA courses at Brookdale are taught by the same graduate faculty who teach on our main campus.

11. What is the cost of the Montclair Saturday MBA at Brookdale?
The 2007-2008 cost for NJ residents is $607.44 per credit ( $1,822.32 per course); $816.66 per credit for out-of-state residents ($2,449.98 per course) , for a total of 33-48 credits (depending on any advanced standing waivers ). Many of our students receive financial support from their companies toward the cost of their tuition and fees in the MBA program. Click here for more information.

12. How do I apply for admission?  What is the deadline for applying?
The requirements for applying to the Montclair MBA are the same for both our main program and the Saturday-only program at Brookdale.

Although there is no deadline for applications (all applications are processed on a rolling admissions basis), there usually will be only one cohort starting the Saturday MBA program at Brookdale each academic year, in February. Please click here for typical cohort schedules.

Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the term in which they plan to begin their studies, to ensure there is time for a comprehensive review of their application credentials.

If you are interested in joining the Saturday-only program, be sure to check "Brookdale MBA" or "Communiversity" on the application form.

13. Where can I get additional information?
For additional information on the Montclair Saturday-only MBA at Brookdale, contact the MBA Office.

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