Wondering how many classes are in an online MBA program in 2025? Discover core vs. elective course counts, specialization breakdowns, top program comparisons, and more.
Are you considering an online MBA in 2025 and wondering, “How many classes will I need to complete?” You’re not alone. With dozens of universities offering flexible and remote MBA programs, understanding the structure, class count, and time commitment is critical before you enroll.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the number of classes in an online MBA program in 2025—from core courses to electives, weekly workload, and specialization-wise variations.
📘 What Is an Online MBA Class, Really?
Before we get into numbers, let’s clarify what an “online MBA class” typically means.
🔹 Class vs. Course vs. Credit Hours
- Class = A subject or module (like Marketing Management)
- Course = Can mean a group of classes or the whole program
- Credit Hour = The weight of each class (usually 3 credits)
In most online MBA programs, one class is worth 3 credit hours, and a full MBA requires around 30 to 60 credit hours.
🎓 How Many Classes in an Online MBA in 2025?
On average, online MBA students in 2025 will complete 10 to 20 classes depending on the university and specialization.
| Program Type | Total Classes | Credits Required |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Full-Time | 15 – 20 | 45 – 60 |
| Accelerated/Executive | 10 – 14 | 30 – 42 |
| Part-Time MBA | 12 – 20 | 36 – 60 |
📌 Core vs Electives: What’s the Breakdown?
Most online MBA programs are structured around:
- Core Classes: 7–10 subjects (like Leadership, Finance, Economics)
- Electives: 5–10 subjects based on specialization
- Capstone/Project: 1–2 classes focused on real-world application
So even in a 15-class program, you may only have 7–8 required classes; the rest are customizable electives.
⏳ Full-Time vs Part-Time vs Accelerated MBA
⚡ Full-Time MBA
- 15–20 classes
- Finish in 12–18 months
- Ideal for career changers or those taking a study break
🕒 Part-Time MBA
- 12–18 classes
- Finish in 24–36 months
- Best for working professionals
🚀 Accelerated MBA
- 10–14 classes
- Finish in 9–12 months
- Requires more weekly hours and a fast pace
📚 Class Structure Based on Specialization
Your MBA concentration can impact how many elective classes you’ll take. Some specializations are more intensive than others.
| Specialization | Typical Elective Classes |
|---|---|
| Finance | 4–6 |
| Marketing | 5–7 |
| Business Analytics | 6–8 |
| Healthcare | 4–6 |
| Entrepreneurship | 5–7 |
Some programs offer dual specialization, which may increase your total course load by 2–3 extra classes.
🏆 Top Online MBA Programs & Their Class Count (2025)
Here’s a comparison of well-known online MBA programs in 2025:
| University | Total Classes | Credits | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gies (UIUC) iMBA | 18 | 72 quarter credits | 2 years |
| Indiana Kelley Direct | 15 | 54 | 2 years |
| Coursera’s Illinois iMBA | 18 | 72 | 2 years |
| University of Florida (Warrington) | 13–16 | 32–48 | 1–2 years |
| Arizona State (W.P. Carey) | 17 | 49 | 21 months |
✅ Note: Numbers may vary slightly based on electives and capstone.
📅 How Many Hours per Class Weekly?
Each online MBA class usually demands 6–10 hours per week. That includes:
- Video lectures
- Assignments
- Discussions
- Projects
If you take 2–3 classes per semester, you’ll need around 15–20 hours/week, making it feasible for working professionals.
🔄 What’s New in the 2025 MBA Curriculum?
With digital business trends evolving, many online MBA programs in 2025 have introduced:
- AI & Data Analytics courses
- Sustainable business modules
- Global virtual collaboration projects
- Industry-linked capstone programs
These new additions may slightly change class counts depending on how specialized the track is.
💡 FAQs About MBA Class Load
❓ Can I skip some classes if I have prior experience?
Some schools allow waivers or transfer credits for foundational subjects.
❓ How many classes per semester?
Typically, 2–3 classes for part-time students, and 3–5 for full-time.
❓ Are class counts the same across all programs?
No. Class counts vary based on duration, credits required, and whether it’s AACSB-accredited.
🧭 Final Verdict: What’s the Right Load for You?
✨ Key Factors to Consider:
- Your schedule – Working full-time? Aim for 2–3 classes per term.
- Budget – More classes = higher tuition
- Career goals – Some specializations may require more coursework
👉 Pro Tip: Always review the curriculum PDF of your shortlisted universities. Look at the course count, credit hours, and electives offered before applying.
📝 Final Thoughts
Online MBA programs in 2025 are more flexible than ever—but they vary widely in structure. While most programs require 15–20 classes, your specialization, pace, and school choice will determine your exact load.
Choose a program that matches your career goals, learning style, and availability. The number of classes matters—but the quality and relevance of those classes matter more.
