WALTHAM, Mass. -- Bentley University has launched a part-time accelerated online MBA program that allows students to earn their degree in as little as 18 months, one of the fastest part-time MBA degrees in Greater Boston. The program responds to a changing job market in which working professionals do not want to put their careers on hold to pursue a full-time degree and companies increasingly see the MBA as a valuable asset that they desire when hiring new employees.

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, 86 percent of companies surveyed planned to hire recent MBA graduates in 2017, up from 79 percent in 2016. U.S. companies plan to offer recent MBA graduates a starting base salary of $110,000, according to the council.

Bentley's new accelerated part-time MBA offers an adaptable class schedule, with all courses available online, and includes the option of intensive courses on weekends. Classes meet once a week and students can pursue a concentration in leadership designed to prepare them for high-level management roles. The online learning environment brings together a diverse group of students from different cultures and professional backgrounds, training students to collaborate on diverse teams that mirror today's global marketplace.

"Bentley's new part-time MBA is designed specifically for the working professional who wants to continue advancing their career and strengthening their education at the same time, in a way that will boost their promotion ability and earning potential for the rest of their career," said William Starner, director of the new program.

Bentley MBA graduates often land jobs with prominent companies such as IBM, Raytheon, Fidelity and TJX. "We rely on Bentley students because of their diverse business education and work ethic," said Joe Smith, a senior recruiter at Dassault Systems.

Students in the accelerated part-time MBA program will have access to a global network of Bentley alumni and the university's nationally ranked Career Services office, including career events, job fairs, employer information sessions, and a Virtual Career Center to help them connect with employers.

SOURCE Bentley University

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