With so many program options nowadays, MBA applicants can choose not just to attend one campus or obtain one degree. They could also pick a dual degree MBA, a multi-campus MBA, or a program that features international exchanges. These options are very different from each other, but they all offer opportunities for students to grow and gain invaluable experience.
What Are Dual-Degree and Multi-Campus MBA Programs?
A dual degree MBA enables students to earn two degrees simultaneously while attending just one program. It’s ideal for professionals who are interested not just in an MBA, but also in a Master’s in another specialization such as Master of Public Health or Master of Engineering. These integrated programs share coursework and reduce the overall time it takes to complete them. For example, Northwestern University: The Kellogg School of Management has an MBA + MS in Design Innovation from the Segal Design Institute at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science.
A dual degree shouldn’t be mixed up with a joint MBA programs. While a dual degree awards two separate diplomas, joint studies award just one degree given by two institutions working together. A very well-known example for a joint program is the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA taking place in Europe and the US.
With a multi-campus MBA, participants are able to switch campuses for different periods of time while completing the program. ESCP Business School and Hult International Business School each have six different campuses spread out across the world. Doing an MBA in either of these schools makes it possible to attend electives or other courses in more than one campus.
Benefits of Multi-Campus & Exchange MBAs
With these opportunities, students gain invaluable international exposure and build tight-knit communities both locally and globally. The connections they create with classmates, faculty, and alumni across different locations are certainly among the greatest advantages of a multi-campus or exchange MBA. They prove helpful not only when seeking career opportunities or exploring new markets, but even more importantly – when someone needs personal or professional advice.
MBA participants who get to experience different educational systems also develop deeper cultural intelligence and adaptability. This firsthand exposure to diverse perspectives positively impacts their communication skills and prepares them to lead multicultural teams.
With a multi-campus MBA, graduates gain access to multiple career markets and can enjoy flexibility in their job search. Students learn insights into regional industries and build connections with local employers. For instance, studying in both Singapore and London positions graduates to pursue roles in Asian financial hubs or European corporate centers.
Finally, there are unique learning experiences to benefit from depending on the different teaching methodologies or faculty expertise that varies by location. This diversity enriches the educational experience of students.
Key Tradeoffs to Consider
As with any program or format, there are potential drawbacks to consider and prepare for. For instance, it’s essential to research the financial impact of doing a dual-degree MBA or multi-campus MBA. With all the traveling involved, some of these options may be more expensive than a traditional program.
Time commitment is also different compared to a regular MBA. Dual-degree programs may take longer to complete – three or even four years, depending on how intense they are. Multi-campus formats might make it challenging to maintain work-life balance or pursue meaningful relationships. Garrett Duffy experienced this himself while studying for the MBA/Engineering Dual Degree at the University of Notre Dame: Mendoza College of Business (US):
“Occasionally during my senior (fourth) year, I had to forgo hanging out with friends to work on group projects, despite being acutely aware of how little time we had left together at Notre Dame. I also found it difficult to find time for my new MBA friends, if it meant missing out on seeing friends with whom I’d spent the last four years.”
Students also have to get used to different administrative challenges and specific academic calendars across institutions. Coordinating housing, visas, and course schedules in each country requires careful planning and flexibility.
Real Student Experiences & Case Studies
Despite the challenges, many graduates find multi-campus and dual-degree experiences transformative for their personal and professional development. Pragya Mishra from India completed her first MBA semester at ESCP Business School’s Turin campus and her second semester at the Paris campus.
“I chose the ESCP MBA in International Management because I wanted to challenge myself and learn new things, experience living in two different countries and use this opportunity to learn 2 new languages.”
The multi-campus format proves especially valuable for Executive MBA students balancing careers with education. Julidé Yasar from KEDGE Business School’s EMBA program shares:
“I explored several schools, and it was KEDGE’s flexible and international approach that won me over: a multi-campus format, a wealth of profiles and diverse journeys — far from the more rigid frameworks of other programs. That mix of perspectives felt essential to me.”
Some graduates go as far as to say that the best option is always a multi-campus experience. Like Maria T Carmona, who split her time at The University of Chicago: Booth School of Business’s Sokolov EMBA between campuses in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong:
“Geopolitics is making global EMBAs more relevant and not less. Programs in a single location prepare people for a world that no longer exists. There is no way I would go back in time and not choose an international EMBA.”
How to Choose the Right Program
When selecting the right multi-campus, exchange, or dual-degree MBA, think of how the program aligns with your individual circumstances.
- Start with your career goals. If you’re targeting specific industries or roles, research where alumni have landed and which markets the program emphasizes. A dual-degree combining an MBA with a Master of Public Health makes sense for a career in healthcare management, while a multi-campus program spanning Asia and Europe suits those pursuing international business development roles.
- Evaluate industry connections at each location. Strong corporate partnerships and active alumni networks can positively impact your future job placement. Programs with deep ties to finance in London or technology in Silicon Valley may provide the advantage you will be looking for.
- Assess your personal flexibility honestly. Attending a multi-campus program means you have to adapt quickly and be comfortable with uncertainty. Would your family obligations and financial resources allow you do so freely? If you have dependents or limited savings, a traditional program might serve you better.
- Visit campuses and speak with current students. Their firsthand experiences reveal a lot about workload, cultural fit, and actual career outcomes that school brochures may not talk about in detail.
Remember, the best MBA program – whether traditional, multi-campus, or dual-degree – is the one that sets you up for long-term success without compromising your work-life-study balance and financial situation.
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