Part-Time MBA

The Iowa State part-time MBA program is 48-credits, identical to the full-time MBA program. Most students complete Iowa State's part-time MBA program in 2 1/2 years or less. The 30-credits of core classes are offered at Capital Square in Des Moines. These courses cover all of the business fundamentals and provide you with a firm understanding of corporate social responsibility, our core value.  The lock-step nature of the core classes bridges different subject matters to show how they are interrelated. Part-time students will take 6 credits a semester to finish the core classes in five semesters. The core courses are offered at night in downtown Des Moines. The Des Moines classes are offered from 5:50 – 9:10 p.m. 

During the 18-credits electives, you will have the opportunity to tailor your MBA. You can specialize in a particular field or customize your degree by hand selecting each elective.  Specializations include accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain management, and technology and innovation management. There is a wide-range of electives offered to ensure our students can successfully reach their career goals when they graduate. The electives are offered at night in Des Moines and Ames.

Quality is Assured

Our part-time core classes are taught by the same professors as the full-time MBA program, ensuring quality throughout the Iowa State MBA.  The full-time and part-time curriculum is identical.  

Practical Business Skills

In today’s business environment, teamwork is essential to success. The Iowa State part-time MBA program has built the team concept into the core curriculum, giving students the opportunity to practice leading a group of individuals and capitalizing on members’ strengths. Teams are determined at the start of the fall semester and are blended with diversity in mind.

Communication skills are important assets in the work place. The Iowa State MBA program gives students the chance to improve their communication techniques through its classroom format. Class sizes are small, with 35-40 students per class. Interaction between students and faculty is considered an essential component to the classroom experience. Students are expected to raise questions and actively participate in discussions in class. Case studies, projects, and presentations are regular assignments, improving students’ critical thinking and public speaking skills. 

Admission

Unique to our part-time students, admission into the MBA program is available for fall, spring or summer. You must be employed on a full-time basis and have a bachelor’s degree in any major from an accredited institution to be considered for part-time admission. The GMAT exam is mandatory for all applicants.  Although not an absolute minimum, a score of at least 500 on the GMAT is generally expected for admission.

Application Tips

Download an informational presentation containing MBA application tips.

 Successful Start Program

At Iowa State University, we want to provide you with the tools for success.  From the application process to preparing for your first MBA class, the ISU MBA will position you to achieve your goals.  Free GMAT study guides, online MBA prep courses and computer tutorials are all part of the Iowa State University MBA Successful Start Program. 

Learn More

To learn more about the ISU part-time MBA program and have your questions answered, we hold informational events throughout the year. Please click on “Informational Events” to register for an informational session.  Individual appointments are also available in Ames, Des Moines, and West Des Moines.  Please call (515) 294-8118 to schedule an appointment.