An MBA in less than a year through the 11-Month MBA at the University of Colorado Denver Business School (CU Denver)

Students learn advanced business fundamentals in a dynamic, highly productive environment that promotes leadership development, productivity and time management - all necessary skills for success in today's business environment. Students in the 11-Month MBA program take all the courses required in the Professional MBA program at the University of Colorado Denver. The only difference between the 11-Month MBA program and a more traditional MBA program is its structure: The 11-Month MBA is a full-time, accelerated program that allows students to complete a degree in less than one year. Students in the 11-Month MBA program complete all their classes as a cohort and may not tailor electives to complete a specialization. Special topics courses in the 11-Month MBA program are chosen to give students a broad understanding of business skills and current "hot" business topics. Quantitative and qualitative coursework is balanced throughout the 11-Month program to even out the workload while retaining all of the content of a traditional two-year MBA. 11-Month MBA students earn a respected, fully accredited degree and can return to the workforce in less than one year.

The 11-Month MBA program is an accelerated, cohort-based general MBA. In order to ensure all students are academically prepared and have comprehensive business education, the courses for students are predetermined. Students cannot complete areas of specialization within the framework of the program, but they can take additional courses to earn a certificate or dual MBA-MS degree after they complete the 11-Month MBA program. There are a number of specializations offered by the university that all students successfully completing the 11-Month MBA program may wish to take, including: accounting, finance, decision sciences, information systems, international business, management or marketing.

Students in the 11-Month MBA program interested in areas of specialization or dual degrees can earn a second master‘s degree at the University of Colorado by completing as few as six additional courses. The current dual degree (MBA-MS) options include MS degrees in accounting, finance, decision sciences, information systems, international business, management or marketing.

You do not need to decide whether you want to complete a dual degree right away—you just need to decide before graduating from the 11-Month MBA program. Special academic advisors are brought in throughout the course of the 11-Month MBA program to discuss dual degrees and answer any questions that students may have about the options to extend their studies at the University of Colorado Denver.

Classes in the 11-Month MBA program are similar in content to the courses taught in other on-campus degree programs at the university, but they are taught in a compressed format to meet the unique demands of completing a fully accredited MBA in less than one year. The 11-Month MBA classes are taught by the same professors who teach in other degree programs, but they are customized to immerse students in a dynamic, hands-on learning community.

Students complete all their coursework together as a cohort. This gives professors the opportunity to encourage students to learn from each other and to apply concepts across disciplines. Most 11-Month MBA classes require students to work in project teams, further encouraging them to share knowledge, support each other and collaborate effectively in ways that mirror the demands of real-world business challenges.

The unique nature of the 11-Month MBA isn‘t just faster; it‘s more dynamic than traditional approaches to an MBA education. The 11-Month MBA provides an immersive learning environment where students earn a fully accredited MBA degree in less than half the time of a traditional, two-year MBA program

There are typically between 35 and 40 students in each 11-Month MBA cohort class, creating a close-knit classroom atmosphere where students can get to know one another, learn from each other‘s professional experiences, and meaningfully interact with their professors. Students in the 11-Month MBA take all their courses together and earn fully accredited degrees in an immersive learning environment that emphasizes real-world skills development.

The 11-Month Program is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). Less than 15 percent of business programs are accredited by AACSB worldwide. And we are one of the few schools in Colorado that is accredited at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Here is what some of out alumni have said about the 11-Month MBA Program:

Choosing the 11-Month MBA program was a good career decision. Employers do take note of the dedication and hard work required to complete such an intensive program. I believe I would not have been given the opportunity to run an entire resort at such an early stage in my career had it not been for my MBA."

Breck, (’02) General Manager, Forest Suites Resort, CA

The 11-month MBA program was the best decision I have ever made. Not only was it an excellent academic experience, but it was also a wonderful networking opportunity. The relationships I've formed with classmates and alumni are invaluable. Without their support, my business would not be nearly as successful as it is."

Amy, (‘03) Owner, Aspire Day Spa, CO

The accelerated schedule of the 11-Month MBA allowed me to be intensely focused on learning the MBA program content, while minimizing on-the-job downtime. Though demanding, the business and behavioral skills & knowledge I attained in the 11-month MBA program have allowed me to direct my career in a new direction. This program permitted me to bridge the gap between on-the-job experience and business theory."

Lou, (‘03) Director of Operations, Sonora Entertainment Group, CO

Working so closely with the same group of people for the duration of the program added something to the learning process that I hadn't experienced before. Each of us was able to draw on and share our experiences, ultimately allowing us to learn far more than professors or text books alone could teach."

Michael, (’04) Analyst, Oppenheimer Funds, CO

The compressed curriculum and team-oriented focus of CU’s 11-Month MBA program was perfect preparation for managing the numerous, multi-dimensional projects and demanding deadlines in my new career. My experience in meeting the challenges of the 11-Month program has provided me with the ability to plan these projects with confidence and accuracy as well as to develop the team dynamics needed for each project to succeed."

Rachel, (’04) Fund Management Group, Prologis, CO

The 11-Month MBA was a good program for me. The international exposure was very beneficial, as I work and travel internationally in my current position. The global economy is knocking down borders at an ever increasing pace, and those who know how to work effectively with other cultures will have a leg up on those who don't."

Wes, (‘02) Business Development and Product Manager, IBM, CO

Among the aspects of the 11-Month MBA that convinced me to attend the program was the strong emphasis on teamwork, a curriculum with an international perspective, and the fact that it is an accredited program. The experience of living and working in another country and culture was a part of my decision too. It has been an incredible experience and I have gotten a lot of new friends. Shortly after I returned to Denmark, I was promoted and have participated in formulating the company’s new vision and strategies. The contacts and knowledge specifically about US business and culture gained as integral parts of my MBA have been a deciding factor in the company’s revised strategy."

Flemming, (’04) Vice President, Leif Hansen Consulting Engineers, Denmark

The 11-Month MBA program is a full-time, accelerated program that delivers the value of a traditional, two-year MBA in less than half the time by immersing students in a learning community. It is an efficient way to update and broaden your skills and get you back into the work world quickly. Students spend 20 hours a week in the classroom, and an additional 20 hours outside the classroom preparing for class and working on homework.

Since the 11-Month program is a full-time, accelerated program, it is very demanding academically. Students decide independently whether to work and how much to work, but most students chose not to work for the duration or, if necessary, to restrict their work schedules to 10 hours per week or fewer. Completing a full MBA in less than a year is a rigorous process, and it takes a significant investment of time.

Because the program moves quickly and covers all the skills and core coursework associated with a traditional two-year MBA, students should expect no fewer than 15 to 20 hours of outside coursework time.

Because of the cohort structure of the program, credits cannot be transferred into the program, but may be transferred out of the program if need be.

The 11-Month MBA is a lock-step, cohort program that only accepts students in the fall for the program full time. The structure of the program is what allows us to provide a unique, high-quality MBA option that gets students back into the workforce in just under a year.

It is possible to take additional coursework that will help you build your skills, though it is done outside of the 11-Month MBA program schedule. Credits cannot be transferred in, nor can elective classes substitute in for the required 11-Month MBA curriculum. Part of the 11-Month MBA experience is the lock-step, cohort nature of the program. Students commonly chose to do a dual degree, earning an MBA and MS in the business specialization of their choice. Students can also take elective coursework to earn a post-MBA specialization. For both these options, students complete the MBA first, and then tackle additional coursework.

It is possible to take additional coursework that will help you build your skills, though it is done outside the 11-Month MBA program schedule. Credits cannot be transferred in, nor can elective classes substitute in for the required 11-Month MBA curriculum. Part of the 11-Month MBA experience is the lock-step, cohort nature of the program. Students commonly chose to do a dual degree, earning an MBA and MS in the business specialization of their choice. Students can also take elective coursework to earn a post-MBA specialization. For both these options students complete the MBA first, and then tackle additional coursework.

In a cohort program, students take all their classes together. This has many benefits, e.g., allowing students to learn more from each other and allowing professors to build on past learning since all students enter each set of classes with the same academic preparation. Because we intentionally put together classes of people with diverse experience across industries and job functions, students contribute their experience about how different concepts from class apply in real life. This contributes depth to this fast-paced program and often leads to life-long friendships and professional collaborations among classmates.

The international course abroad is mandatory in order to graduate from the 11-Month MBA program. It provides students with on-the-ground experience in doing business internationally, which is critical in today‘s global economy. During the international course, students do site visits and meet with business leaders, learn about different cultural and business practices firsthand, and gain deeper insight into the challenges of managing global businesses. Many alumni report that the intensive two weeks abroad is an exceptionally powerful learning experience—and a highlight of the program.

Absolutely…in fact that‘s the number-one reason people come to our program! Because our program is a general MBA, students are well-prepared across disciplines to hit the ground running after graduation. We also have an on-site career development professional dedicated to helping 11-Month MBA students plan and prepare for career changes. Our close alumni network supports students in their transitions as well, often providing mentorship, networking, and other door-opening opportunities. The accelerated program itself is a signal to future employers that you are hard-working and that you are a disciplined, ambitious learner. An MBA degree also tells employer that you are come prepared to strategize and contribute to your organizations at a strategic level. These skills are especially critical today when employers are trying to stretch their budgets and seeking high-impact employees.