The Accelerated MBA at Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business is designed for professionals with prior business coursework who want to earn a full MBA degree in less time. You’ll build on your academic foundation while gaining advanced skills in leadership, analytics, and strategy.
The Accelerated MBA is designed for candidates who already have a strong business background. You may qualify if:
- You have a business-related undergraduate or graduate degree.
- You have completed the required core business courses within the last 10 years from an AACSB- or EQUIS-accredited program.
- Each course was at least 3 credit hours, and you earned a grade of B or better.
- You have 3–7 years of professional work experience related to the career acceleration or transition you seek.
Required courses for eligibility include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Microeconomics
- Operations
If you are missing one or more courses, you may be able to complete them before the program begins. Our admissions team can help you determine a path to eligibility.
The Accelerated MBA allows you to bypass select foundation courses while still earning the full Tepper School MBA degree.
Program Features
- Reduced Core Requirements: Receive credit for prior coursework and complete a refresher course in your first semester.
- Same Degree. Faster.: Graduate with the same Tepper School MBA credential as traditional students.
- Flexible Formats: Choose either the Full-Time MBA or Part-Time Online Hybrid MBA pathway.
- Lower Tuition Investment: Pay for fewer semesters while earning the same degree.
Credit Structure
- All Tepper School MBA students complete 192 units (about 6 units per course) to graduate.
- Accelerated MBA students transfer 48 units and complete 144 units at the Tepper School.
Time to Completion
- Full-Time Accelerated MBA: 12 months (16 months with internship) instead of 24 months
- Online Hybrid Accelerated MBA: 24 months instead of 32 months
Learn More About The Accelerated MBA
J.R. McGrath, Executive Director of Masters Admissions, and Madison Lewis, MBA 2025, delve into the advantages of the Tepper School's Accelerated MBA programs. Specifically designed for students with previous business coursework, discover how you can earn the same esteemed MBA degree in a shortened time frame.
Well, I chose the accelerated program because I majored in business for my undergrad degree. I had a lot of those credits already and I could study what I’m passionate about here at the Tepper School. My concentrations are in strategy, entrepreneurship and operations and after I graduate I plan to pivot to strategy within my current employer and pursue some entrepreneurial ventures, staying connected with the Swartz Center.
Sean Jepsen
MBA 2025
Compare Program Formats
Full-Time Accelerated MBA
- Designed for individuals with undergraduate business coursework
- Full on-campus experience in Pittsburgh
- Three semesters: Fall/Spring/Summer OR Fall/Spring/Summer Internship/Fall
- Classes held Monday–Thursday with varied schedules
- Full range of career services
- Typical work experience: 2–8 years
- Duration: 16 months with internship, 12 months without internship
Online Hybrid Accelerated MBA
- Designed for individuals with undergraduate business coursework
- Flexible online courses offered year-round
- Several immersive Access Weekends each year
- Full range of career services
- Duration: 24 months (August–August)