Organization reports growth in business school applications

Organization reports growth in business school applications

The popularity of MBA programs was further demonstrated this week when the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reported applications for graduate business programs have increased in the past year.

The GMAC Application Trends Survey found that two-thirds of full-time MBA programs have seen more applications from potential students in 2009.

Among them, one-year full-time MBA programs experienced the strongest application growth of any MBA program type in the survey, with 69 percent reporting an increase this year.

"Our research underscores that earning a graduate business degree gives people an edge in the job market that endures despite the economic cycle," says Dave Wilson, president and chief executive officer of GMAC.

"In particular, the rise in popularity of one-year MBAs and master's programs shows that graduate management education continues to find ways through rich and innovative programming to be attractive to students," he adds.

Working adults looking to switch careers may benefit from online MBA programs, offered by institutions around the country, and which allow for flexible instruction, including evening and weekend classes.

According to recent labor market research, average salaries for MBA holders range from $73,510 to $171,583.