Student perspectives on recruitment and retention in part time MBA programs

The MBA market is becoming increasingly competitive, posing a threat to existing programs. Business schools need to determine what today’s MBA candidates are seeking and provide attractive offerings that students see as worth the investment. This case study used focus groups to determine what prospective MBA students are looking for in a graduate business program, along with determining factors that impact retention. Results indicated three main themes: flexibility, engagement, and business operations.

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Publication Details

Journal
Discover Education
Published
2026-02-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-026-01278-3
Primary Topic
Management and Marketing Education
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Student perspectives on recruitment and retention in part time MBA programs

Amber K. Gray, Joey-Lynn Bialkowski-Peterson, Kimberly L. Schave
Discover Education
Management and Marketing Education
article

Student perspectives on recruitment and retention in part time MBA programs

Amber K. Gray, Joey-Lynn Bialkowski-Peterson, Kimberly L. Schave
article en

Abstract

The MBA market is becoming increasingly competitive, posing a threat to existing programs. Business schools need to determine what today’s MBA candidates are seeking and provide attractive offerings that students see as worth the investment. This case study used focus groups to determine what prospective MBA students are looking for in a graduate business program, along with determining factors that impact retention. Results indicated three main themes: flexibility, engagement, and business operations.

Discover Education
Concordia University Wisconsin (US), University of Wisconsin System (US), Concordia University Ann Arbor (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 46%
Management and Marketing Education
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