Created in the U.S. in the early 20th century, the M.B.A. has grown into a prestigious degree recognized worldwide.

These days, you can get your M.B.A. degree part time, by attending evening or weekend classes. Or you can attend a traditional graduate business school (or “B-school”) that offers a rigorously structured, two-year, full-time program.

With over 1,250 programs offered, M.B.A. programs vary in their course content and length of study. Find the one that's right for you.

Thinking about business school?

Unravel a few myths about business school

The M.B.A. is only for students who studied business-related subjects in their undergraduate course work.

False. Originally, the M.B.A. was designed as a two-year course for students whose undergraduate studies were not in business — such as those with backgrounds in science, engineering, and the liberal arts — who also needed to understand business practices for a career in commerce. As the M.B.A. grew in prestige, students who had studied business-related courses as undergraduates became interested in getting M.B.A.s, too.

Traditional two-year, full-time M.B.A. programs are the only ones offered.

False. While full-time courses are still the primary M.B.A. offering at universities and B-schools, today over half of all M.B.A. students worldwide study part time. In fact, part-time and distance learning programs are the fastest growing segment of the M.B.A. market.

Men are the fastest growing segment of M.B.A. students.

False. One in three M.B.A. students is a woman. Over the past decade, women have been entering M.B.A programs in increasing numbers.

Source: Business Week.