Online, Part-Time, or Full-Time Study Options

Date 2026-04-29

Study models explained: find the right format for your goals at MCI

Online degree, part-time study, or full-time program: choosing the right study model is a key decision when planning your academic and professional future. At MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, students can choose from flexible study formats designed to fit different lifestyles, career paths, and learning preferences.

From bachelor's and master's programs to Executive Education, MCI combines academic excellence, practical relevance, and international opportunities with modern, flexible study models.

Online study: flexible and location-independent

Online study programs offer maximum flexibility. Students can access learning materials anytime and from anywhere, making it easier to combine studies with work, family, sports, or entrepreneurial activities.

At MCI, several programs are offered fully online or in online/blended formats, including:

  • Business Administration (Online)
  • Business Administration & Business Psychology (Online)
  • Digital Business & Software Engineering (Online)
  • Social, Health & Public Management (Full-Time/Online)
  • Executive Education programs (Online & hybrid formats)

Online learning at MCI includes a mix of live sessions, recorded content, group work, and digital tools such as web conferences, videos, and interactive platforms.  

Part-time study: studying while working

Part-time study (also known as studying while working) allows students to pursue a degree alongside a full-time job or other commitments. At MCI, part-time programs are structured to fit professional schedules, typically with classes held in the evenings, on Fridays, or Saturdays.

Importantly, the academic content and degree are equivalent to full-time programs – the difference lies in scheduling and organization.

Part-time study is ideal for:

  • Working professionals
  • Career changers
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Athletes or individuals with personal commitments

Students benefit from applying academic knowledge directly in their professional environment while gaining valuable work experience.

Full-time study: the classic campus experience

Full-time study is the traditional academic model, with classes typically held during weekdays. It offers a structured schedule and immersive learning experience, including close interaction with faculty and peers.

At MCI, full-time programs are offered across:

  • Business & Society
  • Technology & Life Sciences

Students benefit from hands-on projects, international exchange opportunities with over 300 partner universities, and strong career prospects.

Blended learning: combining online and on-campus study

Blended learning combines the flexibility of online education with the advantages of in-person interaction. Students participate in both digital learning formats and on-campus sessions.

This hybrid model includes:

  • Live online classes (synchronous learning)
  • Self-paced study (asynchronous learning)
  • Intensive on-campus phases

Blended learning is especially suitable for students who want flexibility without missing out on personal interaction and networking opportunities.

Dual study programs: combining theory and practice

Dual study programs integrate academic study with practical work experience in a company. At MCI, the Bachelor program Smart Building Technologies is offered in a dual format.

Students alternate between:

  • Study phases at MCI
  • Practical training phases in partner companies

Unlike part-time study, dual programs include a structured employment relationship, allowing students to gain professional experience throughout their studies.

Executive Education: flexible programs for professionals

MCI’s Executive Education offers advanced, flexible study options for experienced professionals, managers, and entrepreneurs.

Programs include:

  • Executive Bachelor (Online)
  • Executive Master programs (MBA, MSc, LL.M.)
  • PhD & DBA programs
  • Certificate programs, Micro Degrees, and Micro-Credentials
  • Masterclasses and custom-designed programs

These programs are designed to support career advancement, specialization, and leadership development while maintaining professional commitments.

Study models compared: which one is right for you?

Choosing the right study model depends on individual goals, lifestyle, and career plans:

  • Online study → maximum flexibility and independence
  • Part-time study → ideal for combining work and education
  • Full-time study → structured, immersive campus experience
  • Blended learning → balance between flexibility and interaction
  • Dual study → strong integration of theory and practice
  • Executive Education → tailored for experienced professionals

Conclusion: find your ideal study model at MCI

Whether you want to study online, part-time, full-time, or in a dual format, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® offers flexible, internationally recognized programs tailored to your needs.

With tools like the Study Finder for Bachelor and Master programs and the Executive Education Finder, as well as personalized study advising, MCI supports prospective students in finding the right path for their academic and professional future.

<p>Online, part-time or full-time: At MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, prospective students can find the study model that fits their needs ©MCI/Madeleine Gabl</p>

Online, part-time or full-time: At MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, prospective students can find the study model that fits their needs ©MCI/Madeleine Gabl

<p>Online, part-time or full-time: At MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, prospective students can find the study model that fits their needs ©MCI/Madeleine Gabl</p>
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