Lakehead Part-Time MBA - Not Just Another Self-Paced Online MBA
Earn your MBA through live, faculty-led online classes designed to keep working professionals engaged, supported, and connected, without stepping away from full-time work
Apply For Free for Fall 2026 for a limited time by using the code FGS671040!
● Live Online Classes
● Small Class Sizes
● Evening Learning Format (Eastern Time Zone)
● Designed for Working Professionals
● AACSB Accredited
Please review the FAQ section at the bottom of the page for more information about the program.
Why choose Lakehead University for your Part-Time MBA?
You know that you’ll be getting a degree from an AACSB accredited university with a strong reputation, but what makes the Lakehead MBA the right choice for you? The Lakehead Part-Time MBA strikes a fine balance between convenience and quality. The structure of the program ensures that students stay on-track, with synchronous components and deadlines that provide enough motivation while also allowing participants to balance their work and family lives. It does not require you to take regular time off work and won’t monopolize your weekends with classes.
Online lectures, breakout sessions and group work within the Lakehead MBA allow students to interact and participate in the networking component that remains a critical part of the MBA experience. The Lakehead MBA is available to students from all backgrounds with anywhere from 30 years of work experience, to none. We believe a diverse student body makes for rich discussions and a better experience for everyone.
| Typical Online MBA | Lakehead Part-Time MBA |
| Self-paced recorded lectures | Live faculty-led classes |
| Independent learning | Collaborative discussion & group work |
| Limited interaction | Real-time classroom engagement |
| Flexible but isolating | Convenient and connected |
Lakehead is AACSB-Accredited
Our faculty is among the ranks of elite business schools that have achieved certification by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
This globally-recognized hallmark of excellence guarantees a challenging and relevant curriculum delivered by the most highly-qualified faculty. Fewer than 6% of business programs worldwide are AACSB-accredited, and Lakehead University's Faculty of Business Administration is one of them.
In addition, Lakehead is one of very few business schools in Canada that concurrently hold AACSB accreditation, as well as CPA accreditation and CFA affiliate status.
Testimonials
"As a full time manager, parent and community volunteer, convenience is important to me. Completing the Lakehead MBA virtually has been a game changer. My relationships with classmates, while virtual, have been rich. I have connected socially with many classmates from all over the world. The quality of these relationships has been an unexpected benefit of this program."
Amy Kembel
Vice President,
Human Resources, Safety &
Corporate Risk/Chief Privacy Officer
Part-Time MBA Graduate
"Being able to log in and interact with my fellow students and join lecturers in the comfort of my home has made studies very interesting and reduced my stress level. I would recommend this program for my equally “busy at work” colleagues and friends."
James Adegboye
Safety Management System (SMS) Manager · De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
Part-Time MBA Graduate
"I have enjoyed the experience thus far as it has given me the opportunity to collaborate efficiently with local and international classmates and instructors. The flexible learning experience provided has been imperative to my success both academically and professionally."
Daniel Del Paggio
Commercial Account Manager, RBC
Current Part-Time MBA Student
"Every spare moment counts when you are juggling a young family, a full-time career, and school commitments simultaneously. The convenience of an online, part-time MBA program at Lakehead was absolutely the key to success in managing it all. Overall, this has been a rewarding experience."
Amanda Gerow
Performance Improvement Consultant, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Recent Part-Time MBA Graduate
FAQs
| How long does it take? |
The Part-time MBA takes a total of 3 years to complete. Students who start in the winter semester may require additional 4-6 months to completion due to the scheduling of courses aligning with a Fall start. This will not impact total fees paid. Online course offerings follow a fairly strict schedule, so students who complete the program remotely cannot fast-track their degree. |
| When are Classes? |
Students generally take 5 courses per year between the fall, winter and spring/summer semesters. Courses take place at 7pm ET in the fall and winter semesters and 6pm or 7pm ET in the spring and summer months. Completion of the capstone project does not have a regularly scheduled class, but may require you to schedule an occasional meeting during the day. |
| What format will the classes take place in? |
The majority of classes will take place virtually over Zoom. Some classes may also have a blended, hybrid format, with some students joining in-person and some joining online. Some classes may have an asynchronous component to them if appropriate, but this is not a fully asynchronous program. If you're looking for a program that you can do entirely at your own pace through correspondence, the Lakehead Online MBA might not be the best fit for you. |
| Do I need to write the GMAT? |
Quite likely. While the GMAT is a requirement for all students, some working professionals who performed exceptionally well during their Undergraduate studies at a recognized Canadian University may be considered for a waiver. Other students with a previously completed master’s degree and/or CPA/CFA/CMA designation will also be considered for a waiver. |
| Do I need an undergraduate degree in order to apply? |
Yes. You must have a 4-year honours degree in order to be eligible for admission. |
| Do I need to travel to Thunder Bay? |
We recognize that it can be extremely disruptive to our part-time students’ work and personal lives to need to travel and spend their vacation time in Thunder Bay. We do not require you to travel to Thunder Bay, but there are a few times during the program that we will highly recommend you make the trip and stay for a night or two if you are able to (mainly, orientation and Capstone Project). |
| How much does it cost? Can I be funded? |
The Lakehead MBA is competitively priced in the MBA market. The total program tuition, including fees, is approximately $1,347.11 per course, paid over 3 years for a total of 15 courses. Full breakdown of the tuition fees can be found here, including international student fees. Unfortunately, part-time students are not eligible for any funding. Costs of books/reading materials vary per course and are in addition to the above fees. |
| Can I attend in-person classes? |
It is the intention that part-time students join the online sections; however, exceptions can be made for local (Thunder Bay) students wanting to attend classes in person. In the evening, these hybrid classes may have space available in-person (pending availability). Local students wishing to join in-person classes may also able to flex their work schedules around daytime classes. |
Admission Requirements
In order to be considered, students must meet the minimum requirements to apply:
- A four (4) year degree or three (3) year degree plus five additional full-course equivalents (10 half-courses at the second year level or higher; a minimum of six courses must be at the third or fourth year level, and not already used for any degree considered for admission into this program),
- Proficiency in English Language (automatically waived for native speakers in many cases)
- Statement of Academic Intent of 750-1000 words, to outline the nature of the academic and work history, the academic and career goals, and the strengths and weaknesses of the applicant,
- Curriculum Vitae.
- GMAT or approved alternative (see below)
GMAT Minimum Requirements and Alternatives
We highly recommend writing at a testing centre.
- GMAT - Minimum 500 overall score
- GRE - Minimum 300 overall score *Note - the at-home GRE was temporarily accepted during and following the COVID-19 pandemic and will no longer be accepted.
We recommend applicants achieve a 35th percentile subscore in each area.
Students who do not submit a GMAT will be considered for conditional admission or in some cases, may have the GMAT waived. Please note that a GMAT waiver is not guaranteed and is non-negotiable. You should not email us to ask for a waiver because we automatically consider you.
GMAT Waivers
We will automatically consider all applicants for a GMAT waiver. The decision to waive GMAT is based upon your entire application. In waiving a GMAT we look for the following:
1. Prior Master's Degree
If you have completed a prior master's (or PhD) with a 75% minimum and your undergraduate meets the minimum admission requirements (4-year, honours, B Average), we will waive your GMAT. Graduates of some Master’s programs (e.g. Education, Languages, Translation, etc.) may still be required to complete a GMAT or alternative to ensure appropriate quantitative foundations.
2. Graduate of a Canadian University (Must be a member of Universities Canada) with Dean's list level achievement (80%).
- Automatically applicable to grads of a STEM or Business programs
- Graduates of some programs may require further transcript review to ensure that adequate quantitative foundational courses have been taken and may still require a GMAT or alternative
3. Professional Designation
Students with one of the following professional designations will also be considered
- P.Eng (Canada)
- CFA level 3
- CPA
- ACCA
- CHRP
- PMP
While international students are encouraged to include designations that are obtained in their home countries, please note that we aren't able to guarantee they will result in a waiver.
4. Business Skills Development Program (BSDP)
Successfully complete our BSDP over the summer prior to the start of the MBA (July & August - in person) in order to have the GMAT condition waived. To participate, applicants must have either a 75% GPA (converted) or 5+ years of work experience. Applicants are automatically considered for and offered admission to this program when applying to the MBA program
5. We do not waive GMAT based upon work experience alone.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program