EMBA: What Is an Executive MBA?

EMBA stands for executive master of business administration, a graduate degree program offered by business schools, similar to a master of business administration (MBA) program but geared towards working professionals.

Executive MBA programs focus on improving EMBA students’ expertise and leadership skills, which they can apply to their everyday work experience. The typical student continues to work full-time and completes the program part-time through evening, weekend, and online EMBA classes.

Though the core curriculum of EMBA programs and MBA programs are similar, there are several key distinctions between the two:

• Admissions: MBA programs require you to take the Graduate Management Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before applying and have a few years of work experience. The EMBA program admission process usually involves an Executive Assessment (EA) and many years of work experience.
• Coursework: Though both programs focus on aspects of business administration (such as business analytics, entrepreneurship, and supply-chain management), your coursework in an EMBA program includes more specialized electives than MBA degree coursework, making it possible to customize your learning experience.
• Expense: A top-tier EMBA degree can cost between $100,000 and $200,000. In comparison, the average cost of an MBA runs from $50,000–$160,000 and may cost as little as $15,000. Because of the high price, some EMBA students receive financial aid from their employers.
• Length of program: The learning experience of a full-time MBA graduate program lasts about a year. An EMBA graduate school program considers your working life, spreading your executive education out over an eighteen- to twenty-four–month program.
• Purpose of degree: If you’re considering an EMBA, you should already have a job in your field and many years of work experience. An EMBA helps business leaders like yourself increase their business management skills and promotes further career development. While some job experience can be helpful for any business student, full-time MBA candidates are likely to be earlier in their careers or transitioning careers.
• Type of degree: MBA and EMBA students receive a Master of Business Administration when they graduate. Occasionally, schools add the word “Executive” to the EMBA program degree. In addition, MBA students must select a major, while EMBA students don’t.
• Type of student: Students in an EMBA program tend to be older (on average thirty-eight years old, as compared to twenty-eight for an MBA student) and possess years of management experience compared to MBA grads. EMBA students typically continue to work while learning, while MBA students focus solely on school and spend summers on internships.

Pursuing an EMBA can be costly and requires a time commitment, but it offers some clear advantages for full-time workers, such as:

1. 1. Accessible learning: Many EMBA programs offer classes in various formats, including in-person and online, making it easier to participate from wherever you are.
2. 2. Flexible learning: You can learn at your own pace while you make a living, earning your degree around your busy schedule.
3. 3. Growth potential: The 2019 EMBAC Student Exit Survey shows that 40 percent of EMBA graduates receive a promotion. As an EMBA grad, you’re more likely to advance your career or start your own company.
4. 4. Increased salary: On average, EMBA graduates receive a 51 percent increase in salary over nongraduates.
5. 5. Networking opportunities: An EMBA program introduces you to contacts in your field, helping you build an alumni network of peers and mentors. In addition, many schools offer students access to information sessions and events particular to their field.

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