EMBA (Executive MBA) is a postgraduate degree in business that is designed for professionals with significant work experience. EMBA programs provide students with the knowledge and skills to advance in their careers, often to executive leadership and management positions. Most EMBA programs can be completed in less than 2 years and are designed so students can earn their degree while continuing to work. This is an important part of EMBA programs as students can bring their on-the-job knowledge to the learning environment.
Students earning their EMBA come from the private, non-profit, and government sectors, and from a multitude of industries. Many universities offering EMBA programs also offer this degree through distance learning. Coursework for EMBA degree will include the foundations of business, such as finance, marketing, and accounting, and may include an emphasis on leadership and management in different business sectors.
The variety of different EMBA programs can be overwhelming - don't let it stop you! Start your search by looking at the most popular EMBA programs listed below.
The Executive MBA (EMBA) is a graduate level degree in business. Designed specifically for mid- and senior-level working professionals, these programs give students access to critical information and tools which can help them advance in their careers. From engineering to entrepreneurship, students from all fields pursue EMBAs, and each brings unique on-the-job experience from the office to the classroom. Most of these students continue to work full-time while doing so, and many receive tuition support from their employers. EMBA coursework reinforces a strong business foundation in the areas of finance, marketing and accounting, with a special emphasis on leadership training - such as globalization and strategic thinking - across all sectors. As many EMBA graduates go on to executive management positions, this training is critically important. In short, the EMBA offers middle managers an opportunity to enhance their professional development while maintaining their workplace commitments.
Similar to an MBA in many ways, the EMBA differs in that it is targeted toward mid-career professionals who plan to simultaneously work and study. Additionally, as most EMBA students have significant workforce experience, EMBA programs typically focus their curriculums on developing management skills geared toward helping graduates move up the corporate ladder into leadership roles. And while MBA candidates often pursue their degrees immediately after completing their undergraduate coursework, the EMBA targets managers with at least five years of workplace experience. Because the EMBA is aimed at full-time working students, the schedule offers more flexible hours; classes are typically offered on weeknights and weekends. Additionally, in the average EMBA program, students earn their degrees in just two years or less. And while EMBA tuition fees can be higher than those of a traditional MBA program, they also come with a significant potential perk: most employers are willing to sponsor all or part of a student's EMBA costs, provided they recognize the benefit of the degree.
Since the EMBA degree debuted 70 years ago at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the field has experienced exponential growth. Today, nearly 300 colleges and universities in over 45 countries spanning the globe offer more than 400 diverse programs tailored to individual needs. From Australia to Hong Kong, there is an EMBA program to suit the demands of every student - whether your specific interests are finance, globalization, leadership development or one of many more. By considering your own goals, and thoroughly investigating the various programs offered, students can find a program that is the best fit for their needs, goals, and schedule.
Because the EMBA degree is targeted specifically to middle managers, they receive the precise skills and training needed to advance at their particular career stage, as opposed to at a traditional MBA program, which generally cater to recent graduates. According to EMBA students and alumni, one great benefit of an EMBA program is the many unexpected networking opportunities that arise during and after completion of the degree. EMBA students each bring unique knowledge to the classroom environment, and they are encouraged to share with and learn from each other as an integral part of the program. To that end, many EMBA programs promote extensive student/team interaction, as well as valuable interaction with faculty. The result is not only a dynamic classroom experience, but also a lifetime legacy of professional and personal connections for alumni of the program.
Depending on the school, the cost of an EMBA can vary significantly: from US$25,000 and up to US$170,000. Prospective students shouldn't be scared off by the price tag, though. While the tuition fees may at first seem higher than those of a traditional MBA program, there are many options for support - from scholarships and other kind of financial aid, to tuition remission from your employer.
Because of the cost and commitment required to pursue an EMBA while working and maintaining other life commitments, the decision is a significant one. Prospective students should look for accredited programs offering a breadth and depth of academic opportunities. Of course, proximity to where you live and work is helpful for those who plan to keep their job, but there are also several online EMBA programs which can help aspiring students who can't physically attend classes. Thanks to email, computer conferencing, podcasts and online bulletin boards, students can receive a quality EMBA education through distance learning within the parameters of their own busy schedule.
An employee's decision to pursue an EMBA is an investment in his/her professional future. And one that pays off, according to results from the Graduate Management Admission Council, which recently announced that EMBA students have consistently reported high satisfaction with their programs, as well as with their future compensation levels. An EMBA will give you the knowledge and confidence to reach the next professional level, and teach you the critical thinking and strategic decision-making skills that will undoubtedly guide your career.