Executive Online MBA

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

While the traditional MBA program is built on the fundamentals of business, the Executive MBA, on the other hand, provides students of the program with a better understanding of the many nuances of business. This program focuses on tools, technologies, methodologies, research, and data, to help graduates make informed and strategic business decisions, improving profitability. This can be achieved by leveraging and building on the work experience that Executive MBA students would already have at the start of their program (they are expected to have considerable prior work experience).

With fewer electives to choose from, the Executive MBA differs slightly from the traditional MBA, which offers many electives and combinations of coursework. An Executive MBA also allows students to align their personal, educational, and professional experience with their career objectives and goals. The program’s main aim is to develop student’s analytical, critical, and problem-solving skills and prepare them for changes, disruptions, competition, challenges, and issues in the business world. With this degree, experienced professionals can take on greater responsibility, improve their career prospects, take on new leadership roles, or earn higher salaries.

Curriculum and Coursework

The EMBA syllabus is largely the same across concentrations and programs. The curricula of most programs overlap, and courses are often based on the basics of business and administration, such as marketing, finance, accounting, operations, human resources, etc. Some of the common courses students can expect in an online Executive MBA are:

Administrative Control

This course explores organizational governance, strategic decision-making, and leadership structures. Participants delve into frameworks for effective control, emphasizing regulatory compliance, risk management, and ethical considerations. This course equips executives with skills to navigate complex business environments and optimize organizational performance.

International Business Management

This course focuses on global market dynamics, cross-cultural management, and international strategic planning. Executives gain insights into navigating diverse business landscapes, managing global teams, and devising effective market entry strategies. This course equips leaders to make informed decisions in the complex realm of international business.

Managerial Leadership and Productivity

In this course, executives develop advanced leadership skills to enhance team productivity. The curriculum covers strategic leadership, team dynamics, and organizational behavior, enabling participants to drive effective management, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable productivity in dynamic business environments.

Professional Ethics and Practice in Business

This course explores ethical decision-making in complex business scenarios. Executives delve into ethical frameworks, corporate social responsibility, and business integrity, enhancing their ability to navigate moral challenges and foster ethical practices in organizational settings.

Strategy Formulation

This course delves into creating effective business strategies. Executives explore strategic management frameworks, industry analysis, and organizational alignment. This course equips leaders with the skills to formulate and implement robust business strategies that drive competitive advantage and organizational success in dynamic markets.

Some of the core courses in an Executive MBA program may include:

• Organizational Design
• Business Foundations
• Exploring Regional Markets
• Entering New Markets
• Executing In Global Markets
• Corporate Global Strategy
• Financial Accounting & Analysis
• Leadership and Change Management
• Statistics for Business Decision-Making
• Basic Accounting for Managerial and Financial Control
• Effective Negotiations
• Financial Management
• Management Communications
• Supply Chain Management
• Legal Environment of Business
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Managerial Finance
• Business Analytics
• Finance and Economics
• Leadership and Teams
• Marketing Strategy and Planning
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategy and Innovation
• Business Economics for the World Market
• Managing Human Capital
• Data Analytics and Statistics for Business
• Digital Transformation with Information Systems and Technology
• Micro and Macro Economic Foundations for Managers
• Management Information Systems
• Integrative Analysis in Management
• Statistical Applications in Research and Management
• Accounting for Managerial Decisions
• Ethical and Societal Issues in Business
• Supply Chain Strategy and Practice
• Ethnographic Research Methods
• Globalization and the Arts
• Managing Communities of Work
• Operations Management
• Shared History of Slavery and Capitalism
• Analytical Tools for Strategic Decision-Making
• Career Planning and Development
• Strategic Marketing Analysis and Concepts
• Business Law and Negotiations
• Business Policy and Strategy
• Statistical Methods in Business and Economics

Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained

Working professionals with an Executive MBA will demonstrate the ability to manage and drive business functions at advanced or higher levels. Additionally, graduates of the program will:

• have a better understanding of the fundamentals of business policy, operations, finance, and administration;
• use data and integrate business information with business goals and strategies;
• understand organizational behavior and managerial responses to channel human resources effectively;
• solve problems and make decisions in a variety of business situations by understanding and applying critical and analytical thinking;
• effectively use managerial economics and financial management to strengthen margins and drive profitability;
• incorporate information systems for managerial decision-making as well as analytical tools and technology for organizational support;
• oversee business operations in a global environment, and can effectively manage supply chains;
• understand and factor ethical and social perspectives that could influence decision-making and business outcomes;
• effectively use marketing management in cross-functional and marketing-oriented businesses; and
• formulate policy and improve strategic development to help the organization meet its goals and objectives.

Executive MBA Degree Types

The format of online Executive MBA programs differs according to college and the type of program. Business schools put together EMBA programs that aim to suit working professionals who may already be pressed for time, have work-related stress, and have families to attend to. Students can choose between full-time Executive MBA vs. part-time Execute MBA programs, which can take anywhere from 18 to 60 months to complete, depending on the format. And while some Universities deliver their courses entirely online, others take a hybrid route and require students to meet on campus at least once or twice a week. A few also expect students to attend a two-week on-campus practicum towards the end of their program.

Another common format some colleges follow is the cohort-based Executive MBA program – in which all students begin the program simultaneously, attend the same classes, and go through the entire program with the same group of people right up to graduation. Weekly synchronous sessions with high-quality video and audio for optimal interaction, recorded sessions for subsequent viewing, delivery of courses entirely through online sessions, and weekly or periodic on-campus meetings are various formats of delivery of an Executive MBA.

Courses in the EMBA program are evenly distributed across semesters and sequenced to assure continuity in learning through synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid delivery systems.

Executive MBA qualifications and eligibility criteria are unlike those of other Master’s programs. Many business schools will require students to have at least two years of professional experience, but some ask for 7 to 10 years, of which about 5 to 7 years should be in managerial or leadership roles. Some other schools may ask the applicant to show support from their employer, either financially, timewise, or both. In general, however, Executive MBA admission requirements are as follows:

• Application Form and Application Fee
• Official Academic Transcripts
• Professional Résumé
• Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
• 2 to 3 Letters of Recommendation

Eligibility Criteria:

• An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or University.
• A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is recommended but not required.

Important Points to Note:

• Some candidates may have to attend a Personal Interview.
• Executive MBA programs generally require applicants to submit standardized GMAT or GRE test scores. However, some schools either altogether waive this requirement or do so under certain conditions. For example, a school may waive the GMAT/GRE score requirement if the applicant has a prior Master’s Degree or a Professional Degree (JD, MD, DVM). Some schools also waive this requirement for students who have an active Professional License [Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), or Professional Engineer (PE)].

Many working professionals look for online Executive MBA No GMAT programs to avoid having to (again) prepare for the GMAT or the GRE. Most business schools require a standardized test score, such as the GMAT or GRE, to be submitted at the time of application, but this requirement depends on certain conditions in reality. For example, some schools waive the GMAT/GRE score if the applicant has at least 8 to 10 years of work experience. Others offer a waiver to students with another Master’s Degree, Professional Degree, or Professional License. 

Some examples of schools that offer waivers or do not require GMAT/GRE scores are the

• University of North Alabama School of Business⁴
• University of Nevada, Reno⁵
• Sullivan University Graduate School⁶

Accreditation for Online Executive MBA Programs

Accredited Executive MBA programs continuously meet certain established quality standards determined by accrediting bodies in academics, assessment, faculty qualifications, and student services. Accreditation is also an endorsement that an Executive MBA program imparts the required education and skills to prepare graduates for professional careers in the business world and trains them to tackle complex real-world problems in business. There are broadly two types of accreditations for the Executive MBA – programmatic, in which a program is recognized and accredited, and regional, in which a college offering the Executive MBA program is accredited. Some such accrediting organizations are:

1. Programmatic:
   • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)⁷
   • International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)⁸
   • Association of MBAs (AMBA)⁹
   • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)¹⁰
   • European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) – EQUIS Accreditation¹¹
2. Regional:
   • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
   • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
   • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
   • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
   • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The Accreditation Guide provides detailed information on the many advantages of accreditation and its importance.

With MBA programs costing the proverbial arm and leg, free online Executive MBA programs are much sought after. Unfortunately, no online portals and institutions offer free MBA programs, except one – the University of the People. While the MBA program by this University provides students with the many advantages of a traditional (and paid) MBA program without the cost, it may not be well recognized by the job market (accreditation could not be confirmed). A search online will bring up several free MBA courses, none of which will lead to credible EMBA degrees but could nevertheless help interested MBA students and graduates. Some examples are:

Financing these endeavors requires careful consideration as the costs of online Executive MBA programs rise annually. This introduction explores the escalating expenses associated with these programs, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning before enrolling. It delves into various payment options and financial strategies, providing insights to help prospective students navigate the evolving Executive MBA program expenses landscape.

Scholarships

Scholarships are often given to students who have excelled academically. Sometimes, families, small enterprises, non-profit, cultural, or religious organizations offer them to students who meet their specific eligibility criteria. However, in the context of an Executive MBA, few organizations or even universities provide Scholarships. Large corporations commonly give them out to deserving professionals who have considerable experience, have contributed to the business, or have an impressive track record. In some instances, Disability Scholarships, African American Scholarships, Scholarships for Women, and other such scholarships that cater to specific sections of society also cover Executive MBA programs. (It is easy to fall prey to Scholarship Scams, so scholarship applicants should exercise caution).

Grants

Grants are typically offered to low-income students to assist them in financing tuition fees and meet educational and student-related expenses such as housing, transportation, books, stationery, etc. Grants are nearly always provided exclusively based on financial necessity. However, Executive MBA aspirants may not qualify for grants unless they can prove their income is insufficient to support themselves (and their families) and pay for tuition.

Employer Sponsorship

Many employers allow their employees to work and study simultaneously; some even sponsor their additional/advanced education under specific circumstances. Applicants to Executive MBA programs should check with their employers to see if they offer sponsorship.

Loans

Executive MBA aspirants may be eligible to apply for federal, bank, or private loans to pay for their tuition. Working professionals who take this funding route should find it easy to obtain and repay a loan on time.

Payment Plans

Some colleges allow students to pay for their tuition over a longer period through equated or incremental payments instead of as a lump sum at the beginning of the term. This could be beneficial for salaried individuals pursuing an Executive MBA.

FAFSA

FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a nifty tool to see if students are eligible for financial aid across a chosen set of universities. A complete guide to FAFSA is available here.

Scholarships for Executive MBA Students

Securing financial aid through scholarships serves as a vital resource, easing the financial challenges of advanced education. These merit-based awards, customized to accomplishments or specific criteria, are available from institutions, corporations, and organizations. They contribute significantly to enhancing accessibility to Executive MBA programs and nurturing diverse talents within the business sector.

Promotions, high-profile jobs, and fat paychecks are some of the many benefits of the Executive MBA program. There are many roles that graduates of an online Executive MBA can take up in several sectors, such as automobiles, food and beverage, information technology, biotechnology, aviation, commodity trading, insurance, social media, digital marketing, advertising, branding, and much more. Although job titles may vary by company and sector, here are some common ones EMBA graduates can step into:

Certifications acknowledge and endorse the level and depth of a graduate’s knowledge and skills, adding value to a Professional Résumé. Adding extra credentials can be beneficial in certain work settings and improve career prospects in general. Although there aren’t any specific certifications tailored for online Executive MBA graduates, the ones applicable to traditional MBA graduates will do just as well. Some such certifications for EMBA graduates to consider include:

Project Management Professional (PMP)²³

The PMP certification recognizes individuals skilled in managing people, processes, and business priorities within professional projects. Established by PMI, the primary authority on project management, PMP recognizes project managers with proven leadership experience and proficiency in various working methodologies.

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt²⁴

A Certified Six Sigma Black Belt proficiently articulates Six Sigma philosophies, principles, and supporting systems/tools. They comprehend team dynamics and allocate roles and responsibilities by demonstrating adept team leadership. Possessing comprehensive knowledge of the DMAIC model and lean enterprise concepts, they identify non-value-added elements and efficiently utilize specific tools following Six Sigma principles.

Executive MBA graduates usually do not require any licensure. But in certain circumstances, jobs in accounting, for example, the certification, leads to automatic licensure (such as the CFA and CPA).

In the business world, networking holds the key to endless possibilities. By connecting and collaborating with peers, EMBA graduates can consolidate business knowledge, expand their network, and broaden their perspective, stretching well beyond their current industry. Tapping into networks and resources can also enhance one’s skill set to reach the next level of success in one’s career. Here are some ideal ways for online Executive MBA students and graduates to get started:

1. MBA Depot²⁵
   MBA Depot centers on MBA-related content, offering valuable insights for those interested in MBA education. The site’s core objective is to sift through internet noise, presenting noteworthy information to all visitors. Curating the best management articles, the platform ensures a time-efficient way to stay abreast of cutting-edge management thinking, complemented by original and member/partner-contributed content.
2. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)²⁶
   The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is mainly an accrediting organization that connects educators, learners, and businesses to create the next generation of leaders. The organization also conducts events, conferences, webinars, and seminars and provides insights, data trends, and research reports in business and business education.
3. LinkedIn²⁷
   LinkedIn is to businesses what Facebook is to people in general. LinkedIn is arguably the best place to connect with industry professionals, job seekers, recruiters, and project partners. Members can manage their professional identity, engage with a growing network of peers, and easily access knowledge, insights, and opportunities.
4. Executive MBA Council (EMBAC)²⁸
   Like the AACSB, the Executive MBA Council (EMBAC) is also an accrediting organization, particularly for EMBA programs. The council periodically conducts market research and surveys, meetings, and webinars. With its presence in 35 countries and 300 members of EMBA programs, this site is a great way to stay up to date with the latest in the world of EMBA.
5. Association of MBAs (AMBA)²⁹
   The Association of MBAs (AMBA) is home to several resources for both students and graduates of EMBA. This site offers much, from a development network to a book club to commercial opportunities and insights.