Best Online Executive MBA Programs
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While an MBA program serves new and experienced professionals alike, an executive MBA program is primarily designed for mid-career professionals and executives seeking to enhance their skills. Executive MBA programs usually attract current business professionals seeking career advancement. These programs examine key areas of business, such as accounting, organizational behavior, and project management, while preparing students for leadership roles across industries.
Because executive MBA (eMBA) programs meet the educational needs of mid-career professionals and executives, they typically only admit students who are already employed and have significant professional experience. This is because they often skip the introductory material that MBA programs cover since eMBA students have already developed that foundation through their professional experience.
If a traditional MBA better fits your needs, check out the 50 best online MBA programs.
The Best Online Executive MBA Programs
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled45,500
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,443
- Out-of-state$18,508
- In-State$4,719
- Out-of-state$18,548
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled17,499
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Alabama
- Florence, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$19,200
- In-State$6,660
- Out-of-state$13,320
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled7,702
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled20,638
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nevada-Reno
- Reno, NV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,410
- Out-of-state$22,461
- In-State$5,306
- Out-of-state$20,357
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled20,993
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Washington State University
- Pullman, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,953
- Out-of-state$24,531
- In-State$11,493
- Out-of-state$25,248
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled31,607
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Tyler
- Tyler, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,540
- Out-of-state$20,760
- In-State$5,850
- Out-of-state$14,328
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled9,617
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Honolulu, HI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,304
- Out-of-state$33,336
- In-State$15,912
- Out-of-state$37,392
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled17,490
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Southern University
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,942
- Out-of-state$20,097
- In-State$5,487
- Out-of-state$12,868
- Retention Rate53%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled9,034
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Bethel University
- McKenzie, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,188
- Out-of-state$10,188
- In-State$11,034
- Out-of-state$11,034
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled3,119
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Executive MBA
2023
Online Executive MBA Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyChoosing a Program
When selecting an eMBA program, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure the program aligns with your professional goals ad personal needs:
- Program Format: Many students in eMBA programs would benefit from flexible programs that offer part-time, online, or hybrid formats that fit the needs of someone who works full-time.
- Reputation and Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by recognized bodies, such as AACBS or EQUIS, to ensure quality and industry recognition.
- Networking Opportunities: Strong alumni networks and connections to industry professionals can help career advancement, especially for those who plan to job search following graduation.
- Support Services: Programs that offer career coaching, mentoring, and post-grad resources add significant value.
Candidates should also consider factors like graduation timelines, delivery format, cost, and admission criteria. For instance, some programs require GRE scores. Applicants without those scores need to take the exam or look at other colleges.
What Can I Expect From an Executive MBA Program?
Courses for executive MBA programs examine general MBA concepts, like organizational behavior, accounting, and business ethics, while heavily emphasizing leadership concepts, such as decision-making, economic analysis, negotiation, and strategic management. Courses vary by program, but the following section outlines some common courses found in eMBA programs.
Executive MBA Curriculum
- Ethical Leadership: This course covers ethical problem-solving and decision-making in business. Students explore the impact of culture on corporate dynamics and learn how to lead diverse teams. This class may incorporate case studies and examine models and theories of leadership.
- Strategy Implementation: In this class, students learn how to effectively implement business strategies. Students examine common employee needs during transitions and study methods for effectively communicating upcoming changes to business plans.
- Corporate Finance: This course covers common corporate finance topics, such as risk management, payout policies, pricing, and net present value. Students may also explore taxation and investment selections and learn how to use financial information for marketing and business planning.
Executive MBA Careers
Executive MBA programs prepare students for executive and administrative positions in fields like healthcare, education, government, and finance. The degree can also lead to careers in finance and human resource management. The following list outlines several common careers for eMBA graduates.
Executive MBA Professional Organizations
Executive MBA students and graduates should take advantage of professional organizations. Professional organizations offer benefits like networking, professional development, and continuing education opportunities. They may also connect members with job opportunities.
American Management Association
Members of AMA have access to certificate programs in areas like sales management, leadership, and emotional intelligence. The group also provides seminars and webinars on topics such as industry software, business writing, and networking.National Black MBA Association
This specialty group promotes the welfare of Black business professionals. It offers membership discounts on industry training and certification opportunities and delivers the Webinar Academy, which hones professional skills in time management, negotiation, and project management.MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance
This organization offers a yearly conference, webinars, and professional development opportunities. Its members also have access to a document library, an online community, and an exclusive job board.Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Executive MBA Program?
MBA programs often take 2-3 years to complete, though some schools offer accelerated timelines.
What Can I Do With an Executive MBA?
An executive MBA prepares graduates for leadership positions, such like C-level executive or administrator. These roles are found across industries, including healthcare, finance, and education.
Is an Executive MBA Full Time?
Generally, students pursue an executive MBA part time and continue working while earning the degree.
Is an eMBA Better Than a MBA?
Executive MBA programs focus heavily on preparing current professionals for leadership roles in business, while MBA programs attract new and experienced professionals alike, covering more foundational business administration topics. Which is the best degree depends on a student’s goals, experience, and interests.
Is an Executive MBA Worth It?
Executive MBA programs can lead to top-level roles with strong salary potential in a variety of industries, making these programs worth the investment for many students.
