Online executive MBA (eMBA) programs allow business professionals to advance their career while continuing to work.
These programs teach professionals with experience in business and management the advanced knowledge they need to move up in their careers.
Many professionals who enroll in eMBA programs aim for executive positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), top executives earn a median annual salary of $104,690. The BLS projects the top executive jobs will grow 6% from 2018 to 2028.
The following list ranks the best executive MBA programs that you can complete online. In addition, you can find information about what to expect from pursuing an executive MBA online and guidance about potential career opportunities.
The University of Iowa offers an accelerated, hybrid executive MBA program that takes less than two years to complete. Many students receive a 50% salary increase within five years of graduating.
Course content builds competencies in areas including business functions, corporate finance, and marketing management. Students participate in case analyses, simulations, and team presentations. They also complete an immersive, 10-day trip to China, included in the program cost, to learn about international business.
The executive MBA program features in-person classes on Fridays and Saturdays and online classes during the summer. Students can join the program's Iowa City or Des Moines cohort, with a free shuttle and discounted weekend hotel rates available for Chicago-based learners. Students must also complete one-week orientation residencies during the beginning of each academic year.
UI accepts applications to the executive MBA on a rolling basis, with early admissions decisions offered to those who apply before the priority deadline. Applicants must submit a current resume, an essay, a professional recommendation, and college transcripts. Degree candidates bring an average of 14 years of work experience to the program.
The primarily online executive MBA offered by the University of Arizona brings students together in downtown Phoenix for two intensive on-campus class days each month. Students' tuition covers accommodations and most meals for these days. Tuition also covers the program's 10-day global business experience.
The 45-credit curriculum takes 21 months to complete. Required courses include market-based management, applied business statistics, introduction to financial accounting, and business strategy. Students can tailor the degree to their interests through concentrations in:
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Healthcare management
Management and organizations
Privacy and security
Marketing
Online courses feature an asynchronous format, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Graduates can pursue leadership roles in the private, public, and government sectors.
Applicants need at least seven years of significant work experience. They must also submit two comprehensive essays, a resume, three recommendations, and official transcripts.
Purdue University offers a flexible executive MBA program that blends online learning with on-campus residencies. The 48-credit program begins in September with a 4- to 5-day orientation on campus. Students work in small teams to complete six academic modules over the course of 19 months. The sixth and final residency takes place in an international location selected by the cohort.
Required courses cover concepts in marketing, finance, and operations management. Students can tailor the degree to their interests and goals through several workshop-style courses and focused electives. Learners can pursue networking and professional development opportunities through active learning projects, company visits, and social events.
Purdue accepts executive MBA applications on a rolling basis. Applicants must provide a resume, two recommendations, GMAT scores, and academic transcripts. Applicants with substantial work experience or prior graduate education may receive a GMAT waiver.
Founded in 1884, Temple University has grown from a night school to a major research institution that hosts more than 40,000 students annually. Temple's primarily online executive MBA program requires in-person attendance in Philadelphia during one weekend a month for 16 months.
The unique, 48-credit curriculum is designed to mirror an actual workplace, with students working in teams to prepare assignments and presentations. Executive guest speakers and the integration of the latest case studies ensure students receive up-to-date insights on the business industry. Students can pursue an optional concentration in hospitality asset management.
Required courses cover concepts including valuation, business ethics, statistical analysis, and risk management. The program also incorporates a global immersion experience and a final capstone project. Graduates can pursue leadership positions in a variety of industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism.
Prospective students must hold a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and submit a current resume, GMAT scores, transcripts, a statement of goals, and contact information for references. Applicants with AACSB-accredited bachelor's degree, 7-10 years of work experience, or managerial experience may receive a GMAT waiver.
Howard University is a historically Black university that offers an online executive MBA taught by award-winning faculty. The 42-credit program offers small class sizes, flexible learning options, and completion times as brief as 18 months.
Students complete 14 courses in areas including organizational behavior and leadership, applied economics, entrepreneurship, and strategic communications. Students can optionally participate in a two-week trip to China, India, or South Africa to gain experience in an international business environment.
Prior to graduation, all degree candidates must complete a strategic management capstone, culminating in a presentation of their findings before a panel of faculty and top industry professionals.
Executive MBA applicants need at least seven years of work experience, including five in management or a senior leadership role. They must also submit a resume, a statement of interest, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. GMAT or GRE scores are recommended but not required.
Distance learners can choose from more than 80 certificates and degrees at Louisiana State University, including one of the nation's best executive MBA programs. The 36-credit program operates on a flexible, 20-month schedule. Students complete online coursework, on-campus residencies, and international immersion opportunities.
Most coursework takes place online in an asynchronous format, but students must meet on campus during one weekend per month. All students complete 15 credits of required core courses, including managerial economics, competitive strategy, and financial accounting. Students can customize the degree through one of three concentrations:
Analytics
Emerging technology
Healthcare management
The program emphasizes real-world learning through partnerships with local mission-based organizations, startups, and small enterprises in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Site visits, individual coaching sessions, and team activities provide additional leadership and professional development opportunities.
The executive MBA program accepts applications on a rolling basis for a spring semester start date. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and three years of post-baccalaureate work experience. They must also submit a current resume, GMAT or GRE scores, a personal statement, and two letters of reference.
The University of Miami offers seven online graduate degrees, including an online executive MBA designed for senior executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. The 17-month program combines live online course sessions with nine on-campus residencies. The program features a learning-by-doing curriculum, allowing students to engage in simulations, roleplay, and case studies.
Eleven required courses cover themes like strategic decision-making, cross-cultural leadership, operations management, and innovation. Students also gain experience with real-world business challenges through three integrated consulting projects.
Applicants must supply a current resume, transcripts, and one letter of recommendation. Several rounds of admission occur for each new cohort, including a preferred deadline for scholarship consideration. Accepted students bring an average of 14 years of work experience to UM's executive MBA program.
More than 2,100 students enroll in Ohio University's online graduate programs each year. The school's online MBA offers eight concentrations, including executive management. The 12-course, 35-credit program prepares graduates for business leadership careers.
Core MBA courses cover concepts in managerial finance, operations management, and accounting for executives. The executive management concentration includes three required courses: prescriptive analytics, leadership and change management, and ethics in leadership.
Most courses are asynchronous, but the program requires occasional live lectures. All online MBA students also attend one, weekend-long professional development workshop on campus.
Applicants need a regionally accredited bachelor's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and at least two years of professional experience. They must also submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a goals statement.
Washington State University offers 20 online undergraduate majors and 12 online graduate degrees, including an online executive MBA program. Online students gain access to career counseling, e-tutoring, archived webinars, and a reimbursement program.
The fully online executive MBA takes 18 months to complete. Each course lasts five weeks and allows students to choose between asynchronous and synchronous formats. Learners can also complete an optional, 10-day international business trip.
Courses cover topics like financial business tools, strategic leadership, global business, and management. Students craft a business plan as part of their final capstone. Graduates can work as chief executives, human resource managers, healthcare administrators, and financial managers.
Applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and at least five years of management experience. They must also submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, a letter of organizational support, and a statement of purpose.
The state's first institution of higher education, the University of Nevada-Reno offers online degrees and certificates in more than a dozen disciplines, including business administration. The school's online executive MBA program features a cohort model.
The 36-credit program includes classes like statistics for decision-making, financial reporting and analysis, economics of the firm, and marketing management. During a personal branding course, students learn to build and market content through social media.
Courses feature a mostly asynchronous format, but students need reliable access to a webcam and microphone for occasional live sessions. Graduates are prepared to lead organizations and manage unpredictable business environments.
Applicants to the online executive MBA program need a bachelor's degree in any major with a minimum 2.75 GPA and at least five years of work experience. They must also submit transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a primarily online executive MBA that features a synchronous format, allowing students and faculty to interact in real time.
Over 22 months, students complete 48 credits of coursework designed to sharpen skills in business, strategy, and leadership. Core courses include micro- and macroeconomic foundations for managers, marketing management, and accounting for decision-making. The program also offers concentrations in healthcare management and travel industry management.
In addition to online coursework, students must complete an intensive five-day residency during the beginning of the program and 14 on-campus class sessions in Honolulu. Residents of neighboring islands receive a stipend to help cover roundtrip airfare.
Admission to UH Manoa's executive MBA program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and at least five years of relevant work experience. Applicants must provide a resume; a statement of objectives; two letters of recommendation; and EA, GMAT, or GRE scores.
The University of North Carolina-Wilmington offers several online and hybrid degree options, including one of the best executive MBA programs in the nation. Students can complete the 42-credit program in as little as one year.
Core courses cover topics like policy and regulation, financial and managerial accounting, and information technology. Students can pursue a general track or one of four concentrations:
Business analytics
Finance
Healthcare management
International business
Students progress through the executive MBA program in small, interactive cohorts. The program requires two on-campus weekend residencies. Students must also participate in a one-week international residency at one of several locations in Europe or Asia.
UNCW considers applications on a rolling basis. Prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, at least two years of professional experience, and a GMAT score above 500. They must also submit a resume, a cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.
Sam Houston State University offers several dozen online programs, including a unique online executive MBA that prepares graduates for leadership positions in financial institutions and regulatory agencies.
The 36-credit program features mostly online coursework, but students must attend a two-week on-campus residency at the start of each fall semester. Courses include managerial communication; project management; and selected topics in money, capital, and security markets. Students culminate the degree with a comprehensive examination.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit transcripts and GMAT scores. Prospective students with a minimum 2.5 GPA may receive a GMAT waiver. Individuals with a bachelor's degree in a non-business field need at least three years of experience in a banking or regulatory position.
California Lutheran University offers an online executive MBA that takes 18 months to complete. The program prepares students to pursue leadership positions in public and private organizations.
The 48-credit program includes eight on-campus courses, seven online courses, and one travel-based course. Core courses cover five areas of expertise: leading operations, managing processes, leading people, leading strategy, and professional advancement and integration. Students can choose from two capstone projects: a comprehensive business plan for a new venture or a consulting project with a local or global organization.
New program cohorts begin each fall and spring. Applicants must submit transcripts, a current resume, GMAT scores, and one professional letter of recommendation. They must also complete an interview with the program director.
Jacksonville University offers more than a dozen online certificates and degrees, including an executive MBA in leadership development designed for mid- to senior-level managers with at least 10 years of work experience.
The 46-credit program includes 12 core courses and a leadership development specialization. The specialization builds knowledge and skills in business analytics, executive communication, and strategic change leadership. Students also complete a one-week international trip, the price of which is included in the program's tuition.
Classes meet at the Jacksonville campus one Friday and Saturday each month, but in-person attendance is not mandatory. Students unable to visit campus can access courses online, choosing from asynchronous and synchronous formats.
Applicants must submit GRE or GMAT scores, a current resume, a statement of interest, and official transcripts from prior colleges. Applicants with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and an AACSB-accredited business degree receive a GRE/GMAT waiver.
In partnership with General Motors (GM), Northwood University offers an online executive MBA customized to meet the needs of GM's corporate and dealership employees. The 36-credit program takes two years to complete.
Core courses include financial reporting, managing and leading people, and GM process improvement for managers. Students culminate the degree with a capstone project during which they address a critical business problem. The fully online program features asynchronous courses, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.
The program offers fall and spring start dates. Admission requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also complete an interview and submit a resume or CV, official undergraduate transcripts, and a writing sample.
The University of North Alabama allows students to complete an executive MBA online in just 12-18 months. The 34-credit fully online program examines topics like strategic economic analysis, responsibility in a global economy, and corporate governance.
Online students receive individualized management mentoring and the opportunity to create a professional development plan according to their own unique strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. The program features mostly asynchronous coursework delivered through Canvas.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA and at least five years of relevant work history demonstrating increasing professional responsibility. Students can begin on one of five start dates per year.
Prairie View A&M University's hybrid executive MBA program includes courses like economics in the global environment, accounting for executives, and executive communication. The 36-credit program also includes an international study abroad excursion, giving students insight into business operations in a global setting.
Learners take just one 5- to 8-week course at a time. Students complete most course content online, but they must participate in on-campus sessions during alternate Saturdays throughout the fall and spring semesters and every Saturday during summer semesters.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA and 3-5 years of leadership or managerial experience. They must also submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.
Houston Baptist University offers an online executive MBA that students can complete in 11 months. The program combines online courses with five on-campus sessions. Students can choose to complete the on-campus sessions in Houston or New York City.
The 41-credit program covers five main themes: leadership, analytics, resource management, innovation and investments, and strategy. At the end of each module, students apply their knowledge through consulting projects and directed discussions on current global business topics. Students culminate the degree with a one-week international management practicum and a capstone research project.
HBU accepts applications to the executive MBA program on a rolling basis. Prospective students need at least seven years of leadership experience. They must also submit a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and an essay.
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online executive MBA that accommodates both domestic and international graduate students.
The program includes 21 credits of core courses and nine credits of upper-level business electives. Students also complete a one-credit applied learning practicum each semester. Learners can choose from concentrations in:
Accounting
Project management
Strategic management
Entrepreneurship
Healthcare administration
Marketing
The program features mostly online coursework, but students must complete some weekend residency sessions. During residency sessions, students complete presentations, group case studies, networking opportunities, and Q&A lectures with experienced industry professionals.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students interested in the accounting concentration need a bachelor's in accounting or the completion of equivalent accounting studies.
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Ranking Methodology
Online Executive MBA Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Methodology for College Rankings
The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:
The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.
To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):
1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]
Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
Considers range of electives within that discipline
Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline
2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]
Considers education background of the faculty
Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources
3. Reputation [weight = 20%]
Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
Faculty
Curriculum
“Freshness” of academic knowledge
Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
Suitability of graduates for the workplace
4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]
Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants
5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]
Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business
6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]
Considers the following of the online classes:
Types of online technology used to deliver content
Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
Considers the following of instructors:
Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
Ratio to number of students in a class
Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees
Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.
To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:
Accreditation
Public or private status
Acceptance rate
Retention rate
Graduation rate
ACT/SAT requirements
Cost in-state / out of state
Undergrad, grad, or both offered
Region
State
City
Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!
If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.
Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org's underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article "Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS." Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the school or department's publishing activity, citations, and desirability. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: "Making Sense of College Rankings." For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!
What Is an Online Executive MBA Degree?
An online executive MBA degree allows people who work full time to pursue an MBA with the convenience and flexibility of online learning. An executive MBA provides students with the advanced management skills needed to advance their career.
Online programs often deliver coursework asynchronously, eliminating all set class times. Executive MBA programs that do include in-person or synchronous components often schedule them on weekends or evenings.
What's the Difference Between an MBA and an Executive MBA?
Universities offer executive MBA programs to working professionals with a few years of experience under their belts. These students continue to work while earning their degrees, so schools design their programs with that in mind. In addition, executive MBA programs may offer more advanced or specialized courses, as they assume that students already have foundational knowledge drawn from their work experience.
Traditional MBAs may also require some job experience, though many programs will admit students straight from undergraduate business programs, too. They generally focus on more foundational subject matter and offer full-time enrollment.
Choosing an Online Program
Before choosing an executive MBA program, prospective students should consider their career goals. Then, they can determine the knowledge and skills they need to master those goals. This process can help clarify their priorities when searching for a MBA program that works for them.
For more detailed information on how to choose an online MBA program, visit the resource linked below.
What Else Can I Expect From an Online Executive MBA Program?
Most executive MBA programs focus on leadership skills, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. Below are some common courses in online executive MBA programs
Executive MBA Curriculum
Strategic Leadership
This course explores how businesses and organizations strategize from the top down to meet goals and achieve success. Students learn about organizational design and structure and how to think about these concepts from a management position. Topics include visioning, leading change, and how to oversee an organization through mergers and acquisitions.
International Business
Professionals who work for a global company must know about tariffs, trade regulations, exchange rate regimes, and foreign capital markets. The International Business course covers those subjects from a management perspective.
Operations Management
Operations management refers to overseeing business practices to increase efficiency at an organization. Students learn about the different elements of operations management, including process design, capacity planning, forecasting, and production scheduling. This course often covers the Six Sigma operations management techniques.
Executive MBA Professional Organizations
Professional associations play an important role in launching and advancing members' careers. Students can connect with people in the industry through networking events and conferences. Many of these organizations offer scholarships or grants to help students pay for tuition. They also provide many other resources, like research about the industry.
This alliance offers student discounts for conference admission, monthly professional development webinars, and a member directory. Students can access a job board and recent job market data.
The NAWMBA connects female MBA students and professionals in the field. The association provides expansive career services, including a job board, resume tips, an interviewing guide, and career coaching.
This organization welcomes professionals working within the business and management fields. Members can take advantage of online professional development courses in topics like project management and business enhancement. They can also earn professional certifications in professional management.
Executive MBA Careers
Students pursue executive MBAs to advance their careers. They typically aim to work in leadership positions after graduating. The following section outlines three potential jobs for executive MBA graduates.
Administrative Services Managers
These professionals direct activities in management roles in healthcare facilities, educational services, local government organizations, and finance and insurance companies. Daily tasks might include managing and hiring staff, establishing goals, and creating and carrying out strategies to meet those goals.
Administrative services managers do not necessarily need an MBA to get started in the field, but an MBA can lead to lucrative roles at larger and more prestigious organizations.
Many people enroll in MBA programs because they want to earn a "C-suite" role, like CEO, chief financial officer, or chief operating officer. Top executives work as the main strategists of an organization, determining the organization's most important goals and methods to meet those goals through a bird's eye view. They hire other major figures in the company, like department managers. C-suite executives also oversee finances and an organization's general activities.
These professionals need a bachelor's or master's degree in the field. Many companies specifically look for applicants with MBAs.
Not all MBA graduates work in the private sector. Many take on top executive positions with governmental organizations or universities. Postsecondary education administrators oversee university departments. Top-level administrators work as college or university presidents, deans, or provosts. They develop academic policies and manage the overall direction of the school.
Postsecondary administrators usually need at least a master's degree. While some of these professionals earn graduate degrees in other areas, an MBA can help them with essential administrative duties.
How long does it take to complete an executive MBA program?
Executive MBA programs typically take two years to complete, although some students may need up to four years, especially if they pursue the degree part time. Sometimes universities offer accelerated programs.
Is an executive MBA worth it?
That depends on your career goals. If you want to work at a top position at a company and you believe you need more training to reach that goal, then an executive MBA can prove valuable.
What can I do with an executive MBA?
With an executive MBA, you qualify for jobs at the executive level, where your responsibilities mean leading a company or department.
Is an online executive MBA better than a campus MBA?
That depends on your needs. If you work full time, an online executive MBA is often the better option. It involves more flexibility than an on-campus MBA and allows you to study on your own time.
Is eMBA better than MBA?
Not necessarily. Both programs offer advantages for different types of students. For someone already working in the business field, an eMBA may be the best option.
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