Online executive MBA (eMBA) programs allow working professionals to advance their career prospects without disrupting their professional responsibilities.
Executive MBA programs are designed for business and management professionals who are already well established in their careers. Unlike an MBA program, eMBA programs usually operate part time, holding class in the evening or on weekends to accomodate the schedules of working professionals.
The curriculum in an eMBA program covers advanced administrative techniques, training graduates for executive positions like CEO or chief operating officer after graduation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), top executives earn a median annual salary of $104,690. While MBA and eMBA programs end in the same degree, eMBA programs are best suited to more experienced professionals, due to the speed at which they are taught. Less experienced professionals should stick with classic MBA programs.
This page ranks the best executive MBA programs available online. You can also find guidance about potential career opportunities and information about what to expect while pursuing an executive MBA online.
#1 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA |
#2 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ |
#3 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN |
#4 | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA |
#5 | Howard University | Washington, DC |
#6 | Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge, LA |
#7 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL |
#8 | Ohio University | Athens, OH |
#9 | Washington State University | Pullman, WA |
#10 | University of Nevada – Reno | Reno, NV |
The Best Online Executive MBA Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
University of Iowa |
Iowa City, IA Apply Now | ||
2 |
University of Arizona |
Tucson, AZ Apply Now | ||
3 |
Purdue University |
West Lafayette, IN Apply Now | ||
4 |
Temple University |
Philadelphia, PA Apply Now | ||
5 |
Howard University |
Washington, DC Apply Now | ||
6 |
Louisiana State University |
Baton Rouge, LA Apply Now | ||
7 |
University of Miami |
Coral Gables, FL Apply Now | ||
8 |
Ohio University |
Athens, OH Apply Now | ||
9 |
Washington State University |
Pullman, WA Apply Now | ||
10 |
University of Nevada – Reno |
Reno, NV Apply Now | ||
11 |
University of Hawaii at Manoa |
Honolulu, HI Apply Now | ||
12 |
University of North Carolina Wilmington |
Wilmington, NC Apply Now | ||
13 |
Sam Houston State University |
Huntsville, TX Apply Now | ||
14 |
California Lutheran University |
Thousand Oaks, CA Apply Now | ||
15 |
Jacksonville University |
Jacksonville, FL Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!

Online Executive MBA Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
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 careers.
Online programs often deliver coursework asynchronously, without set class times. Executive MBA programs that do include in-person or synchronous components usually 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, but many programs will admit students straight from undergraduate business programs, too. They generally focus on more foundational subject matter and are designed for full-time enrollment.
Choosing an Online Program
Before choosing an executive MBA program, prospective students should consider their career goals. From there, 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.
How To Choose Your MajorWhat 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 offered 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.
MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance
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.
National Association of Women MBAs
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.
American Management Association
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.
Top Executives
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 are the main strategists of an organization, taking a bird's eye view to determine the organization's most important goals and designing strategies to meet those goals. They also hire other leaders 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.
Postsecondary Education Administrators
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.