What Is an Executive MBA Degree?
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 typically only admit students who are already employed and have significant professional experience. Many students in eMBA programs are sponsored by their employers.
Executive programs 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.
Choosing a Program
Students should choose an eMBA program that offers coursework and concentrations aligned with their interests and goals. 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. For more information on school selection, check out the link below.
What Else 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.
Top executives lead companies and organizations, making decisions about organizational policies, goals, and processes. Sometimes called C-level executives, they may also make hiring decisions for managerial positions, review financial reports, and determine ways to increase revenue or company performance.
These positions often require an advanced degree and significant relevant experience. Top executives also need strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Source: BLS
Median Salary:
$104,690
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029):
6%
Administrative Services Managers oversee staff and make decisions about company goals and safety. They may also manage employee records and ensure company procedures adhere to health and environmental standards. These careers exist across industries like healthcare, education, finance, and government.
Administrative services managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree and relevant professional experience. They also need strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Source: BLS
Median Salary:
$96,940
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029):
7%
Postsecondary education administrators usually work in student affairs, admissions, or the registrar's office in higher education institutions. Admissions administrators make decisions about enrollment, reach out to potential applicants, and help students with applications. Administrators in a school's registrar's office manage courses and registration, while student affairs administrators plan and organize student activities.
All of these professionals typically need an advanced degree and relevant experience. They also need strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Source: BLS
Median Salary:
$95,410
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029):
7%
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.
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.
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.
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.
