Difference Between Executive MBA And MBA

Introduction

Executive MBA Programs are developed to meet the educational needs of managers, executives, and other business leaders. They allow professionals to earn an MBA or another business-related graduate degree in two years or less while continuing to work full time. Students enter the program, complete classes, and graduate with the same group of students. Programs have grown quickly in numbers and expanded throughout the world. Now more than 210 universities and colleges in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Asia, the South Pacific, and Africa offer Executive MBA Programs. For a more complete overview about the Executive MBA, visit the Executive MBA Council website.

Difference Between An MBA and an Executive MBA

The MBA and the Executive MBA, or EMBA, are similar in some ways and different in others.

Similarities

At top business schools the actual degree awarded is exactly the same. For example, at UT Dallas, the number of credit hours required, the core curriculum and the degree awarded is the same. Also, nearly all classes are taught by our distinguished PhD full-time faculty. 

Differences

Audience; Delivery Method; Focus; and Price

Audience

The “Executive” MBA was introduced in graduate schools in response to the needs of working professionals and managers who needed to return to graduate school for re-tooling, updating their knowledge, and revitalizing their career mobility options. This audience was working full-time, in the mid-stage of their careers and simply unable to attend classes during the day or consistently attend classes several evenings during the work week. The “regular” or “professional MBA, or “MBAs for working professionals” programs accommodate students with all levels of work experience and typically tend to attract those in the beginning stages of their careers.

Delivery

The first EMBA programs offered classes every other weekend to make graduate management education available to this audience. In recent years with the development of interactive technologies, the delivery methods for EMBA programs have become more diversified to further accommodate the need for working professionals and managers to balance their work, travel, family and academic pursuits. The delivery of “regular” or “professional” MBA programs vary and range from full time day classes, part time evening classes, and, in recent years, to complete online delivery. Classes may or may not be offered in a cohort format or incorporate team based learning. Also, class sizes are often larger than those of EMBA programs.

Focus

Because of their work experience, the EMBA audiences are past the ramp-up stage in their career and bring more experiential on-the-job knowledge to the learning environment. EMBA programs follow adult learning models and organize the program into cohorts—everyone follows the same curriculum with the same set of student colleagues---and incorporates team learning experiences to capitalize on shared knowledge and an applied focus so that learning can be readily applied. Additionally, beyond acquiring general management knowledge, many EMBA programs offer leadership and personal skill development opportunities. Today, the need for MBA knowledge is essential for managers to contribute more effectively and to maintain career vitality. In recent years, several graduate schools have begun to offer EMBA specializations to address specific business and career development. Because “regular” or “professional” MBA programs accommodate students with all levels of work experience, the focus is often a general curriculum with options for electives.

Price

Depending upon the institution, the tuition for EMBA programs is often higher than for MBA programs.

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