Anyone know the difference? In curriculum? In prestige (for resume)? My firm offers assistance to get an executive MBA (while working) at a top 10 B-School, so I am wondering what the difference is. Thanks.
EMBA is for executives who have senior management roles already (or almost senior). Most people who get EMBA’s are executives looking for that degree to push them up to upper management levels. Curriculums are pretty much the same. Most EMBA programs are on weekends while you work at the same time. For example, I believe the Wharton EMBA program is every other weekend for 2 years straight (no summer vacation), while you work. The price tag for an EMBA is significantly greater. The acceptance rate is significantly higher (e.g. 50% or more applicants are accepted at the top programs). On your resume, I believe you just write MBA, so no one will ever know the difference. In my opinion, it’s a great educational option, though I don’t have one and am not old enough/senior enough for it.
topher, The option is available to employees who have worked at the firm for 4-5 years. The firm fully pays for it, so financial reasons are not an issue. With money out of the way, and both options available, is executive mba a better route to take?
well i would go the EMBA route. but with my situation personally, it’d probably be better because: 1. I don’t think I’d be able to get into a top MBA program with my GPA. Acceptance rates are really high so there is a good chance you will be accepted. 2. If the firm is willing to shell out $100k, that’s value in and of itself. 3. You get to make money while working and stuyding, versus going to a full time MBA program where you will be accruing debt and not working. The downside though is working and studying for 2 years straight might be pretty taxing on you. Still, I believe the advantages outweigh the costs.
well, the exec mba will probably allow you to continue to work while the “regular” mba may require you to leave you job for 1-2 years. That could be a pro or a con depending on your situation:)
well, the exec mba will probably allow you to continue to work while the “regular” mba may require you to leave you job for 1-2 years. That could be a pro or a con depending on your situation:)
if executive mba acceptance rates are very high, then why is it thought of as more or even as prestigious as an mba?
well as i mentioned before, emba programs are really designed for higher ups. people who are already executives in a company don’t want to stop collecting their 6 figure salaries to go back to school if their careers are already successful. the cost is way higher - 50k/year. most applicants are experienced professionals - in most cases over 10 years of experience. all of these factors make the applicant pool smaller. now, let’s take a look at regular mba programs. these are full time programs where people who are usually younger and not as developed in their careers take 2 years off to go to school again. it’s very common for recent undergrads to work for 2 years and then apply for mba programs. this is the standard way of getting your higher educational degree. it’s just a different dynamic going on here. the applicant pools are different, and the nature of the programs are different. i think the prestige factor is the same. an emba, however, doesn’t really need the degree to get himself a new job or to break into a new industry. he is already successful. it’s just kind of like you need the degree to move up, you know? no one is doing it strictly for some tremendous educational value. they are entering emba programs to move up. also, don’t trust everything i say. i researched this a while back and you should also do your own research. i’m just speaking what i think is the case. there are other threads that discuss this and you can decide for yourself.