Executive MBA vs MBA: Which program is right for me?

Whether you’re in a traditional, part-time, online, or executive MBA program, the degree you receive at the end is usually the same: a Master of Business Administration. What differentiates each program’s offering is the experience and focus. 

In this article, you’ll learn about four distinctive characteristics of an executive MBA program to help you decide if pursuing one is right for you.

What is an executive MBA?

An EMBA program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their leadership skills and business understanding while working full-time.

According to the Executive MBA Council, the average EMBA student has 15 years of work experience, including 9 years of management experience. Due to this, most EMBA programs have the following characteristics:

• Flexible course formats and schedule to accommodate the full-time work schedule of mid-to-senior level managers and leaders 
• Curriculum geared toward leadership development and advanced concepts that cover all business functions 
• Global business emphasis with an international experience component 
• Cohort program experience with the same peer group throughout the program 
• Professional or concierge-like student services, including assistance with course registration and materials, dedicated program staff and centers, tailored career services, parking, meals, and others

Let’s break down these characteristics and compare them to other MBA programs.

1. Course format and schedule to fit your busy life

Courses are designed to fit into the lives of working professionals, which means minimal disruptions to work responsibilities. As a result, classes are longer, compressed into fewer sessions, and held on weekends for accelerated learning. Compare that to a full-time MBA program where you’ll be studying on campus several days a week, and part-time and online MBA programs, where you have the most flexibility to determine when and where you want to take classes.

The Carlson School’s Executive MBA program is 20 months. Classes occur on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every other week across four semesters. There are occasional back-to-back weekends during each semester. Classes are in person or can be taken synchronously online via our Zoom-integrated classrooms.

Carlson School MBA Course Format and Schedule Comparison Table

2. Curriculum tailored for experienced professionals

A traditional and part-time/online MBA program focuses on preparing you for managerial positions. If you’re preparing to start an EMBA program, you’ll likely already have significant professional experience and some managerial experience. Thus, EMBA coursework focuses on understanding the interconnections of different business functions and effective leadership.

The Carlson School’s Executive MBA curriculum is designed to improve your decision-making and problem-solving skills so you can become a more effective leader. Our program equips you with business fundamentals and a deep understanding of strategic management, focusing on the global landscape.

Carlson School MBA Curriculum Comparison Table

3. Unique cohort experience

EMBA programs are often structured using the cohort model, meaning you’ll move through the program with the same group of people. This creates a unique learning experience and networking opportunities, given each cohort member’s extensive professional experiences. Your learning journey will be enhanced by each other’s insights and perspectives. You can also create connections with those in similar leadership roles but in a different industry and/or function.

4. Program cost and return on investment

EMBA programs are usually more expensive than other MBA programs. EMBA programs often have costs covered in the tuition, such as books and course materials, parking and meals on class days, student fees, lodging, and travel for immersion weeks and/or international residencies. 

Assessing the value of an EMBA extends beyond the usual post-graduation metrics. While tangible metrics such as job transitions and salary increases can provide a valuable benchmark, the true value of an EMBA often crystallizes over the long term. As an EMBA alum, you may find yourself leveraging your enhanced skill set and expanded network to seize opportunities that may not have been available otherwise several years after graduation.

The Carlson School MBA program cost comparison table

Is an EMBA program right for me?

There are many reasons to pursue an EMBA program. Here are some common situations and motivations of those who decide to pursue the Carlson School’s EMBA program:

• You’re already in a leadership role and want to augment your expertise with formal business education. 
• You’re looking to pivot to a new industry or functional area and want to leverage the EMBA as a springboard for career reinvention. 
• You’re an entrepreneur or aspiring business owner interested in honing your entrepreneurial acumen and expanding your professional toolkit. 
• You have a strong educational background in your field (e.g., healthcare, law, or education), but you are now in a leadership role and need formal business education.

EMBA programs usually have work experience requirements and some require a GRE or GMAT score. For example, to apply for the Carlson School’s EMBA program, you must have or be: 

• Currently working full time 
• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or a comparable degree from an officially recognized college or university outside the U.S., with some exceptions
• A minimum of 6 years of full-time professional work experience 
• A minimum of 2 years of people, project, or product management is preferred 
• GMAT/GRE score is not required

Learn more about the Carlson School’s EMBA admissions.

About the Carlson School’s Executive MBA Program

The Carlson School’s Executive MBA program is a 20-month journey that deepens and broadens your business knowledge, cultivates your leadership skills, and establishes a lifelong peer network—all while minimizing disruptions to your work. Starting in August, the program includes a summer break without any classes.

A limited number of EMBA program scholarships are available. 

Typical Executive MBA Cohort at the Carlson School

• Approximately 30 students per cohort
• Average age of 39 years old
• 15 years average work experience
• 10 years average management experience