MBA, EMBA, or Certificate? Find the Right Graduate Program for You
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Is There an Executive MBA Program?
Designed for students who are further in their careers than those typically in the MBA program, the Carlson Executive MBA program (CEMBA) has leadership at the foundation of its curriculum. To start the program, you’ll take a personal leadership workshop and spend the next two years developing their skillset through structured leadership courses that focus on goal-setting and the use of a 360-degree assessment.
You also have the opportunity to practice and improve new leadership skills through the Virtual Team Projects where you’ll work with peers in China and Vienna on a semester-long project. You can then take those skills and work with teams across continents, cultures, and industries.
Are Graduate Certificates Offered?
Designed for working professionals, Carlson Graduate Certificates offer high-impact learning in a specific topic area. Whether you want to gain new knowledge or hone your existing skills to stay on top of the latest trends, our for-credit Graduate Certificates allow for an immediate application on the job, In these programs, you’ll take MBA-level classes alongside Minnesota Carlson graduate students.
One specific certificate offered is the Leadership for Managers certificate, which covers the key principles of effective leadership, identifying personal leadership through feedback, and developing leadership skills through practice.
With these graduate certificates, you’ll earn a “micro-credential” that stands on its own or allows you to apply the credits you’ve earned into an MBA or master’s degree program.
Are There Executive Education Courses?
Not interested in a full degree program? Choose short, targeted courses designed to empower you and your team. Carlson Executive Education courses fit into 2-3 workdays or can be completed online over 4-8 weeks.
Programs are non-credit, meaning there are no grades and courses do not count toward degree requirements. Courses are focused on discussion and practical application of insights and trends. Collaboration and networking with peers in the class are also important parts of the Executive Education experience.
Beyond the Classroom: Networking and Leadership Events
Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Throughout the year, Minnesota Carlson offers a wide range of events and workshops to help you develop your leadership skills. Learn from well-known executives at the monthly 1st Tuesday Speaker Series, meet with other women in business during the annual Women’s Leadership Conference, or the MN Cup, a startup competition and hub to connect Minnesota's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Which Business Program Is Right for You?
MBA Program Comparison: Requirements and Outcomes
| Program | Average Work Experience | Length | Format | GMAT/GRE | Job Functions | Industries | Notable Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time MBA | 5 years | 2 years | In person | Waiver available | Finance; Marketing & Sales; Operations & Logistics; General Management; IT; Consulting; Accounting; HR; Medicine; Law; Engineering | Healthcare; CPG; Financial Services; Nonprofit; Consulting; Manufacturing; Technology; Retail | 91% of graduates received job offers within 3 months (3-year average) |
| Executive MBA | 15 years | 20 months | Friday & Saturday classes on alternating weekends | No GMAT required | Management; Business & Financial Ops; Consulting; Healthcare; Sales; Architecture & Engineering; Legal; HR | Manufacturing; Healthcare & Social Assistance; Finance & Insurance; Professional & Technical Services; Management of Companies | On average, 30% received a promotion within one year |
| Part-Time MBA | 6 years | 2.5-4 years | Evening, weekday, weekend, and online classes | Test optional | Finance; Marketing & Sales; Operations & Logistics; General Management; IT; Consulting; Accounting; HR; Medicine; Law; Engineering | Healthcare; Manufacturing; Financial Services; Technology; Consumer Goods; Nonprofit; Retail; Consulting; Energy; Hospitality; Real Estate | 52% reported a significant job change within 4 months of graduation (class of 2024) |
| Online MBA | 6 years | 2.5-7 years | Online, asynchronous | Test optional | Finance; Marketing & Sales; Operations & Logistics; General Management; IT; Consulting; Accounting; HR; Medicine; Law; Engineering | Healthcare; Manufacturing; Financial Services; Technology; Consumer Goods; Nonprofit; Retail; Consulting; Energy; Hospitality; Real Estate | 52% average salary increase within 4 months of graduation (class of 2024) |
Graduate Certificate Details
| Average Work Experience | Length | Format | GMAT/GRE | Job Functions | Industries | Notable Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2–5 years | 12 months | On-campus and online (varies) | No GMAT/GRE; no work experience required | Sales; Operations; Business Development; Engineering; IT; Finance; Program/Project Management; Marketing; Media & Communications | IT; Health Care; Finance; Higher Education; Software; Retail; Insurance; Medical Devices; Construction; Marketing & Advertising | Coursework can be applied to a master’s degree |
Still unsure which program is right for you? Take our seven-question quiz to help you discover the best Carlson master’s degree for you.
Executive Education Overview
| Average Work Experience | Length | Format | Job Functions | Industries | Notable Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 years | 2–3 days (varies by program) | Live, online, or live online | Management; C-Suite; Sales; Operations; Business Development; Engineering; IT; Finance; Program/Project Management; Marketing; Media & Communications | Management of Companies; IT; Health Care; Finance; Software; Consumer Goods; Insurance; Medical Devices; Energy; Professional & Technical Services | #20 Top 100 World Business School Research Rankings |