How Does an Executive MBA Work?
Monday, July 14, 2025
You've likely heard of a Master of Business Administration, or MBA, but what about an executive MBA (EMBA)? For highly experienced business professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills while becoming more strategic and innovative thinkers, an executive MBA degree may be a more suitable choice. Before you decide which type of business degree is right for you, though, it's important to understand the differences between each.
What Is an Executive MBA?
An EMBA is a graduate-level business administration degree for working professionals who already have extensive experience in the business realm.
More specifically, EMBA programs are tailored to professionals who typically possess six to 15 years of experience (or more) in their career. Many professionals pursue an EMBA as a means of building upon their leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional management skills.
Because of their target audience, EMBA programs are also designed to accommodate full-time work schedules—often with synchronous online coursework, weekend and evening classes, or a combination of both (hybrid).
Who Should Consider an EMBA Program?
An EMBA program may be a suitable way to advance your business education if you're a mid- to senior-level professional striving for career growth or pursuing an executive leadership position. Many students in EMBA programs are business managers, directors, entrepreneurs, and other high-potential individuals who have been identified for leadership tracks.
Executive MBA vs. Traditional MBA: What’s the Difference?
One of the most common questions people have about the executive MBA degree is how it differs from a traditional MBA. There are fundamental differences between an EMBA and an MBA, particularly regarding the level of experience students need to enroll, the schedule and format, and the overall structure of the curriculum.
Experience Level
Typically, MBA programs are the go-to designation for early-career business professionals or those aiming to make a career pivot. An EMBA degree program, on the other hand, is better-suited for mid-career professionals who already have significant experience.
Schedule and Format
Whereas a full-time MBA often requires students to put other areas of their lives on hold (including possibly reducing their work commitments), an EMBA is specifically for business professionals who are already working full-time with no option to pause. As a result, EMBA programs usually offer weekend or modular classes that enable students to take minimal time off work while still progressing toward their degrees.
Curriculum Emphasis
Though the curriculum of a traditional MBA program revolves more around broader business concepts and early leadership skills, an executive MBA program is intended for experienced professionals who have already mastered this knowledge. Instead, EMBA programs may focus more on the development of executive leadership skills, strategic decision-making, and cross-functional integration.
Peer Group and Network
In an MBA program, networking often manifests in the form of mentees offering guidance and wisdom to student mentors. Because the students in an EMBA program already have robust experience in business, networking tends to assume more of a peer-to-peer structure, with cohorts bringing seasoned industry experience into classroom discussions.
How an EMBA Degree Program Works
If you are thinking about advancing your education with an EMBA, here’s what to know about how these programs may be structured:
Format and Flexibility
First, rest assured that the majority of EMBA programs are exclusively designed for working professionals—so earning your degree doesn't have to mean leaving your current job. These programs may be structured with weekend, monthly, or even modular class formats for added convenience and flexibility.
For example, the University of Minnesota (UMN) Carlson School of Management EMBA offers alternate weekend classes and immersive residency components, and there is a dedicated team to assist with your administrative details so you can focus on your work and study.
Executive MBA Duration
While no two programs are exactly alike, most working professionals can expect to complete an EMBA in 18 to 24 months. Carlson’s EMBA is a cohort-based program—where you'll work with the same diverse group of students over the course of your studies while immersing yourself in a global, hands-on experience.
Cohort and Peer Learning Structure
Embarking on your EMBA journey with a tight-knit cohort, you can enjoy the benefits of participating in enriching classroom discussions with other professionals in diverse fields while building upon your collaboration and teamwork skills. Likewise, the unique learning structure of Carlson's EMBA program encourages long-term networking, shared leadership insights, and trust-based team development that can be highly applicable to your real-world professional journey.
What Will You Learn? Core Executive MBA Courses
Compared to a traditional MBA program, EMBA programs emphasize strategic decision-making, executive leadership skills, and global business exposure to prepare graduates for real business challenges and opportunities.
Core Business Functions with a Strategic Focus
During the first year of Carlson's EMBA program, students explore coursework in the basic functions and tools of a business. By year two, they are ready to explore a broader business context and learn how to develop and apply the complex strategic decision-making skills that complex management challenges demand.
Leadership Development and Executive Coaching
Courses in an executive MBA program are designed to help business professionals strengthen their leadership presence and influence, too, with dedicated coursework in topics like executive leadership insights and strategic management. Many programs (including Carlson's EMBA) even offer executive coaching, personal assessments, and workshops for students.
Global Business Exposure
Today's business leaders must be prepared to lead across cultures and economies, which is why many EMBA programs now include a global residency. The purpose of this international residency is for students to gain hands-on experience in emerging and mature markets worldwide.
What Are the Executive MBA Requirements?
Prerequisites to be admitted to an EMBA program vary from one school to the next. However, at the Carlson School of Management, our requirements for EMBA admission are simple.
At minimum, applicants should have at least six years of full-time work experience (although eight or more years is preferred) with a minimum of two years of management (people, budgets, projects, etc.). Many applicants hold leadership or managerial roles as well.
A bachelor’s degree is also required, though this degree does not have to be in business or a related field. Carlson’s EMBA does not require the GMAT or GRE.
Finally, while employer sponsorship is not required, companies often will provide financial or scheduling support for students. If you need help requesting employer support, UMN’s Carlson School of Management has resources available to you.
The Cost of an Executive MBA
How much can you expect to invest into an EMBA program? Pricing will vary based on the specific program along with what's included. The Carlson School’s EMBA program cost includes all course materials, meals during class weekends, executive coaching, and two domestic residencies and one international residency.
Because of these inclusions, the total price of an EMBA is often higher than that of a traditional MBA. However, these programs are structured specifically to provide additional value. Not to mention, scholarships, employer sponsorship, and tuition reimbursement may be available and can help students offset some of these costs; many employers will cover most (if not all) of professionals’ EMBA tuition.
Remember, too, that your EMBA is an investment in your future. Graduates from an EMBA often see a strong return on their investment in the form of promotions, salary increases, or leadership transitions during their program time (or shortly after) graduation.
Is an EMBA Worth It?
Still not sure whether an EMBA is right for you? Below are a few of the main benefits you stand to reap from the right EMBA degree program.
Professional Growth
By expanding your executive toolkit in an EMBA program, you may be better prepared to confidently manage complex teams and global operations. This elevated confidence and strategic insight could help you move into C-suite or other high-level roles where you can exercise your expertise.
Immediate Application of Learning
At the end of the day, an executive MBA program is designed to enhance your current leadership—not delay it. During the course of your program, you'll find that many of the concepts you learn in class can be directly applied to your current role or projects. With this immediate application of learning, you may strengthen your comprehension of complex business concepts with hands-on practice.
Network Value
During your executive MBA degree, you also have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with seasoned professionals across a wide range of industries. These connections could open new doors of opportunity down the road. In addition, ongoing access to your program's alumni network, faculty experts, and executive mentors can help you take your career even further.
Why Consider the Carlson Executive MBA?
When it comes to executive MBA programs, there's no shortage of selections. However, for those seeking a program designed for business leaders and featuring supportive faculty and plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning, the Carlson School of Management EMBA could be an ideal choice.
World-Class Faculty and Experiential Learning
At UMN, courses in our EMBA are taught by industry-connected faculty with real-world business experience, knowledge, and insights. Throughout your program, you'll participate in hands-on projects and global learning opportunities that deepen your comprehension of classroom concepts while empowering you to apply business strategies in your own work.
Format Designed for Leaders
The biweekly class format of our EMBA program is optimal for leaders who need to strike a balance between their work, school, and life. The hybrid delivery format allows for convenient attendance flexibility. From a leadership perspective, executive coaching is available and can help students learn to lead with more clarity and self-awareness in today's challenging business landscape.
Powerful Alumni Network and Career Support
Even after graduation, Carlson's EMBA cohorts stay connected through special leadership events and networking opportunities. Every graduate has access to a global alumni community and tailored executive career resources that can help you leverage your degree to achieve your professional goals.
Kickstart Your Journey Today
Ready to see what the next chapter of your career has in store? It could be time to pursue your executive MBA with the Carlson School of Management at UMN. With classes taught by world-class faculty and a unique learning format designed with busy professionals in mind, it's no surprise that Carlson School of Management's EMBA program has been rated among Fortune's Best Executive MBA Programs for 2024.
Get in touch to request more information about what Carlson's EMBA program has to offer, or take the next step and begin your application for admission today.