Executive MBA vs. MBA: Which Is Better For You?

People may decide to further their business education at any point in their career, so business schools often offer a range of programs that accommodate varying levels of expertise. An executive MBA (EMBA) is an advanced business degree program designed for people who are about 10 to 15 years into their careers.

Students enrolled in a full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program are typically a few years into their careers. On the opposite end of the spectrum, students with no formal work experience will often opt for a Master of Science (MS) in business.

In many cases, a business school will confer the same degree to both EMBA and MBA candidates; however, they’ll structure the two programs differently to align with candidates’ expected skill levels and needs.

Choosing the right business degree program for you can help you get the most out of your education. Here are some key distinctions between EMBA and MBA degree programs.

What is an EMBA?

An Executive MBA (EMBA) is an advanced business degree program designed for professionals who are about 10 to 15 years into their careers. Candidates will often continue working while pursuing their degree, so classes are typically scheduled outside of normal business hours. More intensive instruction allows candidates to complete their program in two years—the same time frame typical of a traditional MBA program.

Difference between MBA and Executive MBA

Generally, EMBA and MBA programs result in the exact same degree. Some schools might differentiate between the two by adding “executive” to their EMBA degrees, but since the curriculum is fairly consistent across programs, most top universities don’t distinguish between the two on the degree.

The differences between EMBAs and MBAs mainly lie in the program structure, the student profile, and the tuition. Let’s break those down further.

EMBA vs. MBA program format

EMBA and MBA programs typically fit the same amount of coursework into the same two-year span. One major difference is in the delivery of that coursework.

Full-time MBA candidates attend school full-time, may live on or near campus, and don’t usually have time for a full-time job while pursuing their degree.

EMBA programs usually schedule classes outside of typical business hours, on Friday nights and weekends, to accommodate candidates with full-time jobs. Many programs will also require pre-planned week-long seminars or immersive experiences a couple of times over the course of the program. Candidates may live near campus or commute but won’t often live on campus.

EMBA classes tend to be more intensive than MBA classes for two reasons: (1) the condensed structure means more information is packed into each class, and (2) EMBA candidates typically enter their programs with significantly more work experience, naturally generating more robust class discussions.

EMBA vs. MBA admission requirements and student profile

Both EMBA and MBA programs typically have equally high admission standards, which vary depending on the school. In general, school admissions offices aim to consider applicants as whole people, looking at each individual’s academic profile, professional achievements, and personal characteristics.

Key EMBA and MBA application differences

The application process for both EMBA and MBA programs are similar, with most programs including the same basic requirements: a resume, essays, academic records and transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an application fee (which varies depending on the program). Some nuance pops up regarding test requirements, work experience, and employer endorsements.

• Entrance exams: A full-time MBA program will often require GMAT or GRE scores. Because of an applicant’s proven experience, many EMBA admissions offices deem standardized tests optional. Some applicants opt to take the Executive Assessment in lieu of the GMAT or GRE, as it’s designed for prospective students with career experience.

• Work experience: Many MBA programs won’t require work experience; however, admissions counselors often like to see at least two years of post-college experience, and admitted candidates enter top programs with about four to six years of experience on average [2]. EMBA candidates enter programs with an average of 15.1 years of professional experience and 9.2 years of managerial experience [1], and some programs require a minimum of five to seven years of experience to apply.

• Employer endorsements: Given the structure of EMBA programs, applicants may need to submit an employer endorsement in addition to their letters of recommendation. This letter indicates that an employer is supportive of the applicant’s educational pursuit and will offer some flexibility when the time comes for immersive learning experiences.

Part-time and online MBAs: A happy medium

If you don’t have the professional experience required for an Executive MBA program but want to maintain a full-time job while pursuing your degree, you might consider looking into part-time programs and online programs.

Both of these MBA options can offer more flexible scheduling than full-time programs and can help you achieve similar career goals. Class structure and discussion level will align more closely with that of a full-time MBA program; however, it may take a bit longer to complete your degree. Depending on how many classes you take each semester, a part-time MBA may take between three and five years to complete.

EMBA vs. MBA cost

The cost of EMBA and MBA programs can vary greatly—from tens of thousands of dollars to over $200,000—depending on the school you attend [3]. Within the same school, there may be some price differences between EMBA and MBA tuition and fees, and full-time MBA programs may have additional costs associated with room and board.

For more information on tuition, check out your prospective school’s website. Take note of whether they report tuition annually, by semester, or for the total cost of the program. They will likely show a breakdown of the fees, and if you’re looking at a public university, may offer a lower tuition to in-state students.

EMBA employer sponsorship

Attending business school is an investment. Some schools may offer scholarships or other forms of financial aid, and students pursuing an EMBA may be able to offset tuition costs with employer sponsorship.

Employer sponsorship is when an employer pays for part or all of their employee’s EMBA tuition. These agreements may come with a requirement that the employee continues working for the company for a certain amount of time after completing their degree program in order to guarantee that the company will benefit from the investment.

In 2024, 27.3 percent of EMBA candidates reported receiving partial employer sponsorship, and 17.8 percent reported full employer sponsorship [4]. If you are interested in securing employer sponsorship for your EMBA program, ask your employer about options.

EMBA vs. MBA salary and career growth

It’s difficult to do a direct comparison between an EMBA salary and an MBA salary because people tend to seek these degrees at different stages of their careers. Research does indicate, however, that both EMBA and MBA graduates are likely to receive a salary increase alongside receipt of their new credential—but there’s no guarantee that earning an EMBA or MBA degree will lead to any specific outcome.

According to a 2024 survey of primarily US-based EMBA students, graduates received an average compensation increase of 19.9 percent—from $203,248 at the start of their program to $243,770 by the end of their program. Additionally, 36 percent of students surveyed reported receiving a promotion while attending their program [1].

A separate 2023 survey reports that MBA graduates received a median salary increase of 33 percent—from $75,000 before enrolling in their program to $100,000 after—and 43 percent of students reported increasing their job levels after graduation [5].

Compare EMBA vs. MBA on Coursera

If you’re thinking about pursuing your MBA, the first step is to research the various types of business degree programs and determine which feels right for you at this point in your career or if it might make more sense to wait a few years before applying. In the meantime, consider trying an open course from the Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business, where you’ll have the opportunity to gain leadership skills as you learn to improve existing processes and learn to develop and implement a vision for your future career. The Master of Business Administration program at Illinois Institute of Technology can help you build your skills through electives on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. 

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