An EMBA, or Master of Business Administration Executive, Executive Master of Business Administration, is also a two-year program, but it’s aimed at business executives with five years or more of managerial experience. The average age of students is 38 years old.2 However business rock stars—prodigies, fast-climbers, valuable executives that the company wants to hang onto, and maybe a real-life rock star or two—may not have to put in that much time. EMBA students keep their full-time jobs and typically attend classes on Fridays and on weekends.
EMBA students face faster-paced classes, but they cover the same material. Programs offer fewer electives, and they’re designed so that students take most classes, if not all, with the same classmates. This is great for networking but not so great if you can’t stand working with the others you’re grouped with.
Key Differences: EMBA vs. MBA
With an MBA, tuition’s on you, though it usually costs a bit less than the EMBA. In the top ten business schools, expect the total cost to be more than $150,000.3
For an EMBA, an employer usually pays most, if not all, tuition costs. After all, they’re benefiting from the new skills their managers are learning! However, along with someone else covering your tuition, EMBA candidates also receive a full salary.
Companies that cover MBA tuition costs tend to require a few years’ commitment after you finish the degree, so you must be willing to make that time commitment and stick to the company for a bit.
In terms of location, with an MBA you can attend classes at whichever school you get into and choose. For an EMBA, if you’re working at your job, you’re limited to local schools in the area.