Executive MBA Vs. MBA: What's the difference?

If you’re considering either an Executive MBA or a traditional MBA, it’s likely that you’re in your 30s or 40s, and you’re probably in a management or executive role. We’re making those assumptions based on the fact that the Executive MBA is typically only open to just that—executives. But before you leap directly into an EMBA program, you should consider whether or not getting a traditional MBA could be a better path.

In this article, you’ll learn the differences between an Executive MBA and a traditional MBA. We’ll start with some questions you can ask yourself in order to identify what would work best for you. Then, we’ll move into each option and how the two degrees differ.

Executive MBA Vs. MBA: Which Is The Best Fit For You?

Here are a few important questions to ask yourself in order to determine which would be the best fit for you.

1. Do you like your current company?

2. Are you happy with your career path, and do you see room for growth?

3. Have you ever considered changing careers?

4. Are you interested in working full-time and going to school?

5. Could you easily give up your Fridays and weekends to pursue this degree?

Keep these questions in mind as you progress through this comparison. You’ll see why the answers are so important in determining which graduate program would be the best fit for you.

What Is An Executive MBA?

As Charles Jacobina, a retired EMBA Executive Director, put it on the MBA Podcaster, “The type of student that is attracted to this program is someone who wants to learn something on the weekend, and apply it on Monday.”

The EMBA is for executives who typically have a minimum of five years experience in a management role, are sponsored by their company, and are looking to apply what they’ve learned on the job.

The program itself is usually designed to fit full-time employees, so classes are typically held on Fridays and weekends. This makes class times inherently less flexible, since your options are limited. Another way the EMBA differs from a traditional MBA program is that you’ll learn in cohorts. Most or all of your classes will be with the same group of people, so networking and teamwork become principles of the program.

An EMBA is perfect for someone who is ready to commit to their company, who is happy in their current role and career path, and who sees a specific need or skill an EMBA could provide them that could help them grow within their organization.

What Is An MBA, & Who Is It Best For?

Executives can also pursue a traditional MBA as a way to develop skills, improve their resumes, and accelerate their career paths. A major difference between an MBA and an EMBA is that the MBA is a great way to change careers or companies—something the EMBA typically wouldn’t directly provide. MBA programs can be full-time and take two years to complete, or be carried out part-time over 3-4 years. Each school and program are different, but generally speaking, you’re able to pursue an MBA degree without managerial experience.

In a traditional MBA, students pick their own classes and, therefore, have more flexibility. Since classes are not done in cohorts, the responsibility of taking advantage of networking opportunities falls on the student.

Finally, one other major difference between the two programs is that you may not be limited geographically with a traditional MBA. When pursuing an EMBA, your options are limited to living within driving distance, or taking classes online to stay near your office. You can pursue an MBA wherever you are willing. A traditional MBA is perfect for someone who is committed to their own growth, rather than their role or growth within a specific company.

Comparing EMBA & MBA

Now that you’ve been able to compare the two types of programs, take a look back and answer the five important questions at the top. Which works best for you, your career, and your goals?