An Executive MBA (EMBA) is a graduate-level business degree program designed for people who are further along in their careers and want to continue working full-time while in school. EMBA students are typically about 10 to 15 years into their careers and are relatively senior in their fields, possessing considerable work experience before entering the program. The program is similar to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program but specifically designed for corporate executives and senior managers already in the workforce. The EMBA degree provides a holistic business education across a range of subjects like finance, marketing, accounting, and more, and also focuses on leadership to help boost business skills, knowledge, and network. The schedules of EMBA programs vary among schools, but most offer part-time formats like weekend classes. EMBA students earn the same MBA degree as full-time MBA students.
In contrast, full-time MBA programs are full-time academic programs for students with fewer years of work experience. Instead of completing a degree in addition to working full-time like EMBA students, MBA students leave their jobs to attend school, have the summer off between the first and second year of the program to participate in internships, and usually have access to on-campus recruiting services for permanent post-graduate positions.
In summary, an Executive MBA is a graduate-level business degree program designed for corporate executives and senior managers already in the workforce who want to continue working full-time while in school. The program provides a holistic business education across a range of subjects and focuses on leadership to help boost business skills, knowledge, and network.