The Executive MBA program (EMBA)

The Executive MBA program (Executive Master of Business Administration or simply EMBA) has been offered as a degree for over 60 years but the designation has really come into prominence over the past decade or so when business schools around the world discovered that actively promoting the program could result in a great deal of profits, prestige and a very high profile for themselves.

The University of Chicago introduced the EMBA back in 1943 and since then, business schools have been competing vigorously against one another for the attention and dollars of upwardly mobile business professionals who want to gain the designation. There is also the option of an online MBA which has been increasing in popularity. These programs compete against traditional programs like the Chicago one.

An Executive MBA is essentially a part-time MBA program that attracts experienced business professionals who are working fulltime and who couldn't complete a fulltime MBA program and continue working at the same time.

Gaining admission into an EMBA program typically means that you have a significant amount of experience and are able to cover the costs of the program, too.

The time commitment for EMBAs vary by school but a typical schedule might see you attend classes several days per month each term with the program being completed over several terms. In total, the program could last for perhaps 15-18 months in total with time off in between for summer breaks, etc.

As far the costs are concerned, some EMBAs can run as high as $100,000 for top end programs but there are cheaper options available too.

Once you start checking out various programs you'll see various formats, differing costs and varying programs lengths some of which might suit your requirements better than others.

If you're fortunate enough, you might work for an employer who is willing to cover some or all of the tuition and related expenses possibly in exchange for you agreeing to continue to work for the company for a certain period of time.

For many business professionals, entering and completing an Executive MBA program does not only provide a great addition to their resume but can also help them develop skills in a classroom setting that they might be lacking.

Like the traditional MBA program, entry into an EMBA program is typically determined by a combination of factors including your GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) score, work experience, extracurricular activities and community service, references, a written application and possibly a personal interview.

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