Executive MBA

What is an EMBA?

An EMBA is a graduate degree program designed for experienced professionals who are looking to polish the managerial and leadership skills they already possess. Classroom discussions are on a higher level and the focus of the coursework is experiential, enabling you to take your career, and your company, to the next level.

EMBA programs and traditional full-time MBA programs have similar core curriculums, so you can expect to take foundational business classes like finance, statistics, management and accounting. EMBA courses and discussions, however, go beyond the basics and are tailored to the needs of experienced business leaders.

EMBA programs typically have cohort-based curriculums that range in length from 16 months to two years. Courses often occur on the weekends and weeknights, enabling students to continue working full-time while earning their degree.

EMBA students generally have a higher level of business and leadership experience than traditional MBA students, and, as working professionals, they’re able to immediately apply what they learn in the classroom to their workplace setting.

Xavier's EMBA program provides students with

• An in-depth study and analysis of some of the world’s most important emerging markets including an immersive international business trip
• The solutions industries are developing when facing disruptive business models (and how to lead disruption in your organization)
• Experience working amongst and with high-caliber professionals from across industries on real-world, client-facing strategy projects
• The study of 21st-century strategic business models and processes
• Identification of strategic implications and ability to understand the underlying financial drivers in today’s financial markets
• A survey of today’s emerging technologies

What does EMBA stand for?

Is it worth it to get an EMBA?

According to the 2019 Executive MBA Council Student Exit Survey (http://embac.org/research-in-context.html), EMBA students received a 13.5 percent increase in their salaries after graduating from their programs. In addition, 40 percent of students who completed the survey earned a promotion during the program, while 53 percent reported increased responsibilities.

The average salary and bonus package at program start for students who responded to the survey was $205,008. By the end of the program, the reported average salary and bonus package rose to $232,663.

Aside from higher earnings, promotions and increased job satisfaction, EMBA students graduate from the program with a deep knowledge of

• The world’s most important emerging markets
• The solutions industries are developing when facing disruptive business models (and how to lead disruption in your organization)
• Experience working amongst and with high-caliber professionals from across industries on real-world, client-facing strategy projects
• The study of 21st century strategic business models and processes
• Identification of strategic implications and ability to understand the underlying financial drivers in today’s financial markets
• A survey of today’s emerging technologies

What can I do with an EMBA?

An EMBA will help you make a bigger and better impact inside your business or organization. It will help supplement and polish your already-existing managerial and leadership skills, expose you to other business leaders in your area and give you a better understanding of business models and processes. In addition, many EMBA students report benefiting from higher salaries and increased leadership roles by the time the graduate.

How do you get your employer to pay for your EMBA?

Most EMBA students self-fund their education, however some have their tuition covered partially or fully by their employers. It’s best to first understand your company’s tuition reimbursement policy.Talk to your HR department or review your company handbook. Some companies will cover some or all tuition, while others will reimburse you for tuition costs. Many companies who sponsor individuals require a few years’ commitment after finishing the program as well. Be sure that any commitments you may be asked to make align with your future career goals.

There are many different programs for individuals looking to study business at the graduate level, including EMBA, full-time MBA, part-time MBA and online MBA. It’s important to know the differences between programs to so you can earn your degree in a way that works best for you.

What is the difference between an EMBA and an MBA?

While EMBA programs and MBA programs have similar curriculums, there are a few key differences. Generally, the biggest distinguishing feature of an EMBA will be the students you’re going through the program with. EMBA students are high achieving individuals who are currently working within a leadership of managerial capacity at a business or organization. They’re ready to discuss the basics and nuances of business and immediately apply it to their workplaces.

EMBA programs also typically employ a cohort-based model of learning, allowing students to form deep connections with each other and other business leaders in their area.

Other differences include:

Applicants
EMBA - Generally need five years or more of managerial or corporate leadership experience, but may have less.
MBA - Can apply directly out of undergraduate school.

Course Schedules
EMBA - Courses are typically scheduled during weekends and weeknights to accommodate business leaders who work full-time.
MBA - Full-time program course schedules are generally offered during the daytime. Part-time programs may offer courses during the weekend and on weeknights.

Program Length
EMBA - can take anywhere from 16 months to two years.
MBA - can take anywhere from two to four years, depending on whether you’re going full-time or part-time.

Lifestyle
EMBA - EMBA students typically work full time and hold positions in management and corporate leadership.
MBA - MBA students can work full-time or part-time, or they might be full-time students. They may have entry-mid level experience, or none at all.

Who can apply for an EMBA?

EMBA program applicants typically work full time and have managerial and leadership experience. They already have earned an undergraduate degree and are looking to polish their skills to make their companies and organizations better.

Does it matter what your first degree is in?

Students in EMBA programs have many different undergraduate degrees, including BSBAs, BAs, BSs and BFAs, or a combination of these. Regardless of your undergraduate degree, there will be an assumption that you have a foundational knowledge of common business practices, including finance, economics and marketing. Prerequisite courses can help you can foundational knowledge in these topics.

What are the prerequisite courses?

Qualifications for EMBA programs vary by institution. Speak with an admission counselor to get details about prerequisite courses specific to individual programs. Common prerequisite courses for many EMBA programs include:

• Business Math
• Business Economics
• Statistics
• Marketing
• Finance

Financing Your Education

Your financial needs are integral to selecting the right MBA program. It's important to explore all possible avenues to assist you in this endeavor.

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