The Executive MBA and Executive MBA Online programs

To help you decide if either an Executive MBA or an Executive MBA online program is best for you, here are details of the features of this type of program. The characteristics are split into the following categories to make it easier for you to compare with the other MBA program types, which are also detailed on this site:

1. Curriculum
2. Program length
3. Delivery method
4. Career Placement Services
5. Networking Opportunities
6. Financing
7. Other aspects to consider

1. Curriculum
As the objectives of both the Executive MBA program and the Executive MBA online are to provide general management skills across the spectrum rather than specialization, there tends to be less flexibility in the choice of subjects compared to other types of MBA programs. Courses therefore focus on global business issues and strategies.

In view of the prestige associated with most Executive MBA and Executive MBA online programs, the academic reputation of the business school, and how an MBA from this school is going to help you to achieve your own goals, is particularly important when considering an Executive MBA or an Executive MBA online.

We highly recommend that you consult resources, such as Princeton Review's Best 282 Business Schools 2007 which covers US business schools or WHICH MBA?: A critical guide to the world's best MBAs (16th Edition) (Which Mba?) for detailed information on the best European business schools, to help you to select the right business school for you.

2. Program length
Executive MBA programs are condensed versions of full time MBA programs and generally run for anything up to 24 months.

3. Delivery method
Executive MBA programs involve evening and weekend classes, with weekends being the most common time. In addition, project work and simulations are integral parts of most Executive MBA programs.

For Executive MBA online programs, such as the accredited Colorado Tech Online Executive MBA these tend to be distance learning MBA programs that are delivered solely on the Internet and use email, computer conferencing, chat rooms, online bulletin boards, sound and video clips, etc. as communication media.

4. Career Placement Services
Career services are not generally available for participants in Executive MBA or Executive MBA online programs, as this is likely to be a conflict of interest for the school in view of company sponsorship. Executive MBA programs are usually designed for senior managers that are enhancing their career path with their existing employer.

5. Networking Opportunities
For the Executive MBA, these are extensive as most courses run at weekends or include international residential periods, both of which involve significant group interaction.

Distant Learning Executive MBA - In view of the nature of Executive MBA online programs, networking opportunities are likely to be limited. However, you may be able to form study groups with students who live nearby and are on the same Executive MBA online program. Also, computer conferencing and other media are increasingly being offered by the business schools to facilitate networking opportunities.

6. Financing
Most Executive MBA students are sponsored by their company and scholarships are unlikely to be available. If financing needs to be considered, loans are generally available. For more details of these, please click here to visit our MBA loans section.

7. Other aspects to consider

• The time and work involved in an executive or senior management position and an Executive MBA demands effective time management. Total hours required for the job and the MBA are likely to be around 75 hours or more per week.
• A high level of commitment is also required from employers and families in view of the timing of classes and the intensity of the course.
• Executive MBA programs tend to be designed to provide immediate return on investment for participants and sponsoring employers.