Executive Master of Business Administration

Executive Master of Business AdministrationAn Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree has been developed for those already pursuing careers in business who want to advance to management or executive positions. The EMBA curriculum is typically the same or similar to typical Master of Business Administration (MBA) curriculum, which focuses on the theories and applications of business management.

EMBA programs are designed for working professionals who wish to earn their degree while still working full time. Classes are usually offered at night and sometimes on weekends, and online format degree programs are also available. Students in this field take general business courses in the first year of study and then may choose to pursue a more specialized field in their second year.

Individuals who earn an EMBA are qualified for management positions across a wide range of disciplines and are considered to have advanced understanding of today’s global business environment. Those with undergraduate degrees in business or those looking to advance to management in their current field with a higher degree while still holding their full time jobs may be interested in an Executive Master of Business Administration degree. Because business administration positions typically require oversight of employees, candidates for this degree should be comfortable working with and managing others in a team environment.

How To Find The Top Executive Master of Business Administration Programs

To find the best Executive Master of Business Administration degrees, check the U.S. News and World Report’s 2012 list of the top universities in the nation. Of the universities on the list, search each school’s homepage for specific information and curriculum offered.

In North America, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School EMBA program is consistently one of the top ranking among the country’s best EMBA programs. It is offered in both Chicago and Miami. Eight years of work experience are required to apply. Also highly rated is the University of Chicago EMBA program, one of the first EMBA programs in the world, which offers concentration options in Finance, Strategy, Marketing or Entrepreneurship. For those searching for the best online Executive Master of Business Administration programs, Penn State offers a flexible, top-rated online MBA program, and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). George Mason University, which was ranked as an Up-and-Coming University of 2012 by U.S. News and World Report, also offers an accredited global EMBA online program. These online programs are parallel to traditional, high-ranking business degrees, and many classes are taught by the same professors as their on-campus counterparts.

Careers and Salaries For Individuals With Executive Master of Business Administration Degrees

Graduates of Executive Master of Business Administration programs typically are already employed in the business field, ranging from positions in large corporations to smaller, non-profit organizations, or sometimes in consulting firms or entrepreneurship positions.

Executive Master of Business Administration careers include job titles such as Financial Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Human Resources Manager, Business Manager, Corporate Recruiter, and Financial Analyst. Executive Master of Business Administration salaries of graduates range from about $40,000 to over $200,000 annually, depending on the school attended, classification and job title after graduation. According to an article in the Washington Post entitled “The Executive MBA: A Solid Investment in Yourself,” about 43% of EMBA grads are promoted after graduation.

As with traditional MBA grads, salaries are higher for EMBA degree holders who hold jobs as Chief Financial Officer and Financial Controller when compared to Human Resources Manager or Financial Analyst. An Executive Master of Business Administration degree generally leads to an increase in job opportunities and an increase in earning potential over the course of one’s career. For those with a business background looking to get a leg up in their current career without sacrificing their full time job, a flexible online or on-campus Executive Master of Business Administration is likely a worthwhile investment.