If you’re considering an MBA but are not interested (or able) to enroll in a traditional, full-time program, an Executive MBA program might be the perfect fit for you. Use our time-saving guides to conduct research into the best EMBA programs in the US.
Different media outlets have divergent opinions on which US-based Executive MBA (EMBA) programs are the best. EMBA programs are designed for mid-level professionals who hope to move into management and executive roles. While continuing to work full-time, EMBA students are able to grow their network and strengthen their leadership skills. But what makes a strong EMBA program according to different sources?
Ranking methodologies are not consistent between major sources, with some rankings comparing programs based on the placement and earnings outcomes of graduates, student achievements, and expert opinions on overall program quality, to name a few.
One source, Fortune, has a unique methodology, which includes three categories: Program Score, Brand Score, and Fortune 1000 Score. Program scores are calculated from students’ average years of work experience, average years of management experience, and percentage of students with an advanced degree. Brand score is calculated by surveying business professionals and hiring managers. Finally, business schools are judged based on the number of each school’s alumni who are C-suite executives at Fortune 1000 companies.
Prospective students should be aware of possible biases which may be present in popular EMBA rankings. This article will discuss the differences in ranking methodologies between several news organizations and give tips on how to understand and use current Executive MBA rankings.
It is very difficult for EMBA rankings to be meaningful. For example, the full-time MBA rankings have their faults, but at least they point to some hard data around employment outcomes. For Executive MBA programs, the rankings are potentially built upon even more “hot garbage.” Some of the other problems with EMBA ranking methodology include:
Our free, comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to shop for an MBA admissions consultant.
Our free, comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to shop for an MBA admissions consultant.
✓ Compare pricing across 35+ MBA admissions consulting firms
✓ Learn why “success rates” are not to be trusted
✓ Find the right service model for your needs
✓ Prep for your consultation calls
✓ Compare pricing across 35+ MBA admissions consulting firms
✓ Learn why
“success rates”
are not to be trusted
✓ Find the
right service model
for your needs
✓ Prep for your consultation calls
Very! Earning a competitive GMAT or GRE score is critical for admission to top MBA programs (competitive meaning 90th percentile or higher) . That’s partly because a high score reflects your potential to succeed in the classroom—and it’s also because business schools rely on high test scores to maintain their position in the rankings.
As with everything else MBA-related, at Menlo Coaching, we take a practical, no-nonsense approach to GMAT and GRE prep. Our curriculum is based on 100% official material and is designed to help you earn a high score in as little time as possible. So if you’re applying for a top MBA program, let us help you get started on the right foot.
At Menlo Coaching, potential EMBA students can peruse detailed guides of Top Executive MBA programs, conducting their own research and drawing their own conclusions based on what is most relevant to them.
Our Executive MBA coaches often encourage applicants to consider the following factors:
Despite divergent methodologies, several notable business schools, including Yale School of Management, MIT Sloan School of Management, and Columbia Business School, frequently appear in most top 10 lists. Further, although most sources reach a different conclusion regarding the best Executive MBA program in the US, one school is consistently ranked in the top five by all major news outlets mentioned in this article: the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Depending on your goals and background, however, certain up-and-coming executive MBA programs like those offered at Fordham University and Marquette University might be a fit for your needs.
If you’re unsure of how to evaluate the return on investment from a given Executive MBA Program, it can be a good idea to reach out to an Executive MBA Admissions Consultant.
Deciding whether an Executive MBA program is going to be worthwhile in your career depends on your current personal and professional situation as well as your goals for the future. We cover this topic in detail elsewhere, focusing on particular on Executive MBA Salary, Career Advancement, and Other Benefits.
However, in brief, an EMBA is a good choice if you don’t plan to leave your career while studying and you’re looking for a business degree that you can incorporate into your current, executive position. It lasts two years and practically offers the same academic rigor as a full time MBA, with many top business schools offering an executive track.
The main consideration is whether you mind giving up the immersive experience of a full-time, in-person MBA program. Although networking is a cornerstone of an Executive MBA as well, you will see your fellow candidates less frequently than you would in a traditional graduate school.
Apart from that, the top Executive MBA programs are a great option to strengthen your leadership skills.
Have you decided to apply to business school but you’re not sure of which program will be most suitable for you? Does the prospect of an MBA sound exciting, but you’re not sure that you can commit to two full years at business school? Have you got more work experience than is typical of an MBA applicant and are considering a top Executive MBA?
In that case, take a look at our range of resources for traditional MBA programs, as well as alternative MBA tracks.
Our free, comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to shop for an MBA admissions consultant.
Our free, comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to shop for an MBA admissions consultant.
✓ Compare pricing across 35+ MBA admissions consulting firms
✓ Learn why “success rates” are not to be trusted
✓ Find the right service model for your needs
✓ Prep for your consultation calls
✓ Compare pricing across 35+ MBA admissions consulting firms
✓ Learn why
“success rates”
are not to be trusted
✓ Find the
right service model
for your needs
✓ Prep for your consultation calls
