Executive MBA vs. MBA: What Should You Choose?

A Master of Business Administration, or MBA has always been a popular choice among individuals aspiring for a career boost. The program is designed to help students develop management concepts, and business skills to lead a business or organization towards growth and success. 

The MBA program curriculum is an idyllic blend of theory and hands-on experience. Classroom coaching and seminars aim to strengthen theoretical concepts, while internships and workshops give students industry exposure, and make them competent to tackle real-world problems. 

Pursuing an MBA from a reputed institute is indeed a wise decision, but the big question facing us is MBA vs. Executive MBA, which is better? 

The answer to this question is not easy, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the debate, Executive MBA vs. MBA. If you have been mulling over, MBA vs. Executive MBA, which is better, you have arrived at the right place! Read this blog to delve deeper into this persistent question, Executive MBA vs. MBA, what should you choose? 

Expert MSM Unify overseas education consultants have crafted this blog to help you make the right decision. In this blog, you will learn what is an MBA, what is an Executive MBA and the unique aspects of both programs. Knowing the differences, and assessing your present requirements, you will be able to make a prudent decision.

 

 

What is an MBA?

An MBA program is a graduate-level degree program designed to help students develop leadership and managerial skills. Typically the traditional MBA program lasts two years and entails a demanding course load. 

A full-time MBA program is best suited for individuals who want to focus on studying, without indulging in full-time employment during the program duration. 

Here are a few popular full-time MBA program specializations opted by students worldwide: 

• Finance
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Entrepreneurship
• Operations Management
• International Business
• Health Administration

Please note that every B-school might have unique names for the specializations mentioned above. Also, the curriculum might vary for every institute. So, analyze the program structure and syllabus meticulously before making a decision. 

Is an MBA Still Worth It Today?

 

What is an Executive MBA?

Executive MBA or EMBA is a specialized program designed for experienced professionals who wish to pursue a management degree, along with their full-time work schedule. Individuals opting for an EMBA typically have extensive work experience of more than 10-12 years.

Since the individuals pursuing an EMBA often continue working, the classes are usually scheduled in the evening hours or during the weekends. In other words, outside of business hours.

The EMBA classes are a blend of online study and face-to-face interactions and are faster-paced compared to the conventional MBA classes. The EMBA program duration is also two years just like the traditional full-time programs.

 

 Executive MBA vs. MBA: Key differences

Now that we know what traditional MBA and Executive MBA mean, let us explore the key differences between these programs. Go through the following table carefully to understand the major differences and make an informed decision.

Evaluation criteria	Full-time MBA	Executive MBA
Duration	2 years	2 years
Designed forÂ	Freshers and professionals with less than 5 years of work experience	Professionals with more than 10 years of  work experience
Curriculum objective	Prepare individuals to face the professional world, learn business and management skills	Help working professionals hone their business skills and become adept at leadership, and strategic management
Standardized test requirements	GMAT/ GRE	GMAT/ GRE/ Executive-level assessment
Document requirements	Official academic transcripts, test scores, SOP, LOR, etc.	Official academic transcripts, test scores (optional), SOP, LOR (typically from the current employer), etc.
Class schedule	Regular day-time classes	Typically weekend/evening classes
Specialization options	Finance, Accounting, Economics, Operations, Marketing, and more	Limited/ fewer electives
Work opportunities	Internships or a part-time job	A full-time job
Tuition costs coverage	Scholarships, student loans or self-financingÂ	Typically covered by the employer
Networking opportunities	With freshers and individuals with limited working experience	With seasoned professionals and leaders with extensive work experience
Career impact	Entry-level or mid-level management jobs	Senior management or executive positions

 

Both MBA and EMBA, are considered equally prestigious in the job market, and open doorways to lucrative career opportunities globally.  The choice between Executive MBA vs. MBA quintessentially depends on your academic credentials, professional achievements, and the current stage of your career.  Read on for tips for new MBA students. 

 

Executive MBA vs. MBA cost

This is a critical aspect to be considered while deliberating on Executive MBA vs. MBA. 

The cost of pursuing an EMBA in India is in the range of INR 8 lakhs to INR 30 lakhs. The cost of pursuing a full-time MBA in a recognized Indian institute is in the range of INR 4 lakhs to INR 40 lakhs. However, the actual costs for both MBA and EMBA will depend on the program intensity, institute, choice of country, etc. 

Also, one important factor to consider in this debate is that EMBA is usually sponsored by the employer, which reduces the financial burden. On the other hand, the traditional MBA tuition costs need to be borne by students themselves.

 

Executive MBA vs. MBA salary

How Long Does an MBA Degree Take to Earn?

A direct comparison in salary for these program options is difficult because they are opted for by individuals in different stages of their careers. The regular MBA is typically chosen by freshers or individuals with 2-5 years of work experience. The Executive MBA is opted for by individuals in managerial positions or the middle segment of their careers.

Nonetheless, to give you a fair idea, here are two survey reports based on students who chose MBA and EMBA in the US. 

According to a 2022 survey, of EMBA graduates in the United States, their average compensation increased from $231,143 at the inception of their program to $272,160 by their program completion, depicting a rise of 17.7 percent.

According to a 2023 survey, full-time MBA graduates in the US experienced a hike in salary, from $75,000 before enrolling in the program to $100,000 after program completion — exhibiting an increase of 33 percent. Furthermore, 43 percent of students pursuing a full-time MBA reported progress in their job levels after graduation.

In the Indian context, the average salaries for professionals having completed an MBA or an EMBA range from INR 10 lakhs to INR 40 lakhs per annum.

What’s the Salary of an MBA Graduate in the US?

 

In essence, MBA and EMBA are excellent career choices for individuals wanting to elevate their careers. Both programs are designed for individuals at different stages of their careers. 

So, if you are fresher, or have less professional experience, a traditional MBA will make an obvious choice for you. Of course, you can wait, gain more experience, and then opt for an Executive MBA, if you are not ready for the program yet. 

If you are a professional with extensive career experience and wish to elevate your career further to leadership and strategic management roles, Executive MBA is the best choice.

If you are looking to elevate your career to the global level and wish to explore trending programs abroad, contact MSM Unify study abroad consultants. The first counseling session is free!