MBA vs Executive MBA: Understand which is best for you?

Akash Laxman Lakade -

One of the most sought-after degrees in the world, the MBA is an obvious choice for business-minded students with strong leadership abilities who want to succeed in various sectors. Students enrolling for MBA vs executive MBA often have questions regarding the distinction between an executive MBA and a conventional MBA. An executive MBA is very different from a regular MBA in terms of campus life, interactions, social life, student demographics, Executive MBA fees and much more. Whether you are an experienced professional or a fresher with little experience, your goals for the program and post-graduation plans are essential when choosing between an MBA and an EMBA. It is crucial to take into account the distinction between an MBA and EMBA before selecting one to pursue.

Read through this article to learn more about the MBA vs executive MBA before making a decision about your future, then determine which path is best for you.

What is Executive MBA?

Let's first know the definition of executive MBA before talking about the differences between the two degrees. In comparison to a general MBA, an executive MBA is an advanced level of education. As it prepares students for executive-level positions, the executive MBA is essentially a form of MBA program appropriate for working professionals with sufficient industry experience. The executive MBA is best suited to multitaskers and highly motivated people who are eager to be leaders in their workspace. In comparison to an MBA, it is a far more demanding and rigorous degree that offers a high level of career enhancement.

What sets the Executive MBA apart from the MBA?

The fundamental distinction between an MBA and an executive MBA is what students are most perplexed about. An executive MBA program is created in a part-time structure that operates in a hybrid mode wherein there are online live sessions on weekdays and an on-campus class on Sundays. This pattern of lectures is to accommodate the schedule of working professionals. At the same time, MBA programs are full-time with possibilities for part-time study. The main distinction is the curriculum design of the executive MBA that covers the core business skills along with communication, leadership and intelligence training. Additionally, the Executive MBA Fees differ from MBA studies.

MBA and executive MBA class profiles:

Based on the class profiles of the two programs, it is relatively easy to understand the differences between an MBA Executive and a regular MBA. The following points notify you about the class:

MBA

  • A graduate in any discipline.
  • To get admission in your dream college for MBA degree you need to crack competitive exams
  • MBA students typically have GMAT scores of around 740.

Executive MBA

  • A graduation degree with 2+ years of job experience is typical.
  • The Executive MBA for working professionals is a career boosting program for any age group work professionals.
  • Candidates applying for Executive MBA do not have to appear for GMAT or GRE as a compulsion.

Distinguished Course structure between an MBA and an Executive MBA

Take a look at the differences between executive MBA and general MBA to see how this sort of MBA program differs from ordinary MBA in terms of course structure.

The basis of Distinction is as follows:

MBA

  • Course Length: full-time program.
  • Study Period: A general MBA program can be finished in two years.
  • Curriculum: The MBA program combines theory and practice to teach students how to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world business scenarios.
  • Specializations: The most common domains are finance, marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship.

MBA in Executive

  • Course Length: The Executive MBA is a part-time program that is exclusively offered in the evenings or on weekends 
  • Study Period: The course structure is divided into four semesters over two years.
  • Curriculum: Emphasizes more learning opportunities from industry-based experts that train students to solve business problems with a practical approach. A customized learning experience is the aim of the syllabus.
  • Specializations: There are skill-based specializations for Executive MBA programs in Business Analytics, E-commerce and Digital marketing and financial services.

Now that we understand the differences between the course structures better. Let's move on to the distinction between Executive and regular MBA eligibility requirements.

Qualifications for an MBA versus an executive MBA

The general eligibility requirements for an MBA and an Executive MBA are comparable, with the exception that the former has more stringent requirements in particular areas. Look at the general requirements for MBA vs executive MBA eligibility in accordance with the following pointers:

  • Undergraduate Degree
  • GMAT/GRE results
  • Work Experience

Let's examine how an Executive MBA and a regular MBA differ in terms of admissions requirements.

1. Bachelor's Degree: MBA and executive MBA applications require a bachelor's Degree in any discipline. A bachelor's Degree in business or a closely related branch of commerce is desired, but today's students, especially those from diverse backgrounds such as engineering, economics, physical sciences, and social sciences fields, are also enrolling on MBA programs.

2. GMAT/GRE results Most business institutions across the world require GMAT or GRE scores if you are applying for a regular MBA. For admission to some of the top colleges, a student applying for an MBA program is often anticipated to have a median GMAT score of 730. Competitive exams are optional for admission to Executive MBA since the candidate already has at least two years of work experience.

3. Work Background The primary distinction between conventional and Executive MBA is found here. Regular MBA applicants do not require specific work experience to be admitted to selective programs. A fresher or non-working candidate may also be acceptable for a regular MBA program. On the other hand, you need two-plus years of professional experience to apply for executive MBA programs. Two or more years of work experience among executive MBA candidates is rather typical, as the main objective of the executive MBA is career degradation in terms of salary and job profile.

With this simple checklist, determine your eligibility and enrol on the executive MBA program right away to have a thriving career.

ITM Skills University continues the legacy of offering excellent education by shaping young minds and grooming highly skilled professionals for over three decades. ISU has various multi-disciplinary and employment-focused higher education programs offering diverse skill and technology-focused graduate and undergraduate programs.