What is the difference between MBA vs Executive MBA?

The saying ‘learning has no end’ holds true. Gone are the days when people thought that once salaried, they had no option of returning to studies. Now, schools offer courses like the E-MBA course,  which is Executive Master of Business Administration, allowing managers and executives to pursue their education and work. Lots of variety and options are available.

The difference between an MBA and an Executive MBA is the level you delve into the graduate school experience and the tailor-made classes for a more experienced group of individuals.

A traditional MBA is usually two years, and a general management degree does not require work experience. However, full-time MBA students have a packed, intensive schedule making it difficult to work outside the program, and most B-schools don’t allow it even if students have free time. In addition to core business classes, students can specialize in finance, marketing and entrepreneurship.

E-MBA or Executive Master of Business Administration is a business degree usually comprised of a year. It is a degree designed for working executives and business professionals who are willing to improve their business skills and get better in their careers. It allows professionals to learn and earn simultaneously with its flexible schedule. The professionals get to fulfil their educational needs with their work experience.

They face faster-paced classes but cover almost the same material. As a result, there is a lot of scope for group projects and networking.

A traditional MBA program focuses on theoretical and practical knowledge, while E-MBA focuses on practical knowledge like decision-making and problem-solving skills.

MBA students have full-day, intense schedules, making it difficult to have a job apart from the course.

Executive MBA students, besides their full-time jobs, attend classes on Fridays and the weekends, which leads to less interaction on campus.

As far as admission is concerned, MBA students have to give exams like CAT, GMAT and other exams. Their course module is also extensive, with extended details on each subject.

Executive MBA is curated for working professionals with a wide range of work experience. Since the professionals have already acquired work experience, they do not have to undergo competitive examinations. However, multiple letters of recommendation for top-ranked business schools are required, apart from the fact that support of the current employer is also required.

As far as location is concerned, with an MBA, you can attend classes at whichever college or university you get admission to and choose. For an EMBA, if you’re a working professional, you’re limited to local colleges in the area.

MBA is a full-time course held throughout the academic season. Further, a student must be a graduate and has cleared the entrance prescribed by the university. Under Executive MBA, the course is part-time and usually held on weekends. Again, the professional must be a graduate and have the required years put in.

MBA is for those who want better exposure and cultivate contacts through networking. In contrast, EMBA is suited for those who have the skills but want to hone them more and boost their career.

Mahindra University has an Executive MBA program for all those professionals interested in joining the course. For more details, visit: https://www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/emba