What Is an Executive MBA? Coursework, Application Materials, and More

Key takeaways

An executive MBA is a graduate business degree designed to be completed while you continue working.

• An executive MBA is meant for those who have significant professional experience—often at least 10 years.

• You can typically complete an executive MBA program in about two years.

• Because of the executive MBA's focus on mid- to senior-level leaders rather than early-career professionals, the average age of an EMBA student is 39.

Find out more about this degree option, including more about who it's designed for, what it takes to complete, and what you'll need to apply.

What is an executive MBA?

An executive MBA—or EMBA—is a graduate business degree created expressly for students who already have significant professional experience and who wish to keep working while earning their degree. That tends to create a more established cohort. According to a recent survey from the Executive MBA Council (EMBAC), the average age of someone entering an EMBA program is 39 [1]. 

EMBAs cover coursework similar to an MBA, but in a more condensed format and with scheduling that allows you to complete the program around your career. Classroom discussions in an EMBA program also tend to be more advanced, as students in these programs generally have more real-world business experience. Learn more about an executive MBA vs. an MBA.

EMBA tuition costs

MBA degrees tend to be expensive, and the EMBA is no different. EMBA programs can cost between $39,000 and $239,000 depending on the type of institution you attend and its prestige [3, 4]. When you’re enrolling in an EMBA program, your employer may pitch in for a portion of the tuition cost, which can help you pay for graduate school. 

Who is the EMBA for?

The executive MBA was designed for experienced professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their strategic perspective, and continue advancing in senior-level roles. It might be worth considering the EMBA if you fall into one of the four groups below:

1. Directors and senior managers

You already lead teams, manage budgets, or oversee strategic initiatives, and you want to sharpen your executive decision-making skills while preparing for broader organizational responsibility.

2. Experienced professionals advancing toward leadership roles

You have deep expertise in your field and are moving into a management or executive role. An executive MBA can help you build formal business knowledge in areas like finance, operations, and strategy.

3. Entrepreneurs

You lead your own company and want to improve your ability to scale operations, manage growth, and make data-informed decisions.

4. Professionals who plan to keep working full time

Executive MBA programs are typically structured for working professionals, allowing you to continue advancing your career while earning your degree.

Executive MBA: coursework and timeline

An executive MBA usually takes two years to complete, including summers. You will typically have classes on Fridays and weekends. This schedule is designed for working professionals, which means you’ll be working and immersed in intensive study at the same time. 

EMBA core curriculum

Your core courses cover several of the same topics as the MBA, but are designed to strengthen knowledge you've previously developed through your professional experiences. You'll take a range of business classes on finance, leadership, analytics, and strategy. While your exact curriculum will depend on the program you choose, examples of some courses you may take include:

• Foundations of teamwork and leadership

• Microeconomics for managers

• Corporate finance

• Marketing strategy

• Global strategy

• Accounting for management planning and control

• Negotiation strategies

• Managerial psychology

• Pricing strategies

You'll also have a choice of electives to help you customize your degree experience to fit your career goals.

EMBA application requirements 

Since the EMBA is designed for those with existing business experience, the requirements for admission tend to be different than for traditional MBA programs. While admission policies vary from program to program, here are a few common requirements:

1. Executive Assessment (or other entrance exam)

Schools offering the EMBA may accept the Executive Assessment in place of the GMAT or GRE. The Executive Assessment is a shorter standardized test designed to assess the knowledge experienced professionals have accumulated during their careers. It takes 90 minutes to complete compared to more than two hours for the GMAT.

2. Work experience

Executive MBA applicants are typically required to have business experience, including a few years at the management level. The exact numbers vary from school to school, with many graduate-level business schools requiring a minimum of five years. Executive MBA applicants have an average of 15 years of professional work experience, including an average of 9.1 years of experience at the management level, according to EMBAC [1].

3. Other application materials

EMBA programs typically require a bachelor's degree. You’ll need to provide your transcripts that show proof of graduation as well as letters of recommendation, including at least one from a direct supervisor.

You may also be asked to write an essay or statement of purpose providing more information about why you want to attend an EMBA program and how it will benefit you professionally. You may also need to submit an employer endorsement, which tells admissions councils that your employer supports your educational goals.

Is an executive MBA more prestigious than an MBA?

No, an executive MBA isn’t more prestigious than an MBA. Employers see both degrees as comparable. When compared to traditional MBA programs, an executive MBA simply targets a different audience: individuals with significant work experience.

Is an executive MBA worth it? 

By earning an EMBA, you can hone the business and management skills you already have. This credential could set you up for increased salary and advancement opportunities in your field, and in many cases, you can continue working as you pursue this degree.

EMBA salary

Data from EMBAC’s 2025 Student Exit Survey suggests that executive MBA graduates may enjoy an increased earning potential. The survey’s respondents saw an average combined increase in salary and bonuses of about 17 percent [1]. Additionally, 40 percent of the students surveyed were promoted while they were enrolled in the EMBA program [1].

The survey also showed that when students started the EMBA program, they earned an average bonus and salary package of $193,215. Upon completion, that average bonus and salary package rose to an average of $239,312 [1].

Credential and professionalization

Beyond compensation, an executive MBA can strengthen your professional credibility and position you as a strategic leader within your organization. Earning the credential signals that you have advanced training in areas such as finance, strategy, and organizational leadership, which skills often expected at the executive level.

Networking

Earning your EMBA also provides you with an opportunity to build or expand your network with experienced peers across industries. For many professionals, the combination of formal business education and access to a senior-level cohort delivers value that extends well beyond the classroom.

Read more: MBA Salary: 2026 Guide

Build your business knowledge on Coursera

Keep your finger on the pulse of what's happening in industries by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. Then, browse these free resources:

• Hear from an insider: CU Boulder ME-EM Faculty Director Christy Bozic on the Importance of Leadership Skills in Tech

• Watch on YouTube: 5 Powerful Leadership Skills to Start Building Today

• Read this post: Business professionals + GenAI: Saving time and increasing performance

Pursue an MBA from esteemed university partners on Coursera. These programs were designed to be flexible so you can complete your degree around other professional responsibilities.

Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus

Start 7-day free trial

• 
• 
• 
• 

Start 7-day free trial