If you’ve ever worked for an employer and thought – “I have some ideas that could really enhance the way this place is managed,” then the best online executive MBA programs might be just what you’re looking for. These specialized degrees are tailored for driven people like yourself. If your dream is to one day take the helm of a company, then an Executive Master of Business Administration (eMBA) online can be the key to unlocking that potential.
Excellent leaders show empathy, motivate their team, have courage in the face of adversity, and make essential decisions under pressure. An eMBA will take your passion and complement it with formal training. During your program, you’ll gain the tools to help you transform into the leader you want to become. In addition, this degree will take your prior understanding of key business elements to the next level.
In this article, you will take a deeper look at this interesting field. You will also get to know some of the top online executive MBA programs available.
Understanding Online Executive MBA Programs
MBA vs. eMBA: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, online eMBA programs might look similar to a standard Master of Business Administration degree. Both are challenging and build upon the subjects you studied in your undergrad. But when you dig deeper, there are some important differences. For starters, the requirements to get into an executive MBA online are tougher. You usually need a good amount of professional experience, and most people do the degree while they’re still working. On the other hand, regular MBA students often go straight from their undergrad into the program, without needing a lot of work experience.
What’s more, eMBA programs are designed to teach advanced leadership and strategic thinking skills, getting students ready for high-level management positions. This emphasis on skills for executive roles makes the eMBA unique and really valuable, especially for professionals who’ve been in the field for a while and want to move up in their careers.
GetEducated's Picks
- Western Governors University Master of Science in Management and Leadership
- Ohio University Master of Business Administration / Executive Management
- Benedictine University Accelerated Master of Science in Management & Organizational Behavior
Specializations and Career Paths in eMBA Programs
Executive MBA programs are specifically designed for students aiming to become leaders. These programs offer various concentrations, such as executive management, executive leadership, executive coaching, and executive communication.
In executive management or leadership concentrations, you’ll get a comprehensive education, typically requiring 30 to 36 credits, including around 12 credits in your chosen focus area. These programs are hands-on, involving practical projects in a virtual classroom. They’re perfect for those looking to climb the ladder to higher managerial positions.
The executive communication track usually involves more coursework, often more than 40 credits. It goes beyond basic leadership and management topics, turning students into experts in communication—a skill that’s in high demand. This specialization covers areas like negotiation, non-verbal communication, and crisis communication. It’s a bit more time-consuming but opens doors to careers in senior management, consulting, or even entrepreneurship.
Another interesting path is executive coaching. Like the communication track, it’s intensive, with over 40 credits needed. This specialization is for those who see themselves mentoring future leaders. Career options include consulting, being a training coordinator, or a private executive coach.
Knowing your professional goals before applying will set you up for success so the degree will align with your needs.
An eMBA isn’t the last stop if you want to maximize your education. Once you earn a master’s you may consider leveling up to a doctorate. To be clear, a Doctorate of Executive Leadership (DEL) can be at least a three-year time investment. A doctorate isn’t necessary, but it’s the highest level of training you can receive, and develops future senior-level leaders.
Cost, Duration, and Accreditation: Key Considerations
When researching potential eMBA programs online, be aware of additional fees outside of tuition. Examples are distance learning, graduation, and counseling fees. Also, universities may require a deposit. Still, online learners pay fewer fees compared to traditional students.
With this in mind, City Vision University has the most affordable executive MBA in this article. Their $278 per unit is vastly more reasonable than other accredited programs. Price and quality don’t always go hand-in-hand. City Vision is a prime example. Their relevant coursework equips graduates to thrive.
Time may also be an essential indicator to consider when choosing between the top online executive MBA programs. On average, full-time students can meet all graduation requirements in less than two years. California State University-San Bernardino offers the fastest eMBA on our list, where you can receive your degree in as little as 15 months.
Finally, the best online executive MBA programs are from accredited universities. That being said, ensure your chosen program is accredited, as this reflects academic quality and student outcomes. Specific programs can also be accredited. If they are, then this indicates the program meets a high set of academic standards. Look for accreditations from bodies like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
6 Best Online Executive MBA Programs
Here are the top online executive MBA programs from our database. We hand-picked each degree based on educational quality, variety of coursework, online accessibility, and student support services. All programs are accredited.
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Accreditation: ACBSP, SACSCOC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $24,840Lenoir-Rhyne University (LR) offers one of the best online executive MBA programs. Their 36-credit program accredited by ACBSP, is ideal for professionals who are ready to advance in their careers. Expect a quality education from a renowned business school that offers flexibility to full-time or part-time students. Moreover, with options for in-person, hybrid, or fully online learning, students will enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking, management, and ethics skills.
There are nine MBA specializations available, each designed to align with specific career goals. For example, you can choose a concentration in executive management. Earning this eMBA degree online will give you the tools needed to take the next step in your career. With its project-based curriculum, degree-seekers will acquire effective leadership skills to prepare for any work scenario.
Program requirements include 24 MBA core courses and 12 pathway courses. Foundational subjects such as marketing, accounting, economics, and strategic management solidify the base knowledge. In the executive management focus, students delve into industry-relevant topics like Project Management, Leadership Development, and Organizational Development and Change, all taught by experienced faculty. Students will connect asynchronous and synchronous lectures. During your studies, you will collaborate with real businesses to help their operations thrive.
LR also offers an accelerated executive MBA program online. Current LR undergraduate students can take up to 12 graduate-level classes while finishing their degree. Qualified candidates need a 3.25 GPA and must complete 92 undergrad credits by the end of the semester when they apply.
This MBA program sometimes asks for GMAT scores, requiring at least a 450 to get in.
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Master of Business Administration / Executive ManagementCity Vision University
Accreditation: DEAC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $9,700Become a conscious leader with City Vision University. Although they have one of the most affordable online executive MBA programs available, don’t let the price tag fool you. The executive leadership concentration is a challenging program that equips students for future senior management positions. Their MBA in nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship guides students to many rewarding careers. Teaching from a Christian worldview, students will receive a balanced education that combines ministry, entrepreneurship, business, and operations elements. Since this cost-effective degree is fully online, you can learn from the comfort of home.
The curriculum enforces key competencies established by the Management Skills Assessment Instrument (MSAI). As a result, you will become an expert at managing teams, interpersonal relationships, training staff, and organizational coordination. You will absorb knowledge from professors with immense industry and educational experience.
In total, you will complete 36 advanced-level credits in just under 2 years. Project-based courses will give you the confidence to face any challenge. At the same time, each course is only 8 weeks long. Executive leadership students have a large menu of available courses including Mentored Ministry and Leadership, Grant Writing, and Nonprofit Fundraising. All graduate students will complete a Strategic Management Capstone to earn their degree.
City Vision has a generous transfer credit policy. You can leverage up to 25 percent of your degree using previous graduate coursework from other institutions. This competitive online eMBA has fewer barriers to admission compared to others, since exams like the GMAT aren’t required.
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Master of Business Administration / Executive LeadershipOhio University
Accreditation: AACSB, HLC
Total Cost (In-State): $35,028
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $35,712Ohio University has a top PMBA online with a concentration in executive management, and no GMAT scores required to apply. This degree includes 36 credits worth of advanced coursework to jumpstart a fulfilling administrative career. Executive management is one of nine possible specializations for the MBA. You will gain mentorship from faculty with Fortune 500 company backgrounds.
This professional degree is almost fully online. Regular coursework can be accessed from the comfort of home. Additionally, each month, students meet for hands-on workshops at the Dublin Campus. An Experiential Learning framework helps you practice real-world business situations and collaborate with peers. In doing so, students learn teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills in this setting. What’s more, each skill easily transfers to the working world. In other words, graduates learn to make key business decisions and use data analysis to positively impact the workplace.
It takes approximately 24 months to fulfill all graduation requirements. After core coursework, you’ll take engaging classes in Analytics for Executives, Ethics in Leadership, and Leadership and Change Management. Esteemed faculty curated each course to offer a modern worldview and meet industry needs. You will finish the program with a Consulting Capstone which simulates an international business scenario.
You’ll receive plenty of support while earning a degree, with a full team of support staff behind you the entire way. Career coaches, branding experts, and counselors are only a few clicks away via Ohio University’s online student portal. Also, students have exclusive access to the Graduate Career Acceleration Team (GrabCAT).
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Professional Master of Business Administration / Executive ManagementCalifornia State University-San Bernardino
Accreditation: AACSB, WSCUC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $36.000CSU San Bernardino’s business school is AACSB-accredited. They offer one of the best online executive MBA programs in the country. Applicants from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to join. In fact, students with backgrounds ranging from healthcare to human resources have found success in this program. Ideally, candidates will have existing professional experience. A diverse faculty will empower you to reach senior managerial heights.
You can customize their learning experience. By enrolling, you will be part of an executive MBA online that is accessible to a range of students. For example, you can choose from part-time, hybrid, weekend, weeknight, or in-person classes, and all of them are available online.
The program is 30 credits long and takes 15 to 24 months to complete. The learning pathway includes 10 innovative courses and an MBA Boot Camp which reinforces key concepts like accounting, finance, and marketing. Each module of the boot camp ensures you’re up to speed and ready to begin the degree.
The curriculum has courses like Data-Driven Decision Making, Corporate Strategy in a Global Economy, and Project Management. Each student will harness their expertise with foundation, core, and elective courses. CSUSB wants its eMBA online students to build their dream careers. Therefore, at the end of the program, the faculty will help you design a portfolio of your best assignments to use when searching for jobs.
This is an executive MBA no GMAT. Rather than test scores, a minimum of two years of work experience is required. Every student needs to pass a final MBA exam to get their degree.
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Master of Business Administration / ExecutiveBaylor University
Accreditation: AACSB, SACSCOC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $51,864Communication is undoubtedly an essential tool to drive a business’s success. For this reason, Baylor University designed an advanced degree to prepare future experts in verbal and non-verbal communication. Students can choose a concentration in executive communication. This top online executive MBA program teaches students skills in presentations, negotiation, data analytics, and leadership to advance their careers.
Baylor’s teaching is based on four main parts: curriculum, hands-on learning, leadership skills, and career growth. They use these to create the best learning environment for their students. What’s more, the fully online environment lets you learn from anywhere, while your peers support your journey. In addition, expert professors will ensure you know the best techniques and methods of responding to different situations.
The eMBA online features 48 credit hours worth of material. Besides foundational business coursework, you will dive into an abundance of relevant topics like Communicating with Data, Negotiation, and Crisis Communication Management. Every aspect of the degree will turn you into a skilled leader and an excellent communicator.
Baylor University offers an immense alumni community. This helps make the program a top online EMBA, since build a worldwide professional network. Also, robust career resources like personalized coaching and resume reviews can give students a competitive advantage.
GMAT or GRE scores are not required to be considered for admission. Instead, qualified candidates need five years of work experience.
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Master of Business Administration / Executive CommunicationLiberty University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $26,770Do you want to help CEOs become effective leaders? If so, Liberty University offers a unique executive MBA online. Their degree has an executive coaching concentration which prepares you to become a mentor to business professionals. You will learn how to give guidance and train managers for career advancement.
At this time, Liberty University has one of the most flexible online executive MBA programs. There are eight start dates each year and classes are asynchronous. As a student, you can connect anytime according to your schedule. In addition, courses are only 8 weeks long.
This advanced degree features a robust 45-credit curriculum where you’ll become versed in all aspects of business. To begin with, you’ll complete 33 hours of core material. This balances a wide scope of focus areas like finance, international business, human resources, business law, and marketing. Once you’ve advanced, you will take 12 units of classes ranging from Introduction to Life Coaching to Leadership Professional Life Coaching. Full-time students can finish their course sequence in five semesters. In essence, you will learn the ins and outs of how an organization works. Using concentration coursework knowledge, you will use your advanced expertise to coach future executives.
Liberty has a generous credit transfer policy. Candidates can apply up to 50 percent of related graduate credits towards this degree. Also, first responders receive a 25 percent tuition discount. Tuition rates haven’t changed in nine years. This cost freeze makes it one of the most affordable eMBA programs. GMAT scores are not required for eligibility.
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Master of Business Administration / Executive Coaching
Choosing an Online Executive MBA Program: What You Need to Know
Admission Requirements and Eligibility
Make sure you qualify for a program before applying. The best online executive MBA programs have different application guidelines. A bachelor’s degree, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, resume, a minimum GPA, and official undergrad transcripts are generally required. Certain programs may conduct interviews. Many schools will ask for professional experience rather than GMAT or GRE test scores. On average, qualified candidates may need between two and five years of previous work experience.
You may be wondering if can you get an executive MBA without a bachelor’s. In some cases, it’s possible. Certain schools offer fast-track master’s programs, where qualified undergrad students may take eMBA coursework before finishing their bachelor’s. Eligibility is often merit-based and only a few programs have this option available. Fast-track options offer time efficiency, accelerating career advancement and leveraging existing knowledge and skills.
Structure of Online Executive MBA Programs
Unlike traditional universities, most eMBA programs online allow you to access all parts of the learning experience remotely. You can expect to connect to a central learning portal like Canvas to receive assignments, view study materials, and attend lectures. Online learning allows students to engage with peers and faculty all in one place, for a convenient learning environment.
While many online executive MBA programs are fully online, certain programs may be hybrid or give students the option to attend classes on campus. For instance, Ohio University’s executive program has monthly in-person weekend classes. It is essential to know residency requirements before applying.
Students who enroll in executive MBA online programs may either take asynchronous or synchronous courses. The first option means you complete assignments without ever needing to attend a live lecture. The latter format has fixed online lectures where you meet with fellow students and the professor. Some programs, on the other hand, combine both formats. So, it’s important to research and take courses that match your learning style. Many eMBA programs emphasize experiential learning, which gives students real-world practice. With the help of dedicated faculty, you may simulate a business crisis or meeting to gain confidence in decision-making skills.
Coursework and Time Commitment for Online eMBA Programs
Executive MBA online programs usually include 30 to 48 units of coursework. Students take one to three courses per term. This depends on the program because certain courses are more immersive and demanding than others. On average, students can graduate in 15 to 24 months. This varies based on whether you are full-time and how many credits you must complete.
Executive MBA programs online typically consist of foundational, core, and elective courses. Foundational subjects will reinforce essential business concepts you may have already studied during your bachelor’s degree. For instance, you will bulk up your knowledge of accounting, finance, marketing, and strategic management. Later, you’ll delve into specialized subjects to address the focus of your degree. Example courses include Leadership Development, Project Management, Communication Skills for Managers, and Organizational Behavior. Depending on the program, you’ll either complete a final capstone course or a comprehensive exam to earn your degree.
Is Getting an Online EMBA Worth It?
An online executive MBA is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment for pros seeking to enhance their business knowledge and marketability. This advanced degree opens doors to a range of lucrative jobs. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2022, reports those with a master’s degree earned a median weekly wage of $1,661, which is 16 percent higher than those with only a bachelor’s degree. In other words, higher education pays off.
Also, the best online eMBA programs will prepare you for impactful jobs. Using 2022 BLS data, here are just a few:
Top executive: These organizational coordinators earned a median annual salary of $100,090, with a projected employment increase of 3 percent over ten years.
Operations Research Analyst: Specializing in data and mathematical problem-solving, these analysts had a median salary of $85,720, with an impressive 23 percent projected employment growth.
Sales Manager: Although an online eMBA isn’t required for this role, having an advanced degree will give you a competitive edge. Sales Managers earned a median of $130,600 annually, with a 4 percent job growth expected.
Marketing Manager: You can combine your passion for sales and advertising with executive MBA programs online. Marketing managers took home a median of $138,730 per year. There is an expected 6% growth for this role over the next decade.
You can even work for yourself after earning a degree from one of the best online executive MBA programs. Entrepreneur salaries across the US vary, but the skills earned can apply in many ways, from offering courses and private consulting, to starting a business school. Private business consultants earn a median of $101,000 per year.
An online eMBA not only enhances your professional qualifications but also boosts your earning potential and career prospects in many high-demand fields.
Start an Online Executive MBA Program Today!
Start working on your executive MBA online now! With this degree, you’ll be leading the way in making big decisions and bringing new ideas to your company. You’ll be ready for top jobs like executive, operations manager, and CEO, and you could earn more money too. Plus, you’ll feel really proud when your company does well and your team members improve.
Of course, being a top boss can be pretty stressful. Things like how much money the company makes, keeping customers happy, and making sure employees stay can depend a lot on how well you do your job. But with a degree from one of these online executive MBA programs, you’ll be ready to take on these big roles. You’ll be able to make the changes you want to see in a company.