A graduate degree in business administration can help you expand your skills and advance your career. Both a traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree incorporate the fundamentals of organizational leadership, management and business procedure and policies to prepare graduates for a successful future in business.
These degrees are also quite different, and one may be a better fit than the other, depending on where you are in your career and where you aspire to be. This guide compares EMBA and MBA programs, including the differences in time commitment, curriculum, cost and career goals, to help you choose the degree that best fits your goals. You’ll also learn more about the online MBA programs at Youngstown State University (YSU), and why YSU’s high-quality MBA programs might be the educational answer you’re looking for.
What Is an MBA?
An MBA is a graduate-level degree typically offered by a university’s school of business. It equips students with leadership and management skills that they can use in any industry, whether they’re advancing in their current field or making a career change. Graduates of strong MBA programs often find opportunities in business leadership, management consulting and other impactful roles.
Ideal candidates for an MBA typically have some work experience in business or another organization and are ready to move to the next level or pivot to a different sector or career pathway. Courses in an MBA program provide an overview of the core concepts and fields of business, including:
- Finance
- Management
- Business law
- Accounting
- Marketing strategy
Many MBA programs offer specializations to equip students with the skills and real-world experience relevant to a specific industry. At YSU, MBA students can specialize in healthcare management, marketing, human resources or organizational leadership, or choose a general MBA for a versatile graduate degree.
What Is an Executive MBA?
An EMBA is a graduate degree designed for experienced professionals looking to enter the executive level of their chosen field. Most programs are typically offered through an academic institution’s school of business but may also be available in other schools of study or as part of the greater university structure.
Typical executive MBA candidates are mid-career professionals with work experience (usually over three years) who are seeking to advance in their current fields, rather than making a career or industry transition. They may aspire to move into executive or C-suite positions.
An EMBA curriculum includes many of the same courses as an MBA, but coursework is more specialized and advanced. Common classes cover topics such as:
- Entrepreneurship
- Microeconomics
- Business analytics
- Managerial accounting
- Risk analysis
While most EMBA programs offer degrees that cover general executive skills and concepts, some programs allow students to specialize in their EMBA. Corporate-level strategy, advanced statistical inference and strategic leadership are examples of EMBA concentrations that students may see in their course offerings or as the focus of their degree program.
Key Differences Between an MBA and EMBA
There are several similarities between MBA and EMBA degrees. Both programs are commonly available as online and flexible options for working professionals, and both prepare graduates for strong and growing careers in business.
When deciding between an MBA and an executive MBA, students should examine their career goals, program needs and current schedule availability. Each program has distinctive characteristics, and this guide will help you determine the areas to compare.
Program Focus
The choice between an MBA and an executive MBA depends on your profession or career aspirations after graduation. If you’re planning to focus on department-specific skills, such as healthcare or human resources, an MBA can provide you with the necessary skills and experience. If you intend to focus on advanced leadership skills for an executive career in any industry, look into an EMBA program.
Career Goals
An MBA is an excellent choice for professionals looking to step into management or transition into a new field. An EMBA offers targeted preparation for students looking for leadership opportunities, such as chief executive officer (CEO) or other C-suite roles.
Work Experience Requirements
The average incoming MBA student has between three and six years of work experience before entering their degree program. The average work experience for EMBA students ranges from eight to 20 years, making it a good fit for seasoned professionals.
Program Duration
The program duration for MBA and EMBA degree programs is similar, with each requiring between 30 and 60 credit hours. Both MBAs and EMBAs are available in part-time or full-time formats, including online options. However, even though a part-time schedule for either an MBA or EMBA allows you to work at the same time, it will take longer to complete than a full-time schedule.
Program Cost
Online MBA programs, such as those offered by YSU, can cost under $20,000. EMBAs are typically more expensive, with some costing up to $200,000, making it a more significant financial investment for roughly the same number of credit hours.
Career Outcomes and Salary Potential
While an EMBA may cost more than an MBA, it can deliver a higher return on investment (ROI) than an MBA. MBA graduates commonly work in management roles, such as human resource managers, sales managers, school district administrators or healthcare managers. EMBA graduates are more likely to become organization directors, vice presidents, general managers or CEOs.
Salary potential differs between the two degrees. In 2024, most MBA-related management roles earned between $100,000 and $150,000, with a median annual wage for managers of approximately $122,090. In the same year, top executives in business and other organizations earned an average $206,420, nearly 60% more than the median for managers.
Which Degree Is Right for You?
Choosing the right degree for you starts with understanding your motivation for pursuing a graduate business degree. Consider these questions as you decide between an MBA and EMBA:
- How many years of professional experience do I have?
- Do I need a flexible, online learning format?
- What are my long-term professional goals?
- Am I aiming to advance within my current industry or move into a different field?
- Where do I see myself in five years?
- Do I want to apply business and leadership skills in the workplace, or am I interested in an advanced exploration of these skills?
Inside YSU’s Online MBA Programs
YSU’s online MBA programs are designed to fit your professional and personal commitments. With flexible schedules, student support, experienced faculty and affordable tuition, earning an online MBA is an investment in your future.
The Williamson College of Business Administration at YSU is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), ensuring your degree represents a rigorous, high-quality education. The programs’ strong core curricula, combined with innovative and thought-provoking elective and concentration courses, empower you to apply theoretical principles to real-world challenges and work toward solutions that make a meaningful impact.
Prepare for Future Success With an MBA Degree Online From YSU
Both the MBA and EMBA are professional degrees that lead to rewarding careers in business and other industries. While they’re designed for different stages of your career, both of these degrees can result in a rewarding experience that prepares you for the challenges and opportunities to come.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Learn more about YSU’s online MBA programs by contacting the admissions department. Apply now to start on your path to future success.
