MBA or EMBA: What’s the difference?

Most MBA programmes have a core curriculum covering the foundational business knowledge required to become a successful management professional. Many business schools have also included important learning around the UN's sustainable development goals (SGDs) too. 

As well as the core learning, students can select optional modules to tailor their programme to their individual goals, from marketing to business analytics, digital transformation and international business. 

MBA students can take part in a consultancy project at the end of the programme, delivering real impact with a local or international organisation. Or, take on a work placement that can lead to future prospects upon graduation. 

The EMBA curriculum is usually the same, with more mandatory modules taken at a faster pace and a real-time strategic project at the end of the course. Across both programmes, time is dedicated to career development through coaching, workshops and recruitment events. 

Networking is a huge part of both the MBA and EMBA programmes – both with peers, alumni and industry contacts – taking the learning even further with insights from those who live and breathe business. 

EMBAs are catered towards working professionals with extensive work experience – generally in the region of 10-15 years. During the selection period, EMBA admissions teams look for a varied professional background and with diverse work experience. It is assumed that applicants will already have extensive business knowledge picked up over their career. Thus they are not usually required to sit entry exams – although applicants without bachelor’s degree may require a GMAT score.

However, for full-time MBA study, emphasis is very much placed on GMAT scores and essays. A minimum GMAT score of 600 is required in most schools, with top institutions requiring 700 and above. Although more management experience is a definite advantage for MBA study, students are generally only required to have up to three years’ work experience.

The length of degree programs vary per school, however the traditional duration of an MBA is two years in North America or one in Europe. EMBAs tend to fall into the same sort of range. The difference is, though, that EMBA study is part-time, on evenings, weekends and intensive weeks which can take place at different places around the world. EMBA students, by and large, stay in their current positions on a full-time basis (and with a full-time salary) while they learn. Much of the learning will be by distance and/or online. EMBA students tend to classwork at a more intense pace than their MBA counterparts to minimize distraction from work or family.

Full-time MBA students have intensive schedules, making it pretty much impossible to maintain a job outside the program. Although the classes are completed at a faster rate, the EMBA curriculum covers the same material as MBAs. However, EMBA programs offer fewer electives and students are required to take the majority of classes together. MBA students have the freedom to specialize in a range of topics, with a wide variety of options available to them. There are targeted EMBAs out there for those who want to specialize though!

Traditionally, the majority or entirety of EMBA students’ tuition costs were covered by employers, who benefit from the new skills their managers are learning. However, recent years have seen a trend towards self-funded candidates – which has meant that more schools are offering EMBA scholarships. Either way, students will also be earning a full-time salary while studying, making the financial implications of EMBAs somewhat less daunting in comparison with full-time MBAs. Company-funded students are generally required to commit a few years to the company upon completion of their degree – so they must be sure of their careers before embarking on a course.

In stark contrast, MBAs are entirely self-funded, although there a wide variety of scholarships available to students through private companies and schools. The prices associated with MBAs tend to slightly lower than EMBAs but full-time MBA students have to factor in other fees such as permanent board and accommodation as well as foregone salary (but don’t forget the ROI).

This is very important to consider when choosing between the two different degrees. If students want a more immersive student experience they should most definitely apply for an MBA. Living permanently on or near campus opens the doors to extracurricular activities – including clubs, sport, conferences and student-run events as well as social experiences and obviously, a tight knit social group as you’ll be working with your classmates every day.

For EMBA students, emphasis is placed very much on networking within a smaller cohort, with a bit less interaction with the wider student body. Students interact with their group on a weekly basis – usually at the weekend. Though the relationships may not be as intense, informal and formal networking is key to the EMBA experience (as it is to full-time programs) and is extremely beneficial for your future career.