Many college students find that they cannot afford to take additional time after graduation to work on a graduate degree, which is why so many business students opt for an Executive MBA. Designed for those currently working in the business field, this unique MBA program is a full-time program that lets students earn an MBA in less time that it would traditionally take. Students usually need to show that they have three to five years of working experience and a current job before enrolling in one of these programs.
Length of the Program
The typical Executive MBA program takes one year to complete from start to finish. Those attending a traditional program on a full-time basis will usually spend two years or longer in the program. Schools that offer executive programs understand that busy working professionals don’t have a lot of free time for school, which is why these programs offer classes that meet during unusual times. Some programs offer classes that meet one time in the middle of the week, and other programs offer courses that meet all day on the weekends. Students usually take one class for six to eight weeks throughout the year.
Courses You Take
Though every program is different, most programs feature many of the same classes. Instead of asking students to choose a specialized topic or a concentration, students take courses that give them a basic understanding of multiple topics. They take courses on core areas of business, including finance, accounting, marketing and international business. Students will also need to take classes on leadership and entrepreneurship. Some of the courses they might expect to take in one of these programs include managerial accounting, management strategies, operations management and the fundamentals of business finance.
Earnings Potential
According to Business Week, MBA holders can expect to make more than those with only an undergraduate degree make. Though the average salaries remained stagnant in terms of growth since the late 2000s, recent graduates can still expect to make $90,000 or more a year after graduation. Those who graduated from one of the top business schools in the country can start out making $120,000 or more a year. While those in executive programs already work full time, they have the chance to increase their earnings potential at their current jobs or when applying for new jobs after graduating.
Benefits of an MBA Program
An Executive MBA program lets those in entry-level jobs and beginning jobs increase their future chances at finding and landing better paying jobs. Entry-level workers often work long hours and have little free time available, which is why they don’t attend business school. These programs ask students to spend just one day a week in class, which gives them more time to spend with their families and work at their jobs. Some executive programs are also available online. Students can complete assignments and projects online while at home or at work instead of taking classes on campus.
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Executives today need more than just some experience in the field, and many of the top employers in the world will only hire new workers and promote existing workers who have an MBA. Designed for working professionals, an Executive MBA lets students take classes online or attend classes once a day on campus, which gives them time to devote to their studies without sacrificing their jobs.