Difference between Traditional MBA and Executive MBA

The two terms namely, MBA (Masters of Business Administration or say traditional MBA) and EMBA (Executive Masters in Business Administration or say executive MBA) create a lot of dilemma in the minds of the students of India who wish to continue education in management in India, only. As more and more companies in India are hiring candidates with higher acumen level and prior industry experience, a proper understanding of these two terms becomes a dire need. The differences can be categorized as follows:

– MBA is defined as a general Master’s degree in business administration, whereas; EMBA is defined as a specialized management degree for the working professionals.

– MBA students are either graduates from a wide range of academic principles or working professionals who aim for managerial designation, whereas; EMBA students are working professionals – executives, managers, entrepreneurs and business owners, who aim to expand their knowledge base.

– MBA courses elaborate more on the basics of management concepts, whereas; EMBA courses focus more on the practical side.

– MBA is primarily a full-time program, whereas, EMBA is a part-time program. Although, variations such as evening courses and short-term courses are also available.

– MBA students are required to complete any undergraduate program, whereas; EMBA students need to have a professional working experience.

– MBA students are comparatively younger than EMBA students, whereas; EMBA students are comparatively older than MBA students.

– MBA students may or may not have any prior industry experience, whereas; EMBA students need to have a prior working experience.

– MBA applicants must take an entrance exam such as GMAT, CAT or any other relevant exam, as applicable, whereas; EMBA applicants do not have to appear for any entrance exam, but, they need to have a significant amount of industry experience.

– MBA curriculum is more comprehensive with a specific business area, whereas; EMBA curriculum is less comprehensive with no areas of specialization.

– MBA students experience changed class structure every time they clear semester, whereas; EMBA students complete the entire program with same classmates.

– Traditional MBA programs often offer opportunity to complete the studies or the internship abroad, whereas; some EMBA programs provide the opportunity to get exposure just for 1-2 weeks period because, there is no concept of internship applicable in such programs, as the students already have a hands-on industry working experience.

Hence, after gaining an understanding of the above-mentioned points, it can be concluded that the students who are at beginning level of their career or working professionals who intend to change their company or industry with their designation to managerial levels should opt for traditional MBA programs, whereas; the working executives who have prior work experience and just need to expand their knowledge base with the latest in the industry should go for Executive MBA programs.