Best Executive MBA Programs
This article discusses part-time EMBA programs; for a list of full time programs for senior candidates, visit this page.
EMBA programs (Executive MBA) are MBA programs intended for working professionals who already have extensive work experience, and by that, we usually mean a minimum of 8-10 years (there is no maximum). The EMBA programs are also generally intended for applicants who will continue working during their degree, so the studies are conducted part-time, during evenings, weekends, and occasional intensive study weeks. Therefore, EMBA students can often stay in their current professional positions on a full-time basis and with a full-time salary! while still taking on a degree at the same time.
Traditionally, the costs for an EMBA were covered by the student’s employers as they naturally also benefit from the new skills their employees learn. These days, self-funded candidates are common. Therefore, more and more business schools offer EMBA scholarships (although, significantly fewer scholarships than in the full-time programs). As a result, an EMBA will generally be less of a financial burden for most, than a traditional MBA.
Additionally, it is common for older applicants to choose an EMBA program over an MBA program due to the work experience requirements for EMBA programs. Due to that, the average age of students at EMBA programs is 32 to 38 years, comparable to under 30 for most top-ranked full-time MBA programs.
See below the rankings of best executive MBA programs in the US and Europe.
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Top Ranked EMBA Programs in the US:
Program Snapshot
Wharton’s 24 month EMBA is offered at both their Philadelphia and San Francisco campuses.
Application Process
The admission process consists of one recommendation, 3 essays, standardized test scores (GMAT/GRE/EA), a sponsorship letter and official transcripts.
It is also recommended that applicants schedule a phone conversation with the program. This can be requested via their website.
There are two deadlines for applications, one in October and one in January.
While there are no fixed requirements regarding age and work experience, class profile averages typically reflect:
- Eight or more years of work experience
- Five or more years in a managerial position
- A college degree or the equivalent
- Senior management experience or potential
- Written endorsement (a sponsorship form) from their organization, confirming that the organization supports the application and understands the time commitments required to be successful in the program
Tuition Cost
Tuition for the class graduating in 2027 is $238,620. This cost includes tuition, fees, some course materials, and program-related housing and meals
Program Snapshot
The Sokolov EMBA Program at Chicago Booth is a 21-month program designed for experienced professionals to advance their careers while earning their MBA without pausing to work full time. Offered across three global campuses—in Chicago, Hong Kong, and London—the program provides unparalleled flexibility and access to world-class education.
Class Profile
-Class Size: 197
-Average Age: 38
-Average Years Work Experience: 13
-Average GMAT Score: 668
-% of Women: 28%
-Nationalities Represented: 46
Application Process
The application consists of one required essay (plus an optional essay), a resume, 2 letters of recommendation, GMAT/GRE/EA score and transcripts. A standardized test score may not be necessary for applicants who can demonstrate strong quantitative ability through their academic and professional achievements.
There are 4 deadlines in October, January, April and June.
Tuition cost
The total cost of the 2025 Chicago-based program is USD215,750. Student tuition is USD186,060. The program fees are USD29,690 and cover books, course materials, hotel accommodations for the Kick-Off Week in Chicago and the global residencies, most meals, and other program and event fees
Program Snapshot
Kellogg offers two prime U.S. locations — Miami, FL and Chicago, IL — and multiple schedules to suit your busy lifestyle.
Students can either start the program in January or September.
The Executive MBA also qualifies as a STEM-designated field of study, offering substantial benefits to international students holding F-1 student visas.
Class Profile
Average Years Work Experience: 15
International Students: 10%
Application Process
The application consists of a resume, 2 essays, 2 letters of recommendation (one should be from the applicants immediate supervisor), a time sponsorship letter from the applicants organization, official transcripts, an honor code agreement and an interview. The Executive MBA Program does not require GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment scores for most applicants. A GMAT or GRE score is required if you do not have a bachelor’s degree. In some cases, the admissions committee may ask you to take a standardized test after reviewing your transcripts. We will only make this request, however, in very specific circumstances.
There are 5 deadlines. Candidates may apply to either term (Fall or Winter) on either campus (Chicago or Miami). Deadlines are provided for planning purposes, but you may apply at any time and receive a decision on a rolling basis.
Program Snapshot
Our two New York-based options, EMBA-New York Friday/Saturday and EMBA-New York Saturday, will enable you to complete the program successfully:
We also have a partnership with London Business School — giving you the opportunity to pursue Columbia Business School’s world-class MBA in multiple locations.
Students can choose to start in January or August.
Class Profile
Class Size: 228
Average Age: 34
Average Years Work Experience: 11
% of Women: 38%
% of International Students: 18%
Application Process
The application consists of an employer sponsorship, official transcripts, a short answer question and 3 essays, one letter of recommendation, GMAT/GRE/EA score and an interview. There are 3 deadlines for each intake.
Tuition cost
Total EMBA-Global charges for May 2025 entry are $231,240* for the 61.5 credit degree.
Program Snapshot
NYU offers 4 EMBA programs:
- EMBA New York City
- Every other Friday and Saturday
- 22 months
- 60 credits
- Fall and winter intake
- EMBA: Washington, D.C.
- Fri-Sat-Sun once per month
- 2 years
- 60 credits
- Fall intake
- TRIUM Global EMBA
- For experienced senior executives
- Jointly offered by NYU Stern, London School of Economics and HEC Paris
- 18 months across 6 cities
- 6 in-person global modules
- Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi EMBA
- For senior leaders to accelerate their careers in the MENA region
- MBA degree jointly conferred by NYU Stern and NYU Abu Dhabi
- Part-time over 23 months
- Immersive residencies in NYC and Shanghai
| New York City | Washington, DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Start | January & August | August |
| Class Schedule | Every other Friday & Saturday | One, 3-day weekend per month (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) |
| Length of program | 22 months | 24 months |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent)
Minimum 6y full time work experience |
Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent)
Minimum 6y full time work experience |
| Average Cohort Size | 60 | 40 |
| Specializations | Choose up to 3 specific areas of business | Choose up to 3 specific areas of business |
| Required Residencies | Year 1:
Year 2:
|
Year 1:
Year 2:
|
Application Process
The process is split up into 2 stages:
Step 1: Pre-Assessment
The Pre-Assessment is a way for you to start the application process and to indicate your interest in the EMBA Program. There is no fee to submit a pre-assessment and the whole process should take no more than 15 minutes.
- Provide your name, home address and education and professional details
- Select your program of interest: NYC or DC
- Confirm you meet our Admission Requirements & Prerequisites:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- A minimum of six years of full-time work experience by the start of the program
- Submit an up-to-date resume
The Admissions team will review your Pre-Assessment and get back to you with next steps in no more than 5 business days.
Step 2: Formal Application
The Formal Application is comprised of various components that allow the Admissions Committee to gain a holistic view of your candidacy. The Formal Application is the same whether you apply to the NYU Stern EMBA program in NYC or the NYU Stern EMBA program in DC.
Typical Class Profile: New York City 37 – Average Age 13 years – Average Work Experience 7 years – Average Management Experience 25% – Advanced Degree 33% – International Background 37% – Women
Tuition cost
NYC – The program cost for students beginning the program in August 2025 and January 2026 is $232,880.
Washington – The program cost for students beginning the program in August 2025 is $196,700.
Program Overview
Start Date: February
Program duration: 22 months
Residencies: In 7 locations around the globe
Curriculum: General management curriculum with 5 concentrations & 1 certificate available
Spring 2025 classes start in June with learning modules to prep for your first residency, a 1-week immersion on Fuqua’s campus in Durham, North Carolina, where you meet classmates to learn about Duke and each other. Over the next 22 months you’ll typically have one 3-day residency a month—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—with hybrid distance learning periods in between. In your final term, you’ll return for two one-week intensive session of electives and complete those courses remotely.
Typical Class Profile
Class Size: 165-185
Average Age: 36
Average Work Experience: 11 years
Women: 30%
Admission Requirements
Personal information needed:
- Educational background
- Transcripts
- Employment history
- Business resume
- Self-reported test scores (GMAT/GRE/EA waivers are offered on a case-by-case basis)
- Essays
- One recommendation
Costs
For students beginning their program in May 2026 (class of 2028), the program cost is 178,400 USD.
Program Snapshot
Participants can choose between Ann Arbor or Los Angeles at Ross’s EMBA. The program is 21 months long and the average weekly commitment is between 20-25 hours a week.
Class Profile (class of 2026)
Class Size: 104
Average Age: 39
Average Years Work Experience: 14
% of Women: 23%
Application Process
The application consists of a resume, one recommender, 2 essays, official transcripts, employer support and an interview. There are 4 deadlines.
Tuition cost
The tuition cost of $199,000 covers courses, workshops, textbooks, course material, accommodation and meals
Program Snapshot
This 22-month Berkeley MBA program is designed for working professionals at the executive level. Classes typically meet every three weeks, Thursday through Saturday.
Class Profile
-Class Size: 75
-Median Age: 37
-Median Years Work Experience: 13
-% of Women: 32%
-Countries Represented: 17
Application Process
The application consists of 2 essays, one recommendation, GMAT/GRE/EA (waivers available), a resume, official transcripts and an interview which can be scheduled by the applicant on Berkeley’s website.
There are two deadlines, one in December and one in February.
Tuition cost
The approximate cost for the Executive MBA class entering in July 2025 is $216,500 for the 22-month program
Program Snapshot
Anderson’s EMBA is 22 months long and starts in September. The school prides itself on it’s flexible scheduling for EMBA students.
Class Profile
Class size: 150
Average Years Work Experience: 15
% of Women: 30%
Countries Represented: 25
Application Process
The application consists of official transcripts, 2 recommendations and 2 essays. International applicants must also provide a TOEFL or IELTS score.
8 years minimum work experience is required.
GMAT/GRE/EA scores are optional.
There are 3 deadlines in December, February and May.
Tuition Cost
Class of 2027 Entering Fall 2025 Total Program Fee: $200,424
Program Snapshot
UNC offers 3 programs – Evening EMBA, Weekend EMBA, Charlotte EMBA.
Class Profile
-Class Size: 50
-Average Age: 37
-Average Years Work Experience: 14
-% of Women: 23%
-Countries Represented: 42
Application Process
The application consists of a resume, 2 essays, 2 recommendations, GMAT/GRE (waivers available) and official transcripts.
5 years minimum work experience is required. There are 4 deadlines.
Tuition Cost
Cost of Charlotte EMBA is $125,589 and includes Tuition, and meals and housing during Orientation and Impact Weekends.
Program Snapshot
PLD is designed for executives preparing for career growth who want to expand their hard and soft skills and refine their personal leadership style to deliver results for their organization. Ideal candidates include:
- Specialists and star contributors who have been identified as outstanding prospects for bigger leadership roles and responsibilities
- High potential talent in roles that cover the scope of senior manager, manager, senior director, or directo
The program is 7 months in length and starts in July or December.
Class Profile
-Class Size: 170
-Countries Represented: 45
Application Process
Candidates are admitted on a rolling, space-available basis and typically will receive their admissions decision within four to six weeks. Select programs have application deadlines, as noted on the program page on our website. For all programs, early application is strongly encouraged.
Tuition Cost
The tuition cost is $56,000.
Program Snapshot
The MIT Executive MBA is a transformational journey for mid-career leaders who want to move from success to significance.
We teach the science of management at MIT Sloan, providing our EMBA students with an exceptional forum for innovation and leadership through applied learning projects. The MIT EMBA helps students grow in their careers by elevating them into new roles and opening doors of possibilities that once seemed improbable.
This 20-month program offers something rare: the community, resources, and opportunity to redefine not just your career, but your life.
Every two-to-three weekends over 20 months, you’ll be on campus at MIT Sloan in Cambridge, MA. Here in the Kendall Square neighborhood—the most innovative square mile in the world—you’ll unlock possibilities that once seemed improbable. Your journey will become even more immersive by experiencing three week-long executive modules along with a choice of a final international project trip or exposure to creating a start-up.
Class Profile
Class Size: 130
Average Years Work Experience: 17
Average Age: 41
International Origin: 48%
Application Process
The application consists of 6 essays, employment history, 2 letters of recommendation, official transcripts and an organizational chart. GMAT is not required.
A minimum of 10 years of work experience is required.
Tuition Cost
Cost of tuition for the program is $214,174.
Cornell- Johnson EMBA Americas
Program Snapshot
The format of the Executive MBA Americas program combines two delivery methods that allow for collaborative teamwork and building relationships:
- Weekend courses—in select cities or online with synchronous instruction from the Cornell University campus
- Residential sessions—four in total, held on the campuses of Cornell and Queen’s universities
Every other weekend, you’ll be among classmates and connected—via live, interactive videoconferencing—to the rest of your cohort across the Americas. This unique delivery format, paired with residential sessions, will expand your network and global perspective
Classes for the Executive MBA Americas program begin annually in late June.
Class Profile
Class Size: 118
Average Age: 38
Average Years Work Experience: 14
% of Women: 32%
Internationally Based: 45%
Application Process
The application includes a resume, an organizational chart, 3 essays, two letters of recommendation and academic transcripts.
GMAT/GRE/EA are not required.
Tuition Cost
The cost of the EMBA Americas program is $194,346.
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Cornell – Johnson EMBA Metro NY
Program Snapshot
The Executive MBA Metro NY program is 22 months in duration and is divided into four terms. Below is a snapshot of the typical sequence of the program, which includes residential sessions and weekend classes.
Incoming classes for the Executive MBA Metro NY program begin in July.
The Executive MBA Metro NY program combines two delivery methods that emphasize collaboration and executive leadership:
- Weekend classes—held every other Saturday and Sunday at the Tata Innovation Center on the Cornell Tech campus in NYC
- Residential sessions—four one-week sessions held on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York
Every other weekend, you’ll join classmates for in-person classes in New York City. This convenient weekend format offers opportunities for extensive networking and engagement with peers. At the beginning of each term, residential sessions unite the cohort as you prepare for your next set of courses together.
Class Profile
Class Size: 75
Average Age: 36
Average Years Work Experience: 12
% of Women: 21%
Internationally Based: 26%
Application Process
The application includes a resume, an organizational chart, 3 essays, two letters of recommendation and academic transcripts.
GMAT/GRE/EA are not required.
Tuition Cost
The cost of the EMBA Metro NY program is $228,916. This cost includes academic services, books, materials, accommodation, accommodation and meals in Ithaca and accommodation and meals during the Global Business Study trip
Program Snapshot
Darden’s EMBA is 21 months long, it starts in August and ends in May. EMBA students participate in one global residency with the opportunity to add more.
Class Profile
Class Size: 119
Average Age: 34
Average Years Work Experience: 13
% of Women: 27%
Application Process
The application includes a resume, transcripts, several short answer questions and one recommendation. standardized test scores are not required.
Tuition Cost
The cost of tuition is $189,000.
Program Snapshot
The 22 month program begins in July. Participants meet for class every other weekends. One week in June is spent abroad at the EMBA Global Network Week.
Class Profile
Class Size: 77
Average Age: 36
Average Years Work Experience: 16
% of Women: 36%
Application Process
The application consists of official transcripts, GMAT/GRE/EA score, at least one recommendation, employer approval, a resume and 2 essays.
There are three application rounds in October, February and March.
Tuition Cost
The cost of tuition is $193,500. This fee covers textbooks, material, some meals and lodging during summer residencies, Friday evenings and EMBA Global Network Week.
Top Ranked EMBA Programs in Europe:
Program Snapshot
LBS’s 20 month program starts in September.
LBS also offer a top ranked EMBA program in Dubai.
Class Profile
-Class size: 80
-Average Work experience: 13 years
-Countries represented: 34
-% of Women: 26%
Application Process
The application consists of a resume/CV, official transcripts, 3 essays, 2 references (one from the applicants immediate line manager), GMAT/GRE/EA score (waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis). International applicants with no experience working in an English speaking environment will also have to submit an English test score. TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Cambridge are all accepted.
There are 5 deadlines in February, March, April, June and July.
Tuition cost
The cost of tuition for LBS’s London EMBA is £98,500. This fee covers course materials, textbooks and accommodation for the international assignment and orientation week.
- Program SnapshotINSEAD’s top ranked GEMBA requires participants to be away from work for a total of 51-60 days, out of the 14-17 month program. The program is a Global EMBA and therefor takes place over three campuses, in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore) and the Middle East (Abu Dhabi).Class Profile-Class size: 230-Average Work experience: 14 years-Countries represented: 63Application ProcessThe application consists motivational essays, 2 letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a CV and a photograph.Non-native English speakers are required to do one of the following exams: TOEFL, PTE, TOEIC, IELTS.There are 4 deadlines for applications.Tuition costThe GEMBA Asia tuition fee is SG$196,000. The GEMBA Middle East tuition fee is US$135,000. The GEMBA Europe tuition fee is €125,500.
Program Snapshot
LSE partners with NYU Stern and HEC Paris for the top ranked TRIUM Global EMBA. The program takes place in Silicon Valley, New York, London, Paris and Shanghai. It takes place over 18 months, beginning in September, and is one of the best executive MBA in the world.
Class Profile
– Class size: 65
-Average Work experience: 16 years
-Countries represented: 32
-Average Age: 40
Application Process
The application is a 4 step process, first the applicant must submit a preliminary assessment form, next is an information interview. After that applicants must submit an application form with 3 essays, 2 references, official transcripts, a GMAT/GRE score (is applicable) and a TOEFL (if applicable)
Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years of work experience.
Tuition cost
The tuition cost is $185,150. This fee covers lodging for the Silicon Valley and Shanghai modules, some meals and material.
Program Snapshot
The program has two intakes. The September intake takes place over 26 months and the January intake takes place over 24 months.
Class Profile
– Class size: 74
-Countries represented: 33
-Average Age: 38
-% of Women: 34%
Application Process
The application consists of official transcripts, GMAT/EA score, 3 essays, valid work/professional/institutional email address for each referee. Non-native English speakers must submit one of the following test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, CPE, CAE.
Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years managerial experience.
Tuition cost
The tuition cost is £91,350.
Program Snapshot
The Cambridge Executive MBA is a unique 20-month degree programme for senior executives. The programme is taught at Cambridge for 16 weekends & four week-long blocks and starts in September.
Class Profile
- 128 students
- Average age 37
- Age range 28-57
- 40 nationalities represented
- 13 years average work experience
- 23% female
Application Process
| Professional experience | 7 years’ full-time experience, including strong management experience, before starting the programme in September. |
| Academic achievement | First or 2:1 Bachelor’s degree, or international equivalent. |
| GMAT/GRE/EA | The GMAT or EA and GRE are an indicator of your readiness to re-enter a rigorous academic environment. You will need to take the GMAT, EA or GRE and submit your score with your application or apply for a GMAT, EA or GRE waiver as part of your application. If you are unsure whether you would qualify for a waiver, please contact our Admissions Team. |
| Two references | A professional and a peer reference. |
| English proficiency | You must be a national of a List A country, hold a three-year university degree completed in a List A country within the last two years, or have an IELTS or TOEFL score that meets our requirements listed below. |
Tuition cost
The tuition cost is £98,100.
Program Snapshot
- Duration – 16 or 20 months
- Language – English or Spanish
- Location – Online & Madrid or 100% Madrid
- Intake – Two intakes: September/October & April
- MODE OF STUDY – Part-time
- FORMAT – Blended & In Person
Class Profile
Countries represented: 25+
Average Age: 35
% of Women: 30%
Average Work Experience: 12 years
Application Process
The application is a 4 step process, first an online application form which includes the following: official transcripts, a CV/resume, 2 letters of recommendation, a work verification letter, an organizational chart and a photograph. Non-native English speakers must include one of the following text scores: TOEFL, IELTS, CPE, CAE, Duolingo English Test. The next step is an online assessment, after that is an entrance exam. Students are required to take either the GMAT, GRE, IEGAT or EA. The last step is a personal interview.
Tuition cost
The tuition cost is €80,000
Program Snapshot
The HEC Paris Executive MBA offers 2 different study formats and 4 flexible, part-time intakes to fit your personal and professional lifestyle. Programs are held in four locations: Paris, Jouy-en-Josas (17 kilometers outside of Paris), Doha, Qatar, or Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
We have two options and four available EMBA intakes to suit your schedule and preferred learning pace. Each intake amounts to approximately 50 days out of the office, and will be completed in 18 months, depending on the specialization you choose.
International experience is embedded in our Executive MBA program. Students have the opportunity to study across our HEC Paris EMBA campuses in France, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In addition, our Specializations include an international component with institutional partners located across the globe.
Application Process
For your application to be considered complete and ready to be reviewed for admission, it should meet the following requirements:
- Completed Application Form
- Completed Essays
- Management Test: choice of GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, or in-house HEC management test.
- Copy of English Test*
- 2 Recommendations
- Passport Photo
- Copy of Passport (copies of both if you have dual nationality) or Birth Certificate
- Current Professional Resume in English (Minimum of 8 years of Work Experience)
- International Exposure or Work Experience
- Non-refundable application fee of 200 euros
- Copies of Higher Education Degrees or Equivalent Education and Experience**
Tuition cost
The tuition cost is €110,000.
Top Ranked International Executive MBA Programs:
Program Snapshot
-
Earn two MBA degrees in 20 months, from two of the world’s leading business schools; London Business School and Columbia Business School.
- One week, once a month over 20 months. Starting in May.
- Jointly developed by Columbia Business School and London Business School
- Monthly week-long classes each month and alternates between London and New York City
- A unique program in which you earn two full MBA degrees after studying in these two major hubs of global business
- Career services and alumni privileges at each school
Class Profile
-Class size: 106
-Average Years of Work Experience: 12 years
-Countries represented: 36
-% of Women: 28%
Application Process
Applications are completed online. Full instructions are included within the online application. Applicants are managed as follows:
- Residents of the Americas or Asia-Pacific region are managed by Columbia Business School
- Residents of Europe, the Middle East or Africa are managed by London Business School
- A joint London Business School and Columbia Business School Admissions Committee evaluates each submitted application.
- Within one to two weeks of the stage deadline, you’ll hear whether you’ve been selected for an interview.
- You will normally receive a final decision within one to two weeks of your interview. We reserve the right to defer decisions in order to ensure the highest calibre, and best mix, of participants in the programme.
To maintain the highest standards, 100% of admitted candidates are interviewed prior to offer.
Tuition Cost
The fees for the EMBA-Global May 2025 intake are $231,240.
Program Snapshot
The TRIUM Global Executive MBA brings together experienced executives, successful entrepreneurs and open-minded business leaders who have excelled in their careers but still thirst for more. This unique alliance of 3 outstanding academic institutions combines the joint expertise of HEC Paris School of Management, New York University’s Stern School of Business and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Our goal is to provide you with a highly challenging learning environment that will expand your world view and enable you to achieve dramatic transformation from both a professional and personal perspective.
Class Profile
Class size: 50
Average Age: 40
Average Years of Work Experience: 16 years
Countries represented: 32
Application Process
The application process consists of a preliminary assessment form, an interview, an application form (which includes transcripts, TOEFL and GMAT/GRE- not always applicable) and a second interview.
Tuition Cost
The TRIUM Global EMBA tuition fee is $208,080 for Class of 2028.