Executive MBA programs are designed for working executives, many of whom do not want to leave their careers to attend a traditional program. Exec MBA programs are becoming increasingly popular, and enrollment has been on the rise in recent years. The Executive MBA programs tend to give students the opportunity to learn from the vast work experience of their fellow students.

Advantages of an Executive MBA:

• Class schedules are flexible to allow students to travel to and from the program with minimal disturbance from their work schedule. For instance, classes typically are held every other weekend over the course of two academic years. This means that students will not have to relocate to the school's location in order to attend classes.

• Many companies sponsor executive MBA students both financially and with time off to attend classes.

• A class full of experienced professionals adds to a challenging and stimulating collective-learning experience.

• The opportunity to form relationships with other executives.

• An executive MBA program provides the opportunity to immediately apply class lessons in the workplace.

Disadvantages of an Executive MBA:

• An executive MBA program requires a high level of commitment from students. It is difficult to balance the demands of work, school, and your personal life.

• Because of the amount of classroom time taken over the course of a weekend, there is typically little leniency for class absenses.

• The cost of an executive MBA can sometimes exceed the cost of a traditional MBA.

Resources:

The Executive MBA Council