Is an executive MBA degree worth it?

Earning an executive MBA degree can lead to career advancement and higher earning potential, particularly by developing leadership and strategic thinking skills. It can also provide valuable networking opportunities, connecting you with other mid-career professionals and leaders in your industry. While it requires a significant investment of time and money, the potential for promotions, salary increases, and career growth can make it a worthwhile choice.

How much does an EMBA degree cost?

The cost of an EMBA program varies by institution, but tuition and fees can often be upwards of $100,000. For example, Cornell’s EMBA costs $186,510 for the entire program. Public institutions tend to be more affordable, however, with the University of Arkansas’ program coming in at a total cost of $48,653.

What are common concentrations for EMBA programs?

EMBA programs typically focus on leadership development, but they also offer concentrations that allow you to specialize in areas that align with your career goals. Common concentrations include global business, economics, finance, marketing, and communications.

How do I know which executive MBA program is right for me?

You can base your executive MBA program search around your career goals and the specific skills you want to develop. Most EMBA programs cover leadership and business strategy from a high-level standpoint, helping current managers become more effective and advance in their careers.

1-Year Executive MBA Programs: What You Need to Know

Updated on April 11, 2025

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Discover everything you need to know about 1-year executive MBA programs, including whether they’re the right fit for your career goals.

One-year online MBA programs are on the rise, and for good reason. They’re designed with flexible schedules that allow students to earn an advanced degree in just 12 months without leaving their current job.

However, if you’re a seasoned professional looking to earn an executive MBA degree in that same timeframe, you may have trouble finding a program that’s right for you.

In this guide, we’ll break down executive MBA programs, their length of completion, the career opportunities they offer, and some alternative degree options.

What is an Executive MBA?

An executive master’s in business administration program, also known as EMBA, is typically meant for mid-career professionals who want to earn an advanced degree without leaving their job. It focuses on leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking, offering students advanced business knowledge that’s essential for managerial positions.

Unlike traditional MBA programs, which typically target younger professionals with less work experience, an executive MBA is designed specifically for those with significant professional experience. Work experience requirements vary by school, but an EMBA is best suited for students with 8-20 years of experience, according to the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.

For decades, the executive MBA program was the main way for working professionals to get the degree without taking time away from the workforce. Even amid the rise of online MBA programs designed for working professionals, the leadership-oriented executive MBA program remains a focused way for students to study with peers at the same experience level.

Can You Earn an Executive MBA Degree in One Year?

Generally speaking, executive MBA programs aren’t offered in a one-year format.

Since its inception at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in the 1940s, the executive MBA has been structured as a part-time program with classes held after business hours or on weekends.

Because of this part-time format, executive MBA programs typically take around two years to complete. One-year programs aren’t particularly common, because they would require a more intensive schedule that wouldn’t fit with the flexibility EMBA students typically need.

There are some exceptions. For instance, The University of Tennessee Knoxville does offer an executive MBA in strategic leadership program that takes only a year to complete. Also, some online EMBA programs have cut down on the traditional two-year timeframe to just 16-18 months.

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Still Interested in an Executive MBA? Consider These Programs

While one-year EMBAs are rare, that doesn’t mean short-term programs don’t exist. Several top schools offer executive MBA programs that can be completed in fewer than two years.

Popular EMBA Programs
School	Program Length	# of Credits	Cost
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business	17 months	60	$186,510 entire program
Howard University Schools of Business	18 months	42 credit hours	$13,983 per semester
Emory Goizueta Business School	18 months	51 credits	$135,316 entire program
Rochester Institute of Technology	15 months	47 credit hours	$78,000 entire program
University of Arkansas	24 months	38 credit hours	$48,653 entire program

How to Choose an Executive MBA Program

Here are some factors you may consider when looking for an EMBA program:

Curriculum: Will the EMBA program boost your skills and help you meet your career goals? Look for programs that offer specialized courses or concentrations that directly tie into the areas in which you want to grow.
Cost: Can you afford the program, or will your company help pay for it? EMBA degrees can lead to better earnings and advancement, but that’s never guaranteed. Be realistic about the financial investment and whether the return on investment justifies the cost.
Time: Even if most EMBA programs follow a part-time schedule, they still usually have an intense workload that can be challenging for those with many personal or professional commitments outside of school.
Flexibility: Many EMBA programs are designed to allow you to continue working while you study, but some offer greater flexibility than others. Some programs include asynchronous learning, meaning you can complete coursework on your own schedule, while others may have fixed class times or require in-person attendance.

What Can You Do With an Executive MBA Degree?

Pursuing an executive MBA degree can be an excellent choice for leadership-focused professionals. It can help prepare you for senior management roles, enhance decision-making skills, and boost earning potential.

Plus, some online executive MBA programs offer concentrations that allow students to customize their curriculum to fit their long-term career goals. Cornell’s program, for instance, includes electives in high-demand areas like big data and artificial intelligence to help prepare you for a rapidly changing tech landscape.

Some senior leadership positions available for EMBA graduates include:

Popular EMBA Jobs
Job Title	Median Annual Salary (May 2023)	Job Growth Rate (2023-33)
Chief Executive Officer	$206,680	5%
Chief Financial Officer	$206,680	5%
Operations Manager	$101,280	6%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Alternatives to Executive MBA Programs

If you’re still interested in earning a master’s degree in a year, an accelerated online MBA program is probably your best bet.

These programs can be completed in just 12 months and are open to a wider range of professionals than EMBAs, which cater to mid-career, experienced students specifically. However, this format can be intense, requiring a significant time commitment in a fast-paced learning environment.

If you want more flexibility, consider a traditional online MBA program. These programs are often designed with working professionals in mind, so they feature curricula that allow you to study on your own schedule while balancing other responsibilities.

They also typically offer a wider range of concentrations and specializations to help align your education with your career goals. This makes them ideal for students who want to explore different career paths and take their time with their degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Executive MBAs

An executive MBA program caters to professionals with more experience, typically with several years of management experience. On the other hand, a traditional MBA program is generally open to less-experienced professionals or those earlier in their careers.

Executive MBA programs focus more on strategic leadership and high-level decision-making, helping prepare students for senior roles, while a traditional MBA program covers broader business fundamentals.