An executive MBA (EMBA) is an advanced degree designed for people with business leadership experience. The coursework for these programs typically assumes that enrollees understand business fundamentals, focusing instead on the nuanced, complex challenges that leaders contend with.
A 2022 survey from the Executive MBA Council found EMBA graduates averaged a 17.7% compensation increase after finishing their degree, and the average salary and bonus package for recent grads was $272,160 per year. This signifies that EMBA programs can provide a positive return on investment.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executive jobs are projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031. Management positions overall are projected to grow 8% over that same time period. This data suggests continued demand for professionals with leadership skills.
Attending an online MBA program for executives can help you qualify for roles with higher-than-average salaries in this growing field.
2023's Top 5 Online Executive MBA Programs
The following ranking lists the top 2023 executive MBA online programs to help you begin your search for the right graduate school. Learn what we consider when ranking schools by exploring our ranking methodology below.
The Best Online Executive MBA Programs: At a Glance
| Rank |
School |
Admissions Insights |
Outcomes by the Numbers |
| 1. |
California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA |
- Minimum Undergrad GPA: 2.5
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Average Student Age: 23 (undergraduate); 31 (graduate)
|
- Tuition: $8,110
- Median Salary: $50,960
|
| 2. |
Carlow University | Pittsburgh, PA |
|
- Tuition: $21,190
- Median Salary: $48,450
|
| 3. |
Prairie View A & M University | Prairie View, TX |
- Minimum Undergrad GPA: 2.8
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average Student Age: 21 (undergraduate); 32 (graduate)
|
- Tuition: $16,000
- Median Salary: $40,350
|
| 4. |
Southeastern University | Lakeland, FL |
- Minimum Undergrad GPA: None
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
|
- Tuition: $26,640
- Average Starting Salary: $40,640
|
| 5. |
Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor, MI |
|
- Tuition: $20,540
- Median Salary: $44,110
|
Executive MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
#1 The Best Online Executive MBA Programs of 2023
California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1965, CSUSB offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines. CSUSB students can connect through day hikes, team-building workshops, and leadership challenges.
Master of Business Administration Online for Executives
Learners complete CSUSB's 30-credit executive MBA entirely online. The program requires foundational studies in data-driven decision-making and advanced managerial communications. Students can also explore organizational theory, accounting, corporate finance, and marketing.
Before starting their second quarter, each enrollee must complete an online executive MBA bootcamp. The modules introduce accounting, finance, and supply chain management principles to prepare learners for future coursework.
A required elective lets students choose a business area of interest to learn more about, such as global marketing or entrepreneurship. Enrollees may also elect to complete internships to fulfill the elective requirement.
CSUSB's Affordability
CSUSB offers a one-year loan to students taking prerequisite courses. Enrollees may also apply for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to finance the rest of their online executive MBAs.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: WSCUC, AACSB
- Tuition: $1,200/credit
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 21 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Each applicant must submit a resume, bachelor's degree transcripts, a statement of purpose, and a letter of recommendation with an application. CSUSB also requires a candidate interview.
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: None
- Cost: $70
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 The Best Online Executive MBA Programs of 2023
Carlow University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Carlow is a Catholic-rooted liberal arts university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school's Center for 21st Century Innovation and Workforce Development helps students transition from the classroom to their careers through professional development opportunities.
Online Executive MBA
The online executive MBA from Carlow prepares learners to advance their communication, project management, and risk management skills. Graduates should feel equipped to pursue careers as sales directors and strategic planners.
Carlow breaks down its program into eight-week courses, allowing learners to complete their degrees in 10 months. Courses include business analytics, management operations and change, and financial analysis and planning. Learners network and collaborate with the same students in each class using a cohort model.
Carlow's online executive MBA enrollees can access career planning services throughout the program. Upon graduating, learners receive continued career support and alum benefits from community-based partnered organizations.
Carlow's Affordability
Carlow's low tuition rate of $675 per credit makes this program just over $20,000 in total. Students who have filled out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid may qualify for loans and grants. Applicants may also apply for school-sponsored scholarships.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: MSCHE, IACBE
- Tuition: $675/credit
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 10 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- Admissions
- Process: Each candidate must submit an online application, official transcripts, a resume, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must also have at least five years of work experience.
- GPA: 3.0
- Cost: Free
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 The Best Online Executive MBA Programs of 2023
Prairie View A & M University
- Prairie View, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1876 during the Civil War, PVAMU was one of the first in the state to create fair and equal higher education for Black students. The school's study abroad programs provide opportunities for enrichment and research across the globe.
Executive MBA
PVAMU's College of Business offers courses for its executive MBA through online and in-person delivery. Learners can complete the program in two years by taking two eight-week classes per semester. In-person classes occur two Saturdays per month, with the remaining classes taking place online for the remaining weekends.
Before their last semester, learners study abroad with a PVAMU-sponsored field trip. The experience provides case studies and research opportunities to apply learned concepts to real-life business situations.
The program's capstone lets each degree-seeker choose between creating a plan to improve a business aspect of their current companies or developing an entrepreneurial plan.
PVAMU's Affordability
PVAMU allows its online executive MBA students to pay in per-credit installments, spreading the cost of the program across each semester. The school adds a $50 fee per installment, totaling $600 per semester.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $1,167/credit
- Required Credits: 36 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Delivery Format: Hybrid (synchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants submit official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Eligible candidates then complete interviews with PVAMU representatives.
- GPA: 2.75
- Standardized Tests: None
- Cost: $50
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 The Best Online Executive MBA Programs of 2023
Southeastern University
- Lakeland, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
This private Christian university, located in Lakeland, Florida, includes several schools and learning centers for student enrichment. The campus also hosts the Pathways School of Excellence for middle and high school students living with disabilities.
MBA in Executive Leadership
At SEU, the 39-credit executive leadership MBA classes run for eight weeks throughout the fall, spring, and summer terms. Degree-seekers may take all their classes online or attend some in-person classes.
This program includes 33 credit hours of core coursework in accounting, marketing, ethics, and other relevant business areas. Students also complete one three-credit leadership course and a three-credit elective in risk management, current issues in business, or global social entrepreneurship.
Enrollees must complete a six-credit capstone course analyzing a business case study. Through research, data collection and analysis, and practical application, learners develop strategic plans grounded in ethics to assist their companies.
SEU's Affordability
SEU enrollees can access financial aid opportunities, like grants, scholarships, and student loans, to offset the cost of their degree. The school also offers no-interest payment plans.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Tuition: $525/credit
- Required Credits: 39 credits
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Delivery Format: In person or online
- Admissions
- Process: Each candidate must submit official college transcripts, a resume, a professional reference, and two writing samples.
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: None
- Cost: $40
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 The Best Online Executive MBA Programs of 2023
Spring Arbor University
- Spring Arbor, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Originally Spring Arbor College, SAU builds its curriculum and student activities around Christian principles. SAU students participate in team-building, fellowship, and entertainment activities throughout the busy school year, including late-night breakfasts and Welcome Week.
Online MBA Executive Leadership Concentration
SAU's Gainey School of Business features an executive leadership MBA with flexible scheduling options. Students can complete the part-time pathway by taking one course at a time for up to 18 months or opt for the 12-month intensive accelerated program.
The executive leadership MBA curriculum incorporates courses in strategic leadership, management of organizational behavior, and strategic planning and management. These classes join a core MBA curriculum covering marketing, statistics, and accounting.
Learners who prefer in-person delivery to network and interact with peers can pursue an optional international business summit in New York City.
SAU's Affordability
An MBA student at SAU can earn their online degree for just over $27,000, regardless of their geographic location. Additionally, eligible students can use financial aid like student loans and grants to lower their costs.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: HLC
- Tuition: $752/credit
- Required Credits: 36 credits
- Program Length: 12-18 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: SAU MBA applicants must submit official transcripts and at least two letters of recommendation with their applications.
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: None
- Cost: $30
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Why Get an Executive MBA?
An EMBA can be a career asset if you already have business management experience. Moving from a mid-level management job into an executive role can be challenging, but an EMBA can differentiate you from the competition.
While MBAs develop useful skills for upper-level business careers, EMBA programs focus specifically on honing your leadership and executive skills as a senior professional. They are designed to expand your knowledge of strategic management, high-level business challenges, executive decision-making, and leadership dilemmas. EMBA courses typically use case studies relevant to issues that top executives face, where traditional MBA case study coursework tackles more general problems.
Still not sure whether an EMBA or a traditional MBA is a better fit for you? This chart can help you decide.
Choosing Between an Executive MBA and a General MBA
| If |
Then |
| You are a seasoned professional with 10 or more years of business experience |
An EMBA is a good way to deepen your industry knowledge |
| You are a mid- or senior-level manager and want to advance in your current organization |
An EMBA can help you progress to C-level positions |
| You are an entrepreneur who wants to scale up your organization |
An EMBA can refine your strategic thinking and connect you to a network of fellow entrepreneurs |
| Your career has stalled and you want to break into a new industry or switch careers |
An EMBA can equip you with a broader business skill set and provide access to new opportunities |
| You already have a demanding work schedule and can't commit to a full-time MBA program |
An online EMBA program offers you flexibility to work while pursuing a degree |
| You are just starting out your career or have no previous business or management experience |
A non-executive MBA can give you the foundational education you need to develop marketable business acumen |
Common Online Executive MBA Courses
Online executive MBAs delve into complex issues like business ethics, global management, and corporate strategy. Below, we explore common classes in EMBA program curricula.
- Executive Leadership: Learn to build productive relationships in your organization by directing, motivating, and influencing people effectively.
- Financial Analysis: Understand the role of finance by studying financial instruments, risk management, markets, and corporate debt structures.
- Entrepreneurship: Master the skills required to launch a successful new venture, including identifying ideas, writing business plans, securing financing, making deals, and managing crises and failures.
- Strategic Marketing: Learn the latest marketing tactics to support business goals and develop a competitive advantage.
- Design Thinking: Discover how to create innovative solutions to business challenges through ideation, experimentation, prototyping, empathy mapping, and user research.
Common Questions About Online Executive MBA Programs
What courses are in an executive MBA program?
An executive MBA program builds on concepts taught in bachelor's degrees in business administration. Courses explore topics like marketing, finance, human resources, and operations management.
What is an executive MBA degree?
Executive MBAs are designed for working professionals with multiple years of business experience. These programs often provide flexibility through online courses or evening classes for degree-seekers who work full time.
What is the starting salary for someone with an executive MBA?
May 2023 data from Payscale lists an average salary of $125,000 for executive MBA degree-holders. Payscale data also reveals the starting salary for chief executive officers — one of the roles an EMBA can help you qualify for — is $100,750 as of May 2023.
What jobs can I get with an executive MBA degree?
An in-person or online executive MBA can qualify you for an array of careers offering higher-than-average salaries, including roles like chief executive officer, chief financial officer, vice president, and company president. Graduates can also become analysts, business consultants, and operations managers.
