Executive MBA in USA: Top 10 Universities, Admissions, Fees, Scope

The Executive MBA program is designed for professionals with several years of managerial or executive experience. It typically takes 18 months to two years to complete in the USA. Also, unlike a traditional MBA, the Executive MBA allows candidates to continue working while pursuing their studies. Therefore, Executive MBA programs often include weekend classes and intensive in-person sessions. Many people confuse it with the normal MBA, but there’s a big difference between MBA and executive MBA, so you must research and decide what you want to choose.

This format allows students to balance their work commitments with their studies. However, the specific structure of each program can largely vary. These executive MBA courses come with different specialisations like executive MBA marketing, executive MBA in finance, business analytics, strategy, etc.

Studying for an Executive MBA in USA can be highly advantageous for international candidates planning to sharpen their business skills. Here are some key benefits:

• A degree from a US business school carries significant prestige and can enhance your resume, making you a more attractive candidate to employers worldwide.

• Executive MBA in USA programs are designed with working professionals in mind. They often offer flexible scheduling, allowing international students to continue working while earning their degrees.

• Studying in the USA gives international students access to a vibrant business ecosystem, with opportunities to intern or work in multinational corporations.

• Completing the best executive MBA in USA can open doors to high-paying executive positions and career advancement opportunities. Other than this, US business schools often have strong ties with the business community, making it easier to transition into leadership roles.

Eligibility criteria for international students applying for an MBA executive course can vary slightly from one business school to another. However, there are some standard requirements that most schools typically expect international applicants to meet:

• Bachelor's Degree: You should have completed a degree from a recognised institution. This degree should be from a business or related field. The minimum overall score required for a bachelor’s degree is 60%. However, this may vary from university to university.

• Work Experience: Executive MBA programs are designed for experienced professionals, and most schools require a minimum of years of full-time work experience, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years. This work experience should include positions of managerial or leadership responsibility.

• English Language Proficiency: As US universities offer English-taught MBA courses, international candidates will usually need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This is typically done by providing scores from English language proficiency tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL.

• GMAT or GRE Scores: Many top executive MBA programs in USA require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores as they facilitate universities to select applications on common grounds. However, some programs may waive this requirement for applicants with significant work experience or other qualifications.

• Letters of Recommendation: You will typically need to provide 2 to 3 letters of recommendation from professional and academic references who can speak to your qualifications and potential as an Executive MBA student.

• Statement of Purpose: Most business schools require a statement of purpose or personal statement outlining your career goals, reasons for pursuing an Executive MBA from that particular university, and what you hope to gain from the program.

• Interview: Some business schools may require an interview to assess your skills during the admissions process.

• Financial Documentation: You may need to provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses while studying in USA.

• Resume/CV: You must submit a detailed resume or curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your professional experience, achievements, and responsibilities. 

 Selecting the right business school is crucial when considering pursuing an Executive MBA in USA. Some of the top universities to study executive MBA in USA for international students:

• Booth School of Business - University of Chicago

• Sloan School of Management - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

• Booth School of Business - University of Chicago 

• Columbia Business School at Columbia University

• Berkeley (Haas) Business School - University of California

• Duke University 

• Kellogg School of Management - Northwestern University

• Ross School of Business - University of Michigan

• New York University 

Studying for an Executive MBA in USA can be a bit expensive for international candidates. However, availing of a scholarship can reduce the financial burden for international candidates to a great extent. Here are some of the scholarships, top business schools in the US offer for international applications.

Completing an Executive MBA in USA can open up many career prospects and opportunities. The US working sector in the field of Executive MBA is growing, with many organisations requiring individuals with the correct skills. There are various job roles you can take up after completing the program.

Let’s look at some of them, along with the average salary.

In conclusion, the USA offer an attractive option for students seeking a fast-paced and high-quality educational experience. Whether you are a domestic or international student, pursuing an executive MBA in USA can open doors to new opportunities and propel your academic and professional journey forward. However, international students need to familiarise themselves with the specific admission requirements and visa regulations to ensure a smooth application process. Choose the university after researching correctly. We know you will make the best choice, and we wish you luck!

We hope you enjoyed reading about pursuing Executive MBA in USA and gained many great insights. If you’d like to know more about how to study in USA, contact our expert country counsellors at any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC), who’ll help you in every step of your study abroad journey.

Visit our website for free online counselling, or contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011 for personalised support.

Q1. What is the cost of studying for an Executive MBA in USA for international applicants?

Ans.  As far as the tuition fee to study Executive MBA in USA is concerned, it is somewhere between 90,000 USD to 2,00,000 USD per year. Apart from tuition fees, the cost of living in the USA, which is around 10,000 USD per year, should also be considered.

Q2. Can I apply for an Executive MBA in USA without a GMAT?

Ans. You can apply for an executive MBA in the USA without a GMAT. However, most top universities require a GMAT score for executive MBA programs.

Q3. How much is the average salary of a graduate after an Executive MBA in the USA?

Ans. After completing an Executive MBA programme, the average base pay for graduates in the US ranges from USD 1,00,000 to USD 180,000 per year.

Q4. Is an Executive MBA in USA hard to get into?

Ans. Yes, it can be challenging to get into US universities for an executive MBA due to limited seats. However, students can easily crack the admission process with a solid academic background and valuable work experience.

Q5. What are the top 10 universities in the USA for Executive MBA programs?

Ans. While rankings may vary, some of the top universities in the USA for Executive MBA programs include Harvard Business School, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford Graduate School of Business, MIT Sloan School of Management, and Columbia Business School. Other notable institutions include Chicago Booth School of Business, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, and Stern School of Business at NYU.

Q6. What is the scope of an Executive MBA in the USA?

Ans. An Executive MBA (EMBA) in the USA offers numerous career opportunities and benefits. It equips experienced professionals with advanced business knowledge, leadership skills, and a strong network of industry connections. Graduates of Executive MBA programs often pursue executive-level positions within their current organisations or transition into leadership roles in different industries. The scope of an EMBA extends beyond traditional business functions, allowing individuals to apply their knowledge to diverse sectors such as finance, consulting, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship.