Choosing between MBAs and EMBAs: the complete guide

Are you hesitating between an MBA and an EMBA? While these two types of training are virtually similar in terms of recognition and value, they differ in many respects (target audience, cost, admission criteria, etc.).

Reminder: the different types of continuing education

Before getting to the heart of the matter, let's remember that there are two different systems for continuing your education. Before choosing a diploma, check out the differences and similarities between vocational training and continuing education.

Similarly, find out what types of qualifications are recognised in Switzerland. Not all qualifications have the same value and are not necessarily recognised outside the country.

MBA and EMBA: focus on the fundamentals

Objectives of the MBA and EMBA

The MBA (Master of Business Administration) and EMBA (Executive Master of Business Administration) are training programmes in management and business administration.

Their objective is similar: to develop the managerial skills (accounting, corporate law, taxation, finance, etc.) that are essential for managing and developing companies.

Target audience for both courses

The difference here is clear:

• MBAs are aimed at young employees, generally with less than 3 years' professional experience, and/or students.
• EMBAs are aimed at executives and managers with solid professional experience (between 10 and 15 years, including 5 years in a management position).

Pace of courses between MBA and EMBA

The MBA lasts between 1 and 2 years and offers a full-time or part-time programme.

The EMBA, on the other hand, is designed for working professionals: the pace can be adapted to suit working hours, and enables employees to remain in their jobs. The EMBA takes the form of evening and weekend courses.

GOOD TO KNOW
While these different courses both last between 1 and 2 years, MBAs offer a much greater volume of teaching than EMBAs. Be warned, however, that in both cases you will have to do some personal work outside the sessions!

Admission criteria for MBAs and EMBAs

Professional experience

If you want to join an MBA, you will need to have between 2 and 5 years' professional experience. For an EMBA, this is much more important: most schools require between 10 and 15 years' experience in a company.

The level of education required

Most MBA programmes require a bachelor's degree (in some cases, solid professional experience may suffice). To enter an EMBA, on the other hand, you will need an undergraduate degree, or even additional professional certification.

GOOD TO KNOW
To gain entry to an MBA or EMBA, schools will take a number of criteria into account: professional experience, academic results, test scores and cover letter.

Educational content and experience

The content of EMBAs and MBAs

Overall :

• MBAs focus on several disciplines: management, finance, marketing, human resources, strategy, operations, etc.
• EMBAs focus more on the strategic aspects of business management and leadership development. Remember, this training is aimed at executives and managers.

The proposed teaching approach

On the MBA side, programmes take a more traditional approach, with lectures, case studies, internships and group projects.

On the EMBA side, peer learning is at the heart of the educational experience. The programme thus capitalises on the experience of candidates.

Finally, the MBA seems to be more flexible and allows the experience to be personalised (specialisation, course options), whereas the EMBA is more structured.

Cost and value of MBA and EMBA courses

Cost and financing options

Overall, EMBAs are more expensive than MBAs, due to their nature and target audience (executives and managers).

When it comes to funding, MBA candidates can generally finance their training via student loans, study grants or fee reimbursement programmes. For EMBAs, the options appear to be more limited, although some employers do provide funding.

Programme values

Both programmes are widely recognised by companies. However, the EMBA is often considered to offer a more immediate return on investment. Executives and managers can quickly implement their new knowledge within the company.

The choice between an MBA and an EMBA largely depends on your current professional experience, your career objectives and your ability to reconcile studies and work!