The Executive MBA (EMBA) is a prestigious graduate business program aimed at professionals and executives who want to advance their careers without interrupting their work. Unlike traditional MBAs, EMBAs are designed for individuals with significant work experience and managerial duties, offering a schedule that accommodates full-time employment. These programs focus on leadership development, strategic thinking, and practical business skills, often featuring global immersion experiences and extensive networking opportunities.
What is an EMBA?
The EMBA is tailored for mid-career professionals who are looking to boost their existing careers or explore new opportunities. These programs provide the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle leadership roles and complex challenges in the business world. Classes typically occur on weekends or in intensive blocks to minimize disruption to professional commitments.
Top 20 EMBA Programs in the United States
Each of these top EMBA programs in the United States offers unique strengths tailored to the needs of mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their executive skills and advance their careers. Through a combination of rigorous academic coursework, practical experience, and extensive networking opportunities, graduates are well-prepared to ascend to the highest echelons of global business leadership
1. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
Overview
Wharton’s EMBA is famed for its rigorous curriculum and its focus on an intensive, personalized business education. The program is designed for executives looking to enhance their decision-making and leadership skills.
Key Information
- City Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Year Founded: 1881 (Wharton)
- Total Enrollment: 1,700 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 700
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Famous Alumni: Sundar Pichai, Elon Musk
2. University of Chicago (Booth)
Overview
Booth’s EMBA stands out for its strong emphasis on analytical thinking and its flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies to their personal and professional goals.
Key Information
- City Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Year Founded: 1898 (Booth)
- Total Enrollment: 1,200 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 680
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
- Famous Alumni: Satya Nadella, Jamie Dimon
3. Northwestern University (Kellogg)
Overview
Kellogg’s EMBA program is renowned for its collaborative and immersive learning environment, focusing on teamwork and leadership development.
Key Information
- City Location: Evanston, Illinois
- Year Founded: 1908 (Kellogg)
- Total Enrollment: 1,000 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 650
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
- Famous Alumni: Ted Phillips, Ann Mukherjee
4. Columbia University
Overview
Columbia’s EMBA program combines theory and practice with a global business perspective, ideal for executives aiming to expand their international understanding.
Key Information
- City Location: New York City, New York
- Year Founded: 1916 (Business School)
- Total Enrollment: 1,300 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 690
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Famous Alumni: Henry Kravis, Vikram Pandit
5. New York University (Stern)
Overview
Stern’s EMBA program is designed for senior managers and focuses on increasing leadership abilities, with a strong emphasis on innovation and global markets.
Key Information
- City Location: New York City, New York
- Year Founded: 1900 (Stern)
- Total Enrollment: 2,300 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 660
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
- Famous Alumni: Alan Greenspan, William Berkley
6. Duke University (Fuqua)
Overview
Fuqua’s Global Executive MBA offers a unique blend of global residencies in key markets, providing firsthand international business experience and a broad perspective on global issues.
Key Information
- City Location: Durham, North Carolina
- Year Founded: 1969 (Fuqua)
- Total Enrollment: 500 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 640
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
- Famous Alumni: Tim Cook, Melinda Gates
7. University of California, Berkeley (Haas)
Overview
Haas’s EMBA program emphasizes innovative leadership and strategic thinking, crafted to develop the capabilities of executives in a rapidly changing global business environment.
Key Information
- City Location: Berkeley, California
- Year Founded: 1898 (Haas)
- Total Enrollment: 850 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 670
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Famous Alumni: Shantanu Narayen, Paul Otellini
8. University of Michigan (Ross)
Overview
Ross’s EMBA integrates rigorous academics with practical applications, preparing students to excel in high-level management roles across various industries.
Key Information
- City Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Year Founded: 1924 (Ross)
- Total Enrollment: 700 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 650
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
- Famous Alumni: Stephen M. Ross, Bharat Masrani
9. MIT (Sloan)
Overview
Sloan’s EMBA program focuses on innovation, global scalability, and sustainability, ideal for executives aiming to lead transformative changes in their organizations.
Key Information
- City Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Year Founded: 1914 (Sloan)
- Total Enrollment: 900 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 690
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Famous Alumni: Carly Fiorina, John Reed
10. University of California, Los Angeles (Anderson)
Overview
Anderson’s EMBA program offers a blend of theory and practical application, focusing on leadership development and management strategies suitable for diverse business environments.
Key Information
- City Location: Los Angeles, California
- Year Founded: 1935 (Anderson)
- Total Enrollment: 1,100 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 680
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Famous Alumni: Susan Wojcicki, Laurence Fink
11. Cornell University (Johnson)
Overview
Johnson’s EMBA program is distinguished by its strong focus on collaborative learning, leadership development, and a high level of student engagement.
Key Information
- City Location: Ithaca, New York
- Year Founded: 1946 (Johnson)
- Total Enrollment: 650 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 640
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Famous Alumni: Irene Rosenfeld, Aditya Mittal
12. University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
Overview
McCombs’ EMBA emphasizes strategic thinking, managerial vision, and the practical application of this knowledge to real-world business challenges.
Key Information
- City Location: Austin, Texas
- Year Founded: 1922 (McCombs)
- Total Enrollment: 420 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 650
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Famous Alumni: Michael Dell, Rex Tillerson
13. Emory University (Goizueta)
Overview
Goizueta’s EMBA is designed to foster entrepreneurial skills and strategic foresight, with a particular focus on developing a robust business acumen.
Key Information
- City Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Year Founded: 1919 (Goizueta)
- Total Enrollment: 800 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 640
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
- Famous Alumni: John Chidsey, Muhtar Kent
14. Georgetown University (McDonough)
Overview
McDonough’s EMBA program combines global business education with public policy insights, preparing students for leadership roles in international corporations and government entities.
Key Information
- City Location: Washington, D.C.
- Year Founded: 1957 (McDonough)
- Total Enrollment: 750 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 660
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
- Famous Alumni: Ted Leonsis, Patrick Ewing
15. University of Virginia (Darden)
Overview
Darden’s EMBA focuses on practical skills and ethical leadership, utilizing case studies and experiential learning to prepare students for senior management roles.
Key Information
- City Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
- Year Founded: 1955 (Darden)
- Total Enrollment: 500 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 670
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
- Famous Alumni: Mark Templeton, Frank Sands
16. Washington University in St. Louis (Olin)
Overview
Olin’s EMBA program is characterized by its rigorous curriculum and focus on global strategic management, designed to enhance executive decision-making and leadership abilities.
Key Information
- City Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Year Founded: 1917 (Olin)
- Total Enrollment: 300 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 630
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
- Famous Alumni: Chuck Knight, George Paz
17. University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)
Overview
Kenan-Flagler’s EMBA program combines rigorous academics with practical leadership development, emphasizing ethical leadership and sustainable business practices.
Key Information
- City Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Year Founded: 1919 (Kenan-Flagler)
- Total Enrollment: 1,000 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 650
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
- Famous Alumni: Kelly King, Hugh McColl
18. Rice University (Jones)
Overview
Jones’ EMBA is designed for seasoned executives, focusing on strategic leadership and advanced management competencies, with a deep dive into energy and finance sectors.
Key Information
- City Location: Houston, Texas
- Year Founded: 1974 (Jones)
- Total Enrollment: 400 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 640
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Famous Alumni: John Doerr, Jeffery Smisek
19. University of Southern California (Marshall)
Overview
Marshall’s EMBA is tailored for senior executives, emphasizing strategic thinking, international perspectives, and integrative business education.
Key Information
- City Location: Los Angeles, California
- Year Founded: 1920 (Marshall)
- Total Enrollment: 900 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 670
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Famous Alumni: Marc Benioff, Neil Armstrong
20. University of Minnesota (Carlson)
Overview
Carlson’s EMBA program is known for its focus on a collaborative learning environment and a global perspective, preparing students to manage and lead in diverse settings.
Key Information
- City Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Year Founded: 1919 (Carlson)
- Total Enrollment: 2,500 (EMBA specific)
- Average GMAT Scores: 640
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Famous Alumni: Richard Anderson, Doug Baker