Tennessee is home to several respected Executive MBA (EMBA) programs designed to accommodate the needs of experienced professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills, advance their careers, and increase their knowledge in business management. These programs provide flexible learning formats, a focus on leadership development, and practical applications that allow students to balance work and education.
1. Vanderbilt University – Owen Graduate School of Management
Overview
Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management offers a highly regarded Executive MBA program that is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals seeking leadership and strategic management expertise. The program is known for its collaborative environment and strong focus on leadership development.
Program Structure
- Weekend Format: The Executive MBA is structured around alternating weekend classes (Friday and Saturday) held in Nashville, allowing professionals to continue working while completing their degree.
- Duration: The program is completed in 21 months, making it possible for students to quickly apply their learning in their current roles.
- International Option: Vanderbilt offers an Executive MBA Americas track, in collaboration with several international business schools, that includes global residencies and a focus on international business.
Key Features
- Team-Based Learning: Vanderbilt’s EMBA program emphasizes collaborative learning, encouraging students to work in teams to solve complex business problems.
- Global Perspective: The program includes an international residency where students gain exposure to global business practices and strategies.
- Leadership Focus: A key component of the program is leadership development, with courses and workshops dedicated to enhancing leadership, negotiation, and strategic decision-making skills.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum of 5 to 10 years of professional experience, preferably in a leadership role.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required but can be waived for candidates with significant work experience or strong academic credentials.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Leadership Development, Strategic Management, Finance, Marketing, and Operations.
- International Residency: Students participate in a global immersion experience that allows them to explore international business environments.
- Capstone Project: The program culminates with a strategic project where students apply what they’ve learned to a real-world business issue or challenge.
Career Services
Vanderbilt’s Owen School offers extensive career services, including executive coaching, leadership development programs, networking opportunities, and access to an active alumni network.
2. University of Tennessee – Haslam College of Business
Overview
The Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee offers two Executive MBA programs: the Executive MBA for Strategic Leadership (EMBA-SL) and the Executive MBA for Healthcare Leadership (EMBA-HL). Both programs are designed for experienced professionals seeking to expand their strategic management and leadership skills in their respective fields.
Program Structure
- Hybrid Format: Both EMBA programs use a hybrid structure, combining online coursework with in-person residencies held in Knoxville, Tennessee.
- Duration: The programs are completed in 11 months, offering an accelerated path to an MBA while allowing students to maintain their full-time careers.
Key Features
- Industry-Specific Focus: The EMBA-HL focuses on the healthcare industry, making it ideal for professionals working in healthcare management, while the EMBA-SL is designed for leaders in various industries.
- Executive Coaching: Both programs include one-on-one executive coaching, providing personalized leadership development and career growth strategies.
- Accelerated Learning: The 11-month format allows students to gain the skills and knowledge they need quickly while minimizing time away from work.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum of 7 years of professional experience, with preference for leadership or managerial roles.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be waived for applicants with significant experience.
Curriculum
- EMBA for Strategic Leadership:
- Core Courses: Strategic Leadership, Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing, and Operations.
- Leadership Development: Includes personalized executive coaching and leadership workshops.
- EMBA for Healthcare Leadership:
- Core Courses: Healthcare Finance, Strategic Management in Healthcare, Healthcare Policy, and Operations in Healthcare.
- Capstone Project: Both programs conclude with a capstone project that addresses a real-world business or healthcare challenge.
Career Services
Haslam College provides career services that include executive coaching, leadership development, industry-specific networking events, and access to a robust alumni network in healthcare and other industries.
3. Belmont University – Massey Graduate School of Business
Overview
Belmont University’s Massey Graduate School of Business offers an Executive MBA program designed for professionals who want to take on senior leadership roles in their organizations. The program is known for its emphasis on ethical leadership and its flexible format that accommodates working professionals.
Program Structure
- Evening and Weekend Format: The program is delivered through evening classes held once a week and full-day sessions on alternating Saturdays, allowing students to balance work and study.
- Duration: The program can be completed in 16 to 18 months.
Key Features
- Ethical Leadership Focus: Belmont’s EMBA program emphasizes ethical decision-making and leadership, preparing students to lead with integrity in today’s business environment.
- Flexible Learning: The evening and weekend format provides flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to continue their careers while completing the degree.
- Small Class Sizes: Belmont offers small cohorts, ensuring personalized attention and fostering close relationships between students and faculty.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, preferably in a managerial or leadership role.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be waived for applicants with significant work experience or strong academic performance.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Leadership, Financial Management, Marketing, Operations, and Strategic Management.
- Leadership Development: The program includes leadership courses, workshops, and executive coaching to help students refine their leadership skills.
- Capstone Project: Students complete a strategic project or business plan that applies their knowledge to a real-world business problem.
Career Services
Belmont University provides career support through its Massey Graduate School of Business, including career coaching, networking events, leadership development programs, and access to an active alumni network.
4. University of Memphis – Fogelman College of Business and Economics
Overview
The University of Memphis offers an Executive MBA program through its Fogelman College of Business and Economics. The program is designed to help mid-career professionals enhance their leadership skills and develop a deeper understanding of global business practices.
Program Structure
- Weekend Format: Classes are held on weekends to accommodate working professionals. In addition, there is a global immersion component that allows students to experience international business firsthand.
- Duration: The program can be completed in 17 months.
Key Features
- Global Business Focus: The program includes a global immersion trip where students study international business practices in a real-world context.
- Leadership Development: The program emphasizes leadership skills, with courses and workshops designed to enhance strategic decision-making and team leadership.
- Diverse Cohorts: The program attracts professionals from a wide range of industries, allowing for rich class discussions and networking opportunities.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum of 5 to 7 years of professional experience, preferably in a leadership role.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required, though waivers are available based on professional experience and academic background.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Strategic Leadership, Financial Management, Marketing, Operations, and Business Analytics.
- Global Immersion: Students participate in an international residency that exposes them to global markets and business challenges.
- Capstone Project: The program concludes with a capstone project where students apply their knowledge to solve a strategic business problem.
Career Services
The Fogelman College of Business and Economics offers career services including leadership coaching, networking opportunities, career development workshops, and access to an extensive alumni network.
5. Lipscomb University – College of Business
Overview
Lipscomb University’s College of Business offers an Executive MBA program that focuses on developing ethical leaders who are equipped to manage in today’s fast-paced business world. The program is designed for professionals who want to enhance their leadership skills while maintaining their current job responsibilities.
Program Structure
- Weekend Format: The program is structured around weekend classes, allowing professionals to continue working while completing their MBA.
- Duration: The program can be completed in 21 months.
Key Features
- Ethical Leadership: Lipscomb’s EMBA program places a strong emphasis on values-based leadership, preparing students to make ethical decisions in complex business environments.
- Small Cohorts: Small class sizes foster close relationships with faculty and peers, creating a collaborative learning environment.
- Leadership Coaching: The program includes personalized executive coaching to help students develop their leadership style and career strategy.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, with leadership experience preferred.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be waived for candidates with significant work experience or a strong academic background.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Leadership, Strategic Management, Financial Decision-Making, Operations, and Marketing.
- Leadership Development: The program includes leadership workshops and coaching sessions that focus on developing ethical leadership and strategic thinking.
- Capstone Project: The program culminates with a capstone project where students work on a real-world business challenge, applying their learning to deliver solutions.
Career Services
Lipscomb University’s College of Business provides career services including career coaching, leadership development workshops, and access to a strong alumni network.
6. Tennessee State University – College of Business
Overview
Tennessee State University’s College of Business offers a Professional MBA program designed for working professionals. While not specifically branded as an Executive MBA, the program is structured for mid-career professionals who want to enhance their business skills while continuing to work full-time.
Program Structure
- Evening Classes: Classes are held in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.
- Duration: The program can be completed in 18 to 24 months, depending on the student’s pace.
Key Features
- Focus on Practical Skills: The program emphasizes practical, real-world applications of business concepts, preparing students for leadership roles in their organizations.
- Flexible Learning: The evening class format allows students to balance work, education, and personal responsibilities.
- Diverse Learning Environment: TSU attracts students from a wide range of industries, providing diverse perspectives in class discussions and projects.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum of 3 to 5 years of professional experience is preferred.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required for some applicants but can be waived based on professional experience.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Leadership, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Business Analytics.
- Electives: Students can choose electives in areas such as entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and international business.
- Capstone Project: The program includes a final project where students apply their knowledge to solve a business challenge.
Career Services
Tennessee State University offers career counseling, networking events, and leadership development workshops to help students advance their careers. The university also provides access to a growing alumni network.