Vermont, a state known for its environmental consciousness, progressive policies, and emphasis on sustainability, offers Executive MBA (EMBA) programs that cater to professionals seeking to enhance their leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills. Vermont’s business schools emphasize sustainability, innovation, and ethical leadership, aligning with the state’s progressive values. These programs are designed to accommodate mid- to senior-level professionals who are already balancing the demands of their careers while seeking to improve their executive skills.
1. University of Vermont – Grossman School of Business Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA)
The Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) program offered by the Grossman School of Business at the University of Vermont is a highly regarded, cutting-edge program that focuses on integrating sustainability into business practices. While not a traditional Executive MBA, the SI-MBA is designed for mid-career professionals looking to make a positive impact on both business and society through sustainability-driven leadership.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Full-time, accelerated program
- Duration: 12 months
- Target Audience: Mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs, and managers interested in sustainability and innovation
- Average Work Experience: 5-10 years
- Class Size: 25-30 students
b. Key Program Features
- Sustainability and Innovation Focus
- The SI-MBA program integrates sustainability principles with traditional business concepts such as finance, marketing, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
- Participants learn how to drive sustainable innovation, creating profitable and environmentally responsible businesses.
- Accelerated Curriculum
- The program is designed to be completed in one year, offering an accelerated path to an MBA for professionals looking to enhance their careers without committing to a long-term program.
- Courses cover topics such as sustainable finance, corporate social responsibility (CSR), green supply chain management, and innovation in sustainable business.
- Capstone Sustainable Innovation Project
- The SI-MBA program culminates in a Capstone Project, where students work in teams to solve a real-world sustainability challenge for an organization or startup.
- This hands-on project allows participants to apply their learning to a tangible problem, often resulting in actionable business strategies for the partner organization.
- Experiential Learning
- The SI-MBA places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, combining classroom theory with practical applications.
- Students participate in workshops, business simulations, and field trips to sustainable businesses, gaining firsthand experience in applying sustainability to business challenges.
c. Benefits
- The focus on sustainability makes this program ideal for professionals who are passionate about leading businesses that balance profit with environmental and social impact.
- The accelerated format allows participants to complete their MBA in just one year, returning to the workforce quickly with enhanced skills.
- The Capstone Project provides practical, real-world experience in solving sustainability challenges for organizations.
- The program’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship equips participants with the tools to launch or lead sustainable ventures.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 5-10 years of professional experience, preferably in leadership or entrepreneurial roles.
- Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT is optional but may strengthen an application for candidates with less work experience.
2. Norwich University – College of Graduate and Continuing Studies Executive MBA
Norwich University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies offers an MBA program with an Executive Concentration that prepares professionals to take on senior leadership roles in a variety of industries. This program is particularly suited for professionals looking to build their leadership and management skills while continuing to work.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Online with optional in-person residencies
- Duration: 18-24 months (self-paced)
- Target Audience: Mid-career professionals, managers, and executives
- Average Work Experience: 8-12 years
- Class Size: 20-30 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Executive Concentration
- Norwich’s MBA program includes an Executive Concentration that focuses on developing leadership, strategic management, and organizational behavior skills.
- The program is designed to help participants refine their executive decision-making abilities and learn how to manage organizational change.
- Flexible Learning Format
- The online format allows participants to complete the program at their own pace, making it ideal for professionals who need to balance work and study.
- The program also offers optional in-person residencies that provide networking opportunities and allow participants to engage in leadership development workshops.
- Leadership and Strategy Focus
- The curriculum covers key topics such as strategic leadership, business ethics, financial management, and organizational leadership.
- The program’s focus on ethical leadership prepares participants to lead with integrity and make socially responsible business decisions.
- Capstone Project
- The program culminates in a Capstone Project, where participants apply their learning to a business challenge within their organization or industry.
- The Capstone Project provides participants with the opportunity to demonstrate their strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.
c. Benefits
- The online format provides flexibility for busy professionals who need to balance their studies with their careers.
- The Executive Concentration is tailored for professionals seeking senior leadership roles, helping them refine their leadership and strategic management skills.
- The Capstone Project offers a practical, hands-on opportunity to apply the knowledge gained throughout the program to real-world business challenges.
- Optional in-person residencies provide valuable networking opportunities and the chance to engage in leadership development activities.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 8-10 years of professional experience, with leadership or management roles preferred.
- Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT is not required for admission.
3. Champlain College – Online MBA with Executive Leadership Concentration
Champlain College offers an online MBA program with an Executive Leadership Concentration, designed for professionals who want to enhance their leadership skills and advance their careers. The program provides a flexible, fully online format, allowing participants to study at their own pace while continuing to work.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Fully online
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Target Audience: Mid- to senior-level managers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs
- Average Work Experience: 7-10 years
- Class Size: 15-20 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Executive Leadership Concentration
- The Executive Leadership Concentration is designed to develop participants’ leadership skills, strategic thinking, and organizational management abilities.
- Courses cover topics such as executive decision-making, leadership development, innovation management, and corporate strategy.
- Flexible Online Format
- Champlain’s MBA program is delivered fully online, providing maximum flexibility for professionals who need to balance their studies with work and personal commitments.
- The program offers an asynchronous learning model, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule.
- Leadership Development
- The curriculum emphasizes leadership development through courses on executive leadership, team dynamics, and change management.
- Participants are encouraged to apply their leadership skills to real-world business scenarios through case studies and group projects.
- Capstone Leadership Project
- The program culminates in a Capstone Leadership Project, where students apply their learning to solve a strategic leadership challenge within their organization or industry.
- This project provides participants with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to lead teams and implement strategic initiatives.
c. Benefits
- The fully online format offers flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to complete the program at their own pace.
- The Executive Leadership Concentration prepares participants for senior leadership roles by developing their strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
- The Capstone Leadership Project provides hands-on experience in applying leadership skills to real-world business challenges.
- Champlain’s focus on practical learning ensures that participants can immediately apply what they learn to their current roles.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 7-10 years of professional experience, with leadership responsibilities preferred.
- Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT is not required for admission.
4. Marlboro College Graduate School (now part of Emerson College) – MBA in Managing for Sustainability
Marlboro College Graduate School, which merged with Emerson College, offered an MBA in Managing for Sustainability, a program that emphasized sustainability, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. This program was designed for professionals who are passionate about creating positive environmental and social change through business leadership. While this program is no longer offered by Marlboro College, similar opportunities may be available through Emerson College.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Hybrid (online and in-person residencies)
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Target Audience: Professionals interested in sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical leadership
- Average Work Experience: 5-10 years
- Class Size: 15-20 students
b. Key Program Features
- Sustainability and Ethical Leadership
- The program focused on integrating sustainability and social responsibility into business practices, preparing participants to lead organizations that balance profit with positive environmental and social impact.
- Courses covered topics such as sustainable business strategies, corporate social responsibility, and ethical leadership.
- Hybrid Learning Model
- The program was delivered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with periodic in-person residencies.
- This format allowed students to engage in collaborative learning and participate in sustainability workshops while maintaining the flexibility of online study.
- Capstone Project
- The program included a Capstone Project, where participants worked on a sustainability challenge facing a real organization.
- The Capstone allowed students to apply their learning to create sustainable, actionable solutions for businesses or nonprofit organizations.
- Experiential Learning
- The curriculum emphasized experiential learning, providing students with the opportunity to apply sustainable business practices to real-world scenarios.
- Students participated in field trips, sustainability audits, and case studies, gaining hands-on experience in sustainability leadership.
c. Benefits
- The program’s focus on sustainability and ethical leadership made it ideal for professionals who wanted to lead organizations that prioritize environmental and social impact.
- The hybrid learning model provided flexibility while offering opportunities for in-person collaboration and experiential learning.
- The Capstone Project allowed participants to apply their learning to real-world sustainability challenges.
- The program’s emphasis on experiential learning ensured that participants could immediately apply sustainable business practices to their roles.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 5-10 years of professional experience, with a focus on sustainability or ethical leadership preferred.
- Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT was generally not required for admission.
Executive MBA Programs in Vermont