Online Executive MBA and Campus-Based Executive Programs

Even if you've already taken a few steps up the corporate ladder, an executive MBA degree from an accredited university could be what you need to advance even further. Designed for working professionals with at least five years of professional leadership experience, most executive MBA programs are geared toward helping middle-level managers take a step up into upper-level and executive jobs.

Executive MBA Degree: Courses and More

Students enrolled in an executive MBA program likely have already gathered business experience and leadership skills, so the coursework in these programs often build upon management skills and helps professionals learn about the intricacies of the cross-functional dependencies within many organizations. Individual classes might include specific aspects of business strategy, leadership, accounting, economics and performance measurement, as well as courses designed to fit into your precise career plan. Because most executive MBA courses are designed for working professionals, these programs offer unique flexibility and can often be completed in as little as 18 months. Though students will find a host of learning options including on-campus and accelerated programs, online executive MBA programs are often preferred by students managing college, career, and family obligations as these tend to offer the most accommodating courses and schedules.

MBA in Executive Management: Career Outlook

Though data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) indicates that competition can be tough for many chief executive jobs, the agency asserts that experienced managers whose accomplishments reflect both strong leadership skills and the capacity to the competitive position and efficiency of an organization will have the best opportunities for senior positions. Earning an executive MBA degree is one way professionals can prove themselves as great leaders. Bls.gov salary data shows the annual earnings of chief executives vary by industry, but the mean annual wage for employees in this sector was $173,350 in May 2010. If you have the required experience and the drive to get to the top, an MBA in Executive Management could be what you need to further accomplish your career goals.

Additional Resources for Individual Interested in Executive Management MBA Degrees
Top Executive Manager Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Executive Management Resources
Executive News from Bloomberg