Key Difference Between Online MBA and Executive MBA Programmes
Key Difference Between Online MBA and Executive MBA Programmes
MBA is one of the most popular courses in India among fresh graduates as well as working professionals. Fresh graduates pursue an MBA course for a lucrative career in management whereas working professionals pursue an MBA to enhance their knowledge and career prospects in the corporate sector.
Master of Business Administration popularly known as MBA is a professional course that can be pursued in different formats like online, offline, distance and Executive MBA. Here in this blog, we will be discussing two popular methods of pursuing an MBA that is executive MBA and online MBA.
What is an Online MBA?
As the name suggests online MBA courses are executed through an online medium. Unlike traditional offline classroom-based learning, an online MBA programme is conducted on a virtual platform.
The course, syllabus and programme length is similar for both offline and online MBA course, an online MBA course offers cost-effective solutions with lower average fees compared to offline ones. It also provides many benefits like convenience and flexibility. With an online MBA, you can earn an MBA degree without having to leave your comfort zone or full-time work.
Additionally, online MBA courses allow you to choose from different specializations from top business schools and learn quickly and conveniently, unlike on-campus MBA courses that require you to relocate.
- Related: Top 10 Online MBA Colleges in India
What is an Executive MBA?
Executive MBA (EMBA) programme is designed for management or corporate employees who typically work full-time and attend classes on weekends or part-time. These programmes are designed to accommodate the schedules of working people and usually last between 15 and 24 months.
The objective of an EMBA programme is to enhance your management, leadership, and critical thinking abilities, thereby giving you an upper edge over others while also helping you develop the in-depth knowledge required to succeed in your job.
Though the course content of EMBA is the same as a regular MBA, EMBA programmes are more rigorous and have fewer electives and assignments. Companies often contribute a substantial amount or cover the entire fees of their employee's EMBA course.
Key Difference between the Online MBA and EMBA
There are always ongoing discussions and debates amongst the management community about the differences between an EMBA and an Online MBA programme. While both courses offer management degrees, there are significant variations between them.
As an MBA aspirant, It can be challenging for you to determine which MBA programme to pursue and which one will lead to better job opportunities. Therefore, to solve this confusion we have presented here a few key differences between an online MBA and an Executive MBA programme.
1. Flexibility
When you are confused between an EMBA and an online MBA programme, it is very important to consider the level of flexibility each of them offers. While both courses are designed for working professionals, an online MBA provides more freedom and flexibility as compared to an EMBA programme.
In an EMBA programme, there are evening or weekend classes which you must attend in person at the institute or college. On the other hand, if you are pursuing an online MBA you can complete your coursework from the comfort of your own home.
Some colleges and universities may offer an online EMBA programme but there will be fewer specializations available. Therefore, when you are choosing an MBA programme, it is important to consider your convenience and capability to balance work and study time together.
2. Cost
Executive MBA programmes are often costly as compared to online MBA programmes, as they offer a great return on investment. The price difference between an online MBA and an EMBA programme is threefold.
However, when comparing the return on investment of the two degrees, the salary of an EMBA is 30% more than an online MBA professional. As an EMBA student, you can expect a career in managerial roles and also aim for higher-paying positions within your firm.
Overall, the EMBA programme may appear to be significantly more expensive but a lot of companies compensate their employees for such programmes. Furthermore, if you are interested in pursuing any of them, you should always check out scholarships offered by colleges and institutes.
3. Personalised Learning
We have all witnessed that online education has made significant progress in the past couple of years. Online MBA provides a dynamic virtual learning environment that allows you to learn from anywhere. On the other hand, the EMBA programme is generally provided in a traditional form setup that is classroom-based learning.
Therefore, it is on you to decide which learning style is best suited for your career goals also keeping in mind your current situation. Choosing between an in-person Executive MBA programme and an online MBA course can be a tough decision, considering that some opportunities presented by the EMBA may be hard to replicate in an online MBA.
The majority of EMBA programmes place a strong focus on cohort collaboration and networking, and you may also get a chance to travel abroad which you will miss in an online MBA course. Thus, to get the most out of an MBA programme, it is important for you to select the learning style that suits you best.
Top Executive MBA Colleges in India
Here we have presented the list of top 5 colleges in India which provides Executive MBA course:
- ISB (Indian School of Business) - PGPMAX (duration 15 months)
- IIM, Ahmedabad - MBA-PGPX (1 year full-time)
- NMIMS School of Business Management - EMBA (15 or 36 months)
- IIM, Bangalore - EPGP (1 year full-time)
- XLRI, Jamshedpur - PGDM (GM) (15 months full-time)
Top Online MBA Colleges in India
Here we have presented the top 5 colleges in India which provide Online MBA programme
- Amity University
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- ICFAI University
- Manipal University Online
- UPES Online
Takeaway
Whether it is an online MBA or an Executive MBA, both will open up various career prospects and improve your personal and professional life. Your career goals can vary from the career goals of other MBA aspirants. Therefore, when deciding between the two, it is crucial for you to consider every component of both programmes and select the best option based on your aspirations.
Furthermore, there are several reputed institutions in India that provide online MBA and executive MBA programmes for students seeking lucrative career opportunities in management. So, you must always compare different institutes and the courses provided by them before making any decision.