I'm trying to decide which route to take, an EMBA or an executive MBA. I have 9 years of work experience, which I gather is about the right amount for either an EMBA or an online program. I've researched UNC's program, and some others like ASU Carey and Northeastern, but it seems like they usually require the GMAT. Is this common? I'd rather not take it, frankly.

The EMBA program at UT Knoxville doesn't require the GMAT if one has a graduate degree (I do.) I'm leaning towards this program for this reason, as well as the fact that it's close by for me.

Any thoughts from the crowd? I'm interested in hearing about how EMBA programs are preferable to online MBAs, or vice-versa. Alternatives would be appreciated as well!

Take a look at Why you should take the GMAT http://www.find-mba.com/board/38939

I don't know why you want to take an MBA; if you're not up for the GMAT, are you really up for the effort of an MBA? If you are, when why would you not want to get into the best program possible? If you search this site and others there's lots written comparing online and EMBA degrees. There's not much to add. I'd choose an EMBA over an online MBA, other things being equal.

Hi, I am an electrical engineer and I shifted from India to Dubai in 2008 in search of better job opportunities. Since then I have been working in Aker Solutions as a senior manager. But since the past one year many of my colleagues have been promoted but I till date haven’t been promoted. One of my friends pointed out that my colleagues who have been promoted all of them had pursued their MBA but I have not. Hence I now feel the need to pursue an MBA program to get promoted in the future. But I am at a very critical phase of my career right now. I cannot afford to quit my job hence I was planning to do an online MBA. Can someone please suggest if I should go ahead with doing an online MBA or should I consider doing EMBA?

I have been an education consultant since more than a decade and I can tell you with my experience that doing an EMBA is a much better option than doing an online MBA. Let me tell you why I am saying so. First of all, there is a lack of face to face interaction in virtual learning. Moreover, you might face a lot of distractions while pursuing a program online. Also solving doubts gets very difficult in online MBA.

Regards,
Ajit Iyer
Edumentor

[Edited by Edumentor on Nov 07, 2014]

Okay, but what are the pros of taking up EMBA? Moreover I don’t want to quit my job at this stage.

You don’t have to quit your job. EMBA is part time program designed for managers like you. EMBA is only for people with more than 5 years of work experience and hence you would be perfect for it. Moreover, students like you will be able to understand the concepts much better as you already understand the industry trends and also there will be face to face interaction with the professor. The best part about this program is that you can keep on practically applying what you learn as it is a part time program and hence this program would be any day better for you than an online MBA.

Regards,
Ajit Iyer
Edumentor

Sir, can you please suggest me some good EMBA colleges in Dubai?

According to me Hult and Bradford have one of the finest EMBA programs in Dubai.

Regards,
Ajit Iyer
Edumentor

[Edited by Edumentor on Nov 07, 2014]

Sir, thank you so much for your expert advice.

You’re welcome! All the best.

[Edited by Edumentor on Nov 07, 2014]

Hult and Bradford don't have one programme; they are separate. Cass, London and SP Jain business sachools also have well-respoected EMBAs there.

Okay, but what are the pros of taking up EMBA? Moreover I don’t want to quit my job at this stage.

A lot that one learns in an MBA is through peers who have cross industry exposure and share their industry knowledge and expertise with you so it is always better to choose a classroom program over an online MBA. I believe you can check out Hult, Bradford, Cass, & London Business School.

A lot that one learns in an MBA is through peers who have cross industry exposure and share their industry knowledge and expertise with you so it is always better to choose a classroom program over an online MBA. I believe you can check out Hult, Bradford, Cass, & London Business School.