Top 30 Best Executive MBA Online Programs

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In this article, we profile the top 30 best online executive MBA programs of 2018.

Most executive MBA programs are designed to add value to both you and your employer. They help you gain skills needed to lead in the workplace, broaden your talent network, and provide a global perspective. You don't have to step away from your current career to go back to school. Online executive MBA programs are now available from some of the top schools.

We reviewed nearly 100 online colleges and universities that offered online executive MBA programs. To narrow our initial pool of schools, we confirmed accreditation (national or regional). We collected data using the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator) to determine the cost of each school. We then listed the schools and corresponding programs in order of affordability. As an added indicator, we attempted to select schools and programs that had received at least one ranking or recognition from a major publication like U.S. News and World Report.

Below is our list of the 30 best online executive MBA programs of 2018.

#30 – Brown University

Online EMBA

Providence, Rhode Island

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $53,205

Brown University provides an online executive MBA for students desiring to keep their personal and professional obligations while pursuing a graduate business degree largely delivered online. The Brown EMBA is triple certified by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. A sampling of courses within the Brown program include ethnographic research methods, globalization and the arts, managing communities of work, operations and supply chain management, and shared history of slavery and capitalism. The program is a joint effort between Brown's School of Professional Studies and the IE Business School located in Madrid, Spain. U.S. News and World Reports ranks Brown University #14 in national universities.

#29 – Rochester Institute of Technology

Online Executive MBA

Rochester, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $43,840

Rochester Institute of Technology offers an online EMBA designed for mid and upper-level business professionals seeking to hone their skills and knowledge across a wide variety of salient theories and concepts within the business world. The program is accredited by the AACSB and can be completed in just 17 months. All coursework is delivered online except for a three-day on-campus orientation. Students are placed into teams and work on a variety of team-based projects as well as individual curriculum. Application requirements include a bachelor's degree, resume, three letters of reference, personal statement, and a minimum of six years of professional experience. RIT is ranked #97 in national universities by U.S. News.

#28 – Howard University

Online Executive MBA

Washington, District of Columbia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $32,884

Howard University offers one of the best online MBA programs in the country for busy mid-level professionals who desire a master's degree while maintaining their current professional and personal obligations. The 42-credit Howard EMBA is designed to be completed in as few as 18 months and includes courses such as applied economics for executives, creating value through the supply chain, legal and ethical issues in business, and managing technology and innovation. Admission requirements include bachelor's degree from regionally accredited institution, 3.0 minimum GPA, five years in a management position, three letters of recommendation, statement of interest, and resume. GMAT scores are recommended, but not required. U.S. News ranks Howard #110 in national universities and #78 in best business schools.

#27 – Pace University

Online Executive MBA

New York, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $30,550

Pace University provides an executive MBA online for working professionals seeking the training, knowledge, and skills needed for upward career trajectory. The online program can be finished in 20 months and allows students to continue working full-time while pursuing school. The program is delivered online except for weekend residencies every ten weeks at the New York campus. The total on-campus commitment is just 34 days spread over the 20 months. The curriculum is divided into nine modules with individual and team-based projects where students solve real world business problems. Admission requirements include personal interview, personal essay, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and at least five years of professional business experience. U.S. News ranks Pace #187 in national universities.

#26 – Hofstra University

Online Executive MBA

Hempstead, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,226

Hofstra University provides an online executive MBA that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program's main delivery channel is online with classes meeting twice per month on Saturdays at the Hofstra campus. Run through Hofstra's Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the new hybrid EMBA is geared towards mid to upper level professionals seeking additional skills and training to enhance their ability to effectively lead today's complex business enterprises. In addition to standard curriculum, the tuition covers a global practicum where previous destinations have included China, Japan, and South Africa. U.S. News and World Report ranks Hofstra #132 in national universities.

#25 – Marquette University

Online Executive MBA

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,800

Marquette University offers an online EMBA with a time to completion of just 17 months. Marquette's EMBA is a hybrid degree requiring students to be on the main campus in Milwaukee every other Saturday with the rest of the coursework done online. Curriculum includes accounting for managerial decisions, business analytics, ethical and societal issues in business, and supply chain strategy and practice. Admission requirements include two letters of recommendation, resume, transcripts, statement of purpose, personal interview, and GMAT/GRE scores. Test scores can be waived if applicants meet certain criteria. U.S. News and World Report ranks Marquette University #90 in national universities.

#24 – Loyola University

Online Executive MBA

Chicago, Illinois

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,458

Offered through its Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University of Chicago offers one of the best online MBA programs for working individuals who want the flexibility of online learning with the face-to-face networking and instruction at one of the nation's top institutions. Classes meet every other Saturday for the duration of the 20-month program that starts in mid-August. Admission is a multi-step process including transcripts, two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and resume. From there, well-qualified students are invited for a personal interview for further review. U.S. News and World Report ranks Loyola University of Chicago #103 in national universities and #32 in part-time MBA programs.

#23 – University of Virginia

Online Executive MBA

Charlottesville, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,272

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business offers EMBA online programs for busy professionals seeking a master's degree that will provide a comprehensive business curriculum delivered by UVA faculty. The degree is delivered in a synchronous format where online students can write in questions in real-time and interact with faculty and classmates. Engagement is further enhanced with screen sharing where faculty can focus on in-depth analysis and technical issues not available in a traditional classroom. Using real world and case study pedagogy, students not only work alone, but in groups where they are tasked with completing deliverables. U.S. News and World report ranks UVA #25 in national universities and #7 in business schools.

#22 – St. Joseph's College

Online Executive MBA

Brooklyn, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,906

St. Joseph's College in New York provides an executive MBA online for working professionals seeking upward career mobility into top management and executive positions while maintaining current work and personal obligations. The 36-credit program is designed for working professionals with substantial work histories and management experience. Coursework includes financial accounting and analysis, management information systems, integrative analysis in management, and statistical applications in research and management. Admission criteria requires students to have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and GMAT scores, which may be waived in certain instances. Students can also earn a dual master's in business administration and organizational management. U.S. News ranks SJC #71 in regional colleges North.

#21 – University of Hawaii

Online Executive MBA

Honolulu, Hawaii

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,190

The Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii offers EMBA online programs for students desiring a master's degree while concurrently maintaining their career and personal obligations. In addition to a general EMBA curriculum, students can also choose a health care management track. Core classes include Data analytics and statistics for business, digital transformation with information systems and technology, micro and macro economic foundations for managers, and leadership and organizational behavior. Admission requirements include 3.0 GPA, GMAT/GRE scores, five years minimum work experience, resume, statement of purpose, two letters of reference, and a personal interview. U.S. News ranks UH #159 in national universities.

#20 – Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Online Executive MBA

Indiana, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,073

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers an online executive MBA for working professionals seeking an advanced degree that prepares graduates for managerial and administrative positions within a variety of business contexts. The program is a hybrid delivery where 50% of the classes are online and 50% are in class. Classes are offered at three locations every other Saturday morning for maximum convenience. The program is cohort based and can be finished in two years. Students can choose from a variety of concentrations such as accounting, finance, human resources, information systems, marketing, international business, and supply chain management. U.S. News and World Report ranks IUP #231 in national universities.

#19 – George Mason University

Online Executive MBA

Fairfax, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,480

George Mason University provides an online EMBA specifically for people with a minimum of seven years of professional experience in the business world. The program takes a global perspective and provides students with the tools needed to succeed in a global economy by blending theory and practical skills to perform in a complex business environment. The program is cohort based and can be completed in just 20 months. Students can choose from three tracks including global, national security, and critical infrastructure protection and management. The 48-credit degree consists of classes such as corporate global strategy, financial accounting, leadership and change management, and statistics for business decision making. U.S. News ranks George Mason #140 in national universities.

#18 – The University of Texas

Online EMBA

Dallas, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,916

The University of Texas at Dallas provides unique global EMBA online programs designed to enhance the business acumen and skill sets of its students. The program is delivered 70% online with the remaining 30% in class. The entire degree can be finished in 21 months over the course of five semesters and is highlighted by two separate international practicums where students are immersed into an international business setting. Delivered by the Naveen Jindal School of Management, each semester has a distinct theme that guides all of the courses. Semester themes include business foundations, exploring regional markets, entering new markets, and executing in global markets. UTD is ranked #145 in national universities.

#17 – Washington State University

Online Executive MBA

Pullman, Washington

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $55,691

Washington State University provides an executive MBA online for working managers seeking upward mobility in their careers. The program is 100% online, which allows students to keep up with their current commitments both at the office and at home. The EMBA program can be completed in as little as 18 months and does not require the GMAT. Classes include administrative control, international business management, managerial leadership and productivity, professional ethics and practice in business, and strategy formulation and organizational design. U.S. News and World Report ranks Washington State University #176 in national universities and #18 in best online MBA programs.

#16 – Kent State University

Online Executive MBA

Kent, Ohio

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $43,900 (information provided by the University)

Kent State University offers an AACSB-accredited online EMBA to seasoned business professionals seeking an advanced degree to leverage their upward career mobility into top business positions. A minimum seven years of business experience is required, while a business-related degree is not. The Kent State program can be finished in as little as 19 months and is highlighted by a 10-day international business trip that is covered by the cost of tuition. EMBA students meet in classes one weekend per month, with the rest online. Summer semester is 100% online. U.S. News and World Report ranks Kent State University #176 in national universities.

#15 – Florida International University

Online Executive MBA

Miami, Florida

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,097

Florida International University offers EMBA online programs for successful business professionals seeking to take their careers to the next level. The program is 22 months and explores business from an interdisciplinary perspective, where theory and hands-on experience are blended together for a dynamic degree path. Admission procedures and materials require students to submit a current resume, statement of purpose, two reference letters, transcripts, and an interview. While the vast majority of the program is online, there are opportunities to work face to face with classmates and faculty including a weeklong international residency in places like Brazil, China, Russia, United Kingdom, and Italy. U.S. News ranks FIU #216 in national universities.

#14 – The University of Alabama

Online Executive MBA

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780

University of Alabama provides an online executive MBA for experienced professionals seeking further education and training to advance their careers. Offered through the Culverhouse College of Business, the Alabama program is offered in a face-to-face format with classes every other weekend, or a hybrid iteration where classes meet once per month in Huntsville with the rest of instruction online. Admission includes statement of purpose, transcripts, resume, personal interview, two letters of recommendation, and GMAT/GRE scores. Test scores can be waived when students meet certain criterion. The 16-course 48-credit program includes classes such as basic accounting for managerial and financial control, effective negotiations, financial management, management communications, and supply chain management. U.S. News ranks Alabama #110 in national universities.

#13 – Faulkner University

Online EMBA

Montgomery, Alabama

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,750

Faulkner University provides an executive MBA online designed for individuals who desire to take master's level business courses while maintaining their current professional and personal obligations. The Faulkner EMBA is unique in that it provides business-centered curriculum in a Christian environment. The 10-course program is delivered entirely online and can be finished in one year. Each course is 3 credits. Classes include legal environment of business, managerial accounting, managerial economics, and managerial finance. Classes at Faulkner provide a blend of current business theory with relevant industry practice. The emphasis is on providing practical curriculum where students work on solving real world business problems and understand the reasoning behind plausible solutions. U.S. News ranks Faulkner #106 in regional universities South.

#12 – University of Missouri

Online Executive MBA

Columbia, Missouri

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,828

The University of Missouri's Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business provides EMBA online programs for managers seeking upward career mobility through the attainment of advanced business education and training. The 48-credit program is a hybrid offering where 75% of curriculum is delivered online while the remaining 25% is provided in the classroom. Upon matriculation, students receive a fully loaded Dell Latitude laptop with course materials. Tuition also covers the full cost of an international business trip including airfare, meals, lodging, and activities. The 21-month program includes meeting on campus just four times per year with the student cohort. Curriculum focuses on business analytics, finance and economics, leadership, marketing, organizational behavior, and strategy and innovation. U.S. News ranks Mizzou #120 in national universities.

#11 – Bethel University

Online Executive MBA

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,630

Bethel University provides EMBA online programs for professionals seeking convenient online education options with a focus in business. The EMBA program includes four concentrations such as academic practitioner, executive, healthcare administration, and human resource management. The 36-credit program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of three years of professional work history. The program accepts up to six transfer credits and can be finished in as little as 19 months. The program also offers optional on-campus seminars taught by industry experts and thought leaders. U.S. News and World Report ranks Bethel University #11 in regional universities Midwest.

#10 – Colorado State University

Online Executive MBA

Greenwood Village, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000

Colorado State University offers an online EMBA where busy professionals can earn a master's degree while keeping their personal and professional lives intact. The program at CSU can be completed in as little as 21 months. Students matriculate with a 25-person cohort through which they navigate the curriculum and network with peers and faculty. CSU's EMBA is a hybrid model where 40% of the work is completed online. Students can also choose from an entirely online MBA. The Colorado EMBA does not require GMAT or GRE scores. Courses include business economics for the world market, international business, leadership and teams, managing human capital, and marketing strategy and planning. CSU is ranked #42 in best online MBA programs.

#9 – Southeastern Louisiana University

Online EMBA

Hammond, Louisiana

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,772

Southeastern Louisiana University offers EMBA online programs for working professionals seeking convenient online education mixed with weekend face-to-face classes. The program at SLU is 60% face-to-face and 40% online. SLU's EMBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (CSB). Students can choose from a general curriculum or a concentration in health care management. Classes include accounting for business decisions, business law and negotiations, business policy and strategy, and statistical methods in business and economics. The program can be completed in 17 months with classes on Saturdays only. U.S. News and World Report ranks Southeastern Louisiana University #114 in regional universities South.

#8 – University of Arkansas

Online Executive MBA

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,571

University of Arkansas offers an online executive MBA consisting of 38 credits that can be finished in 24 months. Delivered by the Walton College of Business, the EMBA provides a strong emphasis and foundation in value chain and consumer packaged goods. The curriculum is application-based where students work on real world case studies and scenarios to complex business situations and the reasoning behind the problem solving process. Study areas include business analytics, finance, innovation and entrepreneurship, and the retail industry. Admission requirements include resume, three letters of support, GMAT/GRE scores (can be waived), and transcripts. U.S. News ranks UA #133 in national universities.

#7 – Sam Houston State University

Online Executive MBA

Huntsville, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,575

San Houston State University is one of the best online MBA programs for professionals seeking an online MBA with an emphasis in banking and finance. The curriculum prepares students for top-level jobs within the financial industry or regulatory space. The cohort-based program is two years in length and requires students to attend a two-week on-campus practicum at the beginning of both years. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an AACSB-accredited institution (may be substituted for work experience), resume, telephone interview, and a 2.5 GPA. Students with a GPA less than 2.5 will be required to submit GMAT/GRE scores. U.S. News ranks SHSU #231 in national universities.

#6 – Texas Southern University

Online Executive MBA

Houston, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,569

Texas Southern University's executive MBA online is geared towards mid-career professionals seeking career accretion and upward mobility through advanced business education and training. The online EMBA at Texas Southern is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB) and is designed to be completed in two years. While the vast majority of study is done online, students are able to take an international business trip to China. The 36-credit program includes 12 classes taken across two years with a typical course load of two courses each semester. Students can choose from a general MBA or an energy finance concentration. U.S. News ranks TSU #231 in national universities.

#5 – University of North Alabama

Online Executive MBA

Florence, Alabama

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,352

The University of North Alabama offers an executive MBA online for working professionals seeking business training and knowledge in preparation for career advancement and promotion. The 34-credit program is delivered online specifically for students who desire to keep their careers and personal lives intact while simultaneously earning a master's degree from an accredited institution. The UNA program is a blend of business theory and application where students work on solving realistic and complex business problems using skills and knowledge learned in the curriculum. Courses include accounting information for strategic decision-making, analytical tools for strategic decision-making, career planning and development, and strategic marketing analysis and concepts. U.S. News ranks UNA #85 in regional universities South.

#4 – University of North Carolina

Online Executive MBA

Wilmington, North Carolina

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,322 (information provided by the University)

The Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina Wilmington provides one of the best online MBA programs for students seeking a master's level business degree with a wide array of specializations allowing students to hone in on content best suited for their career trajectory. While mostly online, students benefit from two short campus residencies lasting 2-3 days at the main campus in Wilmington, NC. Students also participate in an international residency lasting 7-10 days in Europe or China. In addition to core curriculum, students can choose from focus areas including business analytics, finance, healthcare management, or international business, but a specialization is not required. The UNC-Wilmington program is accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Business Schools (AACSB). UNCW is ranked #14 in regional universities South by U.S. News.

#3 – University of the Cumberlands

Online Executive MBA

Williamsburg, Kentucky

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,970

Delivered through the Hutton School of Business, the University of the Cumberlands provides one of the best online MBA programs to students seeking advanced training and education across a variety of business sectors and spaces. The goal of the program is for students to leverage their critical thinking and problem solving skills within the context of solving advanced real-world business situations using what they are taught in the classroom. Courses are delivered in a hybrid format including a once a week class meeting over the course of the 16-week semester along with an 8-week online course. Content includes managerial accounting, managerial finance, marketing management, and organizational behavior. The UC program is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education and is ranked #231 in national universities by U.S. News.

#2 – University of Wyoming

Online EMBA

Laramie, Wyoming

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,250 (information provided by the University)

The University of Wyoming offers an online EMBA for professionals seeking career advancement and promotion opportunities that come along with receiving a master's degree. The Wyoming program is accredited by the Association for Advancement of Collegiate Business Schools and consists of 30 credit hours to be completed over a two-year period. Admission requirements include a resume, five years minimum of full-time work experience including three as a supervisor, three letters of support, GMAT score of 550 or higher (GRE also accepted), and an interview. Test scores are waived based upon review by the program director. UW is ranked #181 in national universities by U.S. News.

#1 – University of Nevada

Online Executive MBA

Reno, Nevada

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,467

The University of Nevada Reno offers an online executive MBA that can be finished in two years with classes starting in the fall semester. Like most EMBA programs, UNR's program is cohort-based, meaning a small group of students start the program at the same time and take lock step classes together until graduation. This pedagogical choice allows students to work on projects in teams, collaborate, and network. The program consists of 12 classes lasting 12 weeks each over fall, spring, and summer semesters. The University of Nevada program is open to any student with an accredited bachelor's degree from any discipline with a 2.75 GPA and a minimum of five years professional work experience. Applicants are required to submit GRE/GMAT scores unless they have a prior master's degree, a professional degree (JD, MD, DVM), or have an active professional license (CPA, CFP, CMA, or PE). UNR ranks #202 in national universities by U.S. News.

BMD Staff
June 2018

This concludes our list of the top 30 best online executive MBA programs for 2018.