About OU’s Executive Master of Business Administration
As one of Ottawa University’s newest and fastest-growing graduate programs, the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree is specifically designed with professional students in mind. This 100% on-ground program is structured with a weekly workplace-practicum component coupled with a requirement that students attend classes on campus either in Kansas City, Phoenix or Milwaukee one weekend every eight weeks.
Providing students an avenue to help them excel further in their field, the innovative Executive MBA is integrated with the Blackboard Learning Management System and requires students to be on campus one weekend every eight weeks. As part of the workplace practicum, all assignments, discussions, activities, projects and homework in the EMBA are focused around the student’s current employment. This allows them to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-world, professional training.
The central focus of OU’s EMBA is unlike other MBA programs in that its uniquely designed curriculum provides students with opportunities to network, learning from multiple employment environments and perspectives, and to internalize learning through practical application, combining current real-time experiences with classroom theory, creative testing, analysis, modeling and research. Students are expected to compare and contrast personal and current work experiences with those of other students in the courses, while applying new concepts to the workplace to improve practice and extend knowledge.
Four EMBA Concentrations
The 42-hour (36 coursework + 6 practicum), two-year program includes six contact weekends per year. Students choose one of four concentrations, which include:
Curriculum for Ottawa’s EMBA consists of five core courses, six concentration courses, a capstone course plus the workplace practicum component. Designed for mid-career and senior level executives, who seek global, practical and relevant experience that focuses on leadership, teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration.
Career Outlook for the EMBA
Students who enter Executive MBA programs often do so after working in their business career for a decade or more, with five or more years of managerial experience. A small percentage of EMBA graduates may choose to switch careers or start new ventures, however the majority leverage the degree as an effective way to jump to the next level in their current careers.
In considering some of the roles EMBA holders often fill, and the median incomes of each role, PayScale reported in September 2020 that the average salary and bonus package for EMBA graduates rose from a start of $155,848 to $181,965. Common roles and median salaries for EMBA graduates include Chief Executive Officer ($228,379), Chief Financial Officer ($162,817), Director of Operations ($121,522), Marketing Director ($129,571), Chief Operating Officer ($168,071), Vice President of Operations ($153,192), and Operations Manager ($82,293).
The EMBA in Perspective
“The EMBA can further impact your career through the leadership skills it builds. Managers are leaders, but executives are responsible for leading much larger teams, and the differences between the two are pronounced. EMBA programs present huge value for executives looking for executives. An EMBA can show superiors that you’re one of them, and of course connections and perceptions have an invaluable influence on career prospects.” - Michael Desiderio, Executive Director, Executive MBA Council
For curriculum and course descriptions, download a program overview.
Enroll in Ottawa University’s Executive MBA program to learn from our faculty with extensive global marketplace experience.
To learn more about OU’s EMBA degree program, contact us today.