If you are looking for a graduate business degree for more than a few minutes, there is no doubt that you should pass on the MBA and Executive MBA programs. At first glance, these programs are similar, leaving many students wondering about the difference between the 2 programs and whether an Executive MBA is better than a full-time MBA.

To help clarify the differences between an MBA and an Executive MBA, we answer 5 of the most common questions about them below.

What kind of work experience does each program look for?

Executive MBA students often have more experience than MBA students and have achieved some level of leadership within their organizations. In fact, the Executive MBA program is designed for working professionals who have been in a managerial role and want to apply their knowledge directly to the classroom. Currently, the Day MBA program is for young professionals, and the team is often a mix of students with and without management experience.

Can I continue to work during the program?

Perhaps the biggest difference between MBA and Executive MBA programs is that MBA students leave their jobs, while EMBA students continue to work during the program. As a result, Executive MBA programs are often offered in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate a normal work schedule. Since many students are looking for a new job, a full-time MBA program offers study programs and professional resources that are useful for changing careers and finding new jobs.

The 2-day MBA program also allows students to complete a 10-12 week internship during the summer to gain experience in their chosen field before accepting a new job. "For people who want to change careers or make a difference, this course is important," McChesney said. "You have the opportunity to gain experience in a company you like or in a working area that interests you." 

Executive MBA programs can expand career opportunities for students, but not in the same way or to the same extent as full-time MBA programs. 

What degree of curriculum flexibility does each program offer?

 MBA programs have a mandatory curriculum, but for the most part, they offer a lot of flexibility in terms of course options, concentrations, and specializations. “An MBA is a great way to learn a skill… because you can tailor your experience. You can choose courses from different concentrations to improve your skills both for the main job and for those who want to continue in the same career path they are on," said McChesney.

On the other hand, Executive MBA programs follow a closed system, offering few or no tracks to choose from. For most Executive MBA students, this level of specialization is not important, as they already bring a great deal of career knowledge to the program. "The MBA majors are already in the profession, because of the level of work they bring, compared to the MBA where they choose a specialty or concentration in that," said Juli Bennett, executive director.

Is an Executive MBA degree equivalent to a full-time MBA?

Although the Vanderbilt MBA and Executive MBA programs offer MBA degrees, not all schools do. In fact, many executive MBA programs offer specialized degrees that are not equivalent to traditional MBA degrees. As you narrow down the list of programs to apply to, be sure to compare each program to another rather than looking for a broader ranking.

"Not all day programs are going to be the same, and not all Executive MBA programs are going to be the same... and you need to research at the school level, since every program can be a little bit different," McChesney advises.

Should I do an MBA or Executive MBA?

During the research and application process, many prospective students will find that they are a good fit for an MBA program or an Executive MBA program for the purposes outlined above. However, some students are definitely eligible to apply for both programs. In any case, it is important for applicants to sit down and think carefully about their priorities and how each graduate program fits them. "It's very important for the candidate to really think about what they want in the program (in terms of) their career path and what will benefit them in the long run," McChesney said. “No two candidates are alike. Everyone has different goals, everyone has a different background... Of course there is no right answer (for everyone). It is very important for the candidate to know that there is only one right answer for them.