Why do EMBA when I have Part time as an option?

Question

I have been struggling with wanting to make a decision on which format is better. My profile: 15 years of experience in IT (includes 8 years managerial), most of it in consulting + Masters degree in IT, GMAT 670.

What I think: 
EMBA is a very sought for "E" level MBA program that  exposes  a student to a variety of experiences.
Part-time on the other hand gives you the same MBA degree, from the same faculty in a similar amount of time period. What differs is the exposure part.

Question: Is that  exposure  worth $50,000 or more? Is money a valid factor to compare these formats? Am I missing something here?

bb · Answer

EMBA class is definitely going to be more interesting - you will have different professors, different experience, and a different level of classmates. Usually EMBA programs get the best "stuff" and some of these things (trips, retreats, events, smaller class size, etc may indeed command the higher price premium). I would suggest that you compare the two programs and classes based on the info school releases and try to make it apples to apples. Right now your judgement is based on an assumption that the two programs are the same, which they are not.

It is of course possible that the EMBA is priced for corporate check books, where price tag is often irrelevant since companies pay for the bulk of the bill. 
The main question you should get an answer to - would you be able to attend the Part Time program or would they disqualify you based on age. Part Time programs tend to be much more flexible but still worth checking with the adcom to see if that's still an option.

archie9 · Answer

Am glad you pointed out the basis of my comparison. I knew I was wrong somewhere. Also, the age factor is definitely a big one; will be contacting the adcoms now

bb · Answer

Sounds good! FYI - you may want to reach out to a few alums/current students in the EMBA programs. I remember one being in Chicago who was pretty active last year during the application season but their nickname is not jumping out at me. I believe he/she was able to get in without even having to take the GMAT (it is definitely not as much of a factor as work experience and other qualifications). They were choosing between Chicago and Yale.

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

The age and experience difference is significant as noted. The network you will build in an executive program is different since the other students will be higher in their career and thus likely more helpful for you.

In terms of the GMAT, some schools don't require it for the EMBA. You could apply without it to Booth, Kellogg, Sloan, Anderson and Stern, among others. Wharton, Columbia and Haas require it and will not waive it.

Good luck!

Cycle14 · Answer

I'll wade in with two key things that I think differentiate EMBA (disclosure - current EMBA at Haas).

1) As noted elsewhere, the seniority of your classmates and the quality of the interaction is top drawer. Often times the professors will look for class to interject learnings/anecdotes to share, or we'll end up in a debate about academic vs real-world issues. The level of discourse is excellent.

2) Time with your cohort - this is a big one. One reason I chose EMBA was to get the opportunity to leverage the residential component of my program. It not only allows me to be more realistic about dedicating my effort to the days I'm on campus rather than trying to fit it around evenings or one day a week but more significantly, you get much more interaction time to truly bond and get to know your fellow students. I simply cannot understate how important this is - you're surrounded by the most amazing group of peer coaches, supporters and folks who'll challenge you in a "safe" environment.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

I would first identify what your options are with your employer, because as noted many employers will pick up the tab but it may be specific to one type of MBA or another. So explore your options here. Admissions officers at these type of programs tend to be a bit more conversational about your fit than the FT counterparts so feel free to reach out (after doing your research of course) to get a better picture for the offering of the program or at least to get connected to current students.

Why do EMBA when I have Part time as an option?

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