“This program is an investment in yourself!” Executive MBA alumni Darcey Estes and Errynne Bell discuss their experiences in the EMBA program.
Do you want to understand the language of business, develop your leadership skills, and contribute in a more strategic role? The Executive MBA (EMBA) program at the University of Washington Foster School of Business is a nationally-ranked, work-compatible program that provides a rigorous yet collaborative learning environment with highly experienced professionals from a variety of industries. In this 21-month program, coursework is immediately relevant—resulting in better decision making, improved managerial skills, and enhanced leadership abilities to help solve real-world business and organizational challenges. The powerful combination of a highly experienced cohort of classmates and a team-driven approach to learning allows EMBA students to build diverse networks and friendships that endure.
What’s the difference between an Executive MBA and a traditional MBA?
While the degree you earn will be the same—a Master of Business Administration—there are several key differences between a traditional MBA and an EMBA program experience.
- Classmates with greater work experience, enhancing discussions and team projects
- Flexible schedule options (weekly or monthly schedule)
- Full-service experience: meals, parking, and textbooks, etc. are provided by staff
- Streamlined curriculum with a focus on real-time application
- International Immersion included
Is an EMBA program worth my investment and time?
Return on investment
In a 2019 study, the EMBA Council found that Executive MBA grads received a 13.5 percent increase in compensation on average. Moreover, the same exit survey revealed that 40 percent of students received a promotion during the program. Another study by the Graduate Management Admission Council, shows that it takes EMBA grads only 2.5 years to recoup their investment, one year faster than traditional MBA programs.
Lifelong benefits
Beyond compensation, an Executive MBA provides intangible benefits, improving your confidence, competence, and connections. The curriculum can be tested at work, which often results in valuable new ways of doing business. Students quickly become better managers, leaders, and decision makers. And the team experience builds a tight-knit network of new friends and confidants from a wide range of backgrounds and industries.
Meet EMBA students

“I came out standing tall because of the people around me. I had the courage to keep going because I had the right support structure.”

“My goal was just to learn the language of business. But I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I learned so much more.”
Executive MBA student life
Dan Sullivan (EMBA ’20) reports in as Sr. Gateway Site Acquisition Analyst at SpaceX It is good to remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Dan Sullivan graduated from the United States Military Academy…
December 15, 2020
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