The rapidly growing business market demands upskilling in the candidates.  Business administration in a master's degree can be chosen between online and executive if you are looking for a flexible mode of higher education. Several Universities provide UGC entitled Online MBA and Executive MBA programs for working professionals and candidates who are looking for career advancement in their current job roles. 

Even though you might find it hard to choose between an Online MBA and an Executive MBA, there are a few points that you should know regarding the course. In this blog ‘Online MBA vs Executive MBA: What’s the difference’ you’ll learn their difference in depth. This blog is meant to serve you with comprehensive information regarding its key differences, curriculum, specializations, career opportunities, admission process, eligibility criteria, and more to help you make the decision. 

Course Overview: Online MBA Program

What is Online MBA and Executive MBA? 

Online Master of Business Administration (Online MBA) is a two-year course training students with the latest and advanced business administration skills. This PG program is delivered through online mode, on a digital platform instead of going on campus, the students study in the comfort of their space and at their own pace. Candidates having a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a graduate in any discipline from an accredited university are eligible to apply for this course. It is suitable for working professionals, differently-abled individuals, and candidates with personal and professional commitments looking for a convenient mode of higher studies.

The Executive Master of Business Administration spans 1 to 2 years and covers a similar curriculum as the traditional MBA course but with fewer electives and tasks. This program is tailored specifically for working professionals, executives, and managers who wish to advance their critical thinking skills, decision-making tactics, and problem-solving abilities. Graduates from a recognized university in any discipline are eligible for this flexible program where they can manage their studies while working full time the whole week and attending classes on weekends. 

Eligibility Criteria of Online MBA Program

Candidates looking for management skills should pursue the Online MBA program. The candidates must fulfill several eligibility criteria followed quite similarly in most of the universities to enroll in online business administration master's programs, which are listed below: 

• A bachelor's degree from a BBA program, or graduate from any discipline and specialization. 
• Must hold a decent score of 50% minimum marks from an accredited university.
• A credible and valid UG pass certificate or equivalent qualification. 
• There is no age restriction for candidates applying for the Masters program in 
• Business Administration.
• A Working Professional candidate with a full-time 3 to 5 years of work experience
• Should qualify for national entrance exams or university-specific like GMAT, XAT, MICAT, CAT, SNAP, NMAT, etc. 

Eligibility Criteria for the EMBA Program

The Candidates applying for the Executive MBA program are required to hold some common eligibility criteria that might differ from online, traditional, or regular MBA programs. Some of the rules and regulations followed during the admission of the EMBA program are listed below:

• Aspirants of EMBA Programs must have full-time work experience of at least 3 to 5 years in relevant fields.
• Should be a UG pass out candidate, must have attained a BBA degree or equivalent from any recognized university.
• A mid to senior-level experienced management candidate is eligible to apply.
• Candidates with International visas are required to qualify for entrance exams if their first language is other than English, a valid qualification for TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT 

Online MBA vs Executive MBA: Key Differences

The Master of Business Administration is a great idea for anyone looking to advance their skills in management and evolving business. An online MBA and Executive MBA program are suitable higher education programs for the working professional who seeks flexibility while still working. Here are some key differences between the Online MBA and Executive MBA programs that can help you decide which one is the better option for you: 

1. Learning Mode: The learning mode of an Online MBA Program is completely Online based, the curriculum is carried through online resources. The Executive MBA program has a hybrid mode of learning where the candidates have access to online and recorded classes and have to attend the classes on weekends. 
2. Target Audience: The early to mid professionals, and candidates with graduate degrees are the target audience of the Online MBA program while mid to senior-level professionals are the target audience of the Executive MBA program. 
3. Curriculum Approach: The candidates pursuing an Online MBA learn core values of management, business communication, finance, marketing, strategic management, and leadership. The EMBA candidates are equipped with leadership and strategic management skills to enhance global business knowledge with practical applications.
4. Course Duration: The MBA program in online mode typically lasts for 1 to 3 years depending on the pace and structure of the course of each student. The EMBA course spans a duration of 1 to 2 years which majorly depends upon the schedule structure of a particular student in the institution for their master’s program. 
5. Fee Structure: The Online master's program in business administration costs less as compared to the Executive program as it saves money on commuting and learning resources. The EMBA is a little expensive due to its hybrid and higher-level curriculum structures and special attention given to entrepreneurial and managerial tactics. 
6. Career Opportunities: The online MBA program helps graduates and working professionals in career enhancement by acquiring advanced job roles as marketing managers, senior analysts, digital marketing managers, etc. EMBA program offers career opportunities for senior profiles like an entrepreneur, CFO, Director, COO, etc. to executive candidates. 

Top Specializations of Online MBA in Demand

Top Dual Specializations of Online MBA in Demand

Top Specializations of Executive MBA in Demand

Admission Process of the Online and Executive MBA Program

• Application Form: Search the institution's official website for the MBA program you want to apply for and go to the program menu. 
• Submit the Application Fee: Fill out each column with relevant information, after opening the application form, submit and pay the fee. 
• Entrance Exam: The foremost step is to qualify for the entrance exam as a part of the admission process of the particular university. 
• Personal Interview: The individuals shortlisted for the interview round must qualify for their round of counseling 
• Final Selection: The last stage of the admission process involves document verification to re-evaluate the suitability of the business administration program of the candidates.  
• Admission Offer: Secure your Online/Executive MBA seat after accepting the offer and paying the fee. 

Top UGC-approved Universities Offering Executive MBA Program

Top UGC-approved Universities for Online MBA Program

Detailed Curriculum of the Online MBA Program

Detailed Curriculum of Executive MBA Program

Top Career Prospects for Online and Executive MBA Program 

The Online and Executive MBA program opens career opportunities in diverse sectors to entrepreneurial and business domain. With advanced knowledge and essential skills in marketing, candidates make a career in several lucrative job roles across the globe. Here are some of the most demanding and well paid Online MBA and Executive program career prospects: 

• Marketing Manager: A Marketing Manager at a business firm makes anything between INR 9 LPA to INR 11 LPA with strong skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and creative thinking. They play an important role in strategizing and implementing business strategies in a business venture. 
• Business Manager: The strategic planning skills gained through the MBA program prepare the Business Manager candidates to pursue the Business Manager role. 
• Entrepreneur: The MBA program equips managerial and entrepreneurial skills business enthusiasts with critical thinking ability, analytical, reasoning, independent decision making problem-solving, and risk management.  
• Operations Manager: Operation Managers are responsible for designing and planning any crucial operations happening in the organization. The PG program in online and executive programs develops operations managers in specific specializations. 
• Digital Marketing Manager: Digital marketing demands candidates for advertising and marketing online in the current competitive market in their two years of course to prepare for the role of a digital marketing manager. 
• Public Relations: An MBA degree through online and executive program candidate prepares the Public Relations job role will be directly responsible for the positive image of an organization. In this job role, candidates get the authority to modify and give direction to an organization. 
• Management Consultant: Every business and management firm requires a management consultant to grow its business. They help in networking and boosting their business. They act at the forefront when dealing with challenges arising in the organizations and give solutions. 
• Data Analyst: The Online and Executive master's program in business administration prepares the students with visualizations, data analysis, and interpreting data so that they can make a career as a Data Analyst. 

Conclusion

It's hard to choose between the Online MBA and Executive MBA programs and which one would be the right fit for you is unbeatable. There are still a few key differences to consider if you are a working professional or candidate looking for flexibility in higher education. The key points mentioned above in this blog on career opportunities, costs, fee structure, and more will help you give deep insight into each program. We hope this blog on Online MBA vs Executive MBA differences helps you choose the business administration program based on your requirements.