Not Too Big, Not Too Small – Medium-Sized EMBA Programs

Not Too Big, Not Too Small – Medium-Sized EMBA Programs

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Choosing an Executive MBA program that meets your needs is just as much about determining the right location or alumni network as it is about the correct program structure and class size. The latter is a significant consideration. Some people thrive in smaller groups, and that makes an average class size of 25 as seen in the Fordham Executive MBA at Fordham University perfect. Smaller classes mean more time for discussion and getting to know each other. You might also get more attention from your professors.

Other people? Not so much. They thrive in larger class sizes, like the 150-student average cohort size seen in the Broad Executive MBA at Michigan State University. They like the bustle, the competition, and energy. These people enjoy absorbing information and the more extensive networks that a sizable cohort entails.

But, there is another option. While Executive MBA programs tend to vary between small cohorts and huge ones, some EMBAs fall comfortably in the middle. These programs have anywhere from 30 to 45 students in the average class group, giving you the best of both worlds – a little more discussion and a little more individual attention than larger classes with a bit more competition and networking opportunities than smaller classes.

The Cranfield Executive MBA, Cranfield University

The Cranfield Executive MBA has an average class size of 33. The average age of students in the program is 36, and they bring an average 11 years of work experience to the table. Top student industries include manufacturing, retail, aerospace, and healthcare. Cranfield University is one of the oldest business schools in Europe and is ranked eleven amongst European business schools. The Cranfield Executive MBA ranks number 11 for curriculum, number 13 for career advancement, number 17 for global experience, and number 18 for prestige.

Weekend and Modular MBA Programs for Executives, Emory Goizueta Business School

The Weekend and Modular MBA Programs for Executives at Emory Goizueta Business School has 42 students per cohort on average, although class sizes can vary between modular and weekend programs. The average age of students is 38, and they have an average 14 years of work experience. Top student industries include healthcare, financial services, education, and technology. Emory Goizueta Business School is globally recognized and highly esteemed. The EMBA program is ranked seventh in the US South and MidAtlantic and number 24 in the world. Regionally, the Goizueta Executive MBA is ranked fifth for career advancement, sixth for curriculum, seventh for global experience, and tenth for prestige.

The World Executive MBA with Cyber Security, George Washington University

The World Executive MBA with Cyber Security has an average class size of 31. The average age of students in the program is 39, and they bring an average 13 years of work experience to the table. Top student industries include government agency, consulting services, engineering, healthcare, and federal contracting. George Washington University is based in Washington DC. It is ranked eighth amongst US business schools in the South, MidAtlantic and number 25 in the world. The George Washington World Executive MBA with Cyber Security ranks number two for global experience, number seven for career advancement, and number 10 for curriculum.

The Fisher Executive MBA, Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business

The Fisher Executive MBA at has 38 students per cohort on average. The average age of students is 40, and they have an average 17 years of work experience. Major student industries include manufacturing, healthcare, technology, finance, and entrepreneurship. Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business is ranked sixth in the US Midwest for its Executive MBA program. Regionally, the Fisher Executive MBA is ranked fourth for life balance, sixth for curriculum, seventh for prestige, seventh for career advancement, and ninth for global experience.

The UC Irvine Executive MBA Program, University of California Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business

The UC Irvine Executive MBA Program has an average class size of 42. The average age of students in the program is 39, and they bring an average 14 years of work experience to the table. Top student industries include technology, consumer goods, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. The University of California Irvine’s EMBA program is ranked thirteenth amongst business schools in the US West. Regionally, the UC Irvine Executive MBA ranks number eight for curriculum, number eight for career advancement, number eight for global experience, and number 17 for prestige.

While you may not choose an EMBA program based on class size alone, it is a useful variable to help you narrow down your business school choices. The size of your EMBA cohort can have a significant impact on your Executive MBA experience.

Renee Ann Butler
About the Author
Renee Ann Butler

Renee Ann Butler is a business writer whose writing has appeared in numerous outlets related to finance and investing, from TheStreet to SCORE. She has an MBA, degrees in psychology, and over 15 years of experience working with hedge funds and startups.

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