Arkansas offers several robust Executive MBA (EMBA) programs designed for experienced professionals aiming to advance their careers without putting their professional lives on hold. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of mid-to-senior level managers and executives, providing flexible scheduling, strong leadership development, and networking opportunities. Arkansas’s Executive MBA programs are recognized for their emphasis on practical learning, leadership, and global business strategies.
University of Arkansas – Sam M. Walton College of Business
Overview
The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas is well-known for its emphasis on leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation. The Executive MBA program at Walton College is designed for experienced professionals who are looking to enhance their leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of global business challenges. The program integrates classroom learning with real-world business experience, providing a holistic approach to executive education.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 24 months
- Delivery Format: Hybrid (online and in-person)
- Class Frequency: In-person classes meet one Saturday per month in Rogers, Arkansas, with additional online coursework.
- Global Immersion: Includes an optional global immersion trip to understand international business environments.
- Focus Areas:
- Leadership and organizational behavior
- Strategic management and innovation
- Global business and financial decision-making
Curriculum
The curriculum of the Walton College EMBA program combines theoretical knowledge with practical business applications. It is designed to equip executives with the tools needed to lead their organizations effectively.
- Leadership Development: Courses focused on building leadership skills, improving team dynamics, and developing ethical decision-making strategies.
- Strategic Management: Emphasizes the formulation and execution of strategic business plans and the development of innovative solutions to business challenges.
- Financial Management: In-depth study of financial markets, corporate finance, and managerial accounting to enhance decision-making capabilities.
- Global Perspectives: Global immersion experiences provide students with first-hand insights into international business practices and economic systems.
Admission Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience, with leadership responsibilities preferred.
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Test Requirements: GMAT/GRE may be waived for experienced professionals.
- Interview: Required as part of the application process.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition: Approximately $53,000 for the full program.
- Financial Aid: Scholarships, loans, and employer sponsorships are available.
- Payment Plans: The program offers flexible payment plans for working professionals.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Walton College EMBA program often advance to leadership roles within their organizations, ranging from C-suite executives to directors and senior managers. The program’s focus on leadership, innovation, and strategy makes it particularly well-suited for professionals in industries such as retail, logistics, finance, and healthcare.
Arkansas State University – Neil Griffin College of Business
Overview
Arkansas State University (A-State) offers an Executive MBA program through its Neil Griffin College of Business. This program is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities, develop advanced business knowledge, and strengthen their ability to make data-driven decisions. The program emphasizes practical learning and a collaborative environment where executives can learn from both faculty and peers.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 18 months
- Delivery Format: Hybrid (online and in-person)
- Class Frequency: Classes meet every other Saturday in person, with online components to provide flexibility.
- Focus Areas:
- Leadership and team development
- Data-driven decision-making
- Strategic business management
Curriculum
The A-State EMBA curriculum provides a strong foundation in essential business disciplines, with a focus on leadership and strategic management. The courses are designed to help professionals apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world business problems.
- Business Strategy: Focuses on strategic planning, competitive analysis, and decision-making in dynamic business environments.
- Leadership and Team Management: Courses that build leadership capabilities, improve team performance, and foster organizational growth.
- Data Analytics: Provides executives with tools to analyze business data for improved decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Financial Management: Covers topics such as financial planning, capital budgeting, and risk management.
Admission Requirements
- Experience: At least 5 years of professional work experience, with a preference for candidates in leadership positions.
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Test Requirements: GMAT/GRE may be waived for experienced professionals.
- Interview: Required as part of the admission process.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition: Approximately $28,000 for the entire program.
- Financial Aid: Scholarships, student loans, and employer sponsorships are available.
- Payment Plans: Flexible payment options are provided to accommodate working professionals.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the A-State EMBA program often move into higher leadership roles in industries such as healthcare, government, education, and manufacturing. The program’s emphasis on leadership, data analytics, and strategic management makes it particularly valuable for professionals seeking to lead data-driven organizations.
University of Central Arkansas – College of Business
Overview
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers an Executive MBA program designed for professionals looking to advance in their careers while maintaining their work-life balance. UCA’s EMBA focuses on leadership, business strategy, and operational management, with a curriculum tailored to the needs of experienced executives.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 16-18 months
- Delivery Format: Hybrid (online and in-person)
- Class Frequency: In-person classes meet one weekend per month, with online coursework in between.
- Focus Areas:
- Business leadership and ethics
- Strategic and operational management
- Financial and marketing management
Curriculum
The UCA EMBA curriculum focuses on delivering key business concepts with an emphasis on leadership and operational efficiency. The program is designed to provide students with practical skills that they can immediately apply in their professional roles.
- Leadership and Ethics: Courses that focus on developing ethical leadership skills and understanding the role of leadership in organizational success.
- Strategic Business Management: Emphasizes the development and implementation of strategic business initiatives.
- Marketing and Financial Analysis: Provides insights into financial management and marketing strategies, helping executives make data-driven decisions.
Admission Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience, with leadership responsibilities.
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Test Requirements: GMAT/GRE may be waived based on work experience.
- Interview: Required as part of the application process.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition: Approximately $35,000 for the full program.
- Financial Aid: Scholarships, loans, and employer sponsorships are available.
- Payment Plans: Flexible payment options are offered to accommodate the needs of working professionals.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the UCA EMBA program often advance to leadership positions in industries such as retail, finance, healthcare, and non-profit organizations. The program’s focus on leadership and business strategy makes it ideal for professionals seeking to move into higher-level management roles.
Harding University – Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration
Overview
Harding University offers an Executive MBA program through its Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration. Harding’s EMBA program is designed for experienced professionals who are looking to enhance their business acumen and leadership skills while integrating Christian principles into their decision-making process. The program offers a unique perspective on leadership by blending business theory with ethical considerations.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 18 months
- Delivery Format: Hybrid (online and in-person)
- Class Frequency: Classes meet once a month in person, with additional online coursework.
- Faith-Based Focus: Emphasizes ethical leadership grounded in Christian values.
- Focus Areas:
- Leadership and ethics in business
- Strategic management
- Organizational behavior and team dynamics
Curriculum
Harding University’s EMBA program integrates business theory with ethical leadership and practical management skills. The curriculum is designed to help professionals lead with integrity and make sound decisions that benefit both their organizations and the wider community.
- Ethical Leadership: Courses that emphasize the importance of ethical decision-making and leadership in business.
- Strategic Management: Provides tools and frameworks for developing and executing business strategies that drive growth and innovation.
- Organizational Behavior: Focuses on improving team performance, fostering collaboration, and managing change within organizations.
Admission Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience, with leadership responsibilities.
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Test Requirements: GMAT/GRE may be waived for experienced professionals.
- Interview: Required for admission.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition: Approximately $40,000 for the full program.
- Financial Aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans are available to help cover the cost of tuition.
- Payment Plans: Flexible payment plans are offered to meet the needs of working professionals.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of Harding University’s EMBA program are well-prepared for leadership roles in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, non-profit organizations, and private industry. The program’s emphasis on ethical leadership makes it especially appealing for professionals seeking to lead with integrity in their respective fields.
John Brown University – Soderquist College of Business
Overview
John Brown University (JBU) offers an Executive MBA program through its Soderquist College of Business. The program is designed for professionals who want to enhance their leadership capabilities, improve their strategic thinking, and advance their careers while maintaining a focus on ethical leadership and innovation.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Delivery Format: Fully online, with optional in-person residencies.
- Focus Areas:
- Leadership and ethics
- Strategic innovation and entrepreneurship
- Financial management and marketing strategy
Curriculum
JBU’s EMBA program is focused on developing leaders who can effectively manage organizations while also adhering to strong ethical standards. The curriculum blends business fundamentals with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Leadership and Innovation: Courses that focus on leading innovation in dynamic environments and managing change within organizations.
- Strategic Management: Emphasizes the development of long-term business strategies that support organizational growth and success.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Provides a foundation in ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility.
Admission Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience.
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Test Requirements: GMAT/GRE may be waived based on professional experience.
- Interview: Required for admission.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition: Approximately $38,000 for the full program.
- Financial Aid: Scholarships, loans, and grants are available to help with tuition costs.
- Payment Plans: Flexible payment plans are available for working professionals.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the JBU EMBA program often advance to leadership roles in industries such as manufacturing, technology, finance, and education. The program’s focus on ethical leadership and innovation makes it an excellent choice for professionals looking to lead organizations through periods of growth and change.