Minnesota is a hub for higher education and business, and it offers a variety of Executive MBA (EMBA) programs tailored to experienced professionals seeking to enhance their leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills while balancing work, studies, and personal commitments. EMBA programs in Minnesota are designed to meet the needs of mid- to senior-level executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders by providing advanced education in leadership, innovation, global business, and organizational transformation.
1. University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management – Executive MBA
The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota offers one of the most prestigious Executive MBA programs in the state. Carlson’s EMBA program is recognized for its focus on leadership, strategic thinking, and global business practices, attracting mid-career professionals looking to advance their careers.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Weekend format with in-person classes every other weekend (Friday and Saturday)
- Duration: 21 months
- Target Audience: Mid- to senior-level executives, managers, and business leaders
- Average Work Experience: 14 years
- Class Size: 30-50 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Integrated Leadership Development
- The program integrates leadership development throughout the curriculum, with specific courses dedicated to leadership, executive decision-making, and organizational management.
- Leadership skills are cultivated through executive coaching, peer feedback, and self-assessment tools.
- Global Experience
- Carlson’s EMBA includes a Global Residency requirement where students travel to international business hubs to study global business practices.
- Participants visit companies abroad and engage in consulting projects with local businesses, gaining hands-on experience in international markets.
- Action Learning Projects
- Students work on real-world consulting projects throughout the program, applying their classroom knowledge to solve practical business problems.
- These projects are often sponsored by companies, allowing students to impact real business decisions and operations.
- Networking Opportunities
- The Carlson EMBA provides ample networking opportunities with local and global business leaders, faculty, and peers.
- Students benefit from access to the Carlson Alumni Network, one of the most extensive and powerful business networks in the region.
c. Benefits
- Participants gain executive coaching and personalized feedback to enhance their leadership skills.
- The global residency offers a unique opportunity to experience international business firsthand, preparing graduates for leadership roles in global companies.
- Access to Carlson’s extensive alumni network ensures lifelong career support and networking opportunities.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Significant work experience (minimum 10 years preferred).
- Strong leadership potential, demonstrated through career progression and references.
- GMAT is generally not required, though applicants may submit scores to strengthen their application.
2. University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business – Executive MBA
The University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business offers an Executive MBA program designed for experienced professionals who want to refine their leadership skills and expand their business acumen. Known for its values-based approach, this program emphasizes ethical leadership and sustainable business practices.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Weekend classes every other Friday and Saturday
- Duration: 21 months
- Target Audience: Senior managers, directors, and business leaders
- Average Work Experience: 15 years
- Class Size: 25-35 students
b. Key Program Features
- Leadership and Ethics Focus
- The program emphasizes values-based leadership, integrating ethics into every aspect of the curriculum.
- St. Thomas encourages participants to consider the long-term impact of their decisions on both their organizations and society as a whole.
- Global Learning Experience
- The EMBA program includes a Global Study Trip, which gives students the chance to explore business practices in different cultures and economies.
- Participants visit global companies, meet with business leaders, and engage in cross-cultural business discussions.
- Integrated Learning
- St. Thomas’ EMBA program is cross-functional, meaning students are encouraged to approach business challenges from multiple perspectives, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategy.
- Courses are structured to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills across these areas.
- Personalized Leadership Development
- The program includes a Leadership and Development Series, where students receive personalized executive coaching and participate in leadership assessments and workshops.
- Continuous development of leadership capabilities throughout the program ensures participants are ready to take on greater leadership roles upon graduation.
c. Benefits
- Strong focus on values-based leadership ensures graduates are prepared to lead ethically and sustainably in any industry.
- Global exposure through the international study trip provides students with insights into global business challenges and opportunities.
- Participants gain individualized coaching, helping them improve their leadership and interpersonal skills.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- At least 10 years of professional experience, with significant leadership responsibilities.
- Personal statement outlining career goals and how the EMBA will help achieve them.
- Recommendations from professional references, particularly those who can speak to the applicant’s leadership potential.
3. Augsburg University – MBA for Working Professionals (Executive Track)
Augsburg University offers an MBA program with an Executive Track option tailored for experienced professionals. This flexible program is designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults, providing a balance between rigorous academic learning and practical business applications.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Hybrid format with evening and online courses
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Target Audience: Mid-career professionals, managers, and executives
- Average Work Experience: 10+ years
- Class Size: 20-25 students
b. Key Program Features
- Flexible Learning Options
- The hybrid format allows students to attend in-person classes on weekday evenings, supplemented by online coursework.
- This flexibility is ideal for professionals balancing demanding careers with academic commitments.
- Leadership Development
- The executive track focuses on leadership training, teaching participants how to lead teams, make strategic decisions, and drive organizational change.
- Courses cover core business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, with an emphasis on leadership in each area.
- Experiential Learning
- Augsburg’s program emphasizes experiential learning, with case studies, group projects, and simulations that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world business situations.
- The program includes leadership workshops and coaching sessions to develop participants’ executive capabilities.
- Global Business Perspective
- Participants are exposed to global business trends and challenges through courses and opportunities to participate in international trips.
- These global experiences are designed to give students a broader perspective on business and prepare them for leadership in multinational organizations.
c. Benefits
- The hybrid format offers maximum flexibility, making it ideal for professionals with busy schedules.
- The program’s strong focus on leadership and experiential learning ensures that students can immediately apply what they learn in their workplaces.
- The international focus and opportunities for global study provide students with valuable insights into the global business landscape.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- At least 7-10 years of professional experience, with some leadership responsibility.
- GMAT may be waived for applicants with significant work experience.
- Resume, personal statement, and recommendations are required as part of the application process.
4. Bethel University – MBA (Executive Track)
Bethel University offers a specialized Executive Track as part of its MBA program, aimed at professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and business knowledge. This program is designed to develop ethical and strategic leaders capable of making a significant impact in their organizations.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Online and hybrid options available
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Target Audience: Mid- to senior-level managers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in various industries
- Average Work Experience: 10+ years
- Class Size: Small cohorts to encourage collaboration
b. Key Program Features
- Ethical Leadership Emphasis
- Bethel’s Executive MBA track is centered on ethical leadership, with courses designed to teach students how to lead with integrity and make principled decisions.
- Students explore the impact of their leadership on their teams, organizations, and the broader community.
- Flexible Learning Format
- The program offers both fully online and hybrid learning options, providing flexibility for professionals with demanding schedules.
- Courses are designed to fit into the lives of busy executives while maintaining academic rigor and practical relevance.
- Strategic Leadership Focus
- Bethel’s curriculum emphasizes strategic thinking, with courses covering advanced topics in strategy, finance, operations, and organizational behavior.
- Students learn how to develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with their organizations’ long-term goals.
- Global Perspective
- Participants can take advantage of international study opportunities, allowing them to gain insights into global markets and trends.
- The global focus prepares students to navigate the complexities of leading in a multinational business environment.
c. Benefits
- Emphasis on ethical leadership provides graduates with the skills to lead responsibly in any business environment.
- The program’s flexible format and small cohort sizes foster personalized learning and close-knit networking opportunities.
- Opportunities for international study give participants a well-rounded understanding of global business challenges.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Significant work experience, typically 10+ years, with leadership responsibilities.
- Personal statement, resume, and references demonstrating leadership potential and career progression.
- GMAT is generally not required for admission.
5. Concordia University, St. Paul – MBA with Executive Concentration
Concordia University offers an MBA with an Executive Concentration, designed for professionals seeking to advance their leadership and strategic thinking abilities. This program is structured to allow participants to balance their professional and personal lives while pursuing an advanced business degree.
a. Program Overview
- Format: 100% online or hybrid options available
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Target Audience: Mid-career professionals and senior managers
- Average Work Experience: 8-12 years
- Class Size: Small cohorts for personalized attention
b. Key Program Features
- Leadership Development
- The executive concentration focuses on developing leadership skills across all functional areas of business, from operations to finance.
- Participants engage in leadership workshops and projects that help them refine their decision-making and strategic planning skills.
- Flexible Learning Options
- The program offers 100% online or hybrid learning options, providing flexibility for professionals with demanding work schedules.
- Courses are structured to allow for continuous learning while maintaining work-life balance.
- Strategic Thinking and Innovation
- The curriculum emphasizes strategic thinking and innovation, preparing participants to lead organizations through change and drive growth.
- Courses cover key areas such as business strategy, organizational behavior, and leadership in times of uncertainty.
- Ethical and Values-Based Approach
- Concordia’s program integrates an ethical approach to leadership, teaching students how to make decisions that align with their values and the broader good of society.
c. Benefits
- The flexible online format makes this program accessible to professionals across the country, not just those in Minnesota.
- A focus on strategic thinking and leadership prepares participants for senior leadership roles in a variety of industries.
- The values-based approach ensures graduates are equipped to lead responsibly and ethically.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Work experience: Typically 8+ years, with demonstrated leadership potential.
- GMAT is not required, though relevant work experience and academic background are taken into account.
- A personal statement and resume are required as part of the application process.
Executive MBA Programs in Minnesota