North Dakota offers several Executive MBA (EMBA) programs tailored to professionals seeking to enhance their leadership, management, and business skills while continuing their careers. The state is known for its strong focus on agriculture, energy, and business industries, and its EMBA programs cater to these sectors as well as others. These programs provide mid- to senior-level professionals with the tools they need to succeed in senior management and leadership roles.
1. North Dakota State University (NDSU) – Executive MBA Program
North Dakota State University (NDSU) offers a well-regarded Executive MBA program designed for experienced professionals who are looking to expand their leadership skills and business knowledge. With a focus on strategic thinking, leadership, and innovation, NDSU’s EMBA prepares executives to lead their organizations in an evolving business landscape.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Blended format with in-person and online classes
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Target Audience: Mid- to senior-level professionals, managers, and business executives
- Average Work Experience: 8-12 years
- Class Size: 20-30 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Blended Learning Model
- The NDSU EMBA program combines in-person classes held on alternating Fridays with online learning components to provide flexibility for working professionals.
- This hybrid model allows students to balance their career, studies, and personal life while still gaining face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers.
- Leadership Development
- Leadership development is a cornerstone of the program, with courses focused on executive leadership, strategic management, and team dynamics.
- Participants engage in leadership assessments, case studies, and projects designed to strengthen their ability to lead teams and manage organizational change.
- Focus on Innovation and Strategy
- The curriculum is designed to foster innovation and strategic thinking, preparing participants to manage complex business challenges.
- Key areas of study include business analytics, innovation management, and financial strategy, equipping executives with the skills to drive organizational growth.
- Capstone Project
- The program includes a Capstone Project, which provides participants with an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned to a real-world business issue.
- This project allows students to demonstrate their strategic thinking and leadership skills by addressing a significant challenge within their own organization or another business.
c. Benefits
- The blended format offers flexibility for working professionals while still providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and learning.
- The leadership-focused curriculum prepares participants for senior management and executive roles, giving them the tools to lead teams and drive organizational change.
- The Capstone Project ensures practical application of knowledge, allowing participants to create immediate value for their organizations.
- The program offers ample networking opportunities through cohort-based learning, allowing participants to build lasting professional relationships.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 8-10 years of work experience, with a preference for leadership or managerial roles.
- Submission of resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT scores are generally not required, though they may be submitted to strengthen an application.
2. University of North Dakota (UND) – Executive MBA Program
The University of North Dakota (UND) offers an Executive MBA program through its Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. The program is designed for experienced professionals who want to advance their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of business strategy. The UND EMBA program is known for its focus on leadership development and strategic thinking, with a curriculum that prepares executives for the challenges of leading in today’s complex business environment.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Hybrid format with both online and on-campus components
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Target Audience: Senior professionals, managers, and executives across industries
- Average Work Experience: 10-15 years
- Class Size: 20-30 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Hybrid Learning Format
- The UND EMBA program uses a hybrid format, with courses delivered online and in-person residencies held on the UND campus.
- On-campus sessions take place periodically, offering students the opportunity to engage with faculty and peers while still maintaining the flexibility of online coursework.
- Leadership and Strategic Thinking Focus
- The program focuses heavily on leadership development, with courses covering topics such as organizational behavior, executive leadership, and strategic decision-making.
- The curriculum also includes courses on strategic management, business analytics, and financial analysis, ensuring that participants gain the skills necessary to make data-driven decisions and lead their organizations to success.
- Global Business Perspective
- UND’s EMBA program incorporates a global business perspective, preparing participants to manage international business operations and understand the complexities of global markets.
- Courses include international business strategy, providing executives with the tools to navigate the challenges of globalization and manage cross-border operations effectively.
- Capstone Project
- As part of the program, students complete a Capstone Project that requires them to apply their learning to solve a complex business problem.
- The project is designed to demonstrate participants’ ability to use strategic thinking and leadership skills to address real-world business challenges.
c. Benefits
- The hybrid format offers flexibility, allowing students to continue working while attending periodic in-person residencies.
- The program’s strong focus on leadership development and strategic decision-making ensures that graduates are prepared for senior management and executive roles.
- Participants gain a global business perspective, making them well-prepared to lead in multinational organizations.
- The Capstone Project allows participants to apply their learning in a practical setting, making the program immediately relevant to their careers.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 10-15 years of professional experience, including significant leadership or management responsibilities.
- Submission of resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT scores are generally not required, though they may be considered in some cases.
3. Minot State University – MBA with Executive Concentration
Minot State University offers an MBA program with an Executive Concentration designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and management skills. While not a traditional Executive MBA, this program provides many of the same benefits, including flexibility, leadership-focused coursework, and the opportunity to apply learning to real-world challenges.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Fully online with optional in-person residencies
- Duration: 12-24 months (self-paced)
- Target Audience: Mid-career professionals, managers, and entrepreneurs
- Average Work Experience: 5-10 years
- Class Size: 15-20 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Flexible Learning Options
- Minot State’s MBA is offered fully online, allowing professionals to complete the program at their own pace while continuing to work full-time.
- The program also offers optional in-person residencies, giving students the opportunity to engage in face-to-face learning and networking if they choose.
- Leadership and Management Focus
- The Executive Concentration focuses on leadership development, strategic decision-making, and organizational behavior.
- Courses include executive leadership, financial management, and strategic planning, preparing participants to take on leadership roles in their organizations.
- Capstone Project
- The program includes a Capstone Project, where students apply the knowledge they’ve gained to a real-world business problem.
- The project allows participants to demonstrate their ability to develop and implement strategies that address complex business challenges.
- Self-Paced Learning
- The program is self-paced, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 12 months or take up to 24 months, depending on their individual schedule and professional commitments.
c. Benefits
- The fully online format provides flexibility for professionals with demanding schedules, allowing them to study at their own pace.
- The focus on leadership and strategic management equips participants with the skills they need to succeed in senior roles.
- The Capstone Project ensures that students can apply their learning to real-world business challenges, providing immediate value to their organizations.
- The program offers a self-paced structure, allowing participants to complete the degree on a timeline that works for them.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 5-10 years of professional experience, with leadership responsibilities preferred.
- Submission of resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT scores are not required for admission.
4. University of Mary – MBA in Executive Leadership
The University of Mary, based in Bismarck, North Dakota, offers an MBA with a concentration in Executive Leadership. This program is designed for professionals seeking to develop their leadership capabilities and strategic management skills. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of executives, managers, and entrepreneurs looking to advance their careers in a competitive business environment.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Online with optional in-person residencies
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Target Audience: Mid-career professionals, senior managers, and executives
- Average Work Experience: 7-10 years
- Class Size: 15-25 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Online Learning with Optional Residencies
- The University of Mary’s Executive Leadership MBA is delivered online, providing flexibility for professionals who want to continue working while earning their degree.
- Students have the option to attend in-person residencies for networking and immersive learning experiences, but these are not required.
- Leadership-Focused Curriculum
- The program emphasizes executive leadership, with courses focused on organizational development, strategic leadership, and ethical decision-making.
- Participants learn how to manage teams, lead organizational change, and develop strategies for long-term success.
- Capstone Project
- The program culminates in a Capstone Project, where students work on a significant business challenge that aligns with their career goals.
- This project allows participants to apply the skills they’ve developed in a real-world setting, demonstrating their ability to lead and manage effectively.
- Ethical Leadership Component
- The University of Mary’s MBA program places a strong emphasis on ethical leadership, teaching participants how to make decisions that align with their values and benefit both their organization and society.
- Courses on business ethics and social responsibility are integrated into the curriculum.
c. Benefits
- The online format provides flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to balance their studies with their careers.
- The focus on executive leadership prepares participants to take on senior roles in a variety of industries.
- The program’s emphasis on ethical leadership ensures that graduates are prepared to lead with integrity and make decisions that benefit their organizations and society.
- The Capstone Project allows students to apply their learning in a practical setting, creating immediate value for their employers.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 7-10 years of professional experience, with leadership responsibilities.
- Submission of resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT is not required for admission.
Executive MBA Programs in North Dakota