Rhode Island is home to a few top-tier Executive MBA (EMBA) programs that cater to experienced professionals seeking to advance their leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills. These programs are designed for mid- to senior-level professionals who are looking to continue their education without interrupting their careers. The EMBA programs in Rhode Island emphasize leadership development, global business awareness, and innovation, preparing participants to take on higher-level executive roles.
1. Brown University – IE Business School Executive MBA (IE Brown EMBA)
One of the most prestigious EMBA programs in Rhode Island is the IE Brown Executive MBA, a joint program between Brown University and IE Business School. This program is designed for global professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills, innovate in their industries, and develop a comprehensive understanding of business and society.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Hybrid format with online and in-person modules
- Duration: 15 months
- Target Audience: Senior executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from diverse industries
- Average Work Experience: 15+ years
- Class Size: 25-35 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum
- The IE Brown EMBA offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends business education with the study of humanities, social sciences, and innovation.
- Courses cover topics such as global leadership, strategy and decision-making, entrepreneurship, and the intersection of business and society.
- Global Perspective
- This program emphasizes a global business outlook, preparing participants to navigate the complexities of international markets.
- The curriculum includes international immersion weeks in various global business hubs, giving participants hands-on experience in global leadership.
- Hybrid Learning Model
- The program follows a hybrid learning model with online classes that offer flexibility and in-person modules held at Brown University, IE Business School in Madrid, and other global locations.
- The structure allows participants to maintain their full-time jobs while pursuing an executive-level education.
- Leadership Development
- The IE Brown EMBA incorporates leadership coaching, helping students develop their personal leadership style through one-on-one coaching sessions, workshops, and feedback from peers.
- Leadership development is embedded in every aspect of the curriculum, with a strong focus on ethical decision-making and social responsibility.
c. Benefits
- The hybrid format offers flexibility for professionals who travel or have demanding work schedules.
- The program’s global perspective equips participants to lead in multinational organizations and navigate international business environments.
- The emphasis on interdisciplinary learning fosters creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovative leadership.
- The leadership coaching and in-person immersion weeks ensure that participants develop advanced leadership capabilities.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 10-15 years of professional experience, with at least five years in a leadership role.
- Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT/GRE scores are optional but may be submitted to strengthen an application.
2. University of Rhode Island – College of Business Executive MBA
The University of Rhode Island’s (URI) College of Business offers an Executive MBA program designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership, management, and business acumen. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive business education while allowing participants to balance work and study.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Hybrid format with in-person and online classes
- Duration: 22 months
- Target Audience: Mid- to senior-level managers, executives, and entrepreneurs
- Average Work Experience: 8-12 years
- Class Size: 20-30 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Integrated Curriculum
- URI’s EMBA program offers an integrated curriculum, where courses are designed to build on one another, covering key topics such as leadership, global business, strategy, financial management, and innovation.
- The program takes a cross-functional approach to business education, encouraging students to think strategically about how different areas of business intersect.
- Leadership Development
- The program places a strong emphasis on leadership and organizational change, helping participants develop the skills to manage teams and drive transformation within their organizations.
- Leadership development includes workshops, leadership assessments, and opportunities for personalized executive coaching.
- Capstone Consulting Project
- The Capstone Consulting Project is the culminating experience of the URI EMBA, where students work in teams to provide consulting services to a real organization.
- The project allows students to apply the knowledge they’ve gained throughout the program to solve complex business problems, providing immediate value to the client organization.
- Global Business Immersion
- The URI EMBA includes a Global Business Immersion component, which typically involves an international study trip.
- Students travel to a key global business hub to learn firsthand about international business practices, emerging markets, and cross-cultural leadership.
c. Benefits
- The hybrid format allows participants to complete the program while maintaining their professional and personal commitments.
- The leadership development focus helps participants strengthen their ability to lead teams, manage change, and drive innovation.
- The Capstone Consulting Project provides hands-on experience in solving real-world business problems.
- The Global Business Immersion offers exposure to international markets, enhancing participants’ global business perspective.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 8-10 years of professional experience, preferably in leadership or managerial roles.
- Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT scores are generally not required, but may be requested in some cases.
3. Providence College – School of Business MBA (Executive Track)
Providence College’s School of Business offers an MBA program with an Executive Track for mid- to senior-level professionals. This program is designed to provide professionals with the tools needed to lead organizations, manage teams, and make strategic business decisions.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Hybrid format with in-person and online classes
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Target Audience: Professionals with leadership experience, including managers and executives
- Average Work Experience: 6-10 years
- Class Size: 20-30 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Executive Track
- The Executive Track of Providence College’s MBA program is designed specifically for experienced professionals who want to accelerate their careers.
- The curriculum includes leadership development, business strategy, global business, financial management, and organizational behavior.
- Flexible Learning Options
- The program offers a flexible hybrid learning model, combining in-person classes on evenings and weekends with online coursework.
- This format is ideal for professionals looking to complete their MBA without disrupting their careers.
- Leadership and Innovation
- The Executive Track focuses on leadership development and innovation, teaching students how to lead change within their organizations, manage innovation, and drive business growth.
- Leadership development includes executive coaching and peer-to-peer feedback.
- Global Business Focus
- The program incorporates a global business module that covers international business strategies, global markets, and cross-cultural leadership.
- Students have the option to participate in international business trips, where they can engage with global companies and business leaders.
c. Benefits
- The Executive Track is tailored for professionals with leadership experience, allowing them to build on their existing skills and knowledge.
- The hybrid learning format provides flexibility for busy professionals who want to continue working while completing their degree.
- The focus on leadership and innovation prepares participants to lead organizational change and drive business growth.
- The global business component enhances participants’ understanding of international markets and cross-cultural leadership.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 6-10 years of professional experience, preferably in leadership roles.
- Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT scores are generally not required, but applicants can submit them to strengthen their application.
4. Johnson & Wales University – Executive MBA
Johnson & Wales University offers an Executive MBA program designed to help professionals accelerate their careers through a focus on leadership, innovation, and strategic management. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning that allows participants to apply their education to real-world business challenges.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Online with optional in-person residencies
- Duration: 18 months
- Target Audience: Mid-career professionals, managers, and business leaders
- Average Work Experience: 7-12 years
- Class Size: 15-25 students per cohort
b. Key Program Features
- Leadership and Strategic Focus
- Johnson & Wales’ EMBA focuses on leadership development, strategic decision-making, and innovation management.
- Courses include executive leadership, strategic management, innovation in business, and financial strategy.
- Online Learning Format
- The program is delivered primarily online, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule.
- Optional in-person residencies provide opportunities for networking, team collaboration, and leadership workshops.
- Capstone Project
- The Capstone Project is an essential part of the Johnson & Wales EMBA, where students work on a real-world business problem within their industry.
- The project requires participants to develop and present a comprehensive business strategy that addresses the challenge.
- Industry-Specific Learning
- The program allows students to focus on industry-specific challenges, making it ideal for professionals in industries such as hospitality, technology, finance, and retail.
- This focus ensures that participants gain knowledge directly relevant to their industry and career goals.
c. Benefits
- The online format provides maximum flexibility for professionals with demanding schedules or those who travel frequently.
- The program’s focus on leadership development and innovation equips participants with the skills needed to drive organizational growth and lead teams.
- The Capstone Project ensures that participants apply their learning directly to real-world business challenges.
- Industry-specific learning allows participants to tailor their education to their specific career goals.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 7-10 years of professional experience, with leadership responsibilities preferred.
- Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT is generally not required but may be requested for certain applicants.
5. Salve Regina University – MBA in Global Business and Leadership (Executive Track)
Salve Regina University offers an MBA in Global Business and Leadership with an Executive Track designed for experienced professionals who want to lead in today’s global economy. This program focuses on leadership, global business strategies, and ethical decision-making.
a. Program Overview
- Format: Hybrid format with online and in-person classes
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Target Audience: Mid-career professionals, managers, and executives
- Average Work Experience: 8-12 years
- Class Size: 15-20 students
b. Key Program Features
- Global Business and Leadership
- The Executive Track emphasizes global business strategies and leadership development, preparing participants to lead teams in multinational organizations and manage global business operations.
- Courses cover international business, global markets, cross-cultural leadership, and sustainability in business.
- Ethical Leadership
- Salve Regina’s MBA program places a strong emphasis on ethical leadership, teaching participants how to make decisions that benefit both their organizations and society as a whole.
- Courses on business ethics and corporate social responsibility are integrated into the curriculum.
- Capstone Leadership Project
- The program includes a Capstone Leadership Project, where students work on a strategic business issue, focusing on leadership and global business challenges.
- The project allows participants to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems, providing practical experience.
- Hybrid Learning Format
- The program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person classes, allowing participants to balance their work and studies.
c. Benefits
- The global business focus equips participants with the knowledge needed to lead in multinational organizations and navigate international business environments.
- The program’s emphasis on ethical leadership ensures that graduates are prepared to lead with integrity.
- The Capstone Leadership Project allows students to apply their learning to real-world leadership challenges.
- The hybrid format offers flexibility for professionals to complete their degree while working full-time.
d. Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- 8-12 years of professional experience, with leadership roles preferred.
- Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- GMAT scores are not required.
Executive MBA Programs in Rhode Island