Wisconsin is home to several top-tier Executive MBA (EMBA) programs designed for professionals looking to advance their leadership skills, gain strategic business insights, and accelerate their careers while continuing to work full-time. These programs are tailored for mid-career and senior professionals, offering flexible schedules, practical business education, and opportunities for networking.
1. University of Wisconsin-Madison – Wisconsin School of Business
Overview
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a highly respected Executive MBA program through its Wisconsin School of Business. Designed for professionals with significant management experience, the program focuses on leadership development, strategic thinking, and practical business applications.
Program Structure
- Weekend Format: Classes are held every other Friday and Saturday in downtown Madison, allowing professionals to continue working while attending the program.
- Duration: The program takes 20 months to complete, beginning in August and concluding in May of the second year.
- Cohort-Based: Students progress through the program as part of a cohort, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.
Key Features
- Global Learning Experience: The program includes an international residency, where students visit global business hubs to gain exposure to international markets and strategies.
- Leadership Development: The curriculum emphasizes leadership, with executive coaching, leadership assessments, and workshops to enhance personal and professional growth.
- Strong Alumni Network: The Wisconsin School of Business has a vast alumni network that students can leverage for professional connections and career opportunities.
Admission Requirements
- A minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience, with managerial or leadership responsibilities preferred.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores are optional but may be required for candidates without extensive professional experience or strong academic credentials.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Leadership, Financial Management, Marketing, Operations, and Business Strategy.
- International Residency: A global study experience where students visit international markets and engage with global business leaders.
- Capstone Project: The program concludes with a strategic business project, where students apply their learning to solve a real-world business challenge.
Career Services
The Wisconsin School of Business offers extensive career services for EMBA students, including personalized career coaching, leadership development programs, networking events, and access to the school’s strong alumni network.
2. Marquette University – Graduate School of Management
Overview
Marquette University’s Executive MBA program is designed to help senior executives and mid-career professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to lead their organizations through change and growth. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, strategic decision-making, and a global business perspective.
Program Structure
- Weekend Format: Classes are held every other Saturday, with a few Friday sessions. This format allows professionals to maintain their careers while earning their MBA.
- Duration: The program is completed in 17 months, with classes starting in August and graduating in December of the following year.
- Cohort Model: The program follows a cohort structure, where students progress through the curriculum together, fostering strong bonds and professional networks.
Key Features
- Ethical Leadership Focus: Marquette’s EMBA program integrates ethical leadership into the curriculum, aligning with the university’s Jesuit values.
- Global Business Perspective: The program includes an international study trip, where students gain exposure to global business practices and challenges.
- Executive Coaching: Each student receives executive coaching throughout the program to develop their leadership capabilities and personal growth.
Admission Requirements
- A minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience, with a preference for leadership roles.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be waived based on professional experience and academic performance.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Leadership, Strategic Management, Financial Analysis, Marketing Strategy, and Operations.
- Global Business Trip: An international study experience where students visit global companies and engage with leaders in international business markets.
- Capstone Project: Students complete a final capstone project that involves solving a strategic business problem for an organization.
Career Services
Marquette University’s EMBA program provides career services, including leadership development workshops, networking opportunities, executive coaching, and access to a vast alumni network for job placement and career advancement.
3. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Lubar School of Business
Overview
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Lubar School of Business offers an Executive MBA program tailored for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and broaden their understanding of global business practices. The program is designed for senior managers and executives from various industries.
Program Structure
- Weekend Format: Classes are held every other Saturday, making it convenient for working professionals to attend.
- Duration: The program takes 17 months to complete.
- Cohort-Based Learning: The cohort model ensures a collaborative and engaging learning experience, allowing students to build strong professional networks.
Key Features
- Global Business Exposure: The program includes an international business trip, where students visit global companies and engage with international business leaders.
- Leadership Development: The EMBA program includes leadership training and workshops to help students enhance their strategic decision-making and leadership abilities.
- Applied Learning: The curriculum is designed to provide practical knowledge that students can immediately apply in their work environments, making the learning highly relevant to current business challenges.
Admission Requirements
- A minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience, with leadership or management roles preferred.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be waived based on professional experience and academic qualifications.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Leadership, Strategic Management, Financial Accounting, Marketing, and Operations Management.
- Global Business Residency: An international business trip where students explore global markets and learn about the challenges and opportunities of international business.
- Capstone Project: The program concludes with a capstone project where students apply their knowledge to solve a complex business issue.
Career Services
The Lubar School of Business offers career services, including executive coaching, leadership development programs, and access to its alumni network. Students benefit from networking events, career workshops, and personalized career counseling to help them achieve their professional goals.
4. Concordia University Wisconsin – School of Business Administration
Overview
Concordia University Wisconsin offers an Executive MBA program designed for professionals who want to develop advanced leadership and management skills. The program is rooted in Christian values and emphasizes ethical decision-making, preparing students to lead with integrity in today’s business world.
Program Structure
- Weekend Format: Classes meet every other Saturday, allowing professionals to balance their work and academic commitments.
- Duration: The program is completed in 18 months.
- Hybrid Learning: The program combines in-person learning with online coursework, providing flexibility for busy professionals.
Key Features
- Christian Ethics and Leadership: Concordia’s EMBA program integrates Christian values into the curriculum, emphasizing ethical leadership and decision-making.
- Global Business Perspective: The program includes an international business experience, allowing students to gain exposure to global markets and international business strategies.
- Small Class Sizes: The program maintains small cohorts, ensuring personalized attention from faculty and strong connections with peers.
Admission Requirements
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience, with leadership experience preferred.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be waived based on professional experience or academic performance.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Leadership, Strategic Management, Financial Management, Marketing, and Business Ethics.
- Global Business Experience: An international study trip where students explore global business environments and engage with international companies.
- Capstone Project: The program includes a strategic capstone project, where students develop a business plan or solve a real-world business challenge.
Career Services
Concordia University Wisconsin offers career services such as leadership development workshops, career coaching, and access to its alumni network. The university also provides students with networking opportunities and resources to help them advance in their careers.
5. Edgewood College – School of Business
Overview
Edgewood College’s Executive MBA program is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and make a meaningful impact in their organizations. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, strategic decision-making, and sustainable business practices.
Program Structure
- Weekend Format: Classes are held every other weekend, providing flexibility for professionals to balance their work, life, and academic commitments.
- Duration: The program can be completed in 16 months.
- Cohort-Based: Students progress through the program as part of a cohort, promoting collaboration and networking.
Key Features
- Focus on Ethical Leadership: The program integrates ethics and sustainability into the curriculum, preparing students to lead organizations responsibly.
- Leadership Development: The EMBA program includes executive coaching and leadership workshops to help students develop their leadership style and strategic thinking abilities.
- Sustainability Focus: The program incorporates sustainability principles, making it ideal for professionals looking to drive positive change in their organizations.
Admission Requirements
- A minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience, with leadership experience preferred.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be waived for applicants with significant professional experience.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Leadership, Strategic Management, Financial Decision-Making, Marketing, and Operations.
- Sustainability and Ethics: Courses focused on ethical decision-making and sustainable business practices.
- Capstone Project: The program includes a capstone project where students develop a business plan or solve a complex business problem.
Career Services
Edgewood College provides career services that include executive coaching, leadership development programs, and access to an alumni network. The school also offers networking events and career development resources to support students’ career advancement.
6. Lakeland University – Kellett School of Business
Overview
Lakeland University offers an MBA program designed for working professionals who want to enhance their leadership and business management skills. While not specifically branded as an Executive MBA, the program offers many of the same benefits, including flexibility, leadership development, and practical business education.
Program Structure
- Flexible Format: The program offers evening, weekend, and online classes, allowing students to choose the format that best fits their schedule.
- Duration: The program can be completed in as few as 18 months, depending on the student’s pace.
- Hybrid Learning: Students can take courses in person, online, or in a hybrid format, providing maximum flexibility for busy professionals.
Key Features
- Leadership Focus: Lakeland’s MBA program emphasizes leadership development, with courses designed to help students improve their strategic thinking and leadership skills.
- Flexible Learning: The program’s hybrid format allows students to balance work, education, and personal responsibilities while completing their MBA.
- Customizable Curriculum: Students can choose from a variety of electives to tailor their MBA to their specific career goals.
Admission Requirements
- A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience is preferred.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required for some applicants but can be waived based on professional experience.
Curriculum
- Core Courses: Leadership, Strategic Management, Finance, Marketing, and Business Analytics.
- Electives: Students can choose from electives in areas such as project management, human resources, and global business.
- Capstone Project: The program includes a final project that integrates all the key concepts from the MBA curriculum into a practical business solution.
Career Services
Lakeland University offers career services such as career counseling, networking events, and access to job placement resources. The school also provides leadership development workshops and mentoring programs to support students’ professional growth.