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Student Entry Survey | Student Exit Survey | Program Survey | Return on Investment | 2008 Overview

The Executive MBA Council sponsors several research initiatives. The data helps schools understand student preferences and benchmark their practices. ROI research will help show what the degree really means to students and their organizations.

Student Satisfaction Results | Program Results

2008 Program Results

2008 Executive MBA Council Membership Program Survey Results Show Focus on Key Business Areas

ORANGE, CALIF., Dec. 17, 2008 – According to the results of the Executive MBA Council’s 2008 Membership Program Survey, Executive MBA Programs continue to focus on core business functions, and also are investing more course time on skill development in other areas that are important to business.

The Executive MBA Council’s annual Membership Program Survey offers a comprehensive overview of worldwide programs. Approximately 307 member programs participated in the 2008 survey. Data for the survey was gathered in summer and fall 2008.

Core business knowledge remains strong
Programs reported on the number of required in-class hours. Core functional areas topped the list; the numbers reflect actual 60-minute hours:

Finance (56.2 hours)
Accounting (48.6)
International Business (44.5)
Strategic Business Policy (44.3)
Marketing (44.2)
Economics (43.5)

Soft and other skill areas see increased emphasis
The survey also showed increases in time spent on the following areas:

Class hours that were dedicated to leadership rose 64 percent, from 21.9, 60-minute class hours in 2002 to 36 in 2008.
Class hours that were dedicated to entrepreneurship rose 105 percent, from 10.7, 60-minute class hours in 2002 to 21.9 in 2008.
Class hours that were dedicated to ethics rose 124 percent, from 8.9, 60-minute class hours in 2002 to 20 in 2008.
Class hours that were dedicated to communications rose 81 percent, from 10.8, 60-minute class hours in 2002 to 19.6 in 2008.
Class hours that were dedicated to professional development rose 183 percent, from 9.3, 60-minute class hours in 2002 to 26.3 in 2008.

The survey also shows insight on other aspects of Executive MBA Programs:

Structure

The average class size is 44, up from 42 in 2007.
The average program length continues to be 20 months.
Fifty-eight percent of programs require an international trip, up from 53 percent in 2007. China continues as the most popular destination.

Tuition reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement breaks down as follows:

Partial reimbursement: 36 percent (2008), compared to 33 percent (2007)
Self-sponsorship: 32 percent (2008), compared to 33 percent (2007)
Full reimbursement: 32 percent (2008), compared to 34 percent (2007)

Student demographics

The average student age is 36.5.
The years of work experience (approximately 12.8 years) and years of management experience (8.2) have stayed relatively the same over the past five years.
The percentage of female students has remained steady the past five years (27 percent).