Executive MBA programs launch to reach working professionals

Executive MBA programs launch to reach working professionals

Several schools are expanding their executive MBA programs so that a variety of students can enroll into classes. The Wall Street Journal reports that one institution, Columbia University (CU), will now provide courses for this degree on Saturdays. By adding this option, CU hopes to attract managers, small business owners and publishing executives.

According to the newspaper, the Saturday program will begin next spring and is designed for working professionals who would like to advance their career. Ethan Hanabury, senior associate dean for the school's degree programs, told the news source that "students from real estate, NGO's, retail and publishing" are expected to enroll.

Similar programs may be ideal for professionals who already have an established career because they do not require enrollees to take time away from their current position. Hanabury added that CU decided to offer this program on weekends so that individuals can obtain an executive MBA if their work organizations did not offer to send them to school.

This degree could benefit many professionals, such as a management analysts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there will be an increased amount of opportunities for these individuals over the next decade, as jobs in this field are projected to increase by 24 percent.

By Stephanie Hughes