EMBA v. Full Time (Columbia v. Anderson)

[Ryan_TCPE]

I have a dilemma.

At the moment I am trying to decide between Columbia's EMBA (weekends) and UCLA Anderson's full time program.

I am a partner in a small NYC artist management (music) firm. My position is unique in that I make my own hours and have the flexibility to (a) stay with my company full time while attending school part time or (b) to go to school full time and continue working remotely only 4 - 6 hrs per week in limited advisory role. I am welcome to return to the firm full time after school.

I have been accepted to both programs although my path to CBS EMBA acceptance was not exactly traditional: I applied to Columbia's full time program very late in the process (late March) and my decision letter stated that although adcom could not admit me to the full time program, they instead encouraged me to apply to their EMBA program because I am not looking to change industries. I applied and was accepted.

I had been leaning toward Anderson though, because (a) I wanted to be completely immersed in the MBA experience and (b) because I initially thought that the CBS EMBA program would not permit me to take electives with full time students. (Both schools have fantastic media & entertainment electives - a factor that is very important to me.)

However, as I now understand it - please correct me if I'm wrong - CBS still allows EMBA candidates to take classes with full time MBA students during the week, work schedule permitting. If this is the case, then given my relative autonomy at work, I could conceivably be able to enroll in any full time media & entertainment electives I want as long as I plan my work schedule correctly.

My questions are:
I. Is this true? Do EMBA students have the same chance to get a seat in elective courses as the full timers? Are full time MBA candidates given priority when registering for classes?

II. If I were able to take the electives and join the student groups I want at CBS, what would I be missing compared to the full time program at Anderson?

III. Generally speaking, how do EMBA degrees compare to full time MBA degrees in the eyes of potential employers?

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi Ryan,

Thanks for your post. You certainly do have a dilemma, but it isn't a bad problem to have. Honestly the best thing you can do for yourself and to ease your decision making process is to reach out to CBS. Those in the admissions office will be able to answer all of your questions and help you make an informed decision. It's okay for Columbia to know about your situation and they will appreciate the fact you are seeking out assistance in making your decision. If they don't know/have all the answers, they will certainly connect you with those who do.

I will say that regardless of whether you decide full time or EMBA at the end of the day you have earned your MBA and from a top school. While sometimes career switchers find it a bit more challenging to find their first post MBA job, it really does depend on the access the school has with their career office.

Best,

Stacey