EMBA v. Full Time (Columbia v. Anderson)

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 2:59 pm

EMBA v. Full Time (Columbia v. Anderson)

by Ryan_TCPE » Wed Jun 22, 2011 3:49 pm
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?
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 590
Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:51 pm
Location: New York
Thanked: 47 times
Followed by:7 members

by Cindy Tokumitsu » Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:15 pm
Hello,

Congratulations on your acceptance to two great programs. I'll answer your questions.

I) It's true that you can take the regular MBA electives at Columbia. I don't see anywhere stated that they prioritize regular MBA students for these classes, not have I heard it. But if it's an important point I suggest that you call the adcom and ask them. I think that would be the most efficient way to get an accurate answer to the question. As you are an accepted student, they should be glad to answer your questions.
II) You'd be missing - Anderson! First, there is the difference in the MBA vs. EMBA curriculum and classroom, with material shaped to target the higher level managers in the EMBA. Then there is the difference between the two schools' cultures, resources, etc. Recruiting isn't an issue for you so that potential difference isn't relevant, if there is one.
III) This issue was just discussed at our annual AIGAC conference - the recruiter panelists noted that they viewed an EMBA from a competitive program as equal to if not even more impressive than a competitive regular MBA, because of the more difficult and demanding circumstances during studies - the recruiters on the panel recognized the huge commitment and focus it takes considering the extremely demanding concurrent career responsibilities.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, www.Accepted.com