Difference Between a Master’s and an Executive Master’s
If you're a business professional aiming to elevate your career, you’ve likely considered the benefits of a Master’s vs an Executive Master’s. While both degrees enhance your skills, they cater to different career stages and goals. A traditional Master’s is ideal for recent graduates eager to deepen their understanding of finance, management, or other specialized fields. On the other hand, an Executive Master’s is tailored for experienced professionals, offering a flexible format that fits around a demanding work schedule. With core classes in leadership, strategy, and business development, an Executive Master’s is designed to enhance real-world expertise and broaden your strategic vision.
Definition and Objectives of Each Program
What is a Master’s?
A Master’s is a graduate degree (Bac +5 in France) intended for those who have completed a Bachelor's degree and wish to specialize in a specific field. It is an academic program favored by those aiming to advance their careers after earning a Bachelor’s degree. The Master’s is designed to deepen theoretical and practical knowledge, allowing students to build upon the fundamentals acquired during their undergraduate studies.
What is an Executive Master’s?
An Executive Master’s is a high-level management certification provided as a form of continuing education. It targets professionals who want to acquire advanced skills by specializing in a specific area. As such, the Executive Master’s is popular among business managers and executives who already have several years of professional experience.
The Executive Master’s offered by emlyon business school equips business leaders with collective, emotional, and situational skills to adapt to various challenges in a constantly evolving world. It aims to help executives improve their performance within organizations, providing them with a global and practical understanding of current business challenges to make them more adaptable to societal shifts and global changes.
Target Audience and Admission Requirements
Candidate Profile for a Master’s
The Master’s targets students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree (Bac +3 in France). However, academic excellence is also required to stand out from other applicants. Candidates’ motivation is evaluated, and they must present a professional project aligned with the program they wish to join.
Candidate Profile for an Executive Master’s
The ideal candidate for an Executive Master’s has a professional background and experience. Typically, these candidates are managers, executives, or directors with several years of experience post-graduation, usually between five and ten years. Candidates must also have a professional project that aligns with the goals of the Executive Master’s, often aiming for positions with greater responsibilities.
At emlyon business school, the Executive Master’s is open to candidates with a minimum of five years of professional experience and at least a Bac +2 degree or equivalent. The business school also recognizes experience-based validation (VAE).
Duration and Program Pace
Master’s Program Duration and Pace
The duration of a Master’s program varies by institution but generally spans two years of full-time study. Some schools offer alternating programs, which may extend the length. These programs typically follow an academic pace, including lectures, group projects, and directed studies.
At emlyon business school, a Master’s takes two years and includes international exposure. For example, the Master in Management, Finance & Tech program takes place across France, the UK, and Italy, with a European internship component.
Executive Master’s Program Duration and Pace
The length of an Executive Master’s program varies, often lasting between 12 and 24 months, depending on the field and the school. This program is designed to fit the busy schedules of professionals, with classes frequently held on a part-time basis, allowing participants to continue working while studying.
The Executive Master’s in General Management at emlyon business school follows a similar format, lasting 12 months but not requiring full-time commitment. Classes occur three to four days per month, enabling students to maintain their professional roles while specializing in a particular field.
Cost and Return on Investment
Master’s Program Cost
The cost of a Master’s depends on the institution and specialization. In France, tuition at public universities is more affordable than at private institutions or prestigious business schools. For instance, emlyon’s Master in Management, Finance & Tech program costs €48,000, covering all program-related expenses.
Executive Master’s Program Cost
Executive Master’s programs, often provided by renowned business schools, come with higher tuition fees. Designed for professionals looking to advance their careers, an Executive Master’s represents an investment toward achieving specific career objectives. For instance, emlyon’s Executive Master in General Management costs €19,500, including educational fees and lifetime access to the emlyon alumni network.
Although the Executive Master’s is more expensive, professionals have access to various funding options, such as CPF (Personal Training Account), student loans, and employer sponsorship, if specific requirements are met.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Both the Master’s and Executive Master’s programs involve significant costs. ROI is therefore a crucial consideration. These Bac +5 programs should facilitate career advancements.
The ROI goes beyond salary increases post-graduation; it also includes career advancement opportunities, job satisfaction, and the acquisition of specialized skills. A Master’s offers graduates numerous career options, with diverse job opportunities. emlyon business school’s Career Center supports graduates for up to three years after graduation, assisting them in securing job offers, preparing for interviews, and achieving their career goals.
For Executive Master’s graduates, the ROI is often measured differently, as they are typically already in managerial roles. Their goal may include transitioning to positions with increased responsibilities, securing promotions, and expanding their professional networks. For them, an Executive Master’s is a long-term investment with substantial career impact.
Career Goals and Future Prospects
Career Paths After a Master’s
Master’s graduates have a wealth of career paths to choose from, regardless of their specialization. They can either enter the workforce or continue their education. Employment opportunities abound, with roles like engineer, consultant, researcher, and teacher available to Master’s holders. Some may pursue doctoral studies or further specialized training.
Career Paths After an Executive Master’s
An Executive Master’s can lead to senior management roles, such as general manager, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), marketing director, HR director, etc. It also serves as a springboard for entrepreneurship, equipping professionals with the skills to start their own businesses and achieve their career aspirations.
In-Depth Comparison: Commonalities and Differences
Similarities
Both Master’s and Executive Master’s programs are advanced-level programs designed for individuals seeking specialization. These Bac +5 qualifications are recognized academically and professionally in France and abroad. They offer strong skills in project management, leadership, strategic vision, and innovation.
Key Differences
While sharing some similarities, Master’s and Executive Master’s programs have distinct differences. The primary difference lies in the target audience. The Master’s is aimed at recent graduates, while the Executive Master’s targets experienced professionals, including managers, executives, and directors with a few years of work experience.
Moreover, the approach and pedagogy differ. A Master’s has an academic focus with theoretical courses, directed studies, internships, and group projects, aiming to deepen knowledge acquired during a Bachelor’s degree. In contrast, the Executive Master’s emphasizes practical, professional skills through case studies, conferences, and professional projects. Its modules are designed to develop managerial competencies needed by executives.
Flexible enough to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, an Executive Master’s opens doors in senior management, consulting, entrepreneurship, and other areas requiring specialized managerial skills.
How to Choose Between a Master’s and an Executive Master’s?
Personal Criteria
Choosing a Master's degree isn’t easy. It’s essential to define personal criteria first. How much time can you dedicate to your studies? What are your short, medium, and long-term career goals?
For those at the beginning of their careers who can devote themselves to full-time study, a Master’s may be the most suitable option.
Professional Criteria
Professional criteria should also be considered when selecting a Bac +5 program. For those already employed, it’s worth checking whether their employer might provide financial support or a study leave. If so, enrolling in an Executive Master’s, such as emlyon’s Executive Master in General Management, could be wise.
It’s also important to ensure that the program aligns with current industry demands.
Conclusion
In summary, the Master’s and Executive Master’s are complementary programs suited to specific profiles. The former targets students who wish to enhance their academic skills in preparation for entering the workforce, while the latter is for experienced professionals looking to hone their managerial skills to accelerate their careers.