Online Executive MBA Syllabus
February 28th, 2025: 10 Min
The Executive MBA, or EMBA, is an advanced graduate-level program for working corporate professionals seeking advanced education while continuing full-time work. The duration of an executive MBA is shorter than the traditional course, ranging from 1 to 2 years, based on the university program structure.
Online learning offers flexibility for working professionals who want to earn a degree without sacrificing their careers. Candidates can consider online executive MBA options to boost their career prospects, enhancing business sense, leadership skills, and strategic thinking, preparing executives for higher-level industry roles.
This guide will help you understand the executive MBA syllabus and the available specializations.
Online Executive MBA 1st Year Subjects
The first year of the online executive MBA program focuses on developing a solid foundation in business administration and basic management concepts. The core courses cover marketing, finance, operations, and human resources.
Executive MBA 1st Semester Subjects
The first semester is about learning business basics, managing things, and making sense of numbers and information. The subjects include:
Semester 1 Subjects |
Managerial Economics |
Business Communication |
Financial Accounting |
Information Systems |
Research and Statistics |
Executive MBA 2nd Semester Subjects
The second semester explores advanced business operations, emphasizing organizational understanding, financial management, and marketing and HR strategies. This semester's curriculum comprises:
Semester 2 Subjects |
Organizational Behavior |
Corporate Finance |
Business Management |
Human Resource Management |
Marketing Management |
Online Executive MBA 2nd Year Subjects
The second year of the online executive MBA program focuses on enhancing advanced subjects and specialization courses aligning with career-oriented electives and practical skills.
Executive MBA Semester 3 Subjects
In the third semester, students dive into hands-on business practices like operations, accounting, data analysis, and strategic planning and delve into specific areas through electives. The syllabus encompasses:
Semester 3 Subjects |
Operations Management |
Accounting Management |
Advanced-Data Analysis |
Strategic Management |
Elective Courses |
Executive MBA Semester 4 Subjects
In the fourth semester, students will apply what they've learned to digital marketing, starting a business, and project management and choose extra courses based on their interests. The subjects being covered this semester are:
Semester 4 Subjects |
Digital Marketing & E-commerce |
Entrepreneurship Management |
Project Management |
Project Work |
Elective Courses |
Online Executive MBA Elective Subjects
Elective subjects are designed to equip candidates for their career goals. It may vary from one university to another. Some standard executive MBA subjects are:
- Supply Chain Management
- Business Analytics
- International Finance
- Data Science
- Digital Marketing
Executive MBA Syllabus for Different Specialization
Specializations in an online executive MBA have unique syllabuses, focusing on aspirants’ areas of interest. Following are some of the popular ones, along with their syllabuses.
Executive MBA Subjects in Information Technology Management:
- Business Communication Skills
- Management Information Systems & Business Intelligence
- Database Management System
- Networking Concepts
Executive MBA Subjects in Human Resource Management:
- Modern Business Organization & Management
- Global Business Environment & Economics
- Accounting & Financial Management
- Human Resource & Organizational Behavior
Executive MBA Subjects in Finance Management:
- Business Communication Skills
- Essentials of Business Finance
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- International Finance
Executive MBA Subjects in Marketing Management:
- Business Communication Skills
- Consumer Behavior
- Fundamentals of Advertising
- Strategic Marketing Management
Executive MBA Syllabus for Top Colleges
The structure of the executive MBA course subjects varies across institutions. Here are a few top executive MBA colleges and their respective syllabuses.
DY Patil Executive MBA Program Syllabus
Executive MBA in Operation and Production Management
1st Semester |
2nd Semester |
Human Resource & Organizational Behavior |
Operation Planning & Control |
Accounting & Financial Management |
Inventory & Purchase Management |
Global Business Environment & Economics |
Business Communication Skills |
Modern Business Organization & Management |
Supply Chain Management |
Executive MBA in Finance
1st Semester |
2nd Semester |
Modern Business Organization & Management |
Business Communication Skills |
Global Business Environment & Economics |
Essentials of Business Finance |
Accounting & Financial Management |
Financial Planning & Analysis |
Human Resource & Organizational Behavior |
International Finance |
Executive MBA in Information Technology Management
1st Semester |
2nd Semester |
Modern Business Organization & Management |
Business Communication Skills |
Global Business Environment & Economics |
Management Information Systems & Business Intelligence |
Accounting & Financial Management |
Database Management System |
Human Resource & Organizational Behavior |
Networking Concepts |
Executive MBA in Marketing Management
1st Semester |
2nd Semester |
Modern Business Organization & Management |
Business Communication Skills |
Global Business Environment & Economics |
Consumer Behavior |
Accounting & Financial Management |
Fundamentals of Advertising |
Human Resource & Organizational Behavior |
Strategic Marketing Management |
Executive MBA in Human Resource Management
1st Semester |
2nd Semester |
Modern Business Organization & Management |
Business Communication Skills |
Global Business Environment & Economics |
Human Resources Management |
Accounting & Financial Management |
Human Resources Development & Industrial Relations |
Human Resource & Organizational Behavior |
Team Building & Leadership |
Executive MBA in Healthcare Management
1st Semester |
2nd Semester |
Modern Business Organization & Management |
Business Communication Skills |
Global Business Environment & Economics |
Hospital Planning & Management |
Accounting & Financial Management |
Personal Care Management |
Human Resource & Organizational Behavior |
Industrial Health & Safety Management |
IIM College Executive MBA Program Syllabus
The IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) are renowned for their extensive executive MBA degree subjects. The following is the year-wise online executive MBA syllabus for IIM Sambalpur, though it can vary from one IIM to another.
1st Year |
2nd Year |
Managing People and Performance |
Sustainability & Ethics |
Financial and Management Accounting |
Corporate Entrepreneurship |
Strategic Human Resources Management |
Digital Transformation |
Corporate Finance |
Project Management |
Strategic Marketing |
Management Application Project |
Macro Economics |
Managerial Communication |
Management Information Systems |
Strategic Management |
Legal Aspect of Business |
Leadership Management |
Distance Executive MBA Syllabus
Distance executive MBA programs cater to students in remote locations who need help to commit to online classes. The syllabus is similar to the regular MBA courses.
1st Year |
2nd Year |
Data Visualization & Analytics for Decision Making |
Corporate Finance |
Accounting for Business Professionals |
International Management |
Supply Chain and Management of Operations |
Business Valuation |
Principles of Marketing |
Product Management |
Business Research Methods |
Organizational Behavior |
Foundations of Business Strategy |
Human Resource Management |
Executive MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus
Most online executive MBA degree subjects do not require entrance exams. However, some institutions require candidates to take entrance exams as part of the admission process based on the marks scored in standard exams like CAT or MAT.
CAT Exam Syllabus:
- Quantitative Ability: Mathematical problems and their solutions.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: Analyzing and interpreting data.
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: English language comprehension skills.
MAT Exam Syllabus:
- Language Comprehension: Reading and understanding written material.
- Mathematical Skills: Basic and advanced mathematical concepts.
- Data Analysis and Sufficiency: Interpreting various forms of data.
- Intelligence and Critical Reasoning: Logical reasoning and problem-solving.
- Economic and Business Environment: Business awareness and general knowledge.
Other MBA entrance exams include XAT, CMAT, ATMA, etc. The syllabi for these are also similar to those for CAT or MAT.
FAQs
What is the duration of the online executive MBA program?
The duration of the online executive MBA program ranges from 1 to 2 years, and it may vary from one university to another.
What are the eligibility criteria for online executive MBA admission?
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized university.
How much does the online executive MBA program cost?
The fee for the online executive MBA ranges from INR 1 to 4 lakhs, based on which university candidates apply.
How is an executive MBA different from a regular MBA program?
The executive MBA program is short-duration and mainly meant for working professionals, while the regular MBA program is for a broader group of aspirants.
Is an online executive MBA a valid degree for jobs?
Online MBA courses conducted by the top universities are accredited programs. Thus, they are credible and recognized by employers and higher education institutions.