EMBA Programs accelerated their use of technology and explored innovations in program delivery during 2020, according to the results of the 2020 EMBAC Membership Program Survey.

Almost 74 percent of programs reported offering distance learning in 2020, compared to just over 55 percent in 2019. In addition, 10 percent more of EMBA Programs in the survey changed their program delivery in some way – whether curriculum, program format, or another option. 

Programs also have expanded their use of technology in other ways: Nine out of 10 programs now use electronic delivery of course materials, and more than three out of four programs purchase cases electronically, an increase of more than 7 percent since 2016.

“The survey shows that EMBA Programs responded quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging and expanding their digital footprint,” says Michael Desiderio, EMBAC executive director. “Despite the challenges the pandemic poses, the past and current investments of EMBA Programs in technology and innovation are paying off.”

The survey also revealed that more women are choosing EMBA Programs to advance their careers.

The percentage of female enrollment reached its highest level ever, 32 percent in 2020, compared to 29.7 percent in 2016. Enrollment of women has risen consistently each year for the past five years.

In terms of experience and age, EMBA also continues to attract high-quality candidates. In 2020, the average age of enrolled EMBA students stayed consistent at 38 years. They also came to the program with an average of 14.3 years of work experience and 8.8 years of management experience.

“The richness and experience of EMBA students only serves to enhance the classroom experience and make the EMBA offering unlike other educational options,” says Desiderio.

More than 85 percent of member EMBA Programs completed the 2020 Membership Program Survey, conducted on behalf of EMBAC by Percept Research. Other key findings from the survey include the following:

• A vast majority – 91.5 percent – of EMBA Programs offer career services to help students manage their career and program goals. 

• Executive coaching continues to be an integral part of EMBA Programs: 83.3 percent of EMBA Programs offered executive coaching in 2020, up from 57.9 percent in 2011 and 77 percent in 2016.

• While the percentage of self-funded students remained close to the same as last year, full sponsorship increased slightly.  In 2019 and 2020, nearly 53 percent of students were self-funded. More than 15 percent of students received full sponsorship in 2019, up to 17 percent in 2020.

• More than 60 percent of programs offer scholarships or fellowships.

• More than 9 percent of programs have a specific industry focus. 

“The Membership Program Survey helps us understand the state-of-the-industry and identify the innovations that are shaping current and future program offerings,” says Desiderio. 

“Even in these challenging times, with the pandemic affecting almost all aspects of life and work, prospective students are seeing much value in pursuing the EMBA experience. And it’s clear that EMBA Programs are committed to finding new ways to advance the leadership capabilities and careers of students.”

Learn more about the EMBA experience and its value in preparing for new challenges at EMBA Buzz and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.