Future of Executive Education Online: What’s Coming Next?
Executive education is changing to meet the demands of a changing global economy. In some cases, these changes include adding online programs to campus executive education offerings, creating mixed programs, and achieving greater student participation.
There are many trends in executive education that transform and improve educational opportunities for professionals of higher levels. Study the growth of these programs and how technology is included in them.
The Future of Online Executive EducationOnline executive education programs for middle-level managers and senior managers provide an MBA or EMBA certification in a variety of leadership and management development topics. These programs were offered on a part-time basis, with evening classes and weekends, allowing students to continue full-time work. However, with a changing economy and growing information technologies, some EMBA programs add online certifications, create online / hybrid degree programs, and create a more interactive and engaging Internet experience.
Growth of Online Executive CertificatesMore than ever, the online Executive Certificate is offered 100% in self-format, and can range from the number of grades required in a semester or Continuing online skill development courses Units (CEUs) to completion. Some schools may offer graduation certificates to those who have a title and professional certification without credit for those who do not. Topics of study may include:
- Advanced Information Technology
- project management
- International market
- Fundraising
- Global finance
- Globalization of the Web
- Administration
- financial management
The increasingly prestigious and well-known schools add business-related executive certificates to their online programs. Some of these schools include:
- Boston University
- University of California at Berkeley
- Stanford University
- Rise in Hybrid Executive MBA Programs
Executive MBA programs are usually offered at night and on weekends, requiring students to attend classes on campus. However, with the increase in information technologies and long-term benefits for schools, online hybrid programs are becoming increasingly available.
online executive education programs can offer most of their courses online, requiring students to visit the campus once or twice per semester; others can offer a 50/50 division or get a calendar for specific physical meetings. Online hybrid programs offer less time for teachers or classmates for convenience and flexibility, which may be particularly important for executives who work.
Topics covered in the Executive MBA programs may include:
- Leadership communication.
- Applied economics
- Data analysis for executives.
- Accounting for executives
- Competitive strategy
- supply chain management
To address the problem of low online graduation rates, schools have made efforts to increase student engagement and strengthen classroom communities in the virtual campus environment. Online communication tools can include:
- Message panel
- Video chat
- Instant Messaging
Students living close to each other are encouraged to meet face-to-face; some schools require short residences at the beginning of the program so that students get to know each other and gain more investment in the program. Many schools also require students to attend mentoring lessons before enrolling in online programs to ensure they understand the required self-discipline, a discussion forum and project participation, and the difference between campus and online learning formats.
By offering more online and hybrid programs, as well as improving student participation within these programs, colleges and universities are supporting progress in executive education.