MAS, MBA and EMBA - the masters at a glance
Know-how advantage
"The ideal master's degree depends on the student's goals. Not in all fields are the thoroughly academic 'of science' degrees the best choice. Does the student want to work in education someday? Then a 'Master of Science' is worthwhile. If, for example, he has a BSc in business administration and wants to gain a head start in know-how for a specific career, then MAS and MBA are more likely," explains Claudia Stadelmann, head of the EMBA program at the Distance Learning University of Applied Sciences Switzerland (FFHS).
Work and study
The degree programs at FFHS are optimal for students who want to work part-time, he said. "We have what is called the blended learning system. It consists of 20 percent classroom instruction and 80 percent self-study, with the option of attending classes on Saturday or Monday evenings," explains Stadelmann, who has found that certain companies require an EMBA degree to take on a management position, which is why many of her students come to the FFHS. However, Claudia Stadelmann advises prospective students to be clear in advance about what they want to achieve with the degree and where it will take them. "You can also do more than just further education," she says.
Known abroad
"The big advantage of the EMBA is its international recognition," knows Michael Grund, Head of the Center for Marketing & Sales at the Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich (HWZ). Abroad, the EMBA enjoys a high level of recognition, which is ideal for people who work in globally active companies or want to work abroad at some point. Therefore, the program also includes a one-week management program at the partner university, the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business. In addition, the EMBA at the HWZ focuses strongly on leadership development through leadership elements. The program itself takes up to 18 months to complete. "It's tough, but doable. Students certainly have to organize themselves well in order to balance job, studies, family and private life in general," advises Grund.Internationalization is also particularly pronounced at the University of Rochester-Bern: Here, the curriculum for EMBA students includes four weeks in Rochester, USA, plus an optional week in Silicon Valley and a week in Shanghai. This broadens horizons, provides an opportunity to question the familiar - and, as the University of Rochester-Bern communicates, helps "to successfully shape the top of the company."
Better illuminate your own leadership personality
The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) has also focused on foreign countries in its offering, which is why it calls it IEMBA. "In addition to the two trips abroad, the Leadership Development Program, the practice-oriented teaching and the accreditation with the American AACSB label also offer added value for our students," says Manuela Eberhard, Deputy Head of Communications at the ZHAW, listing the advantages.The Leadership Development Program as part of the IEMBA offers participants the opportunity to examine and develop their own leadership personality in addition to theoretical leadership approaches. This offers the chance to master future challenges more successfully.
Individual learning
"The advantage of Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences is that the courses can be individually tailored to the students' professional experience and goals," explains Maika Lange, Head of Studies at Kalaidos.In this way, students can reconcile their motivation to continue their professional education with their careers without having to cut back. Since many continue to work 100 percent, they can immediately put what they have learned into practice and thus prove themselves in a new function during their further education.
Networked on the road
The EMBA degree offers graduates many opportunities and, not least, exciting networking with others - beyond national borders.The broad, in-depth business knowledge with in-depth leadership skills and crisis management knowledge makes them sought-after leaders in all industries.MAS, MBA or EMBA - which further education is right for me? This is the question professionals have to ask themselves when they want to acquire additional qualifications.
