Milestones

The first Executive MBA Program debuted in 1943 at the University of Chicago. By the 1960s, organizations began to look for ways to increase the leadership skills of professionals and executives.

Increasingly, they turned to master’s degree programs in business that were designed to meet the needs of experienced professionals who worked full time yet wanted to earn a business degree.

As the number of Executive MBA Programs grew, so did the need for an organization where programs could come together and focus on their unique challenges and opportunities.

In 1981, the Executive MBA Council formed, with the assistance of the American Association of Colleges and Schools of Business International (AACSB International). Historical highlights include the following milestones:

• 1981: The council sponsored its first nationwide conference
  
  
• 1987: Its first international conference took place in Toronto
  
  
• 1993: Its second international conference took place at Mexico City, Mexico
  
  
• 1997: The council organized the first regional conferences
  
  
• 1999: The council hosted its first international regional meeting
  
  
• 2000: The Executive MBA Council becomes an independent organization
  
  
• 2003: International-based members account for almost a quarter of membership
  
  
• 2005: The council holds its first non-North American conference in Barcelona, Spain
  
  
• 2005: The council collaborates with the Graduate Management Admission Council to conduct research that helps quantify the return on investment of Executive MBA Programs