Executive MBA and Executive Certificates

Launched in February 2000, the Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) at LAU was the first EMBA program in Lebanon and the Middle East and remains among the region’s most respected executive programs. Its graduates occupy senior leadership roles across prominent local and international organizations.

Designed for experienced professionals, the LAU EMBA strengthens strategic, managerial, and leadership capabilities without interrupting career progression. The program is delivered in a flexible weekend format, allowing executives to balance academic rigor with demanding professional responsibilities.

The learning experience is shaped by a diverse executive cohort drawn from business, engineering, law, healthcare, pharmacy, and related fields, fostering peer learning grounded in real-world perspectives. Delivered by distinguished faculty and industry experts, the curriculum combines academic rigor with practical application across key business domains, including strategy, finance, analytics, marketing, and sustainable leadership, equipping participants to address complex organizational challenges with confidence.

Executive Certificates – Focused Expertise 

Launching Fall 2026

In addition to the EMBA degree, LAU offer three Executive Certificates, each designed to offer targeted specialization in high-impact areas of contemporary leadership. These certificates may be taken independently as professional credentials or stacked toward the EMBA degree, complementing—rather than replacing—the comprehensive scope of the EMBA. 

The Three EMBA Executive Certificates

These certificates provide targeted executive-level specialization, while the EMBA degree remains the program’s primary and terminal academic qualification offering comprehensive leadership formation, strategic depth, and academic distinction.

Why the LAU EMBA 

• Executive-Centered Design: Structured for experienced professionals with demanding schedules
• Real-World Impact: Apply advanced tools to complex organizational challenges
• Leadership Development: Strengthen strategic thinking, influence, and decision-making
• Ethical Perspective: Integrate responsible leadership into executive action
• Executive Communication: Develop clear, persuasive, boardroom-ready communication skills

Graduate Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, participants are able to:

• Select and analyze relevant data to propose effective, executive-level solutions to business problems
• Demonstrate effective leadership skills in organizational and managerial contexts
• Evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in executive business decisions and cases
• Demonstrate effective written communication skills for professional and executive audiences; anddemonstrate effective oral communication skills in managerial and executive settings.

Program Structure and Benefits

Why Choose the LAU EMBA?

• Career Continuity – Advance professionally without stepping away from your role
• Flexible Executive Format – Designed around senior-level schedules
• High-Caliber Peer Network – Learn alongside accomplished professionals from diverse industries
• Faculty with Industry Insight – Academic excellence meets real-world leadership experience
• Immediate Organizational Impact – Tools and strategies you can apply from day one

Take the next step. Become the leader your industry needs.

EMBA Curriculum  

Core Courses (18 credits)

* Prerequisite: FIN 712
** Prerequisite: A total of 24 credits completed, including the following prerequisites: 
MGT 751-MGT 727-MKT 711-FIN 712-ECO 710-ACC 711- QBA 730

Elective Courses (18 credits selected from the following)

Note: Selected Topics courses (ACC781, ECO781, FIN781, HOM781, ITM781, MGT781, and MKT781) may be repeated for credit, with topics varying by offering to reflect emerging executive and industry needs.

Executive Certificates Curriculum

Consultancy for Sustainable Development

Digital Innovation and Analytics

Leading in Finance and Technology

* Prerequisite: FIN 712
* *Prerequisite: ACC 711

Course Description

ACC711 Accounting for Executives – 1.5 Cr.

This course deals with financial statements as aid for decision-making, covers the accounting information the manager needs for planning, evaluation and control to maximize profitability.  Topics include interpretation and uses of information contained in financial statements from a user’s perspective, accounting for liabilities and corporations stockholders’ equities, activity-based costing, cost allocation and job and process costing.

ACC781 – Selected Topics in Accounting – 1.5 Cr.

This course discusses contemporary issues in Accounting.

ACC781K Financial Statement Analysis – 1.5 Cr.

This course deals with the analysis of the financial statements of a corporation from a user’s perspective. Topics include ratio analysis, cash flow analysis, and financial forecasting.

Prerequisite: ACC711 Accounting for Executives  [1.5 credits]

ECO710 Applied Economics for Executives – 1.5 Cr.

This course equips executives and professionals with the economic tools needed for business decision making. It provides an overview of macroeconomic and microeconomic fundamentals.  Topics include the determination of national income, economic fluctuations and economic growth. The course covers also market structures and strategic positioning of firms.

ECO716 Monetary Theory & Policy – 1.5 Cr.

The objective of this course is to provide an overview of how monetary policy interacts with financial markets. It covers the basic functioning of monetary policies in stabilizing economic activities. Topics include the role of central banks in managing and controlling monetary aggregates.

Prerequisite: ECO710 Applied Economics for Executives [1.5 credits]

ECO781 – Selected Topics in Economics – 1.5 Cr.

This course discusses contemporary issues in Economics.

FIN712 Executive Business Finance – 1.5 Cr.

This course covers in-depth the main tools an executive use to make financial decisions. Topics include time value of money, capital budgeting, the valuation of stocks and bonds, risk and expected return.

FIN721 Corporate Financial Strategy – 1.5 Cr.

This course deals with corporate financial decisions. Topics include capital structure, cost of capital, dividend and stock repurchase policy.

Prerequisite: ACC711 Accounting for Executives  [1.5 credits]

FIN747 Financial Risk Management – 1.5 Cr

This course deals with options, futures, and forward contracts and markets. It also covers the mechanics of using options, futures and forward contracts in hedging investment portfolios.

Prerequisite: FIN712 Executive Business Finance [1.5 credits]

FIN781 – Selected Topics in Finance – 1.5 Cr.

This course discusses contemporary issues in Finance.

FIN781E Financial Technology (FinTech) – 1.5 Cr.

This course explores how financial technology and emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence are reshaping the delivery and management of financial services. It emphasizes practical insights into how digital tools enhance decision-making, efficiency, and customer engagement in the financial sector. Participants will examine real-world cases that illustrate how technology-driven transformation is redefining competitiveness and strategy in modern finance.

FIN781T Investment Analysis – 1.5 Cr.

This course examines various conventional investment instruments, such as stocks and bonds, as well as emerging asset classes like cryptocurrencies. It explores security selection and wealth allocation, and discusses the risk–return tradeoff, diversification, and optimal portfolio selection across different assets. The course also discusses different investment strategies and performance evaluation techniques.

Prerequisite: FIN712 Executive Business Finance [1.5 credits]

FIN781N Cryptos and Digital Assets – 1.5 Cr.

This course examines the rise of cryptocurrencies and digital assets as new instruments in modern finance. It explores how blockchain technology enables tokenization, decentralized finance, and new investment models while emphasizing business applications, regulation, and strategic opportunities. Participants gain practical insight into how digital assets are transforming markets, reshaping institutions, and redefining the future of financial innovation.

HOM781– Selected Topics in Hospitality & Tourism – 1.5 Cr.

This course discusses contemporary issues in Hospitality and Tourism.

HRM754 Global Human Resource Management – 1.5 Cr.

This course deals with human capital as the key to success in any organization. Topics include the influence of changing technologies, corporate policies, and international competitive requirements on the decisions related to staffing, compensation, motivation and job satisfaction, employee relations, and human-resource development.

ITM781 – Selected Topics in ITM – 1.5 Cr.

This course discusses contemporary issues in ITM.

ITM781I Data Visualization for Executives – 1.5 Cr.

In this course, participants will explore the art and science of transforming data into clear and reliable visual insights. They will learn how to select appropriate plots to address different business questions, analyze and interpret various data visualizations, optimize graph design, and build informative interactive dashboards.

ITM781L Strategic Digital Transformation – 1.5 Cr.

This course explores the principles and practices of digital transformation in the context of modern business management. Participants will understand how emerging technologies and digital strategies can reshape traditional business models, enhance organizational efficiency, and drive innovation. The course covers key aspects of digital transformation, including technological trends, organizational change, data-driven decision-making, customer-centric approaches, and the ethical implications of digitalization.

MGT711 Strategic Management (Capstone)

This capstone course focuses on the concepts of strategic management and competitive analysis to develop critical management skills among graduates. Emphasis is placed on integrating concepts from the major business functions—management, marketing, accounting, analytics, and finance—to provide a comprehensive perspective on how organizations are managed. Topics and case studies guide participants through the process of strategic planning and execution, beginning with setting a company’s strategic direction and concluding with the development of execution plans and performance monitoring mechanisms. Participants engage in current and dynamic strategic discussions and apply acquired knowledge and research skills by working as consultants to assist a major firm in developing strategies and achieving competitive advantage. This is realized through the completion of an appropriate special project.

Prerequisites: This course is a capstone course that integrates several business concepts.  Before taking this course, participants are expected to have completed the following:

• MGT751 Executive Leadership and Communication Skills, MGT727 Managerial Negotiations, ACC711 Accounting for Executives, ECO710 Applied Economics for Executives, FIN712 Executive Business Finance, QBA730 Business Analytics for Executives, and MKT711 Marketing Management for Executives.
• 24 credits must be completed before registering MGT711.

MGT718 Executive Organizational Behavior – 1.5 Cr.

This course discusses the interpersonal skills and management of small groups and teams. Required for organizational effectiveness. Topics include interpersonal effectiveness, decision making and problem solving, effective group processes, and motivation of key employees.

MGT721 Corporate Governance – 1.5 Cr.

This course deals with the duties and responsibilities of board membership. Topics include way corporate governance operates in today’s challenging global business environment.

MGT727 Managerial Negotiations – 1.5 Cr.

This course deal with the skills a manager needs for carrying out negotiations at the internal level with employees and the external level with customers.

MGT734 Business Legal Environment, Ethics & Social Responsibility – 1.5 Cr

This course focuses on leader’s skills and the difference between managers and leaders. Topics include communication skills a leader needs to influence others.  Topics also include leader styles, traits, power, motivation and credibility.

MGT751 Executive Leadership & Communication Skills – 1.5 Cr.

This course focuses on leader’s skills and the difference between managers and leaders. Topics include communication skills a leader needs to influence others.  Topics also include leader styles, traits, power, motivation and credibility.

MGT756 Project Management & Planning – 1.5 Cr.

This course involves the selection of projects, their initiation, implementation, control and termination.

MGT777 Leadership Boot Camp – 1.5 Cr.

This workshop is designed to upgrade leadership skills of participants to an advanced level. This advanced level entails less reliance on technical skills and more dependence on conceptual and interrelationship skills. The workshop allows participants to exercise their leadership skills through real application that reinforces their ability to engage and motivate others into accomplishing particular tasks. The workshop will also assist participants to transit from followers to leaders in organizations.

MGT781 – Selected Topics in Management – 1.5 Cr.

This course discusses contemporary issues in Management.

MGT781BH Design Thinking & Innovation – 1.5 Cr.

This course immerses participants in the Design Thinking process—a human-centered, iterative approach to innovation used by leading organizations worldwide. It emphasizes understanding user needs, reframing problems, generating ideas, prototyping solutions, and testing them in real contexts. By integrating creative thinking, strategic insight, and analytical rigor, participants will learn to design solutions that deliver meaningful business and societal impact. The course combines theory with experiential learning through teamwork, field observation, and project-based exercises.

MGT781CF Consultancy for Executives – 1.5 Cr.

This course equips participants with advanced frameworks to diagnose challenges, design strategic solutions, and drive organizational advancement. It emphasizes analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Participants are introduced to AI-augmented consulting to understand how artificial intelligence enhances data analysis and decision-making. The course builds practical skills in problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and navigating strategic shifts across industries.

MGT781CH ESG & Sustainability – 1.5 Cr.

This course introduces the principles and practices of sustainability and ESG consulting, focusing on how organizations can integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into their strategies and operations. Participants will learn consulting tools used to assess ESG performance, conduct materiality analyses, and design sustainability roadmaps. Through real-world cases and applied exercises, the course builds analytical and advisory skills to help participants guide clients in aligning profitability with purpose, navigating global reporting standards, and creating long-term stakeholder value.

MGT781CI AI for Managers – 1.5 Cr.

The course introduces the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence, emphasizing practical and high-impact applications across key managerial areas such as operations, marketing, human resources, strategy, and decision-making. Participants will examine how AI enables predictive analytics, improves operational efficiency, and supports data-driven leadership.

MGT781AC Leading Organizational Change – 1.5 Cr.

This course focuses on the challenges leaders are facing during organizational changes and the skills needed to facilitate these changes. Topics include the key tasks of leading the strategic change process in organizations. 

MGT781CJ Social Entrepreneurship – 1.5 Cr.

This course explores the growing field of social entrepreneurship, where innovation meets social and environmental impact. It examines how entrepreneurs identify pressing social problems, design sustainable business models, and measure social value creation. Participants will analyze global and local case studies, develop their own social venture ideas, and learn how to attract impact investors and manage mission-driven growth.

MKT711 Marketing Management for Executives – 1.5 Cr

This course exposes participants to various elements of the marketing mix including product pricing, promotion and distribution decisions. In addition, the course discusses the factors influencing marketing decision-making and marketing strategies.

MKT714 Advanced Consumer Behavior – 1.5 Cr

This course discusses the value of consumer behavior and a number of conceptual models explaining consumers’ motivations, decision-making and consumptions. The course explores models from psychology, sociology and provides new tools and examples of how the insights developed from these models have been utilized to build successful brands and shape consumer behavior.

MKT735 Marketing Communications – 1.5 Cr

This course deals with planning marketing and promotional programs, and coordinating the various communication functions. Topics include communication theory, ethics in marketing communications, the formulation and analysis of marketing communication strategies, and the role of marketing communication in branding and corporate reputation. 

MKT781 – Selected Topics in Marketing – 1.5 Cr

This course discusses contemporary issues in Marketing.

MKT781J Digital Marketing – 1.5 Cr.

This course provides participants with a thorough understanding of the rapidly evolving field of digital marketing and its strategic role in modern business. It equips them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate effective digital marketing strategies in a data-driven environment. Participants also learn how digital marketing integrates within the broader marketing mix and how to adapt strategies to an increasingly dynamic and competitive digital landscape.

MKT781T Marketing Analytics for Executives – 1.5 Cr

The Marketing Analytics for Executives course has been meticulously crafted to equip participants with a profound understanding of the critical role that data plays in driving marketing success. This course empowers executives with advanced knowledge and skills, enabling them to leverage analytical techniques when working with marketing and consumer data.

OPM711 Executive Operations Management – 1.5 Cr.

This course focuses on how the firm efficiently produces and distributes its goods and services. Topics include operations as a managerial integration function which provides frameworks and tools to target and implement improvements in business processes. 

QBA730 Business Analytics for Executives – 1.5 Cr.

This course covers the statistical techniques and concepts that a manager uses in making decisions. Topics include problem formulation, sampling techniques, data collection and analysis; statistical inference, including estimation and sample size determination; and regression and correlation analysis.  

Admissions Criteria 

The LAU EMBA and Executive Certificates are tailored for experienced professionals with leadership potential.

General Admission Requirements

For the EMBA

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience, including managerial or supervisory roles
• English proficiency (English-medium degree or TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
• Interview with the Program Committee
• Meeting requirements does not guarantee admission; decisions are based on holistic review.

For the Executive Certificates

Admission requirements are the same as those for the EMBA, except that a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required.

Certificate-to-EMBA Pathway

• Students who complete an Executive Certificate with a cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 3.0 or higher and no grade of C or below may apply to transition into the EMBA program.
• Upon admission, students must complete all remaining EMBA requirements within six (6) years of their first certificate registration, in accordance with MEHE regulations.

Testimonials

“The Networking Opportunities Were a Game-Changer”

I chose the EMBA at LAU to advance my career through a reputable, flexible program. Its networking opportunities helped me secure my dream role in the oil and gas sector, while the curriculum strengthened my management skills. After graduating, I built on this foundation by earning my CIM certification. I highly recommend the EMBA at LAU as a career-defining step for ambitious professionals.

Rami Adra (Class of 2019), Regional Marketing and Communications Manager, Unigaz Group

“Real-World Insights”

I joined the EMBA at LAU AKSOB as part of my strategic career development. The program’s modern curriculum, collaborative environment and practice-driven teaching exceeded my expectations. Its greatest value was the exceptional networking, connecting me with high-performing professionals and opening new personal and career opportunities. I highly recommend the EMBA as a transformative experience for both professional and personal growth.

Major Hasan Safa (Class of 2022), Lebanese Air Forces

I enrolled in the EMBA at LAU out of a commitment to continuous professional growth. The program’s well-designed curriculum, practical teaching approach and hands-on learning gave me a strong foundation in executive leadership. It became a turning point in my career: I launched my own business during the program, transitioned to it full time after graduation and later began pursuing a doctoral degree. The EMBA proved that investing in yourself is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make.

Wael Moukahal (Class of 2020), CEO at Partners and Beyond

“Fosters a Global Perspective”

I chose the EMBA at LAU for its strong reputation, executive-focused curriculum and flexible format, which allowed me to balance work and study. The engaging, collaborative classes provided practical tools I could apply immediately, while the networking led to lasting professional and personal connections. The leadership skills I gained opened new opportunities and more strategic roles within my organization. I highly recommend the EMBA as a valuable investment in long-term career growth and leadership success.

Dr. Vanda Abi Raad (Class of 2022)
Clinical Professor and Chair, Department of Anesthesiology, LAU Medical Center - Rizk Hospital
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Development, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine