Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Executive MBA program?

The Executive MBA program is designed for fully employed professionals who want to complete an MBA degree on a part-time basis. Designed for managers and professionals who have at least five years of full-time managerial work experience, it consists of courses similar to the full-time MBA program but is unique in reflecting and focusing on the management experience of its students.

Obtaining a degree through the Executive MBA program requires a year-round commitment for two years.

What are the requirements to get into the program?

  • An undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college.
  • Five years of full-time managerial work experience (average is 11 years).
  • A grade point average above 3.0 for the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate work (average is 3.4).
  • Competitive GMAT score (generally scores above 560 are competitive; average score for admitted applicants is 640).

Are prerequisite courses needed before entering the program?

Please see the Proficiency Exams web site.

What are the application deadlines?

Please see the Admission Calendar.

How do I apply?

Please see the Application web page.

How long does it take to complete the degree?

The EMBA program takes two years (23 months) year-round to complete. The program is considered a “lockstep” program—a structured curriculum that all students take together. EMBA courses begin in Summer 2010 term (July 26).

What type of work experience do I need?

The Executive MBA curriculum is specifically designed for individuals who have at least five years of full-time managerial, supervisory, or administrative employment experience. Individuals who are self-employed, or those who have decision-making skills and responsibility for management of people, programs, budgets, processes, database, or special projects, and meet the five year employment requirement, are encouraged to apply. No particular career is preferred. Part-time or summer work does not count toward the work experience requirement; full-time LDS missionary service is taken into consideration with regard to leadership experience, but is not counted toward the work experience requirement.

How important is the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)?

The GMAT is one of the major evaluation tools used by the admission committee to make decisions on applicants. Special attention is given to the quantitative score on the GMAT. The average GMAT score for admission is 640. Students are encouraged to take the GMAT in the fall or winter of the year before they wish to begin the program. Early completion will give students the flexibility to retake the test if necessary. The highest score will be used for evaluation of admissions. Test scores are valid for five years; scores taken in July 2005 or later will be considered for admission. Information about the GMAT can be found at www.mba.com/mba.

How should I prepare for the GMAT?

Please see the GMAT Preparation web page.

What types of financial aid are available?

Student loans are available through the university’s Financial Aid Office. MBA Loans are also available by Sallie Mae and the Graduate Management Admission Council by contacting www.salliemae.com/mbaloans. There are no scholarships available for the EMBA program.

When and where are the classes held?

Please see the Schedule and Locations web page.

What is the time commitment for the EMBA schedule?

The Marriot School Executive MBA program is designed to allow students to maintain balance in their lives. The class schedule is arranged to allow time for the things outside of school in which students are involved.

Each year of the program begins with Residency Week, a Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. commitment. Students spend this week in intensive course instruction and group work. Additional personal and group study time outside of class will be required (estimated at 15 hours). Residency Week for Summer 2010 entrance is tentatively scheduled for July 26 through July 30, 2010.