Executive MBA

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Highlights

How does The Executive MBA differ from a traditional MBA program?
The Executive MBA courses are similar in many ways to those taught in traditional MBA programs: accounting, economics, finance, statistics, management, marketing and information systems. One key difference is that the material and spirit of each class are enhanced by the extensive professional experience of the participants. Also, our courses are uniquely structured to teach a maximum amount of material in an accelerated format.

What's the length of the Program?
Students begin the program in early-September and complete their final class in April, approximately twenty months after beginning the program.

What impact will an EMBA have on my career?
An MBA degree reflects an advanced level of knowledge and skills covering a wide range of contemporary management topics. Students with MBAs tend to have a well-developed ability to think and plan strategically. In many professional settings, an MBA provides the skills needed to gain additional management responsibility. For the entrepreneur, the knowledge gained while earning an MBA degree can make the difference between success and failure in a highly competitive environment.



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Schedule

What is the Program's schedule?
The Executive MBA begins in September with a four-day residential session in Chicago. Classes then meet for two full days (Friday/Saturday) every other weekend. In the spring, another residential session is held on the Urbana-Champaign campus. At the end of the Program, ten days are conducted in China for the final presentations of the international consulting projects.

I travel a lot for my job. What if I miss class?
We value everyone's participation in class. Moreover, our classes are demanding, and missing even one class poses a significant challenge for you and your study group. But we also know that occasionally your job or personal circumstances may require you to miss a class. Videos of lectures and class documents are accessible via a secure network through our "virtual classroom". The "virtual classroom" also enables students to focus on learning and on the in-class discussion, and many students use the videos regularly to help with reviewing and mastering course materials.



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Location

Where are classes held?
Classes are held primarily in the Illini Center in downtown Chicago. During the spring, a residential four-day session is held on campus in Urbana-Champaign.



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Curriculum

How many courses will I take?
There are 19 courses totaling 72 credit hours.

Is the international consulting project optional?
The international consulting project, including the capstone trip, is an integral part of the program's learning experience and is a course required for graduation. The ten-day global experience is the culmination of a year-long consulting project with a company that conducts business in China. Consider this course a year-long, integrative capstone course incorporating everything you've learned in the curriculum and placing you in the middle of a strategic business issue in a radically different business environment. Virtually all costs of the international study trip are included in your tuition.



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Admissions & Qualifications


What qualifications should a prospective student have?
You should have a minimum of seven years of professional and/or managerial work experience, as well as a US-equivalent four-year degree in good standing. Generally, EMBA students have over 10 years of post-undergraduate experience, and at The Executive MBA, our students average 13-plus years of professional experience. The Admissions Committee also places a very high value on your work experience and the promise you hold for utilizing your MBA post-graduation.

What type of commitment is involved?
In addition to classes, you should plan on spending between 8-15 hours per week on homework individually and with your study group. The amount of homework per week depends on the individual course, your Professor, and your own business and academic background.

Do I need to take the GMAT?
In general, we have found that the GMAT is not a good indicator of executive potential. Instead, when considering applicants we focus on work experience, career goals, employer's endorsement, desire to succeed, and numerous other factors. However, we may require the GMAT in some cases, particularly if you lack a strong quantitative background.

Is corporate sponsorship required?
Many students of The Executive MBA program receive corporate sponsorship for their tuition and fees. Other students are partially sponsored, while still others pay tuition independently. We ask each of our students to provide a letter from his or her employer stating that the employer is aware of the student's enrollment in the Program and of the necessary time commitment involved. We believe that your employer's willingness to endorse your participation in an MBA program and provide time away from the office are critical and demonstrate faith in your future.

When are the admission dates?
We have a rolling admissions process. Admission into the Program is very competitive and we encourage you to submit your application early. The Admissions Committee meets on the 15th of each month to evaluate completed applications. If your application is not initially accepted it may be retained for consideration in a later round..

I have taken some graduate level courses. Can I transfer them to your program?
We do not accept credits from prior courses. Our program is a lock-step curriculum, which means that you start and end your program with the same group of executives. Your fellow students will be as valuable to your education as the content of the courses. And in turn, your contribution to their learning experience will be equally important.

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Class Profile


Who attends The Executive MBA?
Our students are a diverse group of professionals from a variety of backgrounds and industries who all share a sincere desire to grow professionally. Despite the demands and rigor of the program, our students demonstrate a willingness and ability to meet the time and course requirements. We take a number of factors into consideration when selecting candidates, including professional performance, academic records, professional recommendations, and previously-demonstrated ability to accomplish graduate-level business coursework. On average, our students enter the program with more than 13 years of professional and/or managerial work experience.

Do I need any preparation before starting the Program?
As a general rule, no. However, some students find it beneficial to take a preparatory course in algebra, business statistics, economics, and/or accounting before beginning the program.



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Tuition

What is the cost of The Executive MBA?
Tuition and fees for the cohort beginning Fall 2009 have not been approved by the Board of Trustees but are expected to be $86,500 ($80,000 in tuition and $6,500 in fees). This total cost includes meals, lodging, course materials, books, campus fees, a laptop computer, and most costs for the international trip. A non-refundable deposit of $2,000 is required after acceptance into the Program to reserve your seat. Upon enrollment, this deposit will be applied toward your first tuition payment.

Is financing or student aid available?
Financial aid is available through student loans. Students may apply for federal loans or for a number of private loans. Students who have served in the military may be eligible for the GI Bill and/or the Illinois Veteran's Grant (IVG) or Illinois National Guard Grant (INGG). IVG/INGG eligibility requirements can be found at www.collegezone.com.


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Additional Information

How can I learn more about the program?
We hold information sessions where you can learn more about the Program, meet the staff, and ask pertinent questions of our students and alumni. Please visit our website at www.ExecMBA.uiuc.edu for information session dates and locations. In addition, we encourage you to experience a class first-hand and to talk with current students during lunch or while they're on a break. Give us a call, and we'll arrange for you to visit when classes are in session.


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Executive MBA