EMBA Executive Master in Business Administration

The Executive MBA is designed for executives who want to sharpen their skills with no career disruption, leading to the Master of Business Administration degree. The program enables future leaders to tackle strategic challenges and impending issues facing the business world.

This 18-month program is designed for professionals who hold decision-making positions in private and public sector organizations. The program builds upon the knowledge and experience of these professionals with innovative curriculum delivered in a hybrid course structure.

The Executive MBA program emphasizes strategic analysis, critical thinking, digital technologies, and sustainable value creation, involving the latest in applied models of management. Courses are taught by world-class faculty and through a variety of methods and content including case studies, projects, lectures, and guest speakers from industry.

The Executive MBA program starts every August. The program is designed to accommodate demanding work schedules and make it possible for those who live outside the Denver area to participate in the program. Classes meet in person one weekend each term on a Friday and Saturday. Additional required course activities are delivered in synchronous and asynchronous online modalities.

Two courses are taken each eight-week term. Additionally, students travel abroad for an international business course.

Tuition

The tuition cost for the 18-month EMBA program is $77,500. Tuition is billed in eight equal installments as you go through the EMBA program. Tuition includes all course material required for each EMBA course. Tuition also includes travel, lodging and some meals during the International Business Experience trip.

A $1,500 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance into the program. This deposit will be applied to your first term’s tuition invoice.

Scholarships

The CU Denver Business School Executive MBA Program provides scholarships in varying amounts to prospective students working for the CU system or in the nonprofit sector.

Additional merit-based scholarships are available for exceptionally qualified students.

Employer support

The valuable skills you will gain in the program will immediately benefit your company, colleagues, and yourself as you apply your knowledge to business challenges. Many employers will invest in their employee’s business education and offer full or partial reimbursement. Contact your company’s human resources department to inquire about employer support.

Application process

We admit an Executive MBA cohort each August. Admissions are made on a rolling basis, meaning decisions are made as applications are completed. Applicants are required to submit all application materials (detailed below):

• There is no application fee.
• A personal interview is a part of the admission process.
• Due to the program’s competitive nature and rolling admissions policy, we strongly recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

You can check your admission status online through the account you created for the online application. You will receive a final decision by email within two to three weeks from the submission of all materials.

Admission requirements

The CU Denver Executive MBA prepares mid- to senior-level managers for executive leadership. As such, we seek candidates who are currently in management positions with a demonstrated record of achievement and potential for further promotion. In addition, the ideal candidate has:

• A minimum of 10-12 years of full-time professional work experience.
• Prior degrees that are supported by official university transcripts, including GPA for all courses.
• Two letters of professional recommendation.
• A complete admissions form, including a self-recommendation letter and current résumé.
• A sponsorship form, to be completed by your organization, stipulating any support that will be provided and agreeing to allow you sufficient time for all classes and coursework.

All candidates must complete an interview as the final stage of the selection process. The interview helps us assess your motivation for pursuing an Executive MBA, your academic and professional experience, and your plans for the future.

In addition to the requirements above:

• If you are a citizen of a country where English is not the official language, you must present an official score from the TOEFL or IELTS tests. This requirement is waived for candidates who have previously earned a degree from a U.S. college or university.
• Candidates who wish to strengthen their applications may submit a GMAT score, but it is not necessary in all cases.

Individuals who do not meet the above criteria, but have a non-traditional background of business success or are already in a senior position in their organization, are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator, Victor Sanchez, to discuss the potential for enrollment in the program.