Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information:

Executive MBA Program
Stephen M. Ross School of Business
University of Michigan
724 East University Avenue, Suite 3700
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 615-9700
(734) 615-9701 FAX
emba@umich.edu

General Information

What makes Michigan different from other EMBA programs?
How does the Executive MBA program differ from Michigan's Full-time MBA Program?
What areas does your curriculum emphasize?
How long does the program take to complete?
What is the format of the program?
What happens when we are not in residency?
How much time should I expect to set aside for homework during the week?
How many students per class?
Will I be expected to work alone, or will I be assigned to work with a group of my peers?
Where do classes meet?
Where do I stay while in residence?
Can I choose a major for my Executive MBA?
Will my degree be the same as if I attended the Full-time MBA Program?
Who are the faculty teaching in the EMBA?
Is the Michigan EMBA Program accredited?
Is the Michigan program ranked?

Admissions Information

How do I apply?
Do you hold information sessions?
When are applications due?
When will I be notified of a decision regarding my admission?
Can I apply to the Executive MBA and another Michigan program during the same year?
Do I have to take the GMAT?
Do international candidates have to take the TOEFL?

Finances

How much does the program cost?
What is included in the cost of the program?
Are scholarships and/or loans available?
Is corporate sponsorship required?
When are payments due?

Career Development

Do you offer career development services?
Is on-campus recruiting provided for EMBA participants?

General Information

Q: What makes Michigan different from other EMBA programs?

A: The Executive MBA Program offers three differentiating factors, including its intense focus on leadership development, the applied nature of the curriculum, and the unique once-per-month online/on-campus format. Parallel to the traditional courses is a professional development track in which participants outline goals as well as identify strengths and areas for growth during the first year. In the second year, a number of different workshops will be organized around these identified goals. Recent topics include dealing with media in crisis situations, managing relationships with corporate boards, and managing senior staff groups. We seek to bring together a diverse set of individuals representing the broadest spectrum of industries as well as firms and individual functions. We build on the tremendous resources of our world-class Executive Education Center and the Ross School to provide an intense, collaborative learning environment.

Q: How does the Executive MBA program differ from Michigan's Full-time MBA Program?

A: The Executive MBA program is customized to meet the needs of individuals in senior management roles, focusing on leadership skills needed to be successful at the executive level. Specifically, the program targets participants who have 10-15 years of work experience, with significant experience in a managerial/supervisory capacity. The collective professional experience of EMBA participants enriches the learning experience both in and outside the classroom.

The participants’ average age for the last several entering classes has been 38, with about 10 years in a managerial/supervisory capacity. Participants come from a broad variety of organizations, including Fortune 500 firms, as well as regional and entrepreneurial businesses. While the core curriculum is similar to that in the Full-time MBA Program, the overall EMBA curriculum is more strategic in focus and designed to help participants make an immediate impact at work, while taking advantage of the participant's professional experiences. Both programs include Michigan's signature field study, the Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) course, which partners students with organizations across the world.

The day MBA program is a two-year, full-time program targeting individuals who have had approximately four to five years of work experience, typically at the analyst level; average age of students is 28. Candidates are looking at their MBA experience as a way to "jump-start" their career as well as to explore different career options. Whereas the EMBA program is a "lock-step" program where all participants take the same classes at the same time, the full-time program allows for a focus area (i.e. consulting, finance, marketing).

Q: What areas does your curriculum emphasize?

A: The curriculum at Michigan's Ross School emphasizes general management, strategy, and leadership development. It is highly applied and geared toward providing the skills and toolsets needed by individuals to lead organizations. Participants seeking advancement to the highest levels in their organizations need to have a broad-based education as opposed to becoming functional experts. As such, the EMBA curriculum provides a more strategic approach to business issues and problem solving focusing on the tools needed to be a successful leader. Being able to identify the "big picture" strategy and its implementation is critical to our approach.

Parallel to the traditional courses is a professional development track in which participants outline goals as well as identify strengths and areas for growth during the first year. In the second year, a number of different workshops will be organized around these identified goals. Recent topics include dealing with media in crisis situations, managing relationships with corporate boards, and managing senior staff groups. Also included are a number of other presentations, including our Executive Speaker Series, as well as a number of business-related sessions.

While the curriculum is designed as lock-step in which candidates all progress through the same series of courses - meaning there are no formal electives - there are opportunities to customize the experience based on individual interests. This may range from course assignments in which participants and/or teams can study specific industries and/or organizations, to the ExecMAP field projects in which participants are able to select from a variety of projects in different industries and functional areas.

Q: How long does the program take to complete?

A: The Executive MBA Program at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business is a 20-month program. Courses begin in August or January and conclude in April or September.

Q: What is the format of the program?

A: The EMBA Program targets two classes to enter the program each year, one beginning in August, one beginning in January. Participants attend a 10-day residency in the beginning of each academic year, and return to campus approximately once per month for an all day Friday/Saturday residency. There is a major field project course (ExecMAP) held between the first and second years. During the weeks when participants are not in residence, the program takes advantage of a number of different distance learning technologies to augment the traditional face-to-face classroom teaching as well as provide opportunities for virtual team meetings.

Q: What happens when we are not in residency?

A: Participants are provided with the necessary materials and technologies to facilitate their distance learning efforts. With three courses typically taught concurrently, each month is organized to allow for one full week of online learning per class. Lectures are provided via podcasts, which may offer a number of different learning opportunities ranging from streaming video to interactive cases. The EMBA Program also supports a software platform allowing a broad range of features to supplement virtual teams, including document exchange as well as voice conferencing.

Q: How much time should I expect to set aside for homework during the week?

A: On average, you should anticipate spending between 15 to 20 hours per week on homework, including meeting times and time spent reviewing online materials. This time may vary depending on course material and individual habits.

Q: How many students per class?

A: We target a class of 35 to 60 students to begin each Fall and Winter (August and January start dates).

Q: Will I be expected to work alone, or will I be assigned to work with a group of my peers?

A: You will be assigned to a group that will include five or six of your peers. Although not all class work will be assigned as a group task, we recognize that many decisions made in the work environment are done so with a group of colleagues. Teams are formed with the intention of bringing together a diverse group of individuals across function and industry. Groups will typically change at least three times in the program to maximize your interaction with other classmates and to form the basis of a lifetime network.

Q: Where do classes meet?

A: Classes are held in Sam Wyly Hall, which has been designed specifically for the needs of executive education. Wyly Hall is interconnected with the five buildings that make up the Ross School campus.

Q: Where do I stay while in residence?

A: Participants are housed in the Executive Residence portion of the Ross School campus. Hotel rooms are located on the top three floors of the Executive Residence and Wyly Hall, with classrooms on the lower levels. More than 100 newly renovated hotel rooms are available to participants during residencies. The Ross School also coordinates with local full-service hotels for potential instances when hotel rooms within the Executive Residence are not available.

Q: Can I choose a major for my Executive MBA?

A: As this is a "lock step" program, participants take the same classes at the same time with the same cohort. While there are no formal electives, there are opportunities to customize the experience based on individual interests. This may range from course assignments in which participants and/or teams can study specific industries and/or organizations, to the ExecMAP field projects in which participants are able to select from a variety of projects in different industries and functional areas.

Q: Will my degree be the same as if I attended the Full-time MBA Program?

A: Yes, there is only one Master of Business Administration degree granted by the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Q: Who are the faculty teaching in the EMBA Program?

A: Faculty are drawn from the same pool of professors teaching in the full-time program. Faculty in the EMBA more often are senior faculty members with significant research, teaching and consulting experience.

Q: Is the Michigan EMBA Program accredited?

A: Yes, the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is fully accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Q: Is Michigan's EMBA program ranked?

A: BusinessWeek in 2007 ranked the Executive MBA Program as No. 4 in the world, a position the program has held since becoming eligible for consideration in 2005. US News and World Report has recognized the Ross EMBA in the top 10 in the country since the program launched in 2001; the program is ranked No. 6 as the top public EMBA program in 2007. The Wall Street Journal has ranked Ross among the top business schools in the nation since 2002, and specifically ranked the EMBA Program No. 6 in the world in 2008. As a new program, Financial Times will not include Michigan's EMBA in their respective rankings until 2008.

The overall Ross School has a truly world-class "general management" faculty that recently received a third straight No. 2 in the rigorous ranking published in the Journal of the Academy of Management and whose research productivity has now risen to No. 7 worldwide in the most recent Financial Times rankings. Financial Times ranked the Strategy Department at Ross as No. 1 in the world in 2008. BusinessWeek ranks the fulltime day MBA Program among the top 5 in the country.

Admissions Information

Q: How do I apply?

A: You will need to submit a current application, including three letters of recommendation, four essays, transcripts from all educational institutions at which you studied, a passport-size photograph, the application fee, and other administrative forms. Once a completed application is received, we will contact you to schedule an evaluative interview with a member of the admissions committee.

Q: Do you hold information sessions?

A: Yes, multiple sessions are scheduled each year. For the current schedule, click here. If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled sessions, we would be happy to meet with you on an individual basis either in person, or over the phone.

Q: Can I sit in on a class?

A: Because of the intense academic atmosphere created within the classroom, we do not allow prospective candidates or visitors to sit in the classroom. We are, however, happy to put you in contact with a current participant or alumnus so that you can learn first-hand about the program. Similarly, we are happy to schedule your interview when one of the classes are in session so that you might see our facilities and interact with current participants during scheduled breaks.

Q: When are applications due?

A: Applications are currently being accepted for the Winter 2010 and Fall 2010 entering classes. Deadlines are as follows:

Winter 2010 (Classes begin January 2010)

• November 1, 2009; December 1, 2009 - rolling decision deadlines

Fall 2010 (Classes begin August 2010)

• December 1, 2009 - early decision
• February 1, 2010; March 15, 2010; May 1, 2010; June 1, 2010 - rolling decision deadlines

Because a rolling admissions process is used, we encourage you to apply early within an admissions cycle. We will continue to accept applications on a space-available basis after the final deadline for a specific class. Contact the EMBA Program office for updates at (734) 615-9700.

Q: When will I be notified of a decision regarding my admission?

A: Consideration of applications is done on a rolling admissions basis, meaning that applications will be reviewed as they are received, and decisions will be announced typically within three to four weeks of receipt.

Q: Can I apply to the Executive MBA and another Michigan program during the same year?

A: Individuals are unable to apply to more than one program at the Ross School of Business in any given admission cycle.

Q: Do I have to take the GMAT?

A: Applicants to the Ross Executive MBA Program are not required to take the GMAT. If you have taken the GMAT test within the past five years, however, you should include your scores with your application. For information on the GMAT test, visit www.mba.com or call 1-800-462-8669. The code to have scores automatically sent to Ross is SN1-J6-94.

Q: Do international candidates have to take the TOEFL?

A: The TOEFL is required for non-native English speakers. International applicants who have worked in the U.S. full time for two or more years in the last five years, or who hold a degree from an institution in which English is the exclusive language of instruction, may waive the TOEFL requirement. However, this is up to the admissions committee. Candidates should obtain a score of 600 or higher on the paper-based version, 250 or higher on the computer-based version, or 100 or higher on the Internet-based version; candidates must also take the writing test included in the examination unless the writing test is not given at the particular test site. For information on the TOEFL test, visit www.toefl.org. The code to have scores automatically sent to Ross is 9585. Scores are valid no more than two years prior to an application deadline date.

Finances

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: Fees for the 20-month program beginning Fall 2009 and Winter 2010 are $120,000 for in-state participants and $125,000 for out-state participants. Fees for classes entering in Fall 2010 and Winter 2011 are identical and will be announced in July 2010.

Q: What is included in the cost of the program?

A: Included are all costs of attendance: all course books and materials, housing and meals, and a laptop. Transportation to and from Ann Arbor is not included. Because the program is designed for intense group interaction, it is expected that participants stay in the Executive Residence during scheduled sessions. For candidates traveling more than 60 miles, we cover the residency on Thursday night prior to Friday classes. For those traveling more than 200 miles, we cover Saturday night after classes.

Q: Are scholarships and/or loans available?

A: A limited number of scholarships (ranging from partial to full tuition) are available to participants working in the public and/or nonprofit sectors. Ross also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans of the U.S. military who are 100 percent eligible for Chapter 33 status. In addition, federal and private loans are available and we will gladly facilitate your financial aid process. Contact the EMBA Program office for details.

Q: Is corporate sponsorship required?

A: No, corporate financial sponsorship is not required, although a "statement of corporate support" indicating support of your participation in the EMBA Program and recognition of the time commitment is required. Sponsorship may come from your direct supervisor, human resources director, or higher management representative. Candidates who are self-employed may waive this requirement.

Q: When are payments due?

A: A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required upon admission to hold your place. There are five semesters recognized within the EMBA Program; payment is due prior to the start of each semester in roughly five equal installments. For the Fall 2009 entering class, payments are due July 15, and Nov. 15, 2009; March 15, July 15, and Nov. 15, 2010. For the Winter 2010 entering class, tuition payments are due Nov. 15, 2009; March 15, July 15 and Nov. 15, 2010; March 15, 2011. Similar payment dates will be used for subsequent entering classes.

Career Development

Q: Do you offer career development services?

A: Given the differences in executive placement in combination with the reality that many participants receive some type of financial support from their employer, formal on-campus recruiting services are more limited. However, the EMBA Program does work with the Ross School's Office of Career Development to make available a number of other resources including access to alumni databases, self-assessment tools, and other networking tools and optional skill-building sessions and workshops customized for the EMBA audience. Additional development sessions are included within the EMBA's Professional Development Program. Other resources include one-on-one job coaching and counseling sessions, as well as proprietary databases of corporate information. Specific job postings are available for alumni of the program. As part of our increased focus on providing resources to both current students and alumni of the EMBA Program, many of these services are being rolled out to alumni of the program on an ongoing basis.

Q: Is on-campus recruiting provided for EMBA participants?

A: No, on-campus job recruitment is not provided.