1. What are the application deadlines for the 2010 Executive MBA program?
The priority application deadline for admission is September 30, 2009. The second application deadline is November 15, 2009. The application deadline for international applicants is July 15, 2009.


2. What types of executives participate in the program?
The Executive MBA program has been designed for high-potential executives in, or moving into, senior-management levels. To learn more, please visit the class profile page.


3. Are self-employed applicants eligible for the program?
Yes. Self-employed executives are eligible as long they are working on a full-time basis and meet the criteria for admission to the Executive MBA program.


4. Do applicants need to take the GMAT?
An applicant is automatically exempt from the GMAT requirement if he or she already has a graduate degree and/or has an excellent record of professional achievement and an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Taking the GMAT is strongly recommended for applicants with less than 10 years of managerial experience. If applicants are not sure whether they would need to take the GMAT, please contact the program office at 1-800-486-EMBA.


5. How closely does the admissions committee look at undergraduate transcripts?
Transcripts are one indicator of potential for success in the Executive MBA Program. For many applicants, particularly those who have been out of school for 10 or more years, transcripts likely are not the most important indicator that the admissions committee will use to determine the applicant’s potential. Career success, completion of work-related short courses, and other more recent successes also are important indicators.


 

6. Is an interview required?
Yes. Every applicant has an interview, either in person or by telephone, with the director of the Executive MBA program.


7. How are quantitative skills assessed in the admissions decision process? Is there help available prior to the start of the program?
The admissions committee will review academic performance in quantitative courses. The committee also will consider career history and the types of quantitative skills that normally would be expected. Individuals with a range of quantitative skills can be successful in the Executive MBA program. In fact, many executives come into the Executive MBA Program with a specific goal of improving their quantitative skills. If an applicant has had limited exposure to accounting and finance, the program office will provide specific recommendations that may be pursued for extra support.


8. What are the differences between the UT Professional MBA and the UT Executive MBA programs?
Both the Executive MBA and the Professional MBA follow an integrated, lockstep format.

The UT Professional MBA is an integrated, 16-month month weekend program of study. The program is designed for individuals with at least five years of full-time professional work experience. To learn more about the Professional MBA program, click here.

The UT Executive MBA is completed in one year with four, two-week residence periods and 15 distance learning sessions. Executives accepted into the program have a minimum of 10 years of professional work experience.


9. Do UT’s Executive MBA graduates receive the same degree as traditional full-time MBAs?
Yes.


10. Is UT's Executive MBA program accredited?
The UT Executive MBA program is fully accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).


11. What electives are offered through this program? Is it possible to major in finance or marketing?
Since UT’s Executive MBA is a fully integrated, lockstep program. There are no electives or subject-specific courses.


12. How accessible are the faculty between residence periods?
Faculty members are readily accessible at any point during the program. They work closely with students and encourage close interaction, both inside and outside of the classroom.


13. Are current students or alumni available to talk about their experiences in the Executive MBA program?
Yes, please call the program office at 1-800-486-EMBA (1-800-486-3622) for contact information.


14. What computer skills are needed in the Executive MBA program?
Prior to entering the program, students are expected to be able to perform a list of minimum requirements for Microsoft Excel, as determined by the accounting/finance faculty. A working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint is also expected.


15. What is the sponsoring organization’s involvement?
The employer must agree to the student’s attendance, time away from work, and participation in the program’s applied projects. Many organizations provide financial support as well as sponsorship for the participant.


16. Does UT offer any other options for executives who cannot commit to four, two-week blocks of time?
For managers within driving distance of Knoxville, the UT College of Business Administration also offers the Professional MBA, an integrated weekend, 16 month program of study.

The UT Center for Executive Education also offers MBA programs for physicians and for those in the aerospace industry as well as numerous non-degree business courses and seminars. Click here for more information.


17. What about transfer credits?
Transfer credits are not accepted since the Executive MBA program is a lockstep program.


18. Will students who have been out of school for a number of years be able to keep up in the academic environment?
Most applicants have been away from school for a number of years. The applied nature of the assignments and the interactive methodology of teaching typically facilitate the learning process for those who have not recently spent time in the classroom.


19. How much time does the program require outside the classroom?
This varies by student, but most executives report spending an average of 15 to 25 hours per week on their work outside the classroom.


20. How do students balance working on a degree with continuing their careers and spending time with their families?
The program offers skills development in the area of work/life balance. These skills assist participating executives in maintaining this balance, both during and after the program.


21. During the residence periods, do students who live close by need to stay with fellow participants in the hotel?
Yes. The structure of the program makes it convenient for all students to have access to a hotel room on-site. In addition, residencies help students develop professional networks and lifelong friendships.