"The course work is a demanding journey, but the support of a solid team helps to navigate the unknown."
Q: What is the format of the program?
A: The Executive MBA consists of 19 courses (2 or 3 credit hours each), totaling 45 credit hours. Students participate in two classes per week – one class on Monday evening and the second class on Thursday evening. The orientation and an academic residency occur in late August. The international business seminar (Management in the Global Marketplace) occurs in May following the first two semesters, and it involves required overseas travel. In June, students complete one course, which leaves a few weeks in July and August with a break from classes. The second year of the program begins in August and continues through the next May.
Q: When and where do classes meet?
A: Classes are scheduled on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Dinner is available from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on class nights. On occasion, classes may meet on Saturday mornings or other weeknight evenings
Michigan State University’s Management Education Center in Troy, Michigan is home to the Executive MBA program. Troy, MI is a northern suburb of Detroit and is approximately 80 miles southeast of Michigan State University.
The orientation and academic residency are held for a week in August (Sunday – Friday) at the beginning of the program. This takes place at Michigan State University’s James B. Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing, MI. The Henry Center is just southwest of campus, adjacent to the Forest Akers West Golf Course, Candlewood Suites hotel, and University Club.
A required international business seminar occurs in May following the first two semesters of course work. This academic residency is approximately 9-10 days in length and occurs outside the United States.
Q: What is the Executive MBA curriculum of study?
A: The curriculum, redesigned starting in Fall 2003, combines core business strategies with the management of change and an understanding of international business. It encompasses the current business environment, providing perspectives important to successful leadership. Courses are categorized in four areas: organizational design and leadership development (5 courses), management policy and processes (7 courses), global and economic marketplace (3 courses), and analytical tools for management (4 courses).
Q: How many students are in a class?
A: Typically, the Executive MBA class has between 60 and 70 students.
Q: What is the Recommendation of Nominator?
A: A nomination from your employer to participate in the Executive MBA program is required. A person who oversees your work at your current organization should complete this nomination form. We ask for this level of support from your employer because of the time commitment required both for class and for out-of-class assignments. Your nominator should be able to assist you within your organization with matters related to your participation in this program.
You should familiarize your nominator with how the Broad School’s Executive MBA will help you achieve your personal and professional goals. You may even want to share your complete application with your nominator.
Many applicants seek funding for the program from their nominator.
Q: Who should complete the recommendation forms?
A: Colleagues, clients, and former supervisors are excellent candidates to complete the recommendation forms. These individuals should be in a position to assess your leadership skills and abilities.
Q: What is the degree issued by the Executive MBA program?
A: The diploma for the Executive MBA graduates states: Master of Business Administration. The transcript will read: Master of Business Administration. It is the same title as the full-time MBA at the Broad School. The major listed on the transcript will be: Executive MBA. The Executive MBA is fully accredited by the AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Q: How does the program create the study teams?
A: Participants are assigned to four or five-person teams that stay together throughout the 21-month program. Teams are designed with the goal of building a cross functional group and assigning individuals to teams with similar home or work geographic areas. Cross functional teams leverage knowledge and resources more effectively, and teams that work or live relatively close to each other operate more efficiently.
Q: How much time do students spend preparing for the program each week?
A: Anecdotal accounts indicate that a student spends anywhere from 13 to 22 hours per week preparing for his or her classes. This time, however, can vary depending on the student’s familiarity with the subject matter or whether the student is working on an individual or team assignment, for example.
Q: What areas of concentrations are available to Executive MBA students?
A: Given the lock-step nature of the program, the Executive MBA does not award an area of concentration. Participants work through a set curriculum that emphasizes the development of analytic and strategic decision-making expertise.
Q: What is the tuition?
A: Tuition for the Executive MBA is subject to approval by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees each year. Last year, the Board approved tuition for in-state Executive MBA students at $65,500 and out-of-state/international students at $73,000.
Tuition rate for the Executive MBA includes the following: tuition for 45 credit hours, registration fees, books and other course materials, meals and refreshments for class sessions, the travel costs for the international business seminar, costs for the orientation and academic residency, graduation fees, and other per student support costs. Tuition does not include the required laptop computer.
Q: Is financial aid available to Executive MBA students?
A: In most circumstances, Executive MBA students are eligible for financial assistance in the form of loans. A common loan program utilized is the Federal Stafford Loan, which consists of subsidized and unsubsidized loans. For more information, please contact our representative in the Financial Aid Office, Judi Marks, at (517) 432-1759. Please identify yourself as a prospective Executive MBA student.
Q: When is the tuition due?
A: For your convenience, the Executive MBA program has established a tuition payment schedule. Tuition is payable at five periods over the course of three calendar years. The five tuition payment periods, generally, correspond to the five semesters of courses.
Q: Is the GMAT a factor considered for admission to the Executive MBA program?
A: The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a requirement for the Executive MBA program at the Broad School. The GMAT is one factor in the admissions decision, and helps the admissions committee assess the prospective student’s ability for academic achievement in the program. In some circumstances, students may be able to request a waiver of this admissions requirement. Students who hold professional degrees or PhD degrees are exempt from the GMAT. Please contact the Executive Director to discuss the option of a GMAT waiver.
Q: How do I obtain more information on the Executive MBA?
A: Please contact us at:
In Troy, MI
The Executive MBA
Management Education Center
Michigan State University
811 W. Square Lake Rd
Troy, MI 48098
(248) 879-2725
(248) 879-6125 Fax
In Lansing, MI
The Executive MBA
The James B. Henry Center for Executive Development
Michigan State University
3535 Forest Rd, Ste. D020
Lansing, MI 48910
(800) 882-1239
Lucy Maillette, Executive Director
maillette@bus.msu.edu
Email: emba@bus.msu.edu
Website: www.bus.msu.edu/emba
Q: Does the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management offer an online MBA program?
A: The Eli Broad Graduate School of Management does not have an online MBA program. We offer three ways to obtain the Master of Business Administration degree: the Full-Time MBA, the Weekend MBA, and the Executive MBA. All three programs are instructor-lead, classroom experiences.
Q: How can I make graduates and/or students of the Executive MBA program aware of job opportunities?
A: Please contact the Executive MBA office at 800-882-1239 or emba@bus.msu.edu if you have job opportunities for Executive MBA students and/or alumni.
Q: Do I need to submit a Michigan State University transcript in the Executive MBA application if I received a degree from the university?
A: If you have a degree from Michigan State University, the Executive MBA program office will obtain the Michigan State University transcript on your behalf. You are not required to submit a Michigan State University transcript in your Executive MBA application.