Deciding to Apply

As with our full-time MBA program, the EMBA program takes a general management approach and does not include a major. You take the same classes at the same time with the same people. However, there are a number of opportunities to customize your experience based on individual interests. Starting in Term 3, you have the opportunity to customize your experience to achieve your specific personal and professional learning goals through 14 electives. In course assignments, you may choose to study specific industries and/or organizations. In ExecMAP, you are able to select from a variety of projects in different industries, countries, and functional areas.

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

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.

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 substantial work experience, with significant experience in a managerial/supervisory capacity. Candidates with fewer years of experience who are on a fast leadership track within their company are also considered. The collective professional experience of EMBA participants enriches the learning experience both in and outside the classroom. While there is no minimum work experience requirement, EMBA students typically have 10 or more years of progressive, full-time work experience, including five or more years in a supervisory/managerial role. The average age of participants in the most recent class was 40. 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 participants' professional experiences. Both programs include Michigan's signature field study course, the Multidisciplinary Action Projects 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; the 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. The EMBA program is a "lock-step" program where all participants take the same classes at the same time (with the exception of one electives week), while the full-time program allows for a focus area (such as consulting, finance, or marketing).
 

Only in location. Whether in Los Angeles or Ann Arbor, you will experience the same Michigan Ross EMBA. Both locations offer the same strong, general management curriculum, renowned Michigan Ross faculty, and high-quality learning and networking experiences during on-campus residencies. Ann Arbor and Los Angeles follow the same schedule format, and you will benefit from selected shared residencies and integrated networking opportunities at either location.

Yes. Multiple recruiting events are scheduled each year. You are also welcome to schedule a one-to-one appointment with an admissions counselor. Appointments are conducted in person, by phone, or virtually.

You can watch a recording of a virtual class session here or attend a live class at one of our monthly Preview Days events. Check our events page for the latest dates and locations.

International EMBA students are fully employed and are therefore able to secure work visas sponsored by their employer. Visit the University of Michigan International Center for more information relevant to international students.

No, you may only apply to one program at Michigan Ross during any given admission cycle.

Yes. Reapplication procedures are streamlined if you reapply within one application cycle of your originally submitted application. If you reapply after that time, you must submit a completely new application and supporting documents. Reapplication procedures are as follows:

  • Complete an application form.
  • Submit an updated resume.
  • Submit one recommendation letter. You may choose your original recommender, but the recommender must complete a new recommendation that reflects your performance and achievements since your original application was submitted.
  • Submit a letter to update us on your achievements and goals since your original application. Upload the letter with your updated resume.
  • You do not need to send transcripts that were submitted with your last application. We still have these on file.
  • OPTIONAL: You may choose to answer one or more of our current essay questions.
     

No, previous coursework will not transfer into our Executive MBA Program.

Application Requirements

You are required to have a high level of proficiency in the English language. Language skills are assessed throughout the application process and are considered in an applicant's overall evaluation. Based on the evaluation, certain candidates may be asked to take the TOEFL exam as a condition of their admission. 

We strongly recommend a TOEFL score of 100 or higher on the internet-based test (iBT). Michigan Ross' TOEFL score reporting code is 1839. Ross will accept the PTE or IELTS as an alternative to the TOEFL, and we strongly recommend a PTE score of 70 or higher, or IELTS exam score of 7 or higher.

Financial sponsorship is not required; however, you must demonstrate employer support of your participation in the program by submitting a Statement of Corporate Support form, signed by a supervisor or human resources representative. Self-employed applicants may request a waiver of this requirement.

No. The GMAT is not a requirement of admission to the Michigan Ross EMBA Program. Candidates whose backgrounds do not demonstrate proficiency in basic quantitative and analytic skills may be required to take a quantitative skills assessment test prior to admission.

Official transcripts can be sent to the Executive MBA admissions office once you have started your application.

Mail or email to:

Executive MBA Program
Stephen M. Ross School of Business
University of Michigan
700 East University, Kresge Hall K1521
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234
rossemba@umich.edu
 

The nonrefundable $200 application fee is waived for:

  • Active members and veterans of the U.S Military - please provide a copy of military orders or DD-214.
  • Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Teach for America volunteers who have served within the past five years - please provide proof of membership that includes the name of the organization and dates of service.
  • Currently enrolled students in a University of Michigan graduate degree program
  • Citizens of a country on the UN's list of least-developed countries - verified at time of application.
  • Students who submitted an application to the Ross Executive MBA within the past five years.

Application fee waiver requests can be made by emailing rossadmissions@umich.edu and including "Application Fee Waiver Request" in the subject line. We do not waive application fees for any other reason.

Yes. Undergraduate degrees are required for admission to all master's programs offered at the Michigan Ross School of Business.

Interviews & Decisions

Admissions interviews may be conducted prior to or after a completed application has been submitted. You may request an interview by sending a copy of your resume to the EMBA Admissions Office at rossemba@umich.edu.    

Interviews are approximately one hour and are conducted by one or two members of the admissions committee. Dress is business formal. During the interview, you should be prepared to discuss your professional history, current level of responsibility, and personal and professional reasons for pursuing an Executive MBA at Ross.

One-year deferrals of admission are granted at the sole discretion of the admissions committee. You must submit a formal request to the committee no later than six weeks prior to the start of class. Deferral requests received beyond this deadline, if granted, will require an additional deferral deposit to guarantee their seat in the following year's class.

Application decisions are made within four to six weeks from the date of completion and are communicated via email and/or U.S. Mail.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are determined at the beginning of each program year and are the same for Ann Arbor and Los Angeles cohorts. Once set, tuition and fees do not change for the duration of the 21-month program. For current tuition rates, see the Tuition & Financial Aid page.

Tuition and expenses for the Michigan Ross EMBA Program cover:

  • all tuition for courses, workshops, special speakers, and events
  • textbooks and course materials, software, and communications needs
  • accommodations
  • all dining, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks/coffee breaks, and occasional group dining excursions organized by the EMBA Program

All accommodations and meals are covered for the duration of extended on-campus residencies. In addition, international and/or domestic travel required for the ExecMAP consulting project course is covered by sponsoring organizations and/or the EMBA Program.

Tuition and fees do not cover monthly travel expenses. EMBA students are required to pay for all transportation to and from Ann Arbor and/or Los Angeles. Hotel accommodations are included the night before a residency and, for students traveling outside the region, the night after the residency concludes (depending on distance traveled).

Financial aid is available to EMBA students. See the Tuition & Financial Aid page.

Ross is proud to participate in the Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program. For detailed information, see the page for veterans' financial aid, and contact Ross Financial Aid with any questions.

You are automatically considered for scholarship awards at the time of your application review. We also welcome those currently working in the non-profit and public sectors as part of our commitment to community and positive social impact.

All scholarship awards are communicated with admissions decisions approximately four to six weeks after an application has been completed.  
 

Program Details

Your studies continue with the materials and technologies for distance learning. With three courses typically taught concurrently, each month is organized to allow for one full week of online learning per class. Lectures may be streamed or viewed offline at your convenience, providing you with more flexibility.

On average, 20-25 hours per week, including meetings and time spent reviewing online materials. This time may vary depending on the individual and on course material.

You start with an extended residency at 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 in the second year of the program. During the weeks when you are not in residence, the program uses distance learning. For more information, see our schedule page.

We target a class of 65 to 80 students in Ann Arbor and 30 to 45 students in Los Angeles.

You will be assigned to a group that will include three to four of your peers. Although not all class work will be assigned as a group task, we recognize that many business challenges are analyzed and resolved with a group of colleagues. Groups will change at least five times in the program to maximize your interaction with other classmates and deepen your network.

Ann Arbor - Classes are held at Michigan Ross, in facilities designed specifically for the needs of the Executive MBA program. 

Los Angeles - Classes are held at the Hotel Indigo in Downtown Los Angeles, where the facilities and classroom experience provide an educational environment similar to the Ann Arbor campus. 

See our locations page for more information >

In Ann Arbor, you will stay at Michigan Ross' Executive Residence, a first-class hotel that offers easy, refined living (or possibly a nearby hotel). Hotel rooms are located on the top three floors of the Executive Residence and Wyly Hall.  

In Los Angeles, you will stay at the Hotel Indigo in Downtown Los Angeles, where executive amenities, fine dining, and top-rated service ensure you can focus on learning, not logistics.

See our locations page for more information >

21 months. Courses begin in August and conclude 21 months later in April/May.

No, but international ExecMAP opportunities will be made available if you seek an international option as part of your EMBA experience.

See our ExecMAP page for more information >

The Ross EMBA curriculum emphasizes general management from a strategic perspective, along with personalized leadership development. It takes a comprehensive, results-oriented approach to real-world problem-solving and decision- making -- all at a senior level. If you are seeking advancement to the highest levels in your organization, you will need to complement your functional expertise with a broad-based knowledge of all the facets of business. Our EMBA curriculum provides a rigorous general management education that focuses on a strategic approach to business issues and problem solving.

Parallel to the traditional courses is a leadership development program in which you develop your goals as well as identify strengths and areas for growth during the first year. In the second year, a number of different workshops will provide you with tools to reach these goals. Workshop topics include dealing with media in crisis situations, delivering powerful presentations, and managing teams of senior staff.

ExecMAP and the elective courses in terms three and four provide opportunities to customize your learning based on your unique goals and interests.
 

Ross faculty often teach in many different programs, and the EMBA faculty are no exception. You will be taught by Ross faculty who are experts in their field: either in Ann Arbor or when the faculty fly to LA to teach our LA cohort. The faculty teaching in our EMBA program are typically some of our most senior and award-winning faculty, who have taught for many years in our full-time MBA core or teach some of our most popular MBA electives.

Learn more about Michigan Ross programs, updates, and events.
Learn more about Michigan Ross programs, updates, and events.

Sign Up for Ross Communications















 
By completing this form, I consent to Michigan Ross contacting me by email, telephone and/or SMS at the my telephone number (if provided above) regarding educational services. I understand this consent is not required to attend Michigan Ross. My information will be kept confidential and I can opt-out at any time.