Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for Executive MBA students are presented here:
EMBA and MBA programs
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What is the difference between the Executive MBA and the Professional or Online MBA?
A key difference in the Executive MBA and the Professional or Online MBA is the number of years of work experience. Generally the Executive MBA requires 10-15 years of professional experience, while the Professional and Online MBA require only 5 to 7 years of work experience. In addition, the Executive MBA does not require an entrance exam like the Professional and Online programs and the class schedule is quite different. The Executive MBA Program has 2 different tracks, please learn more on the Executive MBA Overview Page.
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Where can I can find out more information about other MBA options at Bauer?
Visit the Houston MBA website at www.bauer.uh.edu/mba or call 713-743-0700.
The EMBA Experience
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What is a cohort?
A cohort is a team chosen by a panel at the beginning of the program. Each student in the program is placed in one of the cohorts and continues with that team through the entire program.
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Who are the instructors?
The EMBA uses senior faculty members, department chairs, deans, and industry leaders with years of real world experience as instructors.
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How many hours outside of the classroom should I expect to spend on EMBA coursework?
Executive MBA students in the Weeknight Program should expect to spend 10-15 hours per week outside of class, and students in the Weekend Program should expect to spend 20-30. This is inclusive of team meetings, homework, readings, etc.
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How do I find out more information about the programs?
Visit us at an Information Session or contact our office at mba@uh.edu. You may also call our office at 713-743-0700.
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When are your Information Sessions?
Visit the Information Sessions Registration page for more information.
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Where are the Information Sessions held?
Information Sessions are typically held at Bauer but may sometimes be held off-campus as well. Check the Information Sessions Registration page for event details. For more information on parking, maps and directions to UH please check our Visiting Our College page.
Curriculum
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What is lock step?
Lock step means the academic curriculum is chosen for the students in a manner that allows for comprehensive study. Participants are not able to choose any electives.
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What courses are offered in the EMBA?
The program consists of 30 hours of core courses set by the college and 18 hours of elective courses chosen by an academic committee.
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How long is the International Business Residency (IBR), and where do the classes visit?
The IBR is 7 days. The location varies and is decided upon by the instructor. Previously the students have gone to Singapore, Chile, Vietnam, Prague, and Spain.
Admissions
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When is your application deadline?
The Executive MBA welcomes one new cohort each year, with the program beginning every fall. The application deadline is May 1st for international applicants and July 1st for domestic applicants.
Since we review applications on a rolling basis, you don't have to wait until the deadline to apply. In fact, we encourage you to apply early to maximize scholarship opportunities and give yourself plenty of time to plan and prepare for the start of the program. Learn more about the EMBA application process.
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What is rolling admissions?
Rolling admissions means we review applications and make admission decisions throughout the year as applications are completed, rather than waiting until a single deadline. This means you can apply when the timing is right for you and may receive a decision earlier in the admissions cycle.
The Executive MBA welcomes one new cohort each year, beginning in August. Applying early is encouraged and can offer several advantages, including greater scholarship opportunities and more time to plan and prepare for the start of the program.
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Do I need to have an undergraduate degree to be admitted to the EMBA program, and if so, what undergraduate major is required?
Yes. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university to be considered for admission to the Executive MBA program, but no specific undergraduate major is required.
Our EMBA students come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. This diversity of experience is an important part of the program, bringing different perspectives and expertise into the classroom.
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Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE for admission?
No. The GMAT and GRE are not required for admission to the Executive MBA program.
We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, considering your professional experience, leadership background, academic history, and overall readiness for the program. Our goal is to understand the experience and perspective you’ll bring to the EMBA classroom.
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Who should fill out my recommendation letters?
Choose recommenders who know you well professionally and can speak to your leadership, accomplishments, and potential for success in the Executive MBA program.
We recommend asking your current supervisor and another professional who is familiar with your work. This could be a previous supervisor, senior colleague, client, or other professional contact who can provide meaningful insight into your experience and capabilities.
Cost & Financial Aid
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How much is the EMBA program, and what is included in this cost?
The Executive MBA is designed with a comprehensive program cost that makes it easier to plan for your investment. Tuition for Texas residents is $74,700, which covers much more than your courses.
The program cost includes tuition and fees, books and course materials, the International Business Residency trip, parking, and meals provided during class weekends. By including these expenses in the program cost, you can focus on your EMBA experience without having to manage many of the additional costs separately.
Learn more about EMBA tuition, fees, and financing options.
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Is financial aid available for the Executive MBA?
Yes. Financial aid is available to eligible Executive MBA students to help finance their education. Options may include federal student loans and other financing resources.Our Tuition and Costs page provides information about financial aid, available loan options, and how to apply.
If you have questions about your individual financial aid options or need assistance navigating the process, you can also contact our Bauer Financial Aid Manager, Karina Galvan at kegalvan@bauer.uh.edu.
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Can I use veteran education benefits for the Executive MBA?
Yes. Veteran education benefits may be used toward the Executive MBA, depending on your eligibility and the benefits available to you.
The University of Houston has dedicated resources to help veterans and military-connected students understand their benefits and navigate the process. Visit the UH Veteran Education Benefits website for information about eligibility, available benefits, and next steps.
International Students
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Who is considered an international student?
International applicants are those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants who earned their previous degree outside the United States may also need to meet additional requirements related to international academic credentials.
Visit our Executive MBA Admissions & Requirements page to learn more about the application process and requirements for international applicants.
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Do I need to submit an English language proficiency test? (i.e., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Pearson Test of English (PTE))?
All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English language proficiency for admission to the University of Houston.
You may meet this requirement by earning a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution or an institution in a recognized English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction. If your previous degree does not meet these criteria, you can demonstrate proficiency by submitting an approved English language test, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or PTE, that meets the required minimum score.
Because this requirement is based on your educational background rather than citizenship, U.S. citizens and permanent residents who earned their degree outside the U.S. may still need to demonstrate English proficiency.
For current requirements, minimum test scores, and the list of recognized English-speaking countries, visit the UH Graduate School English Language Proficiency page.
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What are the transcript requirements if I earned my degree outside the U.S.?
If you earned a degree outside the United States, you’ll need to submit your academic credentials according to the University of Houston Graduate School’s requirements for international transcripts.
If your transcripts are not issued in English, you must also provide an official English translation. Translations may be provided by the institution you attended or another approved source.
You do not need to obtain a separate credential evaluation from a service such as WES or SpanTran. The University of Houston Graduate School evaluates international academic credentials to determine U.S. degree equivalency as part of the application process, and does not currently accept third party evaluations.
Because document requirements can vary by country, we recommend reviewing the Graduate School’s Country-Specific Guidelines before submitting your credentials.
For complete requirements, visit the UH Graduate School International Transcripts page.
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Can international students enroll in the Executive MBA program?
Yes! We welcome international applicants to the Bauer Executive MBA program. Our EMBA classroom reflects Houston’s global business community. For example, in our current cohort, we have students originating from seven different countries who bring a wide range of professional, cultural, and industry perspectives to the cohort.
International applicants follow the same general admissions process but may have additional requirements related to academic credentials, English language proficiency, and immigration status.
If you will need an F-1 visa to study in the United States, additional documentation and requirements apply. We encourage international applicants to review these requirements early in the application process so you have plenty of time to prepare.
Learn more about the UH Graduate School requirements for international applicants.
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Am I eligible for scholarships or financial aid as an international student?
International applicants may be eligible for scholarships and other financing options to help fund their Executive MBA.
All EMBA applicants, international and domestic, are considered for the Bauer Excellence Initiative scholarship at the time of admission. No separate application is required, and decisions are made at the time of admission so applying early to the Bauer EMBA program is strongly encouraged.
While most international students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, alternative loan options may be available. Information about what students can expect from these financial providers can be found on the Alternative Loans page on the University of Houston's financial aid website.Learn more about graduate costs and financial resources at the University of Houston.