Executive MBA FAQ

Goizueta’s Executive MBA is currently ranked #9 nationally by Financial Times (2024) and #11 nationally by The Economist. We are pleased to be the top-ranked Executive MBA in the state of Georgia recognized by U.S. News & World Report (#13 nationally). Poets & Quants ranks the Goizueta EMBA as #8 in the United States.

Generally, the EMBA cohort is 50-65 students.

The Executive MBA is academically rigorous and tightly scheduled. Much of the experience and learning is from your peers and classroom discussions. Plan not to miss class, however in unavoidable situations such as a medical emergency, students should coordinate with their faculty and program office.

All formats of the Executive MBA are taught by the same world-class Goizueta faculty and share the same curriculum. All students graduate with an Emory Goizueta MBA. The program is 18 months (5 semesters). Where the programs differ is in learning format.

The on-campus EMBA format has classes that meet on-campus on alternating weekends (typically Friday evenings and Saturdays). The hybrid EMBA format has classes that meet on-campus three weekends each semester (typically Friday evenings and Saturdays), plus online coursework weeknight evenings other weeks. Some class sessions will be synchronous (real time), and some classes will be asynchronous (at your own pace, on your own time). The online EMBA format will deliver all classes fully online. Again, some class sessions will be synchronous (real time), and some classes will be asynchronous (at your own pace, on your own time).

Full-Time MBA and Evening MBA elective courses are available to Executive MBA students pending space availability and instructor approval. It is important to note that, with classes Monday through Thursday during the day and evenings, the Full-Time MBA and Evening MBA formats and schedules differ significantly from the Executive MBA.

A limited number of credit hours may be transferred to Emory's Executive MBA. Students may transfer a maximum of 12 elective credit hours (i.e. up to four 3-credit-hour elective courses). These courses must have been completed within 5 years prior to enrollment at Goizueta as part of a graduate degree-seeking program from an AACSB accredited university or college. Credit hours earned as part of a completed graduate degree are not eligible for use as transfer credits. Transfer credit is not part of the admissions process and requests for consideration of transfer credit will be reviewed by the Associate Dean and Faculty Committee after a student has been admitted and enrolled in the program. Final decisions on transfer credit are made exclusively by the Faculty Committee subject to the recommendation of the Associate Dean.

Yes, Goizueta's MBA degree does have STEM designation. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows graduates of STEM programs on F-1 visas, who work for an E-Verify employer, the opportunity to work full-time in the US. In addition to the normal Optional Practical Training (OPT) period of 12 months for international students, a STEM degree makes possible a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT, offering total potential eligibility of up to 36 months

Goizueta's Executive MBA has two start dates each year: Fall (August) and Spring (January).

The Executive MBA Program is able to issue F1 visas for international students to study in the US, but during that time, a student would not be permitted to engage in any employment, including remote employment for their employer abroad. If you are currently, or will be, working in the US with a valid visa you are welcome to apply to any program format.

The admissions committee holistically reviews candidates’ applications to assess professional experience, academic readiness, and team skills. Ideal candidates will be currently employed and have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, ranging up to 25 years and beyond. Our students are committed to an experiential and collaborative educational setting, and are ready to contribute in the classroom and their project teams. Visit our EMBA Application Process for your next steps to apply.

No. You may submit various components of the application (such as test scores, recommendations, unofficial transcripts) to the Admissions Office as you complete them. Your application will be deemed complete when all aspects of the application have been submitted.

Yes, an admissions interview is required of all Executive MBA applicants. You may schedule your interview before or after you submit the rest of your application. We conduct interviews year-round in the Goizueta Business School Admissions Office. We also conduct interviews in select cities outside of Atlanta throughout the year; please contact the Admissions Office for a schedule.

Your EMBA interview will be a one-on-one meeting with a member of the Admissions Committee. You will share your career progression story, your reasons for pursuing an MBA, and will have an opportunity to learn more about Goizueta. The interview typically lasts 30-45 minutes. While we prefer to meet with you in-person, we can conduct virtual interviews for those who cannot travel to campus.

Financial corporate sponsorship is not a factor in the admissions process although we suggest that all Executive MBA students have the support of their employers in the form of time away from the office to attend class sessions and the week-long global Immersion trip.

No, the program is intended for fully-employed individuals.

Applicants without an undergraduate degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis for a waiver of the degree requirement. 

The Executive MBA is test optional. Applicants may choose whether or not to submit the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or the Executive Assessment (EA). Because our programs are small by design, we are able to evaluate each applicant thoroughly and assess academic readiness through transcripts and application materials.

The Executive Assessment (EA) is accepted for candidates with 5 or more years of work experience. The EA is administered by the creators of the GMAT exam and is tailored to experienced professionals. For more information and to schedule your test, visit the EA website.

To apply without a GMAT, GRE, or EA test score, simply check the appropriate box in the test section of the online application form. The Goizueta Admissions Committee may ask an applicant to submit a standardized test after applying if needed.

The test codes for Emory’s Executive MBA are:

• EA: C3Q-71-19
• GMAT: C3Q-71-19
• GRE: 3984
• TOEFL: 3984