FAQs - Executive MBA

Yes, EMBA students earn a regular MBA degree. The "E" in EMBA just signals that the formatting of the program has been designed to accommodate more experienced students. The focus of the EMBA program is general management. Students do not take electives. However, EMBA alumni may return to Georgia State to take additional courses to gain a specialization if they choose.

No, EMBA students come from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, including such industries as finance, healthcare, public utilities and manufacturing. The service industry, government agencies, not-for-profit agencies and the public sector are represented as well as privately and publicly held companies of all sizes. Many students serve in specific functional areas and are seeking to fill gaps in their formal management training in order to enhance their leadership potential. The diversity of experience and specialties within each class enriches the learning process.

The difference is found in the class structure and formatting. The EMBA program is specifically designed for experienced managers and executives. It is a more structured program with a lockstep format. There are no electives. Everyone begins the program together and graduates 18 months later. Subject matter is integrated, rather than being taught as separate disciplines. This integration magnifies the entire learning experience and is more easily achieved in a lockstep format. The format also facilitates the formation and work relationships of study teams.

In addition, the Executive MBA is a full-service program. EMBA staff members handle student registration, book purchases, meal and parking passes, and planning the international business residency — allowing the students more time to concentrate on their studies.

We consider management experience as managing people, projects or assets. For example, oftentimes someone may manage large projects but not necessarily a staff. We consider each candidate's experience individually based on their particular industry and job title.

The EMBA admissions committee is looking for a diverse group of individuals to participate in each class. A variety of factors are taken into consideration, including work experience, management-level experience and ability to handle graduate-level work. In addition, prospective students are asked to participate in interview with a member of our admissions committee. Students are carefully chosen for the contributions they will make to the overall educational process. Each student possesses a unique set of skills and experiences that collectively creates a quality learning environment.

Some of our students hold advanced degrees in disciplines other than business. A number of our students are entrepreneurs, while others expect to advance to top corporate management positions within a few years. Ultimately, a quality they all share is a willingness to take risks and work hard to achieve professional goals.

EMBA candidates should possess a minimum of five years of work experience post undergraduate degree, plus managerial responsibilities (managing people, projects, or assets). Our students have superior track records, demonstrating a certain level of achievement and increased responsibility in their careers. In addition, our students have demonstrated the ability to handle manager-level responsibility. The ability to perform well in a graduate business program is another criterion for our students.

Students meet every other weekend on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

All of the EMBA classes are held at the GSU Buckhead Campus located at 3348 Peachtree Road in the heart of Buckhead.