GENERAL
How does the Executive MBA program differ from other Tulane MBA programs?
All Tulane MBA students earn the same Master of Business Administration degree. Tulane’s world-class instructors will often teach in all programs. The differences between programs are mainly in the format and the level of student services. Tulane’s Executive MBA program offers the following advantages:
- Minimum time away from work. Classes are held on evenings and weekends, so that students can continue in their jobs without losing income or career momentum.
- Accelerated format. The program is completed in only 13 months.
- Immediate application. Students immediately implement newly learned tools and knowledge in their workplace.
- Experience. EMBA students typically have eight or more years of experience along with significant management responsibility. The classroom is rich with experiences and insights from a wide scope of backgrounds so that students learn from each other as well as instructors.
- Continuity. In Tulane’s lock-step program, the class moves through the curriculum as a unit, promoting a sense of continuity, camaraderie and esprit de corps. Courses in the curriculum build on each other, moving from laying the groundwork to complex strategies and problem-solving.
- Student support and services. We understand the commitment it takes to complete an EMBA program. With work, school, and personal commitments, you will have a very busy schedule. So we handle as much as possible: books, grades, registration, meals, and anything else that we can. You attend class, meet with your study team, and focus on learning.
What degree do Executive MBA graduates earn?
Graduates of Tulane’s Executive MBA programs earn the same MBA degree as awarded all of Tulane’s MBA graduates, the Tulane Master of Business Administration degree.
What is the overall focus of the program?
Students learn to meet management and leadership challenges applicable to a broad range of disciplines and industries. While the early courses in the curriculum emphasize basic building blocks of management, the latter focus on integrative, cross-functional analyses and strategic decision-making. Tulane’s EMBA programs prepare students to competently and confidently face business challenges, whether local or global in context. The EMBA curriculum uses lecture, case studies, and interactive courses within team environments to build proven management and strategic decision making skills.
Is Tulane’s Executive MBA program accredited?
All Freeman School MBA programs are accredited by AACSB International. In fact, the Freeman School of Business was one of the 17 founding members of AACSB, the foremost accrediting body for business schools.
Are career and placement services available to EMBA students?
With over 14,000 Freeman graduates across the globe, all students and alumni can take advantage of Freeman School events and resources for networking opportunities. EMBA students who are not company sponsored may be provided access to selected counseling services; however, no career development services are offered to company-sponsored students.
STUDENT PROFILE
How diverse are the students in the program?
Diversity is a key component in an EMBA classroom. A diverse mix of ethnicity, culture, professional experience, functional expertise, and industry representation among classmates ensures a rich classroom experience.
How much professional experience does the typical Freeman School EMBA student have?
Tulane’s typical Executive MBA student has an average of 14 years of work experience, with nine years in management, bringing to the class a significant depth of experience and responsibility. EMBA applicants should have eight years of professional work experience to be considered for admission to the EMBA program. Applicants with less than eight years of work experience may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional leadership, outstanding academic ability, significant management experience, and strong company support.
How many students are enrolled in the program?
Tulane EMBA programs have relatively small classes that range from 25 to 40 students. Small classes offer a great benefit, giving students a more personal and intimate interaction with faculty, classmates, and staff. Your progress and any concerns are handled on a personal level and no student ever becomes lost in the crowd. Because we are small, we know our students by name and can be very responsive to our students' needs.
Although our size is small, our scope is huge. Our curriculum, faculty, facility, and technology are among the best in the world. Our programs span the globe and our alumni serve as business and community leaders across the continents. You have a unique opportunity to become part of the Freeman School and its prestigious alumni.
CURRICULUM
How are study teams formed?
Study teams are assigned at orientation, and are formed based on skill sets, academic backgrounds, and functional expertise. Each team is equipped with equally strong, diverse abilities so that team members can learn from one another as well as from faculty. Although individual work is critical to one's success, teamwork is an essential component of the EMBA curriculum and experience. Class assignments will require both team and individual work.
How often to study teams meet?
Study team work independently. Although guidelines are suggested, each team creates their own unique team guidelines and meeting plans that fit the needs of its members.
How is the program connected to the business community?
Significant interaction with the business community occurs through interaction with class members, faculty and alumni, many of whom are leaders in business and the community. The Tulane Association of Business Alumni (TABA) and the Tulane Alumni Association are active in many cities in the U.S. and abroad, including Shanghai and Taipei. Freeman's extensive alumni base totals over 14,000 across the globe and offer invaluable resources for life.
Which faculty teach in the EMBA programs?
Faculty are selected primarily from the senior faculty of the Freeman School, although distinguished faculty from other leading business schools may also teach in the program. EMBA faculty bring strong credentials and real-world experience to the classroom. Many teach across all our EMBA programs, and bring insights and ways of doing business from other cultures into the EMBA classroom. To learn more about Tulane faculty credentials, please visit http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/faculty/.
What teaching methods are used?
A wide variety of methods are employed, tailored to the subject matter and needs of the particular class. These include lectures, case analyses and discussions, problem set discussions, experiential exercises, projects, spreadsheet modeling, group and individual presentations.
Do you accept transfer credits?
No, we do not accept transfer credits. In our lock-step curriculum, members of each class begin the Program at the same point, move through the curriculum together, and complete the degree requirements for graduation as a group. As a result, executives build an extensive and global network of trusted colleagues and lifelong friends
Does Tulane's Asia EMBA program have international components?
There are two formal international components.
To thrive in today's global marketplace, senior managers and executives require an appreciation for different cultures as well as an understanding of how business is conducted in other parts of the world. Tulane's international seminars increase your cachet in the global marketplace. You will learn from and interact with business leaders and government officials of the host country, and experience firsthand different business customs, cultures, and economies.
The Freeman School conducts Executive MBA programs in New Orleans, Houston, Shanghai, Taiwan, and Santiago (Chile). EMBA students from these programs have opportunities to get to know one another--whether we combine classes for projects, form international study teams, or just introduce them at networking receptions.
ADMISSIONS
How competitive is admission to the program?
Candidates are assessed individually; all application documents are considered, with particular attention paid to the candidate’s academic ability and professional background. Candidates may choose to meet with an admission counselor for an early assessment and prequalification for admission to any EMBA program.
What are the application deadlines? When will I receive a decision regarding my acceptance?
Applications are accepted up to one year in advance of the program start date. Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee once they are completed and candidates are notified immediately once a decision is made.
Who should complete my recommendations?
Your recommendations should be written by individuals who know you professionally and who can provide knowledge of your abilities from firsthand experience. One recommendation should be from your direct supervisor and second should be from a high-ranking person within your company. Please use your own judgment in selecting an evaluator when either of these would seem inappropriate.
Which of the admissions criteria are most important?
Applications are considered in their entirety. While strengths may vary from one applicant to another, we seek students who combine strong academic promise, quantitative analytical aptitude, management experience, and diversity of industry and/or functional area. Academic ability is critical for your success in Tulane’s rigorous program. Demonstrated management experience and leadership potential are equally important.
Is an interview required?
Personal interviews are required and provide a platform for learning more about the candidate’s background, motivation, and interpersonal skills. Candidates also have an opportunity to ask specific questions about the program and any concerns they may have. Interviews can be scheduled at your convenience and can be coordinated with EMBA class sessions so that you can also observe a class and meet current Executive MBA participants and faculty.
Must I have an undergraduate degree to enter the Freeman School’s EMBA programs?
You must have a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university if you received your education in the United States. If you are an international applicant, your undergraduate degree must be the equivalent of a U.S. four-year degree. Limited exceptions may be made in the Executive MBA program for candidates with an outstanding history of professional achievement and academic ability who lack undergraduate degrees.
Are certain undergraduate degrees or business courses required for admission?
Students at the Freeman School of Business are valued for their academic diversity; no particular undergraduate degree is required for EMBA admission.
Students must have completed all pre-requisite courses in an approved business program in Asia (see required postgraduate studies section in the curriculum link).
If I am not accepted into the program, can I receive feedback on my application?
You may request feedback from our EMBA Admissions Office to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
If I must delay entry in to the program, can my application be deferred?
Applications may be deferred for one year without reapplication; however, any documents or information that have improved or changed since the initial application must be resubmitted by the applicant. The EMBA admissions office must be notified in writing of the applicant's intentions. Applications older than one year should be completed in full to assure that all application materials are current.
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
Are EMBA students required to have laptop computers?
To interact with faculty, class members and team members during class sessions and during group meetings, you will be required to have a laptop computer. More information about computer requirements can be found here.
What software proficiency is required for admission?
EMBA students must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Without proficiency in these software programs, students will have difficulty moving forward successfully in the curriculum. If you have any questions about your proficiency level, please contact the EMBA Admissions Office.
STUDENT COMMITMENT
How is the program compatible with my professional and personal schedules?
Class dates for the entire program are final once classes begin, so you can plan your professional and personal schedules around those dates without class conflicts.
How much time will the program require outside of the classroom?
The EMBA program requires a serious commitment from each participant. The amount of time required to complete assignments successfully will vary depending on each individual, course, and instructor. In addition to class time, Executive MBA participants typically spend 15 to 25 hours per week in individual study or team meetings.
What happens if I miss a class?
In the EMBA program, missing a class is missing four hours of 24 classroom hours. We provide the program weekend dates well in advance. Students and their companies must share a strong commitment to the program and give high priority to class attendance. Should unforeseen emergencies occur, you should contact both the EMBA office and the instructor.
EMPLOYER BENEFITS
How will my participation benefit my employer?
One of the most important goals of any organization is the development of key personnel. Through class interaction and discussion, the Tulane EMBA student gains knowledge, techniques and methods for business management and strategy, and develop the competence and confidence necessary for personal and company growth. The time that an employer designates for your attendance in the program is regained as newly learned management knowledge is applied in the workplace.
New Leadership
The motivation and background required to enter this rigorous program typically indicates tremendous career potential. Student gain business knowledge, develop leadership skills, and learn creative strategies to face business challenges. EMBA sponsorship encourages, develops and strengthens this leadership potential in key managers, while retaining them in the company and strongly motivating them to successfully address new business challenges.
New Ideas and Insights
Throughout the program, students acquire innovative ideas and best business practices from professors and bring them back into their organizations. Tremendous knowledge comes from your EMBA classmates, your professional peers. A former student states: "My teammates have been the most beneficial aspect of the program for me. They forced me to stretch myself. I anticipate we will be friends for many years to come.” Your organization receives the immediate benefits of these fresh perspectives.
Field Projects That Address Current Work Issues
In the classroom and in case projects, students have opportunities to address the current issues and challenges they face in their work.
Minimal Time Away from Work and New Development
Although companies provide some time off for students to attend the program. The impact on your work is minimal. The infusion of new ideas brings new perspectives and new focus in your organization, which will help in the further development of your business and employees.
