Executive MBA (EMBA)
Program Details
Why Choose Xavier’s EMBA Program?
Designed for seasoned and aspiring corporate executives, the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) at Xavier University immerses you in a rigorous and collaborative environment to strengthen your leadership, team-building and problem-solving competencies.
Xavier's EMBA program takes pride in attracting diverse students with a wide array of backgrounds and experiences. Most students bring more than 10 years of professional work experience with leadership roles.
Top-ranked EMBA Degree for Working Professionals
Ranked in the top 30 in the country and ranked #1 in Ohio by U.S. News & World Report and Poets & Quants, our 16-month EMBA program meets your needs as a working professional. Classes meet twice a month in person on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing the flexibility to earn your degree while maintaining your work schedule.
No GMAT/GRE Required to Apply
MBA programs at Xavier University no longer require the GMAT or GRE test scores.
What is an EMBA?
An EMBA is a graduate degree program designed for experienced professionals who are looking to polish the managerial and leadership skills they already possess.
Like a traditional MBA degree program, the EMBA’s core curriculum revolves around foundational business classes like finance, statistics, management and accounting. However, EMBA courses and discussions go beyond the basics to address the needs of experienced business leaders.
EMBA students generally have a higher level of business and leadership experience than traditional MBA students, and, as working professionals, they can immediately apply what they learn in the classroom to their workplace setting.
Is it worth it to get an EMBA?
According to the 2022 Executive MBA Council Student Exit Survey, EMBA students received a 17.7 percent salary increase after graduating from their programs. In addition, 41 percent of students who completed the survey earned a promotion during the program, while 53 percent reported increased responsibilities.
The average salary and bonus package at program start for students who responded to the survey was $231,143. By the end of the program, the reported average salary and bonus package rose to $272,160.
What can I do with an EMBA?
An EMBA helps you make a bigger and better impact on your business or organization. It supplements and polishes your existing managerial and leadership skills, exposes you to other business leaders in your area, and gives you a better understanding of business models and processes. With these competencies, you strengthen your competitive edge and qualify for advanced leadership positions and higher salaries.
How do you get your employer to pay for your EMBA?
Most EMBA students self-fund their education; however, some have their tuition covered partially or entirely by their employers. It’s best to understand your company’s tuition reimbursement policy by talking to your HR department or reviewing your company handbook. Some companies cover some or all tuition costs, while others reimburse you for tuition costs. Additionally, many companies that sponsor individuals require a few years’ commitment after finishing the program. Ensure that any commitments you may be asked to make align with your future career goals.
Admission
Xavier’s Executive MBA program strives to create a strong cohort of students each year, all of whom bring a unique perspective to the classroom and an innate desire to learn.
Please Note: International applicants - meaning those that require an F1 study visa - are not eligible for EMBA admission given the structure and timeline of the program. International applicants are invited to apply for admission to Xavier's full-time MBA program.
We base our application process on analyzing each candidate's professional experience and potential to both learn and contribute within the program's structure. The program begins once a year in the fall semester, and our goal is to admit between 15 and 20 students annually.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year and are accepted until July 1st; however, we begin considering scholarship requests as of June 1st. Priority is given to those students who have applied and been accepted by this date.
Please note: Individuals with significant professional management, leadership and strategy experience without an undergraduate degree can be considered for admission into the program. However, some previous undergraduate study is highly preferred.
The typical EMBA program applicant has earned their undergraduate degree, works full time, and has managerial and leadership experience. While our EMBA students have many different undergraduate degrees, it is assumed that you have a foundational knowledge of common business practices, including finance, economics and marketing.
To apply to our Executive MBA program, please submit a completed application via our online Application Management System and include the following:
- An updated résumé listing your complete professional work history and showcasing career progression.
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, sent directly from the institution (electronic transcripts are accepted). Email transcript submissions to xuadmit@xavier.edu.
- Organizational chart, including a summary of the organization's business activities and your specific duties.
- Two professional letters of recommendation prepared by someone familiar with your qualifications and capacity for MBA study.
- An essay about your interest in the program and what unique knowledge and experiences you believe you can contribute to the program. You may also include any additional information you want the Admissions Committee to know about you. The essay should be no longer than two to three pages, double-spaced.
(In both the letters of recommendation and the personal essay, please address your quantitative skill sets and experiences so the Admissions Committee can better understand your mastery in these areas.)
Once all of your application materials have been received, the Admissions Committee reviews your application within one to two weeks. Those candidates the Admissions Committee believes to have the potential for admission into the program are invited for an on-campus interview with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, the EMBA Director and the EMBA faculty.
Curriculum
Created for busy and well-seasoned professionals, our Executive MBA offers a fast-paced and collaborative learning environment to expedite your academic success and career growth.
The program consists of 17 business courses, totaling 50 credit hours, and utilizes a cohort-based learning model. This means you progress through the program with the same group of professionals, from the first day to the last, forming deep connections that will last a lifetime.
Through the EMBA degree program, you experience a transformative immersion in business, learning advanced concepts, studying industry trends, building your strategic skill set and honing your leadership abilities. Guided by our renowned faculty, you receive high-quality instruction and personalized mentorship to support you during your program and postgraduate endeavors.
- ACCT 750 - Financial Accounting (3)
- ACCT 751 - Managerial Accounting (3)
- BAIS 752 - Operations Supply Chain Management (3)
- BAIS 755 - Business Analytics & Information Systems (3)
- BLAW 755 - Business Law & Ethics (3)
- BUAD 751 - Small Business Project (3)
- BUAD 752 - Capstone Project Part 1 (3)
- BUAD 754 - Capstone Project Part II (3)
- BUAD 755 - International Residency (4)
- BUAD 756 - Capstone Project Part III (1)
- BUAD 757 - Contemporary Topics in Business (3)
- ECON 750 - Managerial Economics (3)
- ECON 751 - International Economics (3)
- FINC 750 - Finance Value Creation (3)
- FINC 751 - Financial Strategy (3)
- MGMT 751 - Leading Organizations Macro (3)
- MKTG 750 - Marketing Strategy (3)
Xavier University’s Executive MBA program is proud to be one of the longest-standing programs in the country. Founded in 1978 by the first Williams College of Business dean, Thomas Hailstones, our EMBA has been rooted in academic excellence and experiential learning.
During the 16-month program, students participate in real-world integrative consulting projects with regional companies, providing recommendations for corporate growth. Hands-on consulting assignments make up 8.5 credit hours, and other courses during the program include various forms of experiential learning.
- BUAD 751 – A 12-week course in which students apply an integrated approach of classwork from Strategy, Finance and Marketing to develop a strategic recommendation for a local small business ($1M - $10M in annual sales).
- BUAD 752/754 – A six-month capstone project with a different set of client companies, requiring a full-scale internal and external analysis. Students identify, select, plan and provide an implementation strategy to senior management.
As a part of the EMBA program, students embark on a 10-day international residency experience. The location changes each year and is influenced by the faculty's connections and students' interest and input. While many students in the program have traveled internationally, this residency remains one of the most memorable and influential parts of every student’s graduate experience.
Learning objectives include:
- Understanding the cultural, economic, political and business environment of the countries visited.
- dentifying important issues associated with the global business environment.
- Achieving a working knowledge of local business practices through direct interaction with local managers and government officials.
- Exploring the value of different economic models as benchmarks for global business practices.
- Developing a greater appreciation of the many differences and similarities among people living in other parts of the world.
Xavier's EMBA program provides students with:
- An in-depth study and analysis of some of the world’s most important emerging markets, including an immersive international business trip.
- The solutions industries are developing when facing disruptive business models (and how to lead disruption in your organization).
- Experience working among and with high-caliber professionals across industries on real-world, client-facing strategy projects.
- The study of 21st-century strategic business models and processes.
- Identification of strategic implications and ability to understand the underlying financial drivers in today’s financial markets.
- A survey of today’s emerging technologies.
Sample Courses
- BLAW 755 - Business Law & Ethics - This course teaches students advanced business law and ethics concepts, equipping them to assess business decisions' legal and ethical implications and resolve conflicts between legal and ethical responsibilities. Additionally, students study how to incorporate legal and regulatory principles into organizational decision-making and strategic planning, integrate the concepts of respect and inclusiveness into decision-making, and identify the ethical path.
- BUAD 752/754/756 - Capstone Consulting Project - In this course, students work on a six-month, mid- to large-size consulting project based upon a problem outlined by a company or nonprofit. It includes an onsite company visit with the C-Level team, financial analysis, industry review, client and company interviews, analysis and recommendation presentation.
- ECON 751 - International Economics - This course introduces the economy’s behavior in today’s globalized economy. Topics include national output and national income, aggregate demand and supply analysis, economic growth theory, unemployment, inflation, monetary and fiscal policies, trade theory and policy tools, and cultural/ethical issues in international business.
- MKTG 750 - Marketing Strategy - During this course, students provide a senior management-level analysis of the major issues in the marketing management function. Class discussions deepen students’ understanding of how companies deliver superior customer value and profitability. Students can develop strategy analysis skills by applying concepts and methods in case analysis of various U.S. and multinational companies.
Tuition and Fees
Invest in yourself and your career by earning your EMBA at Xavier. With a broad range of financial aid resources, your graduate degree isn’t far from reach.
Tuition for the EMBA program includes:
- Breakfast and Lunch on class days.
- All textbooks, calculators and course materials.
- International travel immersion includes ground transportation, hotel accommodations and cultural excursions.
- Career Services – lifetime usage.
- Concierge model of student support to manage student and programmatic needs.
- Access to the Health United Building (HUB) fitness center (free during the 16 months of the program).
- Xavier University Parking Pass.
- Executive Alumni in Residence access.
- EMBA Lounge access on days when not in class.
- Graduation regalia.
- Various social events and outings.
- Discounts on a variety of experiences with Xavier University Student ID.
EMBA vs MBA
Key Differences Between the EMBA and the MBA
While EMBA and MBA programs share many similarities, there are distinguishing features and differences. The primary difference between an EMBA and an MBA is the type of student who enrolls in the program. EMBAs typically attract high-achieving individuals who are currently working in a leadership or managerial capacity at a business or organization. They’re ready to discuss the basics and nuances of business and immediately apply them to their workplaces.
Applicants
EMBA - Generally need five years or more of managerial or corporate leadership experience, but may have less.
MBA - Can apply directly out of undergraduate school.
Course Schedules
EMBA - Courses are typically scheduled during weekends and weeknights to accommodate business leaders who work full-time.
MBA - Full-time program course schedules are generally offered during the daytime. Part-time programs may offer courses during the weekend and on weeknights.
Program Length
EMBA - can take anywhere from 16 months to two years.
MBA - One to four years, depending on whether the program is full time or part time.
Lifestyle
EMBA - EMBA students typically work full time and hold positions in management and corporate leadership.
MBA - MBA students can work full-time or part-time, or they might be full-time students. They may have entry-mid level experience, or none at all.
When we seek something more, we become something greater.
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Request InformationGain Valuable, Hands-on Experience
Our EMBA program culminates in a capstone course that immerses students in the Cincinnati business community, working with a variety of organizations — from its Fortune 500 companies to local workplaces. Through these hands-on learning opportunities, students gain experience to bring back to their workplaces.
Get Involved With Our Centers of Excellence
The Centers of Excellence at the Williams College of Business offer transformative community-building and research-based opportunities to students seeking to increase their engagement with peers and on campus.
Study at a Nationally Ranked Business College
The Williams College of Business, home to Xavier’s MBA programs, has been nationally recognized for its outstanding educational experience and the success of its students and faculty.
Current EMBA Faculty
Bill Cloppert
Financial Accounting
Course(s): ACCT 750
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Anantharam Narayanan
Business Intelligence & Analytics
Course(s): BAIS 755
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Paul Fiorelli
Business Law & Ethics
Course(s): BLAW 755
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Jennifer Powell
Small Business Consulting Project,
Leading Organizations Macro
Course(s): BUAD 751, MGMT 751
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Michael Halloran
Teaching Professor
Capstone Project I, II & III
Course(s): BUAD 752, BUAD 754, BUAD 756, MGMT 751
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Ashley Stadler Blank
Contemporary Topics in Business
Course(s): BUAD 757
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Zachary Russell
Contemporary Topics in Business
Course(s): BUAD 757
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Richie Liu
Marketing Strategy
Course(s): MKTG 750
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Jake Sigler
Managerial Accounting
Course(s): ACCT 751
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Rick Arquilla
Teaching Professor and EMBA Alumni in Residence
Capstone Project I, II & III
Course(s): BUAD 752, BUAD 754, BUAD 756
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Louis Terhar
Teaching Professor
Capstone Project I, II & III
Course(s): BUAD 752, BUAD 754, BUAD 756
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Executive MBA (EMBA) Program at Xavier University
Elevate your expertise, diversify your skill set and forge powerful partnerships by earning your Executive Master of Business Administration at Xavier University.
Xavier University's Williams College of Business is accredited by the AACSB. AACSB-accredited schools offer students a relevant and challenging curriculum, the highest quality faculty and career opportunities that are not found at other business schools.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."