Aida Kamizi, MS
Assistant Director
MBA & MS Admissions
E-mail: akamizi@umd.edu
Phone: 240-507-7695
The Robert H. Smith School of Business
2417 Van Munching Hall
University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland 20742-1815
View EMBA brochure | Attend an info session
Speak with an admissions representative about our top-ranked Executive MBA program. During this time, we will discuss your background, goals, and timeline for pursuing the program.
How is the Executive MBA different from the Flex or Online program?
The main differences are in the class characteristics, program structure and program duration.
Class characteristics: Each cohort comprises seasoned professionals with broad management experience. The flex and online programs average 6-8 years of experience with little or no management experience.
A profile of a current executive MBA class:
Program structure: Executive MBA courses are carefully crafted to cover business problems and concepts from the perspective of high-level company decision-makers. The program is made up of three unique but interrelated and interdependent components:
Program duration: The executive MBA is completed in 17 months, whereas the Flex and Online MBA programs are completed in 2 years.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. The school offers partial merit-based scholarships designed to help executives attain their career and leadership goals. Executives in all industries are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be judged on merit.
Is this an accredited degree I’ll receive?
Yes. The Smith School of Business is accredited by the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and your diploma will read Masters of Business Administration.
Are the executive MBA professors Smith School faculty?
Yes. The same faculty that teach the full- and part-time MBA students will be teaching the executive MBA course. In addition, influential visiting speakers will participate in special presentations and group discussions.
What kind of access will I have to professors?
All professors will be available online and through scheduled appointments. You will work one-on-one with a Smith faculty member for your action learning project, and each participant will have an executive coach they will work with throughout the entire 17-month program.
How much of the program is done online?
None of the coursework is done online. All teaching happens in the classroom. Groups, however, may choose to work virtually between classes. Virtual team interaction and group collaboration are facilitated through Canvas.
Do I need to have a laptop?
Yes. The laptop should have a wireless network card and Microsoft Office installed.
What is the cost of the EMBA Program?
Executive MBA tuition is $136,806. Tuition includes a $2,000 non-refundable deposit. Tuition is all-inclusive and covers all books and required materials, student and administrative fees, parking, accommodations, and breakfast and lunch on class days. There is no differentiation between in-state and out-of-state tuition.
How can I learn more about the program?
We are hosting information sessions virtually and in College Park, MD. You may also request a consultation to speak about your individual questions and potential candidacy.
When do classes meet?
Classes generally run Fridays and Saturdays, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at approximately 6:30 p.m. Classes are held every other weekend.
Where are the classes held?
Classes are held at Van Munching Hall on the College Park campus.
How many hours a week will I be in class?
You will be actively engaged in academic work for up to 21.5 hours each session (every other week). In addition to classes, you will be spending time in team meetings and other group work.
What about homework?
You should budget approximately 15 hours per week for study, reading, and/or team meetings. Note that this varies based on personal competencies.
What’s the timeframe for each session/semester?
The program is divided into five terms, each lasting between 12 and 14 weeks. The action learning projects take place in terms 2, 3 and 4.
Are there any vacation breaks?
No, this is an accelerated program. There is, however, a short break during the winter holiday season.
Do you have residence sessions? Where are they?
During each weekend block of classes, participants will reside at The Hotel at the University of Maryland. Students check in on Friday night and check out on Saturday morning before class. The program begins and ends with one-week residencies, during which the hotel is provided.
What if I travel a long distance to attend classes? Where can I stay?
All participants will be housed at The Hotel at the University of Maryland. These accommodations are included as part of the tuition and are required as part of the program. Arrangements should be made individually by the student for Thursday arrivals.
Do I have to stay at The Hotel at the University of Maryland? What if I live nearby?
Staying with your classmates is a highly recommended part of the program and most teams will appreciate the chance to work together on site. It is also the perfect opportunity to build personal and professional ties that will last a lifetime. Accommodations are included as part of the tuition.
What are the required qualifications?
Applicants must possess the equivalent of a 4-year undergraduate degree. The UMD Graduate School requires a 3.0 GPA. If you fall below this threshold, please contact an admissions representative to discuss this. Applicants have between eight and twenty years of professional experience and 3+ years of management experience. Each candidate will be reviewed as a unique individual and the sum of his or her experiences will be evaluated during the admissions process.
Do I have to take the GMAT?
The GMAT is not mandatory.
Are there any pre-skill courses I can take to be ready for the program?
We require that you complete prep courses in finance, accounting, and data modeling. You will successfully complete an online exam in each area prior to the start of the program. Information regarding these learning modules is provided to admitted students upon deposit.
Who in my company should I talk to about sponsoring me?
Choosing to take part in an executive MBA program is about your own personal growth, as well as how your participation can help the company grow. Seek support at the highest levels — not just your immediate supervisor — and be ready to point out the extra benefits of the Smith Executive MBA program, specifically the action learning project.
How do I explain the program benefits to my company?
While most executive education programs talk about students being able to immediately apply newfound knowledge to workplace situations, Smith makes such a connection even more immediate and relevant. The action learning project allows participants to tackle a real-time issue facing their company as part of their coursework. The company will have a team of executive MBA students and Smith faculty applying knowledge and manpower to company issues. This is more than just an immediate return on investment from the sponsored employee – the company is essentially receiving full-blown consulting services at a minimal price. In addition, the mastery coursework will have an immediate impact on your managerial and leadership skills.
Is financial aid available?
The Robert H. Smith School of Business does not offer financial aid for the executive MBA. However, most students utilize Stafford and Grad Plus loans administered by the U.S. Department of Education. You can start a Federal Application For Student Aid at any time.
In addition, work with your company to see if they are willing to cover part or all of your tuition.
The Smith School of Business awards scholarships based on scholastic merit, evidence of leadership, and work experience.
What sets apart the Maryland Smith Executive Development program?
We utilize a 360 approach to leadership development.
The executive assessment process is designed to tap a variety of competencies critical for leadership success, including oral communication, interpersonal sensitivity, strategic thinking, judgment/decision making, process leadership, persuasion and influence, dealing with conflict, teamwork, initiative, delegation, coaching and developing, planning and organizing, self-confidence, and stress tolerance.
We assess and provide feedback by:
