Program Overview

Program Overview

The USI EMBA program is designed to prepare a new class of agile, responsible leaders—individuals capable of navigating complexity and creating long-lasting impact without compromising the future. Through its curriculum and community, the program cultivates excellence and empowers leaders to shape tomorrow's opportunities.

Candidate Profile

Our participants are managers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and start-up founders with substantial professional experience across a wide range of sectors—regionally and internationally. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they are united by a common purpose: a commitment to ethical decision-making, sustainable leadership, and lifelong personal and professional growth. The program welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, including:

• Career Professionals: Managers in a large organization, feeling the limits of growth in their current trajectory. Motivated to unlock their full potential, they seek to shift industries, re-energize their career, and gain a broader perspective.
• Technical Experts: Specialists such as doctors, traders, or engineers with deep technical expertise but limited business exposure. They are ready to transition into a more strategic role, such as CTO or CEO.
• Entrepreneurs: Start-up founders seeking the managerial tools to scale up operations and attract investors. Their ambition is to take their company to the next level by consolidating their business, structuring for growth, and expanding into new markets.

Class Profile Averages

The USI EMBA class profile averages typically reflect:

• 10+ years of professional experience across diverse sectors.
• 6+ years in managerial roles.
• Aged between 30 and 55 years.
• Holders of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a wide range of disciplines.

Sectors Representation

Participants represent a diverse mix of professional environments, including:

• 20% who have started their own business.
• 20% working for large companies (multinational or public).
• 20% employed in small and medium enterprises.
• 25% working in banks or financial institutions.
• 12% employed in the public sector.

Admissions Process

The admissions process includes:

1. Manager Consultation

A one-on-one interview with the Master's management team to provide an overview of the program and explore the candidate's motivations.

2. Open Day

Access to the Executive MBA Virtual Open Day video to discover the program.

3. Interview with the Academic Director

A meeting with the Program Director to discuss the strategic fit of the candidate, career goals, and expectations regarding the program.

4. Half-Day Class Experience (BE AN EMBA)

An opportunity to take part in an immersive 4-hour Saturday morning class to experience the program firsthand.

5. Application Package

Submission of an application package, which must include:

• Completed application form
• CV
• Motivation letter
• 2 reference letters
• Copies of university degree(s)

6. Enrollment

Enrollment is confirmed through the submission of the admission letter and the signing of the contract.

Schedule

The 18-month program includes:

• 15 courses: 11 core courses, 3 electives, 1 international study tour (Boston, July), and 14 workshops held on Friday evenings before each module.
• Classes follow a hybrid format: one day of self-study followed by two consecutive on-site days in Lugano (Saturday and Sunday) each month, excluding August.
• Two elective courses are shared—one with the previous cohort and one with the upcoming one—offering a unique in-class networking experience across three generations of participants.
• The program concludes with a two-month final project under faculty supervision, culminating in a thesis defense.

Important Dates

• The program operates on a rolling admissions policy. As class size is limited, candidates are advised to apply as early as possible.
• The course starts on 20 November 2026.
• Early bird discounts are available: 20% off until 31 May 2026 and 10% off until 10 September 2026.