Program Overview

Master of Business Administration, Executive

The Executive MBA (EMBA) is a rigorous 21-month program tailored for executives, senior managers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and technical experts across Southern California. Participants, who average 18 years of work experience with a minimum of eight years, possess demonstrated leadership abilities and a proven track record of success. Starting each fall, students attend classes for six quarters. The cohort format fosters active participation and close interaction among peers. The program features an applications-oriented curriculum with an international and digital focus, equipping seasoned professionals with contemporary management tools to lead organizations in a dynamic business environment. The 66-unit program combines 10 common core courses (42 units) and 24 units of elective courses in an accelerated timetable.

Program Structure

• The program consists of 10 common core courses (42 units) and 24 units of elective courses.
• The core courses include:
  • MGMT EP 200: Thinking Strategically in the Digital Age for Executives
  • MGMT EP 201A: Business Analytics: Decision-Making for Executives
  • MGMT EP 202: Organizational Leadership for Executives
  • MGMT EP 203A: Financial Reporting Policies for Executives
  • MGMT EP 204A: Microeconomics for Executives in the Digital Age
  • MGMT EP 205: Marketing Leadership
  • MGMT EP 207: Competing with Digital: Technology, Analytics, Business Models
  • MGMT EP 208: Operational Excellence: Processes, Strategy, and Analytics
  • MGMT EP 209A: Managerial Finance for Executives
  • MGMT EP 210: Strategy for Executives: Foundations and Dynamics
• Students must also select 24 units of electives.

Admission Criteria

The admission process for the Executive MBA program involves a thorough evaluation of all submitted materials, including academic transcripts, work experience, essays, and letters of recommendation. While there are no specific prerequisites, the Admissions Committee emphasizes evidence of quantitative proficiency and strong verbal skills. Applicants from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, including liberal arts, sciences, computer science, and engineering, are encouraged to apply, with preferred undergraduate degrees in fields such as mathematics, computer science, economics, statistics, engineering, or physics.

• A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution is necessary, with a preferred GPA of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher.
• Additional qualifications such as graduate degrees, licenses, or certificates are also considered.
• Applicants must submit responses to three mandatory essay questions and an optional fourth, alongside a resume and any other relevant materials.
• Applicants should have a minimum of five years of increasingly successful work experience and be currently employed, preferably in a senior position.
• Any candidate with less than eight years of experience must show significant experience at a senior or entrepreneurial level.
• Two confidential letters of recommendation and a personal interview with the Program Director are mandatory.
• The Admissions Committee evaluates candidates based on their potential for graduate work in management, general management capabilities, contribution to the educational process, commitment to the program, and professional communication skills.
• For applicants with foreign undergraduate degrees, a minimum TOEFL score of 600, or 250 for the computer-based test, is recommended.

Global Residential Course

In addition to the two, four-day residentials, students participate in an in-depth academic, week-long global residential course abroad. This provides a unique opportunity to experience global business firsthand from a corporate, academic, and cultural standpoint.