Frequently Asked Questions:
MBA for Executives
General |Admissions | Financial Aid |Career Services | Sponsorship
General
How is the MBA for Executives program different from the full-time MBA program?
The MBA for Executives students earn the same degree as the full-time students: an MBA from the University of Virginia. Same degree, different program. The MBAExec program is designed for practicing managers with 10-15 years of professional work experience. The format is delivered both onsite (about once a month in Charlottesville) and online.
How long is the program?
Classes begin in August of each year when a new cohort arrives and run non-stop for the following 21 months.
Do you offer majors or concentrations?
The Executive MBA program offers an integrated curriculum designed to develop cross-functional, enterprise thinking. We believe this is a defining attribute of strong organizational leaders. Students take 6 electives in the program that offered based on faculty availability and student interest, however these do not constitute a major or concentration.
Who are the MBA for Executives faculty?
The same renowned tenured professors who teach in our full-time MBA and non-degree Executive Education programs teach in the Darden MBA for Executives program. These faculty are thought leaders in their fields. Their expertise, coupled with their experience with a wide variety of executives and industries, bring a real-world dimension to your learning environment.
How much of the program is completed online?
Approximately one-third of the core curriculum is delivered through distance learning, including online class sessions with the faculty*, virtual team meetings, online tutorials, submission of assignments and exams and discussion board forums. (*These online classes are taped so if students are unable to attend live, they are able to view the material covered during the distance session.)
How many students are in the program?
Fifty to 60 practicing managers from diverse industries and functions are invited to join the MBA for Executives program each August.
Is there a required international trip?
Yes. The 3rd leadership residency: Leading in an Emerging Economy is delivered outside the United States. The past two cohorts have traveled to Beijing, China, where we partnered with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.
How are students evaluated?
Students are graded on a number of criteria, depending on the particular course. Darden uses case-based instruction, so an important component of student evaluation is class contribution – both virtual and face-to-face. Other elements of assessing student performance include completion of papers, exams and other written assignments.
What is the program fee for the Class of 2011 and what does it cover?
The program fee for the Class of 2011 is $109,000 and includes: University tuition and required fees, textbooks/case/simulations/course materials, a leased laptop and all licensed software, lodging and meals. The only program-related cost not covered by the Program fee is transportation to and from Charlottesville, as well as your international airfare for the overseas Leadership Residency.
Admissions
What are the requirements for admission?
We review three dimensions of your background when considering an offer of admission:
- Professional – breadth and depth of your professional background. Level of management responsibilities and demonstrated leadership. [NOTE: a minimum of 7 years of professional experience is required to be considered for admission.]
- Intellectual – potential to succeed academically as demonstrated through your undergraduate/graduate academic record, GMAT score, letters of recommendation, and work experience.
- Personal – the unique traits you will bring to the Darden learning community; your ability to work in a diverse group as part of a learning team; leadership potential; your commitment to others; your interpersonal communication skills, etc.
Is an interview required?
Yes. A formal, evaluative admissions interview is a required element of the application process. Admissions interviews can be scheduled upon submission of: your online application, essays, resume, college transcript(s) and at least one letter of recommendation. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the School and sit in on class – or better yet, attend an Open House. This provides you the opportunity to truly understand what we mean by high engagement learning community.
Do applicants need to take the GMAT?
Yes. All executive MBA applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). We encourage you to prepare in advance for this exam (self-study, online tutorials, etc.). This review will not only help you on the test but also offers a good review for the type of math you will see in our program. You can self-report your unofficial GMAT scores on your online application. The Darden code for our executive MBA program is: KC7-OX-30. You can also fax a copy of your unofficial score to us at 434.243.2332. [Note: we will accept a GMAT score up to five years from the date you took it. Exceptions to this policy can be directed to the program office and will be reviewed by the Program Director.]
What is the range of GMAT at Darden? What is the average score?
Our 20-80% range is: 570-710 with an average score of 645. We are particularly interested in the balance between your quantitative and verbal score, along with your previous coursework and professional experience.
Is a bachelor’s degree required?
Students must be able to demonstrate the academic and intellectual ability to be successful. In every cohort, there is at least one individual who has been able to demonstrate this ability without an undergraduate degree. We recommend you contact the Program Director to discuss your case before submitting an application.
Do students need to be employed full-time?
Yes. Our expectation is that students are in managerial-level positions with responsibilities for staffing, budget, operations, projects, etc. The admissions application and the evaluative interview is your opportunity to define your role as a manager. Our curriculum is based on applying classroom knowledge to individual work situations, and is based on the give and take among faculty and every person in the class. We expect students to bring their business context to discussion inside and outside the classroom.
What are the deadlines for applying?
We exercise a ‘rolling’ (or ongoing) admissions process which means that as applications are completed, they are acted upon. You are wise to submit an application earlier, rather than later in the admissions cycle. The MBA for Executives Admissions Committee meets regularly to review completed applications. Typically, you can expect an admissions decision within 4-6 weeks from the time of completing (including your interview).
The final deadline to apply to the Class of 2011 has now passed. The application for admission to the Class of 2012, as well as all associated deadlines, will be available online in October of 2009.
Financial Aid
What types of financial aid are available to MBA for Executives students?
Financial aid is available to students in the MBA for Executives Program in the form of federal and private loan programs. These loans are not ‘need-based’; therefore students with an acceptable credit rating will be eligible. For details on the 3 types of finanical aid available, please see the Fees and Financial Aid page.
Career Services
What career services are available to the MBA for Executives students?
MBA for Executives have access to relevant and compelling career information and education. Students learn how to effectively manage their career through a combination of online career modules, face-to-face workshops, and one-on-one coaching. See a full description of Career Services.
Can I interview with companies that come to recruit the full-time students?
Yes. In the second year of the MBAE program, students may attend career fairs and networking events in Charlottesville and several major US cities. In addition, students may submit resumes for invitations to interview on-Grounds for full-time, entry-level MBA positions. To learn more about on-Grounds recruiting opportunities, view Darden’s Employment Report.
When are career services available?
While Darden recommends that students spend the first six months of the program focused only on coursework, some career services are available as early as orientation
Sponsorship
What kind of support do students need from their employer?
For some companies, sponsorship means providing students with complete tuition assistance and days off to attend classes. For others it is an endorsement of the student’s future value to the organization. Ideally, sponsoring an employee in the Darden MBA for Executives program is part of his or her career development plan.
At a minimum, sponsorship means that an employer endorses the student as a valuable member of their management team who is expected to make even greater contributions in the future, along with a statement that the company recognizes the student must be away from the office to attend classes.
Are employers required to provide financial support for students to attend the program?
No. While we encourage employers to make a financial contribution, allowing students to participate is the only investment on their part that we require. Can sponsors talk with someone during the admission process? We encourage employers to contact our Director, Barbara Millar, at 434.924.4822, or via email at MillarB@Darden.virginia.edu. For more information, please visit our web page For Sponsors.