Executive MBA Application Requirements

We encourage you to apply early, as our program is competitive and there are a limited number of seats available. Application decisions are made within four to six weeks from the date of completion and are communicated via email and/or U.S. Mail.

The EMBA application has two main components: an application with supporting details; and an admissions interview, which you may request at any point in the process after you have initiated your application.

Criteria

The people in your class are an important part of your education. The diverse experiences of EMBA students contribute to a rich, stimulating, and dynamic classroom environment. We look for candidates with deep professional backgrounds, substantial responsibility, and demonstrated academic ability.

We seek students whose notion of leadership includes a willingness to be part of something larger than themselves, who are receptive to new ways of thinking, and who bring varied experiences to bear on how they tackle a challenge.

While Michigan Ross does not have a minimum work experience requirement, EMBA students typically have 10 or more years of progressive, full-time work experience, including five or more years in a supervisory/managerial role.

Courses in management are not required for admission, although you are expected to have a satisfactory background in communication skills, computer applications (including word processing and spreadsheets), and mathematics.

Admissions criteria are identical for the Ann Arbor and Los Angeles locations. We encourage you to submit a resume to an admissions officer for pre-assessment prior to completing an application.

Requirements

Candidates are evaluated on the basis of their professional and academic achievements as well as their potential to contribute to the Michigan Ross EMBA Program.

We require the following components:

Online application form

Candidates can access the EMBA application online and continue to make changes until the application is submitted.

Resume – Your resume should provide a comprehensive list of all your professional and educational experiences to date. Work experience should include employer names, titles, and dates, starting with your most recent position. Education should include institutions, dates, and degrees earned.

One recommendation – Your chosen recommender should have firsthand knowledge of your professional skills, abilities, and performance. We strongly suggest that your recommendation come from a direct supervisor, if possible. See below for details.

Two required essays (and a third optional essay). See below for details.

Four-year U.S. bachelor's degree or equivalent – You will need to provide transcripts from each college and/or university from which you have earned a degree, including transfer credits applied toward a degree. You should also submit transcripts that show other relevant coursework even if not applied toward a degree. Our admissions committee can make a decision based upon your submission of an electronic transcript; however, please note that you will be required to submit unopened, official hard copy transcripts to the following address prior to your enrollment:

Executive MBA Program
Stephen M. Ross School of Business
University of Michigan
700 East University, Kresge Hall K1521
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234

Our admissions committee reserves the right to review each applicant's academic records to determine whether the credentials presented from a non-U.S. institution qualify for consideration.

Statement of Corporate Support – The Statement of Corporate Support signifies that your employer recognizes the time commitment of the program and will release you to attend the monthly residencies as well as any extended residencies. The form must be signed by your supervisor or human resources representative and received by the EMBA Admissions Office prior to the first day of class. Self-employed applicants may request a waiver of this requirement.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Pearson Test of English (PTE) – Candidates are required to have a high level of proficiency in the English language. Language skills are assessed throughout the application process and are considered in an applicant's overall evaluation. Based on the evaluation, certain candidates may be asked to demonstrate fluency by taking the TOEFL or PTE exam.

GMAT – The GMAT is not a requirement for admission. Candidates whose backgrounds do not demonstrate proficiency in basic quantitative and analytic skills may be required to take a quantitative skills assessment test prior to admission. Please contact us for more information.

INTERVIEW

Admissions interviews may be conducted prior to submission of a completed application. You may request an interview by sending a copy of your resume to the EMBA Admissions Office at rossemba@umich.edu.

Once we receive your request, an admissions staff member will contact you to schedule your interview. Interviews are typically conducted by one or two members of the admissions committee.

Letters of Recommendation

Once you have identified your recommender on the application, we will reach out to him/her via email with a link to the online recommendation form including the following questions:

Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant's role in your organization. (50 words)
How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (e.g. What are the applicant's principal strengths? (500 words)
Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant''s response. (500 words).

Essay Questions

What is your proudest professional achievement? (up to 400 words)
What are your career goals and how will a Ross MBA help you achieve these? (up to 400 words)

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Executive MBA Application Requirements

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