Executive MBA Admissions

Flexibility: Critical to the Best Executive MBA Programs

A strength of the Executive MBA program at SMU Cox is its flexibility to its students. To keep our cohorts top-tier, enrolling students who are going to elevate the cohort as a whole, we understand that we're accepting students who need that flexibility.

Our students need to be able to still tuck their kids into bed at night, knowing they'll get to their homework afterwards.We know that we need to offer that flexibility to have such incredible graduating classes and subsequent alums.

And as such, each class is made up of a select group of motivated high-achievers who've grown personally and professionally, who share strong interpersonal and communication skills and can sustain a rigorous academic program.

Ready to get started?

Contact us or meet with us at an upcoming admissions event.

Want to hear about the Executive MBA experience from a current student? We know how valuable it can be to understand the experience from someone who is currently living it. Talk with a current student here.

Executive MBA vs. Professional MBA: Choose the Right One for You

The best way to determine if an Executive MBA is right for you at this point in your career is to email mbainfo@smu.edu. We will schedule a short phone call to talk about your background and goals, answer your questions and help you determine your next steps. Differing backgrounds and goals can determine if you're a better fit for an EMBA or a Professional MBA.

Click here to see EMBA Application Process and Criteria Information

EMBA Admissions

We review applications throughout the year in the order that they are submitted. Rolling admission means the committee will provide you with a decision in about two weeks from the time your online application is submitted. Students are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as they are ready to be in the best position for both admission and scholarships.

All applicants will be evaluated for merit-based scholarships.

The Typical EMBA Candidate

The typical EMBA candidate is a self-starter, an executive looking to level up in their career, and one who is willing to commit to this 5-semester program. Ideally, the candidate is already in a leadership role or very close and has over 8 years of professional, full-time work experience. We love a diverse cohort, so all walks of life are welcome! We've had entrepreneurs, corporate warriors, and back-to-school folks all attend our EMBA program.

Commuter Residency

If you live outside the DFW area, and plan to pursue your Executive MBA at the Cox School, you may qualify for a commuter residency. The Commuter Residency would include local hotel accommodations on class weekends. It's our way of making a world-class MBA experience more accessible to busy professionals who are driving or flying into Dallas to complete their studies. Interested in learning more? Email mbainfo@smu.edu or click on the link below to view SMU Cox Executive MBA Commuter Residency details. 

Executive MBA Commuter Residency

Tuition and Scholarships

A graduate management education is one of the most important investments you'll ever make, and it may produce one of your biggest ROIs — not just a boost to your career and earning potential, but personal gains, too. We have a dedicated financial aid counselor to provide you with advice and help you navigate your options one on one.

To offset the costs, you may be eligible for a Cox Executive MBA scholarship. The Executive MBA Program awards scholarships on a rolling, funds-available basis.

View Financial Aid and Tuition Information

Military Benefits
SMU proudly honors the service and sacrifice of our Military. Named among the top MBA Schools for Veterans, SMU Cox offers tuition benefits available exclusively to Military members and their families:

The Yellow Ribbon Program

Executive MBA applicants who are 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill eligible automatically qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. At SMU Cox, this means that over 80% of tuition costs as an Executive MBA Student are covered. 

Niemi Center Fellowship Program

Under the auspices of the Niemi Center, paid fellowships offer select members of the military the opportunity to participate in impactful and world-changing research. Fellowships typically begin following the completion of the first semester of study. The Niemi Center collaborates with the George W. Bush Presidential Center for fellowship opportunities, some of which are with the Bush Institute Military Service Initiative.

Additional Resources for Military Candidates can be found here.