Executive MBA

  • Application process

    To complete the Executive MBA application, you will need the following items:

      • Completed Online Application
      • Unofficial Transcripts
        • From each institution you received at least 12 credit hours
      • Current Resume
      • One Written Essay (one-page)
      • One Recommendation
        • No written recommendation letter is required.
        • We just require that you provide the name and contact information in the application for at least one professional recommendation. Recommendations should come from those who know you professionally, preferably a current or previous manager or a colleague, preferably with a MBA. The recommender will be sent an online form with a few questions to answer.    
      • No Test Score: Because admissions decisions rely heavily on work experience, our students do not need to take a standardized test ( GMAT/GRE).

    For more details on the application, see the EMBA Application Checklist

    If you have any questions please contact Jamie Fuller, the Director of EMBA Admissions at jafuller@smu.edu. 


  • Transcript Requirements and Submission Information

    To Apply

    You will need to submit a transcript from every institution where you received at least 12 credit hours towards the completion of a degree. You can submit an unofficial or official copy of your transcript; however, each transcript needs to show:
    • Institution name
    • Degree awarded·
    • Date degree awarded or conferred·
    • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) or comparable data if a different grading system is used

    Instructions for Submitting Official Documents

  • Admission Criteria

    Candidates for the Executive MBA Program should:

      • Have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited university by the time they start the program*
      • Have a minimum of 8 years of work experience with the majority in mid to upper management
      • Currently occupy mid to senior level management
      • Be committed to completing a graduate level degree over a 21-month period

    Candidates will also have demonstrated:

      • Potential for academic success in the classroom
      • A clear vision toward creating and achieving professional, academic and personal goals
      • Willingness to learn and contribute towards class discussions
      • Desire to network with classmates, alumni, and the SMU community


    * SMU Cox Graduate programs require an undergraduate bachelor’s degree for admissions. However, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to make rare exceptions to this policy for select candidates who have extensive work and/or leadership experience but have not completed a bachelor’s degree. Examples of this may include individuals who have an entrepreneurial background and have successfully built a business, have unique experience in leading large teams or business units, or have a non-traditional background in which they did not need a bachelor’s degree to succeed, such as the US Military.

    SMU Cox Graduate Admissions will thoroughly evaluate these candidates using the same criteria for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree: (1) Will the candidate be successful in our rigorous business program; (2) Will the candidate contribute and add value to their his/her cohort; and (3) Will the candidate be an upstanding member of the Mustang community. Candidates who do not hold a bachelor’s degree may be required to take the Algebra Preparation Course offered by SMU Cox as well as other development programs designated by the Admissions Committee (e.g., MBA Math or GMAC Business Fundamentals) to ensure they are prepared to succeed in the program.

  • Executive MBA FAQ

    I'm interested in the Executive MBA program, what are my next steps?

    To begin your journey exploring the Executive MBA at the SMU Cox School of Business, there are two key steps:

    First, set up an introductory meeting, as we would like to learn more about your professional goals while walking you through the admission process. You can email Jamie Fuller, the Director of Admissions for the EMBA program at jafuller@smu.edu or call us at 214-768-3048 to set up time. Or you can schedule time using the EMBA Admissions Meeting Calendar.

     Second, attend an Admissions Event. One of the best ways to learn more about the EMBA program and gain valuable insight into the Cox culture is to experience the Cox community firsthand through an Admissions event. For upcoming Admissions events, see Graduate Admissions Events

    These two steps are critical to starting off your application journey on the right foot!

    Where and how do I apply? 

    You must complete and submit the online application to be considered for the EMBA program. You can start or complete your application by using the Apply button on the SMU Cox website or by using this link: Apply. For more details on the application, see the EMBA Application Checklist.

    How many years of work experience do I need to qualify?

    Candidates for the Executive MBA Program should have at least 8 years of professional, full-time work experience. To determine if the program is the right fit for you or have your resume reviewed, reach out to the Director of Admissions or someone on the admissions team. 

    Do I need to take the GMAT/GRE or Executive Assessment?

    We do not require a standardized test to apply to the program. The EMBA Admissions committee looks holistically at each candidate’s application, relying heavily on work experience. If you have taken a standardized test, we suggest you speak with the Director of Admissions or someone on the admissions team.

    When are classes and what are class days like?

    EMBA classes are alternate weekends on Friday and Saturday morning and/or afternoon. For more information on the class schedule, see the Class Calendar on the EMBA curriculum page. Class weekends are fun, casual days where EMBA students, faculty and staff come together to learn, interact, network, and dine. Students are welcome on campus any time campus is open. Study rooms can also be reserved.

    Is the global trip required?

    Yes. The trip is part of the Global Business Project, which is a required course. Students initially study Global Business Consulting in the classroom then travel to an international location where students work with organizations located in the area. Most of the costs of the trip are included in the tuition, except for airfare to and from the destination. Our team works with students that have extenuating circumstances regarding international travel.

    I've been out of school for a long time.  Are there ways you help us prepare for the program?

    Yes. We offer several opportunities and methods. We offer prep sessions on subjects offered in the program and some faculty members provide prep work prior to the class. In addition, all SMU Cox students have free access to Linked Learning which provides prep materials on a wide range of topics.

    How much is the program tuition and what does that amount include?

    See the Tuition and Financing section of the website to see the cost of the program. The tuition covers the cost of the Executive MBA and includes access to the Centers and Institutes of Cox, including the Business Library, the Business Leadership Center and the Career Management Center as well as other costs. For more details, contact the Director of Admissions or someone on the EMBA Admissions team. To reserve a space in the cohort, admitted students must pay a $2,000 deposit. The Office of the University Bursar provides tuition payment deadlines. 

    Who can I talk with about Financial Aid & loans?

    For general questions about financing your EMBA, you can contact the EMBA Director of Admissions or someone on the admissions team. For specific questions about financial aid, you can contact the Graduate Financial Aid office at gradfinaid@smu.edu. Once accepted to the SMU Cox School of Business, you will have access to an SMU Cox Graduate financial aid officer to provide options and assist you.

    I am a veteran; what resources are available?

    The point of contact for veteran’s benefits, financial advising (including access to disability counseling), and other student support services for service members, veteran students, and their families is:

    SMU Veteran Services Office
    6185 Airline Road, Suite 100
    Dallas, TX 75205
    214-768-4348
    vabenefits@smu.edu

    How will my degree be reflected on my diploma?

    Your diploma will say Master of Business Administration degree, as the diplomas from Cox MBA programs do not specify format. The MBA programs at Cox are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB international.  

    When can I visit a class?

    The EMBA Admissions office schedules class visits throughout the academic year. To check availability or to schedule a class visit, contact the Director of Admissions or someone on the admissions team.

    I have questions not listed here. Who should I contact?

    For all questions regarding the EMBA program, you can contact

    The Executive MBA Admissions Team

    Jamie Fuller, SMU Cox MBA
    Director of Admissions, EMBA 
    jafuller@smu.edu
    214-768-3048

    Jill Melton
    Assistant Dean, Working Professional MBA Programs
    jmmelton@smu.edu 
    214-768-4648

    For all other questions including those regarding other graduate programs, contact the Cox Graduate Admission office.

    SMU Cox Graduate Admissions Office

    Collins Executive Center 
    3150 Binkley Avenue, Suite 300 
    Dallas, Texas 75275 
    gradadmissions@smu.edu 
    214-768-1214