Admissions: FAQ
Your Questions. Our Answers.
- What are the advantages of an executive vs. traditional MBA program?
- Who is the typical Oregon Executive MBA student?
- My undergraduate degree was not in business. Do I need to take prerequisite courses before starting the program?
- Does Oregon Executive MBA provide career development counseling?
- What materials must I submit with my application?
- What are the requirements for international students?
- Where are classes held?
- How long does it take to receive a degree from Oregon Executive MBA?
- What is sponsorship?
- How much does the program cost?
- What does the tuition include?
- What are my payment options?
- Are student loans available?
- How much time will I need to commit to the program? How does a full-time working professional manage it?
- Can I manage my business and personal commitments along with Oregon Executive MBA?
- How has Oregon Executive MBA adapted to student needs?
- Is the program a series of executive seminars, or are there tests and grades as with traditional academic programs?
- When is the next information session?
- I still have questions. How do I contact you?
- How can I add my name to the Oregon Executive MBA mailing list?
- What are the advantages of an executive vs. traditional MBA program?
The Oregon Executive MBA program affords a considerable advantage over more traditional MBA delivery models. Executive MBA programs are designed specifically for working professionals and emerging business leaders. The Executive MBA model provides the same foundation and rigor as any MBA degree, with important additional differentiators beneficial to seasoned professionals:
- Students learn in the company of other talented, experienced business leaders who are ready to fully engage in discussion on a wide range of business topics. An important admissions requirement is a minimum of three years' management experience and five years of career work experience. In our cohort model, the same group of seasoned professionals stays together throughout all courses in the program. A talented faculty—possessing demonstrated success in educating professionals—carefully designs course content for the cohort, and provides a work-related curriculum which can be applied immediately.
- Executive student services strongly support all participants. Books, materials, meals, parking, and networking events are provided and included in tuition. Furthermore, the accelerated delivery format of alternating Fridays and Saturdays works well for busy professionals, including those who travel frequently.
- Executive programs feature expert faculty and students. At Oregon Executive MBA, we draw from an elite group of select and highly-qualified instructors and students, all of whom choose to be specifically in this classroom. This distinction demonstrates ambition toward earning a graduate-level degree while simultaneously working full time.
- Executive MBA graduates demonstrate a degree of distinction on their resumes—locally, regionally and nationally. The unsurpassed network of Oregon Executive MBA alumni comprises C-level and senior-level professionals.
- Who is the typical Oregon Executive MBA student?
While there is great diversity in every class, Oregon Executive MBA students share a common drive and motivation to build upon their professional success through a commitment to graduate business education. As students share knowledge with class members, they refine their individual abilities to analyze complex business situations and deepen their understanding of all business functions.
Each class comprises high potential motivated leaders with an average of 14 years work experience—eight years average management experience—at the average age of 38. A wide range of backgrounds, industries, professional experience, and perspectives is represented in every class cohort, which results in an outstanding peer-learning environment.
- My undergraduate degree was not in business. Do I need to take prerequisite courses before starting the program?
No. Every student enters the program with highly developed expertise in at least one area. Learning Teams of four to six students comprise individuals with experience in managing & marketing, finance, accounting, engineering, operations, and human resources. At some point, each student will serve as a learning resource to other members of their team, as well as to the active cohort. This resource, in conjunction with readily-available faculty assistance, ensures that each student will successfully progress with the rest of the class.
- Does Oregon Executive MBA provide career development counseling?
Professional career counseling is available by referral. See our Career Development page for details.
- What materials must I submit with my application?
In brief, we require that you submit:
- A completed application form
- Essay question responses
- A résumé
- $75 application fee
- Two copies of transcripts from each institution of higher education that you've attended
- Endorsement of sponsorship from your current employer
- An applicant recommendation form completed by your immediate superior
- An applicant recommendation form completed by another member of your organization
- Results of a GMAT (or in some cases GRE) test. For a more detailed explanation of these requirements along with the application packet itself, please visit our application page.
- What are the requirements for international students?
Applicants who are not United States citizens are considered for admission to the university as international students. English proficiency and insurance are the two additional requirements. For more complete information, review the Application Requirements for International Students information page.
To meet the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) portion of the requirements for admission to the Oregon Executive MBA program, you must attain a minimum score of 500 on the paper-based exam, and 173 on the computer-based exam.
Individuals who participate in TOEFL testing or request results of a previous test are asked to use the code number KSQ-5N-94, which will route the results properly to Oregon Executive MBA. Visit the TOEFL website for more information.
Note: You may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. Please contact the Program Office for more information.
- Where are classes held?
Classes are held in a state-of-the art facility at the 200 Market Building, in downtown Portland, Oregon. The 200 Market building is certified LEED Platinum for Existing Buildings. The main classroom is a tiered executive environment with full multimedia capability, broadband, and wireless connectivity. The facility also provides team meeting spaces, a student lounge, and a dining area.
Each academic year starts with a three-day residency session at the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Oregon. Lodging is provided.
Each year an international study trip will be scheduled, one of which is required as a part of the curriculum. (Airfare for the study trips is not included in tuition.)
- How long does it take to receive a degree from Oregon Executive MBA?
The Oregon Executive MBA program consists of two nine-month academic years, or 18 months total. Students work full time during the program, so there is minimal interruption to their professional work. The payback is immediate; much of the classwork relates to real-life problems and opportunities, allowing students to increase their contributions to their organizations while the program is underway. After each class, students come away with at least one new tool in their repertoire for their next week’s work.
- What is sponsorship?
Most importantly, sponsorship is release time from work for the 16 alternating Fridays per academic year. Also, many students are financially supported, at some level, by their organizations.
- How much does the program cost?
Tuition is $67,500 for the entire two-year program, with the exception of airfare for the international trip. Oregon Executive MBA is a self-supporting program; therefore State tax dollars do not support it even though the degree is granted from the University of Oregon.
- What does the tuition include?
Everything you’ll need to complete your degree is included with the tuition. Unlike other MBA programs, tuition covers nearly all costs of the program: tuition, fees, all textbooks and materials, lodging, parking, and meals at the first and second year residencies, computer software for selected courses, class-day meals, social events, graduation cap and gown, and other related costs. Tuition excludes only the cost of airfare to the international study trip(s).
- What are my payment options?
An individual is responsible for the entire year’s tuition once classes begin. However, tuition payments may be made on a per-term basis. One convenient option allows students to pay after the term, if the company tuition assistance plan reimburses after grades are posted. Please see the payment/invoice schedule.
- Are student loans available?
Yes. If your company doesn’t have a tuition assistance plan, federally-guaranteed student loans can provide up to 100 percent of your tuition costs. Application for loans may begin when a student is fully admitted. One good place to start is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website. You can also contact the University of Oregon's Financial Aid Office at: 1.800.760.6953.
- How much time will I need to commit to the program? How does a full-time working professional manage it?
For each of the 32 weeks of the year in which classes are held, an average student typically spends eight hours in class and an additional 15–20 hours in outside preparation, which includes a weekly Learning Team meeting. Some students report spending less time per week, though this varies with individual academic skills and experience level. You may wish to review the calendar for an example of the number of class sessions per month.
- Can I manage my business and personal commitments along with Oregon Executive MBA?
The Oregon Executive MBA is specifically designed for professional, working, adult students. Although many students have committed to substantial business travel while in the program, they find that this does not impair their ability to successfully engage in the program. Students who can adjust their weekly schedule and who have solid academic capabilities find that this program works very well for them.
During the program, students find they must reduce some community and social activities to maintain a strong family-work-school balance. Work commitments usually continue at prior levels, although some individuals find ways to eliminate or delegate tasks so their workweek averages 50 or fewer hours per week. Existing support from family and work is critical to any student’s success.
- How has Oregon Executive MBA adapted to student needs?
The program continues to evolve, based on feedback from students, sponsoring companies, alumni and faculty. Recent changes include an emphasis in global content, and access to career-management sources.
- Is the program a series of executive seminars, or are there tests and grades as with traditional academic programs?
As an AACSB (Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business) accredited MBA program, we require graded evaluation of student learning. This includes grading of papers, exams, work-related projects, presentations, team projects and class participation.
- When is the next information session?
Information sessions are scheduled about twice per month throughout the year. Attending one is the best way to learn more about the program before applying. Please call 503-276-3622 to confirm your participation. It is also strongly recommended that you plan to visit or sit in on a class.
- I still have questions. How do I contact you?
Call Anne Scott, Director of Student Services, at 503.276.3622, or attend an Information Session. See current dates under Information Sessions on our website.
- How can I add my name to the Oregon Executive MBA mailing list?
Let us know how to reach you. By listing yourself on our mailing list, you'll be apprised of information sessions in your area, as well as application timelines and developments of interest.
