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?
- Which universities participate in the Oregon Executive MBA program?
- Which institution grants my MBA degree?
- My undergraduate degree was not in business. Do I need to take prerequisite courses before starting the program?
- 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?
Executive MBA programs are designed specifically for executives and emerging business leaders. The Executive MBA model provides the same foundation and rigor as any MBA degree, with several important additional benefits:
- Students are in the company of other talented, experienced business leaders who are ready to fully engage in discussion on wide-ranging business topics. An important admissions requirement is a minimum three of years of management experience and five years of career work experience. Using the cohort model, the same group of seasoned professionals stay together throughout all courses in the program. Talented faculty with success in educating professionals carefully design course content for the cohort, and provide work-related curriculum for immediate application.
- Executive student services strongly support all participants. Books, materials and meals 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. At Oregon Executive MBA, we select an elite group of faculty from our three partner universities, which means the quality of faculty greatly exceeds what could be experienced at any one institution.
- Executive MBA graduates have a degree of distinction on their resumes. There are now more than 200 executive MBA programs worldwide. These programs offer business leaders a fast track to improved on-the-job performance and the rewards that come with success.
Oregon Executive MBA program offers considerable advantages over more traditional programs.
- 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 on 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 is comprised of high potential motivated leaders with an average of 14 years work experience and eight years average management experience. A wide range of backgrounds, industries, professional experience and perspectives is represented in every class group. Oregon Executive MBA is well known for this diversity, which results in an outstanding peer-learning environment.
- Which universities participate in the Oregon Executive MBA program?
It is a University of Oregon degree in partnership with Oregon State University and Portland State University. Faculty and resources from all three institutions support this program.
- Which institution grants my MBA degree?
The University of Oregon grants the MBA degree.
- 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 are comprised of individuals with experience in marketing, finance, accounting, engineering and human resources. At some point, each student will serve as a learning resource to other members of their team. This resource, in conjunction with readily-available faculty assistance, ensures that each student will successfully progress with the rest of the class.
- What materials must I submit with my application?
In brief, we require that you submit:
- A completed application form
- 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 at a state-of-the art facility at the 200 Market Building, in downtown Portland, Oregon. The 200 Market building is LEED certified Gold. The main classroom is a tiered executive classroom with full multi-media capability, broadband and wireless connectivity. Students also are provided with team meeting spaces, a student lounge and a dining facility.
In addition, students attend a three-day residency session at the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Oregon, which provides an introduction to business school and the beginning of the 18-month program. A second-year residency session also is included. Lodging is provided. During the optional Global Study Tour, students will travel to China. (The study trip 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. Participants work full time during the program, so there is no interruption to careers. This compares to four-plus years typically required by traditional night-school programs, or two years for someone who does not work and attends school full time. The payback is immediate. Much of the classwork relates to real-life problems and opportunities, allowing students to increase their contributions to their organizations immediately after entering the program.
- What is sponsorship?
Most importantly, sponsorship is release time from work on the 16 Fridays per academic year. In addition, many students are financially supported by their organizations.
- How much does the program cost?
Tuition is $47,000 for the two academic years of the program, near the national average for executive MBA programs. Although the program’s three partner universities are state schools, state tax dollars do not support the program.
- What does the tuition include?
Virtually everything you'll need to complete your degree. Unlike other MBA programs, tuition covers all costs of the program: tuition, fees, all textbooks and materials, lodging 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 costs.
- 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. 2008-2009 Tuition Options (75KB PDF)
- 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?
Of the 32 weeks of the year in which classes are held, an average student typically spends eight hours in class and another 15-20 hours in outside preparation, which includes a weekly Learning Team meeting. Some students report spending less time per week. However, this varies with individual academic skills and experience level. Students who travel frequently find that this delivery format works well for them. 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 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 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.
- 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 adding the Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation Workshop and offering an optional study trip to China.
- Is the program a series of executive seminars, or are there tests and grades as with traditional academic programs?
As an 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 twice a month throughout the year. They are a good way to learn more about the program before applying. Please call 503.276.3622 to confirm your participation.
- I still have questions. How do I contact you?
Call Julianna Sowash, Executive Director, at 503.276.3622, or attend an Information Session. See current dates under Information Sessions.
- 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.
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
^ Top
