Executive MBAFAQs
Xavier's executive MBA program (XMBA) provides the opportunity for an experienced business manager or professional to obtain a Masters degree in Business Administration on a schedule that minimizes disruption of career pursuits. By taking classes one day per week (alternating between Fridays and Saturdays), Executive MBA students complete their degree in nineteen months, and gain a wide range of new skills and sharpen their analytical abilities by combining coursework with day-to-day business experiences. Top What's different about an executive MBA program besides the schedule?A limited number of students. A small class size along with the structure of the Executive MBA facilitates close interaction with both the faculty and other students. This unique group interaction, maintained throughout the nineteen months, provides invaluable personal growth through shared resources and mutual support. Another advantage is there your fellow participants will have business experience that enables them to enrich the environment with practical examples. The executive MBA program combines textbook with real-world experience, producing a challenging, stimulating environment that provides the maximum return for the time and money invested in it. Top Are the courses the same as in traditional MBA programs?The topics covered in an executive MBA program will be those taught in traditional MBA studies organizational theory, accounting, economics, finance, legal environment, statistics, marketing, etc. But the courses take advantage of the fact that XMBA students already know a lot about business. This enables XMBA courses to be specifically structured to teach the most in the least time. Course content is more condensed so that the experienced business people in the program can spend more time on applications. The executive MBA program also focuses extensively on international issues, as global business is of ever increasing importance to today's executives. Included in this program is a Today study tour to Asia, Europe or Latin America. Top Who is eligible for admission?A very diverse group of people enter and complete the XMBA program. What they share is a sincere desire to succeed in business by obtaining an MBA, and a willingness to work hard towards achieving that goal. Most students enter the XMBA program after eight or more years of business experience, and hold managerial or executive posts. Others enter after successful careers in professions such as medicine or law. An undergraduate degree is generally required, though it need not be a degree in business. Coursework in mathematics will be an asset. There are no formal prerequisite classes required to be completed by executive MBA students. While these are the qualifications and background of most XMBA students, every year students are admitted lacking some of these things. Perhaps through their career accomplishments, or in a personal interview, they demonstrate an unusual ability or desire that shows they will be successful in the executive MBA program and a valuable fellow participant in the class. Important for all those participating is strong support and endorsement from the student's employer. Regular attendance is crucial to a program of this nature. Most XMBA students have the program's cost at least partially paid by their organization. Prospective students are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), a standardized test of communications, mathematical, and analytical skills. The GMAT does not measure business knowledge, or specific skills such as accounting or economics. It is designed to provide information on whether your fundamental verbal and mathematical abilities will enable you to successfully complete the program. The GMAT should be taken no later than the June before the program commences. Evaluation of student applicants is based on four criteria: undergraduate college performance, business experience and management experience, GMAT scores, and support and endorsement by the applicant's current employer. Prospective students having applicant portfolios which are strongest overall in these categories will be accepted for admission. Top What will the cost be, and who pays it?The high quality of faculty, facilities, and supporting staff needed to maintain a successful XMBA program mean that the program cannot be inexpensive, yet the cost remains modest in comparison to the benefits it yields. Description of fees: Unlike many other expenditures, money spent on an MBA is really an investment--an investment in learning, and an investment in a person's career and future. Students find that the cost of their education is usually repaid rapidly by advances in their career once they have an MBA. It is important to remember that the fee for the executive MBA program is comprehensive. All tuition, books, meals, cost of the international trip and miscellaneous fees are included in the cost. Also the XMBA program is completed without career interruption - there is no opportunity cost to the student. In almost all cases, students are sponsored wholly or in part by their companies, which understand the competitive advantage they gain from having a person whose management skills have been brought to the highest possible level. This sponsorship is not only reflected by time granted to take classes but by financial support in terms of direct payments or tuition reimbursement. Top What are the benefits of the program to the student and the sponsoring firm or organization?There are many benefits, both obvious and subtle. The most obvious and tangible benefit is the ability to rapidly bring to the individual's organization state-of-the-art techniques and views covering a wide range of business topics; for example, a new database system or a new marketing strategy on Saturday, and then applying it to the real-world on Monday. In addition, the interaction with other mangers as well as faculty will create a breadth of knowledge and instill the confidence required to lead an organization in today's competitive environment. Graduates of the executive MBA program provide sponsoring firms with in-house talent prepared to assume top-level executive positions within the organization. Finally the executive MBA experience is fulfilling to students. We are not just thinking of the strong friendships that are formed, but also the opportunity for significant personal growth. Top Do I receive a different MBA degree?No. You receive a fully accredited Xavier MBA. The MBA is the recognized standard in management education and the key to success in the business world. Top What kind of commitment is involved?Success in business demands a substantial and regular commitment of time. It will be no different with the XMBA program. In addition to eight hours of class time you may average 20 hours per week on studying and preparing assignments and projects. Added to the already heavy demands of a business career, the time involved in pursuing an MBA is considerable and will require a high level of motivation and discipline. For this reason, we believe the decision to participate should be a family one. For the next 19 months, leisure and family time will be at a premium. Time management and planning will be of utmost importance. The burden will be eased by the support of your fellow students and by the assistance of the XMBA support staff who will do everything they can to facilitate your studies. Top |
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