Standards Matter
Courtesy of Ft. Worth Business Press 

Within the Metroplex, the supply of Executive MBA programs is plentiful; finding a program is easy – choosing the right program, more difficult. Before you begin the evaluation process, assess your personal goals. An Executive MBA requires a large commitment of both time and money and you want to be sure you choose a program that offers a good return on both. In addition, you’ll want a program that is conscious of the investment you are making, that is challenging and intellectually stimulating. At this point in your career (and life), you shouldn’t tolerate anything less. Do not let trivial factors detract from the importance of this process. This decision is an important one and one that you will continue to live with long after you have earned your degree. Do not lower your personal standards unnecessarily. Devote as much time to this decision as you would any other major purchase or lifestyle choice.

The first thing you should consider is the program’s admission standards. A strong program is a function of the quality of admitted students. Standards matter. A required GMAT ensures that all admitted students are academically prepared. Practicing the skills required to succeed in the GMAT exercises the brain along dimensions that are often unused at work, but critical at school. It helps prepare you to think analytically and rigorously. In addition, it helps determine if you are ready to jump back into the classroom again. If you aren’t willing to study for and take an exam before graduate school begins, you might be underestimating the requirements of a serious MBA program. It is to your benefit to find out early if you are unable to make the necessary commitment. 

The GMAT, and other admission criteria, establishes that all students in the class are academically capable to tackle complex business issues in a graduate school setting. Proceed cautiously if a program is willing to waive admission requirements, and/or doesn’t have academic requirements. Remember that the quality of each student in the class will be a determining factor in the success of, and your satisfaction with, the program. If there are students that do not have professional experience and academic capabilities, the value of the program will be compromised. 

The strength and reputation of the business school is an extremely important component of your decision. First, there are a lot of MBAs out there and you will need to differentiate yourself. Your degree should be from an internationally recognized and ranked university that is accredited. Think longer term here: be sure the university you choose is not simply a regional presence, but a well-known and respected institution on a global basis. Be certain that your program is recognized for its rigorous standards and curriculum. Like it or not, external perceptions of a program are based on maintaining standards. Standards matter.

Next consider the faculty. In an EMBA, it is crucial that faculty have experience teaching at this level as well as some practical business experience. Peruse business school websites to discover areas of knowledge, and take note of the size of the business school faculty – it’s important that the school has enough “bench strength” to support an EMBA. In addition, find out how accessible the faculty will be to EMBA students. Keep in mind that you will be in class on the weekends and at work during normal “office hours”, so a communication plan for off-hours is essential. Often e-mail is the best solution so try to find out how quickly professors normally respond to e-mail.

How well does the business school support its EMBA program? Ask around – ask faculty and staff at the school that are not working in the EMBA to tell you something about it. To be successful, an EMBA must have the full support of the dean and other leaders within the school. EMBA students have unique requirements. The school must have the resources to devote to the program and the dean must be willing to commit these resources. This is important. 

It’s important to remember that you have many options. Above all look for a program that will challenge you. After all, you are returning to school to gain knowledge from both the university and your new peers – be sure they both have something to offer you. 

Denise Bynum
Consultant, Texas MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth
McCombs School of Business
University of Texas at Austin
denisebynum@swbell.net