Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the program begin and when should I apply?
- Is this the same degree as the traditional daytime MBA program?
- What factors are considered for admission?
- Why is the GMAT required?
- Will I have difficulty with the curriculum if I do not have a degree in business?
- Can coursework from other universities be transferred into the Texas Executive MBA Program?
- How much time should I expect to spend outside of class time?
- Is a concentration or specialization possible?
- How and when is the elective and/or independent study done?
- What is the cost of the program and when is payment expected?
- Does the cost include lodging for the weekends?
- What does the seminar include?
- Are the seminars mandatory?
- Are all students sponsored by their companies?
- Are scholarships available?
- What materials have to be on file before application is considered?
- Do you require an interview?
- Are laptops required?
- What should the recommendation letter include?
- Do you have to take the GMAT before you apply?
- Is it possible to visit a class while it is in session?
1. When does the program begin and when should I apply?
We admit students only once per year. The program begins with a week-long seminar in August. We start accepting applications in September and we will admit qualified students after their application files have been completed and reviewed and the applicant has had an interview with the director of the program. Early application is encouraged. Our deadline for receiving applications is June 15th.
2. Is this the same degree as the traditional daytime MBA program?
The University of Texas at Austin awards only one MBA degree. All MBA candidates earn the same MBA degree, regardless of the program they are registered in.
3. What factors are considered for admission?
- Years (minimum five) and type of work experience (average is 11 years)
- Undergraduate GPA
- GMAT score - test must be taken within the last five years (range 600-750)
- Motivation, commitment to a rigorous program, ability to succeed in graduate work, and desire to advance in professional career.
4. Why is the GMAT required?
The students come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, so skill levels and grades are difficult to assess. The GMAT is a uniform assessment that allows the admissions committee to predict an applicant’s academic potential in the program. While no one factor will cause a candidate to be summarily rejected, the committee believes – and has measurable results which confirm – that a deficiency in either the quantitative or verbal portion of the GMAT raises serious concerns about a candidate’s ability to succeed in the program. In order tho assist those who need GMAT preparation, we offer a prep course for applicants.
5. Will I have difficulty with the curriculum if I do not have a degree in business?
Generally speaking, the program is designed on the premise that students have no formal business education. A number of our classes assume basic math literacy. If you do not have a strong quantitative background, your GMAT score will provide some evidence as to your ability to succeed in quantitative courses. You may want to take a course to review an area you feel you are weak in before you apply.
6. Can coursework from other universities be transferred into the Texas Executive MBA Program?
We do not accept transfer credits. In our lock-step curriculum, each class starts together and stays together throughout the 22-month program. In addition, students form study groups at the start of the program and generally stay with their groups throughout the program.
7. How much time should I expect to spend outside of class time?
The typical Texas Executive MBA Program student spends a minimum of 20 to 30 hours a week outside of class time in preparation.
8. Is a concentration or specialization possible?
Our program is designed to allow you to build a strong, broad foundation as a strategic thinker and leader. You are required to take six hours of electives or independent study during the 22-month program. You may, of course, take extra courses beyond the two required electives; however, the rigorous nature of the required courses makes this a genuinely challenging prospect.
9. How and when is the elective and/or independent study taken?
The electives are taken from graduate course work offered in the McCombs School of Business. They can be taken during a semester of the program or during the summer. An independent study is also taken either during a semester of the program or in the summer. The independent study is a special study on a topic selected by the student. Many students can also earn elective credit by completing the week long Washington Campus experience (our public policy seminar).
10. What is the cost of the program and when is payment expected?
Total cost is approximately $70,000 for entering Texas resident students in August 2008. There is a supplemental cost for those who can not establish Texas residency. Payment for each semester will be due about a six weeks before each begins. For questions regarding residency, please click on http://www.utexas.edu/student/giac/residency.html.
11. Does the cost include lodging for the weekends?
Lodging for the weekends is left up to the student. Upon admittance into the program, we will provide you with some information on hotels in the Austin area that offer discounts to our students. We have several options available which are within a 10 minute walk from campus.
12. What does the seminar include?
The seminar includes food and lodging for the seminar plus books, case materials, some software, and administrative and program costs for the semester. It does not include airfare to the international seminar.
13. Are the seminars mandatory?
The coursework is integrated into the seminars; therefore, you would not be able to complete the program without attending the seminars.
14. Are all students sponsored by their companies?
Although many of the students receive full or partial support from the organizations which sponsor them, a number of students pay the entire cost of the program from their own funds. Company financial support is not required for admittance into the program.
15. Are scholarships available?
We do not have any scholarships available. Financial aid information can be requested from our office.
16. What materials have to be on file before the application is considered?
- Application
- Application fee
- Transcripts
- GMAT score
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay
- Work history
17. Do you require an interview?
The director will review your application and if he finds it to be competitive, we will call you to schedule an interview. This interview allows the director to explore your qualifications beyond those exhibited in your application.
18. Are laptops required?
All students are required to use Microsoft Windows operating systems on laptop computers. Although there is no minimum computer knowledge required as a condition for admission to the program, students will be expected to quickly acquire fundamental skills for using standard Microsoft Office programs.
19. What should the recommendation letter include?
Some topics that may be addressed in a letter of recommendation include length of time the person has known you, your job responsibilities and performance, management potential, how you will benefit, education background, intellectual capabilities, problem solving ability, strengths, weaknesses, communication skills, motivation, and dedication.
20. Do you have to take the GMAT before you apply?
No, you do not have to take the GMAT before you apply; however, your
application will not be considered complete and will not receive a final decision
by the committee until the GMAT score has been received.
21. Is it possible to visit a class while it is in session?
Please take a look at our curriculum and schedules (Spring 2008 First Year.xls, Spring 2008 Second Year.xls) to determine which class you would like to visit. Once you have decided on the date, please call (512) 475-6434 or 1-888-865-0013 to coordinate your visit.
