University of California, Irvine | The Paul Merage School of Business

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

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General Questions About the EMBA Program

1)	Does this program award the same degree as the Full-Time MBA Program and the Fully Employed MBA Program at Merage?

	Yes. All Merage MBA students receive identical MBA degrees, and the same internationally renowned faculty teaches all MBA programs.

2)	How is the EMBA program different than the other MBA programs offered at Merage?

	The EMBA program is a full MBA program geared to working professionals with an average of 15 years of work experience. The program has been geared towards experienced professionals and their busy schedules.

3)	What is the class meeting schedule?

	Classes are held in two-day blocks, Friday and Saturday, on alternating weekends starting at 8:30 am. Co-curricular executive sessions are held following class on Fridays.

4)	How long is the MBA program?

	Classes are held in two-day blocks, Friday and Saturday, on alternating weekends starting at 8:30 am. Co-curricular executive sessions are held following class on Fridays.

5)	How much time do students spend outside the classroom working on projects?

	Merage EMBA students spend an average of 15-20 hours a week outside the classroom on individual assignments and group projects.

6)	How large is the entering class?

	The EMBA entering class will be between 40-50 students.

7)	Does my undergraduate degree need to be in business?

	You are not required to have an undergraduate degree in the business area. The Merage School recruits and admits individuals from a broad range of academic and professional backgrounds.

8)	What is the cost of the Executive MBA Program?

	The total cost for the 2009-2010 EMBA Program is: $89,500 or $12,786 per individual quarter. There are four quarters in the first year of the program, and three in the second year. Tuition includes registration, textbooks and materials, course software, parking, lodging during all three residentials, and meals while on campus.

9)	Is financial aid available?

	Yes. Financial aid is not based on need. A number of financial aid opportunities are available, including government and private loans. See Financial Aid for more information.

10)	Do you recommend I visit the campus?

	Yes. We encourage you to contact us at any time and attend an information session to find out more about the program. Information sessions are regularly held.

11)	Are there any prerequisites for this program?

All prospective students need to have some familiarity with quantitative material. Many students take refresher classes in business math, statistics, calculus and/or finance. It is important to demonstrate competence in analytical skills in your application, either through undergraduate math courses or your GMAT score. We also recommend students have a working knowledge of Excel prior to starting the program.

General Application Questions

1)	What are the minimum requirements for admittance to the EMBA program?

	Students must have a Bachelor’s Degree (a GPA of 3.0 or better is preferred) and a minimum of eight years of work experience. GMAT results may be requested. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results may required if the language of instruction at your undergraduate university was not in English.

2)	How much is the application fee? Can it be waived?

	The application fee is $150. We do not offer application waivers at this time.

3)	What does the Admissions Committee look for in an applicant?

	Work experience is valued very highly, and the committee is looking for progression in your career, accomplishments, and your sphere of influence.

4)	When are the application deadlines?

	See Applying to the EMBA Program for application deadlines.

5)	To where shall I have my transcripts mailed?

	Paper documents should be sent to this mailing address: University of California, Irvine The Paul Merage School of Business Executive MBA Programs Office SB 230 Irvine, CA 92697-3125

6)	How do I apply?

	Please use the online application.

7)	Is the GMAT required?

	The GMAT is an optional component of the application. The GMAT exam is highly recommended for those applicants who are unable to demonstrate, either through past academic performance or work experience, sufficient strength in the areas of quantitative and analytical reasoning. Note that the Admission Committee may request some candidates to submit a GMAT score.

8)	From whom should I get my letters of recommendation?

You should have people who are very familiar with your professional skill set complete the letters of recommendation. Two letters of recommendation are required for every candidate. At least one letter should come from your current employer or supervisor, or from recent employers or supervisors. If you are a CEO or entrepreneur, a letter from a colleague would be appropriate. Letters should contain specific and relevant details about your performance. We recommend that you submit these recommendations online. If you have been referred by an alum of the Merage School of Business, you should include a letter of recommendation from the alum in addition to the two required letters of recommendation.

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