Challenging, immediately relevant curriculum
The 21-month Executive MBA Program is a demanding integrative general-management curriculum which emphasizes leadership development and strategic thinking as well as the application of decision-making tools. Based on UW Graduate School enrollment policy, the EMBA Program is considered a full-time enrollment program (at least 10 credits per term). A total of 70 credits earned toward a Master of Business Administration degree.

Integrated Curriculum
Current business trends, including technology and globalization, are integrated throughout the entire curriculum and within individual courses.

• First year courses: Focus on accounting, economics, finance, statistics, team building, and leadership
• Second year courses:  Explore the connections between operations and strategy, including discussions about marketing, integrative management and entrepreneurship.

The course sequence is designed as a cohort-based, lock-step model. That is, EMBA classes are completed in a predetermined progression and as a group. There are no electives within the EMBA Program. Grades are based on both individual achievement and study group based assignments.

Residence Sessions
EMBA students kick-off the academic year each fall at a week-long, off-site academic intensive session. Consider it academic "boot camp" consisting of five days of class sessions. 

Conducted at Northwest resorts, the week-long learning sessions:

• Provide an opportunity to become immersed in academic classes
• Feature high profile guest speakers, classes with Foster School professors, and  team building activities
• Allow classmates to become better acquainted

The costs for Residence Sessions are included in program fees (except for travel expenses).

Diverse teaching approaches
EMBA students experience a variety of teaching styles that create a challenging and dynamic learning environment. With opportunities for both individual learning and group involvement, students come away with a rich and valuable experience: 

• Classes combine thought-provoking lectures with lively discussions
• One-on-one interaction with world class faculty
• Supportive, motivating study groups
• Case studies link theory with real-time challenges and current business practices
• Students use their own organizations as laboratories and bring the results to class for further discussion and analysis, a valuable return on investment for sponsoring companies.

Business Plan Competition: The Capstone
The EMBA Business Plan Competition, fashioned after the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship competition, is the capstone experience for second-year EMBA students. The competition is designed to promote student ideas and venture creation by providing a forum in which students can present new business concepts to local venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and investors. Within their Study Teams, EMBA students create an original business plan and compete in a one-day competition just prior to graduation.

In preparation for the competition, guest speakers including venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and program alumni meet with students to guide them through effective competition planning strategies. Topics include executive summary development, management team skill, market opportunity, competitive strategy, go to market strategy, traction, and the financials. Past winning plans have gone on to launch new small businesses.

Focus on Leadership
Gain the confidence and skills to successfully develop and manage the responsibilities of leadership. The Program's collaborative format, which requires you to create and deliver group presentations, also strengthens leadership skills.

• Understand what motivates employees
• Learn how to sell an initiative to the board of directors and management teams
• Achieve results without damaging relationships
• Create a framework for making ethical decisions in fiercely competitive environments
• Add new win-win techniques to your negotiation toolkit

Personalized Leadership Assessments
Assess your leadership strength, address limitations and focus on your goals with the Program’s comprehensive, independent performance review.

• Offered as part of the "Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness" course
• Includes private sessions with an executive coach