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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Executive MBA (EMBA) program?

EMBA programs differ from traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs because they are designed for more experienced executives and managers, who often need to balance their studies with their careers.

Like an MBA, an EMBA program provides a comprehensive experience in business administration. The Katz EMBA Worldwide program helps students develop a vision of the organization as a whole, and prepares students to run their own company—or to run the company where they work as if it were their own.

Why is the Katz EMBA called “EMBA Worldwide”?

Because no other EMBA program offers a program so thoroughly rooted in its local communities, yet so global in scope.

In addition to the University of Pittsburgh's main campus in North America, the Katz Graduate School of Business has partnered with local corporations and organizations to offer EMBA Worldwide at sites in Prague, Czech Republic; and São Paulo, Brazil. Classes take place on three different continents.

While you'll take most of your courses at the site most convenient to you, you'll also participate in three week-long "immersion" sessions with EMBA Worldwide classmates from other sites, as well as three Global Executive Forums. About 40 percent of our faculty members and 75 percent of our students come from outside the United States.

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What degree do I receive and is it recognized?

Your diploma will be recognized and respected globally. Students in the EMBA Worldwide program are granted a Master of Business Administration degree and diploma from the University of Pittsburgh, whether they study in North America, South America, or Europe. Because EMBA Worldwide uses the same curriculum, faculty, and selection process at every site, you are assured of receiving the same high-quality degree no matter where you choose to earn your Katz EMBA.

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Are the curriculum and faculty any different from program to program?

The curriculum, faculty, and selection process are the same for all EMBA Worldwide programs. Because EMBA Worldwide uses the same curriculum, faculty, and selection process at every site, you are assured of receiving the same high-quality degree no matter where you choose to earn your Katz EMBA. Your diploma will be recognized and respected both locally and globally, no matter where you go. We do, however, engage guest speakers from industry and service in the local environment, and ask them to add their expertise to the theory and cases professors present.

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What does the curriculum include?

Katz EMBA Worldwide provides a solid balance among courses on leadership, strategy, productivity, and analysis, with additional focus on issues like cross-cultural management and group and team effectiveness. The curriculum includes a mix of required courses, Global Executive Forums, and electives, totaling 51 credit hours. Your classroom hours will have a minimum of "chalk-and-talk" lectures and instead will stress discussion, case analyses, team and small-group projects, computer simulations, and workshops that develop your personal skills.

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Is a bachelor’s degree in business required to join the program?

While an undergraduate degree is required, a bachelor’s degree in business administration is not. Most students in the EMBA Worldwide program have degrees in engineering and business administration; some have degrees in medicine, law, foreign affairs, or other areas.

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Are there any required prerequisite courses?

College level calculus is recommended, but not required. A business math workshop will be offered to EMBA students who would benefit from a review of the mathematical concepts needed in the EMBA Program.

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Is the GMAT required?

While the GMAT is optional, it is recommended for any applicant who would benefit by enhancing their application materials with a successful GMAT score.  In some cases, the GMAT may be required to help us assess the applicant's ability to perform successfully in the graduate level courses of the EMBA curriculum.

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Is the toefl required?

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of all non-native speakers of English. Where the TOEFL is not available, the admission's committee will accept the IELTS ( International English Language Testing System). For more information on the TOEFL, visit (http://www.toefl.com). For more information on the IELTS, visit (http://www.ielts.org/).

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Am I too busy to earn an Executive MBA from Katz?

Your organizational and family commitments are important to you. That's why we've designed the program to be as compact as possible. Courses are delivered concisely and conveniently—students meet for classes on Fridays and Saturdays of alternate weekends, for five terms.The schedule is set a full 19 months in advance, so there are no surprises. Your participation is predictable and manageable.

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Am I too experienced to benefit from a Katz EMBA?

EMBA Worldwide participants come from all walks of life. Participants average about 12 to 14 years experience in their fields, but some have significantly more. Executives who come to EMBA Worldwide late in their careers are often those looking for international assignments, or are preparing to take on top leadership roles in the corporate world. They know that the economy is global, and that they have business opportunities far beyond their borders.

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What can I expect from the Global Executive Forums?

Global Executive Forums are truly unique to the EMBA Worldwide program. During the Global Executive Forums, students participate in coursework with a faculty member from the University, study cross-cultural management, work in international study groups with their colleagues from around the world, and learn important region information through contact with high-level executives and government leaders from that region. The Global Executive Forums assist participants in developing a global network of contacts which will serve them throughout their professional lives, and help to make them more savvy international managers.

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Do you offer any in-company, certificate courses?

Yes, we offer executive education programs lasting from one day to 10 days, in all EMBA Worldwide locations. Currently, this benefit is offered only to partner organizations. Contact the program director at the location nearest you to inquire about partner organization benefits.

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Could I join the program without an employer sponsorship?

Yes. While the majority of our students receive some support from their organization, employer sponsorship is not a requirement. We often have executives who are in the process of transitioning from one career to another (a medical doctor who would like to work for a pharmaceutical company, for example) who participate in the EMBA program as a means to facilitate this transition. It is important, though, that your employer sponsors time off, so that you can dedicate yourself to the program.

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What does a Katz EMBA cost?

Our EMBA program is priced competitively for your market; please contact the program director nearest you for more detailed information

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What financing options are available?

There are financing options available to EMBA Worldwide students, including some corporate sponsorship discounts, and limited student scholarships and fellowships. Please contact the director of the program closest to you for details.

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How do I apply?

Contact the nearest University of Pittsburgh EMBA Worldwide office, or download the application information.

Please note that activities such as internships, project and other special courses, or co-op experiences, may require that you visit and/or work at a facility external to the University of Pittsburgh, and that facility may require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34 clearance (if applicable) and perhaps a drug screen to determine whether you are qualified to participate in these activities. Additionally, in order to become licensed in particular professions (for example, certified public accounting or law), many states will inquire whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.