Executive MBA

  • Program

    Enhance your ability to think globally, plan holistically and implement strategically through the progressive 21-month SMU Cox EMBA curriculum. Led by some of America's most respected business professors, you'll focus on real-world applications of general management with an emphasis on finance and strategy. Your first-year coursework is designed to build knowledge, skills and practical expertise in a number of business disciplines. In the second year, you'll cover the broader, policy-level aspects of finance, organizational behavior and marketing. Student also travel abroad in the second year, embarking on an international business experience that is a highlight of the Executive MBA Program.

  • Curriculum

    Executive MBA Students earn a Master of Business Administration degree internationally accredited by the highest standards of the AACSB - the same diploma earned by full-time MBA students. A hallmark of the Cox EMBA is the broad range of electives offered in the final two semesters. Students are also able to select elective courses taught through the Professional MBA program for a larger variety of courses and topics.

    Recent elective options:

    • Omni-Channel Marketing
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Negotiations
    • Business Analytics
    • Human Capital
    • Strategic Income Statement Analysis

    Sample Curriculum and Descriptions

  • The Cohort Approach

    Alumni of the SMU Cox EMBA program describe a life-changing experience. One reason: The invigorating effect of learning with and from a tight-knit group of high-performing peers representing a range of industries. You'll have the benefit of your cohort's career and life experiences when you gather in study groups and, working as a team, identify and solve problems that mirror real-world challenges. This dynamic approach challenges you with new insights and enriches you with a range of perspectives.

    Find out more about cohort learning

  • Hands-On Learning

    From real-world team-based problem-solving to leadership and executive skills workshops, your EMBA experience will match classroom rigor with experiential learning. You'll polish your presentation technique, boost your executive presence and have an opportunity to present a business plan to venture capitalists and investors. And through the Business Leadership Center, you'll gain access to a range of free professional development seminars.

  • Highlight: The Business Leadership Center

    You'll have full access to the resources of the Business Leadership Center, where you can get specialized training in leadership and communication — critical skills not always covered in an MBA curriculum.

    • Seminars Hone your skills in strategic communication, conflict resolution and leadership through more than 90 seminars led by industry experts from organizations such as Accenture, AT&T, The Container Store, Dell, Procter & Gamble, Texas Instruments, The Walt Disney Company and Yum! Brands.
    • Executive Roundtables Learn from and network with seasoned C-level executives who are eager to share their professional experience.

    See what the Business Leadership Center offers

  • Centers of Excellence and Institutes

    Throughout your Cox EMBA experience you'll have access to the school's many centers and institutes, where you can develop specialized skills and stay on top of the latest research and best practices.

    See Centers and Institutes

  • Highlight: Zeroing In on Global Expansion

    You can't do better than learn from the experience of executives who've been there, done that. When the SMU Cox Latino Leadership Initiative hosted 150 Latino execs from the DFW community for a networking reception and conversation, Thaddeus Arroyo, MBA '89, CEO at AT&T Mexico spoke about AT&T’s strategic expansion into that country. EMBA students listened as Arroyo described how to develop an inclusive culture — and how to navigate a vibrant career. The event kicked off with a networking reception and included a intimate discussion moderated by Dr. Miguel Quiñones, O. Paul Corley Distinguished Chair in organizational behavior and department chair.

    Learn more about the Latino Leadership Initiative

  • International Experience

    Global immersion is a big part of the Cox SMU advantage. EMBA students travel internationally during the second year of the program to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and dependencies of the global business landscape. Recent international fieldwork experiences were in Argentina, Chile, China, Cuba and Mexico. We connect you with local entrepreneurs and government officials, as well as with global businesses leaders at regional and international companies. You'll also have a chance to give back: The EMBA class of 2017 helped build a community park in Lima, Peru.

    See more about International business experience