EMBA Process and Criteria
Application process
To complete the Executive MBA application, you will need the following items:
- Completed Online Application
- Unofficial Transcripts
- From each institution you received at least 12 credit hours
- Current Resume
- One Written Essay (one-page)
- One Recommendation
- No written recommendation letter is required.
- We just require that you provide the name and contact information in the application for at least one professional recommendation. Recommendations should come from those who know you professionally, preferably a current or previous manager or a colleague, preferably with a MBA. The recommender will be sent an online form with a few questions to answer.
- No Test Score: Because admissions decisions rely heavily on work experience, our students do not need to take a standardized test ( GMAT/GRE).
For more details on the application, see EMBA Application Components
If you have any questions please contact Jamie Fuller, the Director of EMBA Admissions at jafuller@smu.edu.
Transcript Requirements and Submission Information
To Apply
You will need to submit a transcript from every institution where you received at least 12 credit hours towards the completion of a degree. You can submit an unofficial or official copy of your transcript; however, each transcript needs to show:- Institution name
- Degree awarded
- Date degree awarded or conferred
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) or comparable data if a different grading system is used
Instructions for Submitting Official Documents
Admission Criteria
Candidates for the Executive MBA Program should:
- Have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited university by the time they start the program*
- Have a minimum of 8 years of work experience with the majority in mid to upper management
- Currently occupy mid to senior level management
- Be committed to completing a graduate level degree over a 21-month period
Candidates will also have demonstrated:
- Potential for academic success in the classroom
- A clear vision toward creating and achieving professional, academic and personal goals
- Willingness to learn and contribute towards class discussions
- Desire to network with classmates, alumni, and the SMU community
SMU Cox Graduate Admissions will thoroughly evaluate these candidates using the same criteria for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree: (1) Will the candidate be successful in our rigorous business program; (2) Will the candidate contribute and add value to their his/her cohort; and (3) Will the candidate be an upstanding member of the Mustang community. Candidates who do not hold a bachelor’s degree may be required to take the Algebra Preparation Course offered by SMU Cox as well as other development programs designated by the Admissions Committee (e.g., MBA Math or GMAC Business Fundamentals) to ensure they are prepared to succeed in the program.
Executive MBA FAQ
To begin your journey exploring the Executive MBA at the SMU Cox School of Business, there are two key steps:
First, set up an introductory meeting, as we would like to learn more about your professional goals while walking you through the admission process. You can email Jamie Fuller, the Director of Admissions for the EMBA program at jafuller@smu.edu or call us at 214-768-3048 to set up time. Or you can schedule time using the EMBA Admissions Meeting Calendar.
Second, attend an Admissions Event. One of the best ways to learn more about the EMBA program and gain valuable insight into the Cox culture is to experience the Cox community firsthand through an Admissions event. For upcoming Admissions events, see Graduate Admissions Events
These two steps are critical to starting off your application journey on the right foot!
You must complete and submit the online application to be considered for the EMBA program. You can start or complete your application by using the Apply button on the SMU Cox website or by using this link: Apply. For more details on the application, see the EMBA Application Checklist.
Candidates for the Executive MBA Program should have at least 8 years of professional, full-time work experience. To determine if the program is the right fit for you or have your resume reviewed, reach out to the Director of Admissions or someone on the admissions team.
We do not require a standardized test to apply to the program. The EMBA Admissions committee looks holistically at each candidate’s application, relying heavily on work experience. If you have taken a standardized test, we suggest you speak with the Director of Admissions or someone on the admissions team.
EMBA classes are alternate weekends on Friday and Saturday morning and/or afternoon. For more information on the class schedule, see the Class Calendar on the EMBA curriculum page. Class weekends are fun, casual days where EMBA students, faculty and staff come together to learn, interact, network, and dine. Students are welcome on campus any time campus is open. Study rooms can also be reserved.
Yes. The trip is part of the Global Business Project, which is a required course. Students initially study Global Business Consulting in the classroom then travel to an international location where students work with organizations located in the area. Most of the costs of the trip are included in the tuition, except for airfare to and from the destination. Our team works with students that have extenuating circumstances regarding international travel.
Yes. We offer several opportunities and methods. We offer prep sessions on subjects offered in the program and some faculty members provide prep work prior to the class. In addition, all SMU Cox students have free access to Linked Learning which provides prep materials on a wide range of topics.
See the Tuition and Financing section of the website to see the cost of the program. The tuition covers the cost of the Executive MBA and includes access to the Centers and Institutes of Cox, including the Business Library, the Business Leadership Center and the Career Management Center as well as other costs. For more details, contact the Director of Admissions or someone on the EMBA Admissions team. To reserve a space in the cohort, admitted students must pay a $2,000 deposit. The Office of the University Bursar provides tuition payment deadlines.
For general questions about financing your EMBA, you can contact the EMBA Director of Admissions or someone on the admissions team. For specific questions about financial aid, you can contact the Graduate Financial Aid office at gradfinaid@smu.edu. Once accepted to the SMU Cox School of Business, you will have access to an SMU Cox Graduate financial aid officer to provide options and assist you.
The point of contact for veteran’s benefits, financial advising (including access to disability counseling), and other student support services for service members, veteran students, and their families is:
SMU Veteran Services Office
6185 Airline Road, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75205
214-768-4348
vabenefits@smu.edu
Your diploma will say Master of Business Administration degree, as the diplomas from Cox MBA programs do not specify format. The MBA programs at Cox are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB international.
The EMBA Admissions office schedules class visits throughout the academic year. To check availability or to schedule a class visit, contact the Director of Admissions or someone on the admissions team.
For all questions regarding the EMBA program, you can contact
The Executive MBA Admissions Team
Jamie Fuller, SMU Cox MBA
Director of Admissions, EMBA
jafuller@smu.edu
214-768-3048
Jill Melton
Assistant Dean, Working Professional MBA Programs
jmmelton@smu.edu
214-768-4648
For all other questions including those regarding other graduate programs, contact the Cox Graduate Admission office.
SMU Cox Graduate Admissions Office
Collins Executive Center
3150 Binkley Avenue, Suite 300
Dallas, Texas 75275
gradadmissions@smu.edu
214-768-1214