When is the application deadline?
Each August, a new group of students begins the Villanova School of Business Executive MBA Program. We are currently accepting applications for the class that will start in August 2012.

There are four rounds in the admissions process:
Round 1: December 15, 2011*
Round 2: February 15, 2012
Round 3: April 15, 2012
Round 4: June 30, 2012

*The admissions department is offering two partial early action scholarships for applicants within our round one pool. To be eligible, your online application for admission must be officially submitted by December 15th. There is no additional application for the scholarship; you will be evaluated based upon your application for the Executive MBA program. Recommendations and your sponsorship letter can be submitted after that date.

Admission to the Villanova School of Business Executive MBA Program is highly competitive in nature and the committee is focused on selecting candidates who will be a good fit for the program. The review of applications is holistic and all elements of the application are carefully weighed. The rigor of the selection process remains consistent through the admissions cycle.

We recommend that you apply as soon as possible. This will allow you to maximize your chance of securing a spot in the class.
 

How does the Villanova School of Business Executive MBA Program differ from part-time MBA programs?
There are two key ways that the Villanova School of Business Executive MBA Program differs:

• Our curriculum. Our EMBA curriculum was developed specifically for executive leaders. We did not simply take a two-year MBA program and reformat it. This program has been built from the ground up to meet the unique development and delivery format needs of today’s executive leaders. The curriculum is organized into five streams that focus on the competencies that executive leaders need to succeed. Since most students already have an area of specialization (which may or may not be in a business field), our program does not include a specialization component but instead provides a broad, systemic knowledge base.
• Our students. Our executive MBA students are carefully selected to include a diverse mix of executives. We ensure that our students can handle the academic rigor of the program, have the depth of experience to contribute substantively in a highly interactive learning environment, and have the desire to be an active member of our learning community. Another key difference is that our students are more experienced. In the class of 2011, the average student age is 35, and the average years of work experience is 13. In contrast, a part-time MBA program typically has a significantly higher number of students with less experience. In addition, as a Villanova School of Business executive MBA student, your classmates remain the same from class to class, allowing you to build strong relationships with your peers.
   

Are there areas of specialization that I can choose from in the program?
Unlike a traditional MBA program, the Villanova School of Business Executive MBA Program does not allow for specialization. Because most executives who enroll in the program already have an area of specialization, we have designed our curriculum to provide a broad, systemic view and knowledge base.
 

Is the Villanova School of Business Executive MBA Program ranked?
The Villanova School of Business Executive MBA Program was ranked #16 among U.S.-based programs and #3 in Aims Achieved by the Financial Times in 2012. The Villanova Executive MBA was also ranked #1 by The Wall Street Journal in Peer Learning in 2011. For more details on this ranking, see our News and Events page.
 

Is the Villanova School of Business Executive MBA Program accredited?
Yes, it is accredited as a part of the Villanova School of Business. VSB is accredited by AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
 

When do the classes meet?
Classes meet every other week on Friday and Saturday for 21 months. The classes start Friday at 9:00 a.m. and are done at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The program begins each August with one week in residency.
 

I live close to Villanova. Why do I have to stay overnight on the Friday night of a class weekend?
A key element of our program is its learning community. By being in residency, you can focus for two days every other week on learning, free of distractions in an environment that supports both formal and informal interaction among the students and the faculty. Friday evenings are spent in activities such as meetings with senior executives from around the country, meeting in your study group to work on group projects, and informal social gatherings to strengthen your network with your peers. This opportunity to network in a protected environment is a critical part of the shared learning experience.
 

May I visit a class to see what the classroom environment is like?
We strongly encourage you to meet with us informally to learn more about the program. If, after that meeting, the program appears to be a match for what you are looking for, we encourage you to visit a class. It provides a great opportunity for you to experience the program. If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact the Villanova School of Business Executive MBA Program.
 

How much does the program cost?
Tuition for 2012 is $94,000. This includes the cost of tuition, housing, and meals on the scheduled class dates, books, administrative and program fees, a laptop, and expenses related to the international experience.
 

Is company sponsorship required? And if not, is financial aid available?
Company financial sponsorship is not required. You may be fully or partially sponsored by your employer or self-sponsored. Financial aid in the form of federally guaranteed student loans and graduate student loans from outside lenders is available. Contact us and we can direct you to our financial aid counselors who can provide you with more information about what is available and how to apply.
 

What are the selection criteria?
We work very hard to create a diverse class of executive students who can learn from each other as well as the faculty. In order to create this unique learning environment, we make admissions decisions based on evidence of your: ability to handle the academic rigor of the program; depth of experience to contribute substantively in a highly interactive learning environment; and desire to be an active member of our learning community.
 

I’ve been in the working world for many years. Do I have to take the GMAT?
You do not need to take the GMAT. In order to determine if you can handle the academic rigor of the program, we look at the nature of your work experience and a number of other factors instead of relying on a GMAT score.
 

Do you require an interview for admission?
Yes. Once you’ve submitted the application form, a resume, the personal essays, and the application fee, we will schedule an admissions interview. At this interview, you can convey information that may not be included in the admissions paperwork you’ve submitted. It also gives you an additional opportunity to learn more about the Executive MBA program.