The Executive MBA: Leadership Practice and Purpose program develops strategic management skills, leadership problem-solving tools, data-driven decision making, and knowledge of formal organizations and their economic environment. Designed for professionals with at least five years of managerial experience, this program focuses on business leadership through the development of a portfolio.

The Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) is an included program in the University's accreditation by AACSB International.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Executive MBA program does not require an undergraduate business degree; a number of successful MBA graduates started the program with little to no previous business coursework. However, foundational proficiency in the major functional areas of business is required to be successful in the program. These foundational proficiencies can be completed quickly through accelerated courses.

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements described in the Admissions section of the catalog, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials in which the following criteria are used to assess the potential success of each applicant:

• Academic achievement as demonstrated by undergraduate institutional grade point average (GPA).
• Accreditation of degree-granting institution.
• Business course academic preparation.
• Graduate-level motivation and writing abilities as noted in essay responses.
• A record of at least five years of managerial experience via résumé.
• Other qualifications that illuminate future Executive MBA potential.

Primary consideration will be given to the applicant’s academic record and professional experience.

The credentials of applicants who do not meet these requirements are reviewed further to determine if other factors are sufficient to warrant admission. A student needing prerequisite foundational courses for the Executive MBA program may take them as a non-degree student. However, only students who have been fully admitted to candidacy in the Executive MBA program will be permitted to enroll in the required core courses of the Executive MBA degree.

Foundational Proficiencies

Candidacy to the Executive MBA program is gained by demonstrating academic proficiency in the major functional areas of business: accounting, business math; statistics, economics, finance, management, management information systems, and marketing.

Candidates are expected to have completed the equivalent of the UWF BSBA Core courses with a grade of 'B' or higher within the last 10 years. For candidates with no prior undergraduate business core coursework, or those who are lacking select prerequisites, the College offers the following options so candidates can quickly meet the foundational proficiencies needed to begin the Executive MBA Core Courses:

1. Non-credit MBA Prerequisite Modules offered through UWF Continuing Education; or,
2. GEB 5535 MBA Foundations; or,
3. Graduate-level Accelerated MBA Foundation Courses, which are 1.5 semester hour, intensive courses that cover the essential foundational knowledge in each of the prerequisite business subjects.

Application and Advising

Inquiries should be addressed to the MBA Office, which will assist in all matters of application, admission, degree planning, and graduation. All students planning to enter the Executive MBA program must meet with an advisor to develop a degree plan. Admission documents should be submitted to the Graduate School at the time of application. The program is jointly administered by the MBA Office in partnership with faculty members who specialize in the areas of accounting & finance, marketing, economics, management, and management information systems.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the University’s general requirements, students seeking the Executive MBA degree must complete all courses with a grade of 'C' or better and maintain a minimum overall graduate and MBA GPA of 3.0. Additionally, the University's Time to Degree policy applies to the completion of all Executive MBA coursework. Noncompliant courses must be reviewed to determine proficiency.

Transfer Credit Policy

The University's Transfer of Credit regulation applies to the Executive MBA program. Further, the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business will accept transfer credits as equivalent to UWF master-level business-related courses from institutions accredited by AACSB International.

MBA Portfolio

The Executive MBA portfolio provides an opportunity to focus in-depth research in an industry, which the student will select upon starting the program. Four of the Executive MBA courses require projects that are included in the student’s portfolio. In the final semester of the program, the student will submit their portfolio for review by the program director and participate in an exit survey. Portfolio submission and exit survey participation are required for graduation.

Executive MBA: Leadership Practice and Purpose

​The program of study leading to the Executive MBA degree is a 36 semester hour program.  Enrollment in Executive MBA courses is generally limited to Executive MBA candidates.