Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
1. Do graduates of your MBA programs for working professionals receive the same degree as traditional full-time MBAs?
Yes. No matter which MBA program you choose, your diploma will read “Master of Business Administration.”
2. Are your MBA programs accredited?
Yes. All University of Tennessee MBA programs for working professionals are fully accredited by AACSB International (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and SACS (the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). The UT College of Business Administration is also a proud member of the Executive MBA Council.
3. Do I have to take the GMAT?
Please see each program's section of the FAQ for individual GMAT requirements.
4. Will I be able to transfer previously earned credits?
No. Because our MBA programs are lockstep programs—meaning all students move through the same coursework at the same time—we don't accept transfer credits.
5. What electives are offered through your MBA programs? Is it possible to major in finance or marketing?
Our MBA programs for working professionals are lockstep programs (see previous question), so there are no electives or majors per se.
However, your Organizational Action Project will allow you to select an area you're especially interested in for concentrated research and learning. And we do offer some extra courses and optional sessions to help you expand your knowledge, depending on the MBA program you choose. For example, A&D MBA and ProMBA students can take extra classes to earn a Six Sigma Green Belt. Contact the program office for the MBA you’re interested in to find out more.
6. As far as the admissions process goes, how important are my undergraduate transcripts?
Our admissions committee looks at each applicant from a broad perspective. Transcripts are one indicator of your potential for success in our MBA programs, but career success, completion of work-related short courses, and other more recent successes also play an important role.
7. I've been out of school a long time. Will I be able to keep up academically?
Don't worry—many applicants have been away from school for a number of years. The applied nature of the assignments and the interactive methodology of teaching typically boost the learning process for all students, regardless of whether you’ve recently spent time in the classroom.
8. How much time will be required outside the classroom?
This varies by student and among MBA programs, but most of our students report spending an average of 15 to 25 hours per week on their work outside the classroom. Keep in mind that many of your homework assignments will be applied to your organization, so you may be able to complete some of them during your work day.
9. How accessible are the faculty between residence periods/outside the classroom?
Faculty members are readily accessible to you via phone, e-mail, and personal appointments throughout your program. They'll work closely with you and encourage interaction both inside and outside the classroom.
1. What's the difference between your Executive MBA for Strategic Leadership program and your Professional MBA program?
Both programs follow a lockstep format, meaning all class members take the same curriculum at the same pace. Different disciplines are integrated into a single course of study.
The
Executive MBA for Strategic Leadership is completed in one year with four two-week residence periods and 15 online distance-learning sessions. Executives accepted into the program have at least 10 years of professional work experience.
The
Professional MBA is a 16-month program of study that takes place on weekends. The program is designed for individuals with at least five years of professional work experience.
For a side-by-side comparison of MBA programs, visit our
"Which MBA Is Right for You?" page.
2. I can't commit to four two-week blocks of time. Does the University of Tennessee offer me any other options?
If you live within driving distance of Knoxville, the UT College of Business Administration also offers the
Professional MBA, a 16-month program of study that takes place on weekends.
The UT Center for Executive Education also offers a wide range of non-degree business courses and seminars. Click
here for more information.
3. What types of executives participate in the Executive MBA for Strategic Leadership program?
The Executive MBA for Strategic Leadership program has been designed for high-potential executives in—or moving into—senior-management positions in a wide variety of industries. Because the class is composed of condensed residence periods and distance learning, our students come from all over the country and world to earn their degrees. To learn more about the typical EMBA student, please visit our
Student Profile page.
4. Are self-employed applicants eligible for the program?
Yes. If you're a self-employed executive, you're eligible as long as you meet the criteria for admission and have access to an organization in order to complete your assignments. If you have questions about what the program might look like for you, contact us at 1-800-486-EMBA or
emba@utk.edu.
5. Do I need to take the GMAT?
You’re exempt from the GMAT requirement if you already have a graduate degree. You may be exempt if you have more than 10 years of managerial experience, an excellent record of professional achievement, and an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Taking the GMAT is strongly recommended for applicants with less than 10 years of managerial experience. Please contact us at 1-800-486-EMBA or
emba@utk.edu to discuss whether your work experience warrants waiving the GMAT requirement.
6. Is an interview required?
Yes. Every applicant has an interview, either in person or by telephone, with the Executive MBA for Strategic Leadership program director.
7. How are quantitative skills (i.e., accounting and finance background) assessed in the admissions decision process? Is help available prior to the start of the program?
The admissions committee will review your academic performance in quantitative courses, but we'll also consider your career history and the types of quantitative skills that normally would be expected of someone in your position.
Individuals with a range of quantitative skills can be successful in the EMBA program. In fact, many executives come into the program specifically looking to improve those skills. If you've had limited exposure to accounting and finance, we'll provide specific recommendations you can pursue for extra support.
8. What computer skills will I need?
At a minimum, we expect you to be able to perform a list of tasks in Microsoft Excel as determined by the accounting/finance faculty; we do offer an optional one-day Excel workshop before the first residence period. A working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint is also expected.
9. Are current students or alumni available to talk about their experiences in the program?
Absolutely! Please call the program office at 1-800-486-EMBA (1-800-486-3622) for contact information. You can also arrange a campus visit to sit in on a class, tour the facilities, and meet with the program director—don't hesitate to ask us about it when you call.
10. How will I balance working on a degree with continuing my career and spending time with my family?
The answer is different for everyone, but the good news is that our EMBA program offers skills development in the area of work/life balance. It'll be helpful to you not just during your time at UT, but long afterward as well.
11. I live in Knoxville. Do I need to stay with my classmates in the hotel during residence periods?
Hotel stay for EMBA students who live close by is encouraged but not mandatory, simply because it helps you develop professional networks and strong friendships. It's usually more convenient for you to have access to a hotel room on-site.
Professional MBA Questions
1. What's the difference between your Professional MBA and Executive MBA programs?
The
Professional MBA is a 16-month program of study with classroom sessions that take place on weekends. The program is designed for individuals with at least five years of professional work experience.
The
Executive MBA for Strategic Leadership is completed in one year with four two-week residence periods and 15 online distance-learning sessions. Executives accepted into the program have at least 10 years of professional work experience.
Both programs follow a lockstep format, meaning all class members take the same curriculum at the same pace. Different disciplines are integrated into a single course of study.
For a side-by-side comparison of MBA programs, visit our
"Which MBA Is Right for You?" page.
2. Who participates in your Professional MBA program?
A typical Professional MBA class represents a wide range of industries, positions, and years of experience. Visit our
Student Profile page for more information.
To participate in the PROMBA program, you must live within driving distance of the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville.
3. Do I need to take the GMAT?
You’re exempt from the GMAT requirement if you already have a graduate degree. You may also be exempt if you have more than 10 years of managerial experience, an excellent record of professional achievement, and an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Please contact us at 865-974-1660 or
promba@utk.edu to discuss whether your work experience warrants waiving the GMAT requirement.
4. What computer skills will I need?
We expect you to be proficient in basic Microsoft Office software: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. However, if you feel you need an extra boost, we offer optional skills training sessions for Microsoft Excel outside class time. We'll announce the details at Kickoff Week.
Aerospace & Defense MBA Questions
1. Who participates in your Aerospace & Defense MBA program?
The Aerospace & Defense MBA Program has been designed for experienced, high-potential aerospace industry professionals in, or headed toward, senior management levels. To learn more, please visit the
Student Profile page.
2. Do I need to take the GMAT?
You’re exempt from the GMAT requirement if you already have a graduate degree. You may be exempt if you have more than 10 years of managerial experience, an excellent record of professional achievement, and an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Taking the GMAT is strongly recommended for applicants with less than 10 years of managerial experience. Please contact our program director at 865-974-2027 (or contact the office toll-free at 866-AEROMBA) to discuss whether your work experience warrants waiving the GMAT requirement.
3. Is an interview required?
Yes. Every applicant has an interview, either in person or by telephone, with the Aerospace & Defense program director.
4. What computer skills will I need?
We expect you to be proficient in basic Microsoft Office software: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
5. I live in Knoxville. Do I need to stay with my classmates in the hotel during residence periods?
Yes. We want all students to reside in the same hotel to facilitate teamwork, learning and networking with classmates—but you'll benefit the most, because the professional networks and friendships you develop will last long after the program ends.
6. If I don't have the five years of experience in the industry required for the Aerospace & Defense MBA program or my organization isn't ready to sponsor me, does UT have other education programs to enhance my management and technical skills?
Yes.
The University of Tennessee Center for Executive Education offers many
non-degree executive programs to support the development of junior professionals in the aerospace and defense industry. These include courses on lean, lean for MRO, supply chain management and logistics, and continuous improvement, just to name a few.
If you're interested in a different degree program, the
University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) in Tullahoma, Tennessee, offers an
M.S. in engineering management. Classes can be taken part-time on campus or via distance learning. For more information, call the program office at 931-393-7293.
You may also be interested in one of the graduate engineering programs offered by UTSI or by the
University of Tennessee College of Engineering.
Physician Executive MBA Questions
1. Who participates in your Physician Executive MBA program?
Since the inception of the Physician Executive MBA program, we've graduated physician leaders from 47 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., Saipan, Canada, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Turkey. Our classes are extremely diverse in terms of race, age, and gender. For information on individual PEMBA graduates, browse our
Physician Leader profiles.
2. Do I need to take the GMAT?
No. Because you already have a medical degree, the University of Tennessee Graduate School will waive your GMAT requirement.
3. I'm a bit tech-challenged. Will there be any computer training?
Yes. The Physician Executive MBA program offers a free computer boot camp before the first residence period to beef up your skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Also, during your year in the program, you’ll have ready access to PEMBA technical support staff to resolve any issues that arise.
4. Can I receive continuing medical education credits through your program?
Yes—25 hours of continuing medical education credits are included in your tuition and will be awarded upon graduation.
You can also receive CME credits through our annual
Physician Leadership Symposium and through some of our
healthcare executive programs.
5. Are current students or alumni available to talk about their experiences in the program?
Absolutely! Please call the program office at 865-974-1772 for contact information. For information on individual PEMBA graduates, browse our
Physician Leader profiles.