Executive MBA

Networking

Students in each cohort of the CU Denver Executive MBA program come from a range of backgrounds and represent a broad spectrum of responsibilities, organizations, and industries. The result of this diversity is to create networking opportunities with fellow students, alumni of the program, faculty from across the country (from both universities and industry), and various classroom guest speakers -- all of whom enhance the value of your degree.

In addition to these networking opportunities, we have assembled a package of resources, that are included in your tuition, and enhance the career implications of your education.

Mentoring

• Faculty mentors: As "Sherpas" for all members of the cohort, faculty mentors provide personalized guidance to meet your needs, challenges, and aspirations for your professional development. We would like to build and nurture meaningful relationships based on trust, during your journey with our EMBA program and beyond. In addition, we will connect you directly with subject matter experts, executives, and leaders from various backgrounds, industries, and cultures to ensure you receive relevant and valuable guidance to thrive in your career and life.

• Additional mentorship: Working with the Dean of the Business School, as well as our EMBA alumni, carefully selected mentors are available upon request from various companies and areas of responsibility.

Additional resources

• Executive coaching: We have negotiated a customized package of coaching services through Talent Solutions: Right Management (part of the Manpower Group), that can be accessed at any point during your studies.

• Prep course: Prior to orientation, we offer access to the MBA Math online program to help prepare you for the quantitative courses in the curriculum.

• Writing skills: To strengthen your writing skills, you are able to work with consultants from the campus writing center.

Social impact projects

We offer service opportunities to share your knowledge and skills with community organizations to provide a transformative impact. Additionally, you may partner with organizations to implement sustainable environmental and social changes within your business.

The tuition cost for the 18-month EMBA program is $85,000. Tuition is billed in eight equal installments as you go through the EMBA program. Tuition includes all course material required for each EMBA course. Tuition also includes travel, lodging and some meals during the International Business Experience trip.

Scholarships are available for qualified candidates.

A $1,500 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance into the program. This deposit will be applied to your first term’s tuition invoice.

Scholarships 

The CU Denver Executive MBA program provides a 10% tuition discount for students who work for the CU system or in the nonprofit sector, and also provides an Early Action Award—a discounted tuition of 5% for applications submitted by March 31, 2026.

Employer support 

The valuable skills you will gain in the program will immediately benefit your company, colleagues, and yourself as you apply your knowledge to business challenges. As such, many employers invest in their employees' business education and offer full or partial reimbursement. Contact your company’s human resources department to inquire about tuition support.  

Veterans benefits 

The University of Colorado Denver is committed to providing veterans and service members with a high-quality education tailored to your distinct interests. The Executive MBA program proudly supports the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This distinction allows veterans and service members to maximize their tuition benefit depending on length of service. In some cases, the VA may not cover all the costs associated with the EMBA program. Our EMBA administration is available to discuss VA benefits with applicants. Additionally, applicants may contact Veteran & Military Student Services at (303) 315-7300 or by email at VMSS@ucdenver.edu to find out more details about their VA benefits.

International students 

Before beginning the application process, we encourage you to contact the CU Denver International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS) to learn more about your specific situation.

Federal Stafford loan 

EMBA students can help fund their education through student loans. All federal loans require the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens and have not defaulted on a previous student loan. For information please visit: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action.

Hispanic-Serving Institution designation

CU Denver was the first research university in Colorado to attain the status of Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2021-2022 and remains so today. More information is available at this link.

A new cohort begins each August. Students are admitted to the cohort as applications are received. We aim for a cohort size of 30 students. Our goal is to make the application process as streamlined as possible for you:

• There is no application fee, prior degree, or standardized test score (e.g., GMAT) required.
• Due to the program’s competitive nature, rolling admissions policy, and cohort cap, we strongly recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.
• After submitting your completed application, decisions are delivered via email within 7-10 days.
• Merit-based scholarships are awarded at the time an offer is made.
• Bunker scholarships may also be awarded. These scholarships are named in memory of Susan K. Bunker, a former director of the Executive MBA program, who believed in expanding access to executive education for students from underrepresented populations.

Admission requirements  

The CU Denver Executive MBA prepares mid- to senior-level managers for executive leadership. As such, we seek candidates who are currently in management positions with a demonstrated record of achievement and the potential for further promotion. In addition, the ideal candidate is: ambitious, collaborative, and inquisitive. As we curate the cohort and Learning Community, we seek candidates who enrich the educational experience for all cohort members.

All candidates will meet with multiple members of the Executive MBA team throughout the application process. These ongoing conversations help us assess your motivation for pursuing an EMBA, your academic and professional experience, and your future plans.

All interested applicants are encouraged to contact our head of recruiting, Paul Wood, to discuss your future with the program.

We welcome applications on a rolling basis and will admit students until the cohort fills.

For questions about any aspect of the application process or the program, please contact Paul Wood or schedule a one-on-one meeting.

Who is the Executive MBA designed for?

The program is designed for professionals with 10 or more years of work experience. The program prepares mid- to senior-level managers for executive leadership, seeking candidates who are currently in management positions with a demonstrated record of achievement and the potential for further promotion.

What's the difference between an Executive MBA and other MBA programs?

An Executive MBA is geared towards experienced professionals who are working full-time, have extensive experience, and are looking to step into senior-level leadership roles. In contrast, other programs are typically geared towards earlier-stage career professionals and might involve full-time study. As such, in the EMBA your classmates are an integral part of the learning experience, bringing years of work experience and real-world perspectives that enrich classroom discussions and challenge your thinking.

Who are my classmates?

Our cohorts are intentionally built with experienced professionals from a wide range of industries and leadership backgrounds. We seek collaborative professionals in management roles with a demonstrated record of achievement, typically between 37 and 42 years old, with at least 10 years of work experience.

What is the cadence of in-person vs online learning?

The EMBA at CU Denver is a hybrid program. This means that students can expect to be in class at the CU Denver Business School one Friday and one Saturday per month, from 8:30 – 4:30, and online one Saturday per month, from 8:30 – 4:30, for a total of 3 full days each month throughout the 18-month program. Outside of these scheduled sessions, students should expect asynchronous work, including individual assignments and regular collaboration with their study groups. Much of the learning is reinforced through teamwork, and your study groups will form an essential part of your support network, as a student, as well as the basis for network ties and relationships that will last a lifetime.

How long does it take to complete the Executive MBA program and how much time should I expect to dedicate each week?

The program is 18 months long with 16 courses delivered across 8 terms. On average, you can expect to spend 20 hours per week, across both courses in a term. As part of the 6-credit international business course, you’ll also participate in a two-week international trip. During this time, you’ll work directly with a local company on a real-world consulting project that can have immediate impact, while gaining firsthand exposure to global business.

How does the Executive MBA help me grow my network and professional connections?

Our students come from a range of backgrounds and represent a broad spectrum of responsibilities, organizations, and industries, creating networking opportunities among classmates, alumni, faculty from academia and industry, and guest speakers. Working in a study group, you will have the opportunity to grow both professional and personal friendships that will last your career. Beyond your cohort, you will join a growing network of Executive MBA alumni who regularly gather at the business school for alumni events.

What is the return on investment of an Executive MBA?

The value of an Executive MBA goes beyond salary growth and is seen through the expanded network and confidence to operate at the highest levels of leadership. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to allow you to take back control over your career – engaging in the organization and role that provide the greatest meaning for your career.

What is covered by the cost of tuition, and do you offer any type of scholarship, financial aid, or veteran benefits?

The $85,000 tuition covers everything for the program, including all books and materials, along with meals, drinks, and snacks when you are in person. The EMBA at CU Denver is a holistic education with a strong focus on the student experience. Additionally, we offer early action awards, financial and veteran benefits are available, and we will work with your employer if you receive any type of tuition reimbursement.

How does the program prepare me for the changing nature of work, and the growing impact of AI?

The Executive MBA is designed to prepare you for a rapidly evolving business environment, where technologies like AI are reshaping how organizations operate and compete. Rather than treating AI as a standalone topic, it is integrated throughout the curriculum and in dedicated seminars on specialist topics, such as ‘AI and Ethics.’ You’ll develop an understanding of how to use AI as a strategic tool, while building the foundational business judgement and leadership skills to apply it effectively.

Can I specialize in a certain area (finance, accounting, etc.) with and Executive MBA?

Our program is lockstep and cohort-based – by design, all students take the same courses for a unified experience. The nature of the Executive MBA means that our students are already specialists in a single function – the goal of the program is to develop well-rounded leaders who can guide their organization. You’ll move through the program alongside experienced peers, gaining diverse perspectives while building the emotional, strategic, and analytical skills needed to lead effectively.