Flexible. Transformational. Downtown.

Early Action Award

Applicants receive a 5% tuition discount when they apply by Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Executive MBA Information Session

You are invited to attend an upcoming Executive MBA Information Session hosted by the University of Colorado Denver Business School on Wednesday, February 18 from 5:30-7:30 PM. This event is designed for experienced professionals who are considering the next step in their leadership and educational journey.

We encourage you to RSVP today to reserve your place at this exclusive event.

Executive MBA

AT A GLANCE

_{^{48 credit hours; cohort structure}}

_{^{18 months; no career interruption}}

_{^{Hybrid delivery (in-person + online)}}

_{^{August start}}

_{^{International trip + consulting project}}

The CU Denver Executive MBA offers a competitive advantage. It is purpose-driven, student-centered, and designed to differentiate you and your career.

We welcome students with unique stories because your education is richer when every voice reflects a different perspective. We recruit the best teachers nationwide, from academia and industry, to deliver insight and expertise across the curriculum. And we have created a hybrid, flexible course structure, incorporating both in-person and online class sessions, to avoid career interruption. The goal is to ensure that everything you learn in class on the weekend, you can implement at work on Monday.

We seek managers, directors, and other aspiring leaders who want to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market. Your classmates will be professionals from different industries and functional areas, exposing you to critical conversations and a wealth of experience. The skills, tools, and network connections you gain will help you navigate the complexity of your organization, as well as the uncertainty of the broader economy. Most importantly, the CU Denver EMBA will help set you apart in your career — we care about where you want to be, 15 years from now, and how we can help you get there.

It matters where you get your Executive MBA; allow us to tell you why more leaders are choosing CU Denver.

Request information

Schedule a time to meet

Outstanding faculty
Drawn from universities and industry, nationwide

Innovative curriculum
Core courses and topical seminars

Hybrid structure
In-person, on-line, and asynchronous delivery

Curated cohort
Diversity is essential

Exemplary support
Outstanding student experience

Program mission

The CU Denver Executive MBA program produces leaders with the capabilities to manage their organization more effectively. Specifically, the program equips students with the technical knowledge and analytical skills to create value and build a sustainable competitive advantage for their firm, in a diverse and rigorous educational environment.

Testimonials and program learning goals

"Earning my Executive MBA was critical to gaining the skills and confidence to transition from a corporate role to a solopreneur. ... Staying engaged through networking events and volunteer opportunities has kept me connected to the vast CU Denver community and beyond.”

Danette Muñoz Shaifer
Founder, Florishion Consulting
Class of 2022

"The CU Denver EMBA proved to be an excellent choice for me. While completing the program, I was offered a new role at my company. The program allowed me to advance my career, hone my leadership skills, and strengthen my business acumen.”

Dalip Sethi
Director of Scientific Affairs, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
Class of 2024

“The CU Denver Executive MBA program gave me the business skills, knowledge, and confidence to design, launch, and then expand a new department at my company.”

Vanessa Samuel
Electrical Engineer and Marketing Manager, Samuel Engineering
Class of 2022

Learning goals

These five learning goals are embedded throughout the curriculum:

Goal 1: Act strategically

Formulate and implement strategies that are designed to build a sustainable competitive advantage for the organization.

Goal 2: Think critically

Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to develop counterintuitive, insightful solutions to any given business problem.

Goal 3: Communicate effectively

Deploy executive presence to convey complex ideas, motivate stakeholders, and resolve conflict to navigate challenges and optimize performance.

Goal 4: Embrace ambiguity

Seek value in a dynamic environment that is constantly evolving, while bringing unique insight to solve original problems.

Goal 5: Lead thoughtfully

Appreciate the complexity of organizations, and the opportunity to lead an inclusive and representative culture.

The program consists of 15 core courses for a total of 48 credit hours. It is designed with working professionals in mind; you will complete your degree in 18 months while you work. Courses balance an essential core (e.g. accounting, finance, leadership, marketing, strategy) with other innovative and topical courses to accelerate the transition to executive leadership.

International trip

This 3-credit course offers students the opportunity to learn about and participate in global business through intensive classroom sessions and first-hand experiences abroad. The course overlays multiple experiential-learning models to offer students unique exposure to global teams, international business, and executive-level insights. Students will implement leadership and management tools to enhance their effectiveness in the international environment. Specifically, and dependent on university risk and safety assessments, students will travel for approximately two weeks during this course. Both before and during the trip, the students will work in teams on a consulting project with a client firm in the country to be visited.

Hybrid method of instruction

The program's hybrid structure allows business leaders to get their MBA without sidelining their careers. This flexible delivery method allows the student to balance the program with the rest of their life, while still engaging with faculty, classmates, and guest speakers.

On Campus: Classes meet on campus two weekends each term. Classes are held from 8:30 am-4:30 pm Friday and Saturday, and consist of traditional lectures, discussions, and group activities. They provide ample opportunities to work with peers and faculty.

Online: Virtual conferencing brings the classroom into your home, through Canvas and Zoom. You’ll have access to course assignments, presentations, and discussions with professors and your classmates.

Program faculty

The Executive MBA faculty are hand-selected to deliver a transformative learning experience. A third of our faculty are from CU Denver, while the rest of the faculty are from other universities around the country or are leaders in industry. All of our faculty are excellent at bringing their applicable skills and expertise to the classroom. This innovative approach to executive education offers our students access to some of the best instructors in the nation. We are proud of what we are offering and do not think many programs can compete with this level of diversity and excellence.

The faculty and staff directory with course descriptions are available here.

Mary Malina, PhD

Professor Emerita, CU Denver

Term 1: Accounting

Jung Park, MBA

Founder, Sherpath Coaching

Term 1: Leadership

Thomas Eppel, PhD

Lecturer, UC Irvine

Term 2: Analytical Decision Making

Michelle Marks, PhD
Chancellor Emerita, CU Denver
Term 2: Leading Individuals and Teams

Steve Lawrence, PhD

Associate Professor Emeritus, CU Boulder

Term 3: Operations

Kate Watkins, PhD

State Demographer, Colorado

Term 3: Economics

Adriana Medina-López-Portillo, PhD

Founder and CEO, Pangea Training

Term 4: Communication

Kelly See, PhD

Associate Professor, CU Denver

Term 4: Negotiation

Jeff Brooks, MS

CEO & CFO (former), Private Equity

Term 5: Finance

John Shaw, MBA

Adjunct Professor, UNC Chapel Hill

Term 5: Finance

Richard Hanna, PhD

Professor of Practice, Babson College

Term 5: Marketing

Jill Lohmiller, MBA

Director, Reynolds Program for Global Business

Term 6: International Business

Michael Leiblein, PhD

Professor, Ohio State University

Term 7: Managing in Dynamic Environments

Jeff Reuer, PhD

Professor, Purdue University

Term 7: Strategy

Jeff Brooks, MS

CEO & CFO (former), Private Equity

Term 8: Capstone

Gideon Markman, PhD

Professor, Colorado State University

Term 8: Business Model Innovation

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.

Application checklist

Online application
Resume
Personal statement
Official university transcripts
Two letters of recommendation

Apply Now

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.

Start the conversation.

Tools

Resources

Schools and Colleges

Campus Affiliates

Executive MBA

_{^{48 credit hours; cohort structure}}

_{^{18 months; no career interruption}}

_{^{Hybrid delivery (in-person + online)}}

_{^{August start}}