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.

• Other resources: In addition to the core curriculum, we provide access to intensive courses that develop your skills in software programs such as Excel, Tableau, and SQL or Python.

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 $77,500. 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.

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.

Additional merit-based scholarships are available for exceptionally qualified students. 

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. More information is available at this link.

A new cohort begins each August. Students are admitted to the cohort as applications are received. Our goal is to make the application process as streamlined as possible for you:

• There is no application fee.

• Due to the program’s competitive nature and rolling admissions policy, 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 under-represented 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, Mary Ann Skadow, 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 our Executive MBA team or schedule a one-on-one meeting.