Executive MBA

The CU Denver Executive MBA is designed to meet the needs of experienced professionals. Business challenges are increasingly complex; in response our curriculum focuses on the analytical skills and high-level strategy that will advance your ability to make market-driven decisions. Learn from a unique blend of faculty and industry experts, and apply new insights to your current organization immediately. 

• Innovative curriculum: Core courses are supplemented with topical seminars adapted to reflect current and future business trends 
• Leading faculty: Learn from faculty from universities and industries across Colorado and the country 
• Flexible learning: Take advantage of our unique mix of in-person, online, and asynchronous course structure, designed to fit your busy schedule  
• Concierge support: Leave the details to us and focus on getting the most from your degree

Join a cohort of executives from diverse backgrounds, functional areas, and career stages. Our staff offers a full range of concierge-style support services. We consult with you during the admissions process and throughout the program. All administrative responsibilities involving registration, enrollment, course materials, and on-site catering are handled by program staff on your behalf.  

The program consists of 15 core courses and five topical seminars for a total of 45 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.  

Topical seminars include 

International trip

Following an intense, two-day seminar in Denver, the trip abroad includes company site visits in a variety of industries, meetings with executives, speakers, and local cultural activities. 

Our team closely monitors all international health and safety concerns to offer you global business insights in a safe environment.   

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. Half of our faculty are from CU Denver, while another 25% are from universities around the country. The rest of the faculty are leaders in industry, 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.

TERM 1:

Jung Park (University of Colorado Denver): Leadership 

Mary Malina (University of Colorado Denver): Accounting 

SEMINAR SERIES 1:

Scott Dawson (Dean, University of Colorado Denver Business School): Executive Conversations 

Michelle Marks (Chancellor, University of Colorado Denver): Organizational Behavior 

Ben Cole (Fordham University): Blockchain 

TERM 2:

Tony Cox (University of Colorado Denver): Data Analytics 

Tim Mazur (Integrity and Compliance Investigator, Indivior Pharmaceutical):  Business Law + Ethics 

TERM 3:

Kate Watkins (Chief Economist, Colorado State Legislature): Economics 

Steve Lawrence (University of Colorado Boulder): Operations 

SEMINAR SERIES 2:

Madhavan Parthasarathy (University of Colorado Denver): Entrepreneurship 

TERM 4:

Ramiro Montealegre (University of Colorado Boulder): Information Systems  

Kelly See (University of Colorado Denver): Negotiation  

TERM 5:

Schon Beechler (INSEAD): Global Leadership 

Jill Lohmiller (University of Colorado Denver): International Trip

TERM 6:

Tom Nelson (University of Colorado Boulder): Finance 

Brian McCarthy (Portland State University): Marketing 

TERM 7:

Calvin Anderson (VP of Global Digital Strategy, VF Corporation): Digital Technologies 

Emily Edwards (University of Colorado Boulder): Digital Technologies 

Jeff Reuer (University of Colorado Boulder): Strategic Management 

SEMINAR SERIES 3:

Ersin Dincelli (University of Colorado Denver): Cybersecurity 

David Hildebrand (University of Colorado Denver): Philosophy of Work 

TERM 8:

Gideon Markman (Colorado State University): Business Model Innovation 

David Chandler (University of Colorado Denver): Sustainable Value Creation 

The cost of tuition for the entire 18-month program is $75,000. Tuition includes textbooks, course-related software, instructional materials, refreshments, and a meal on class days. It also includes travel, lodging, and most meals during the international trip.

A $1,500 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance into the program and will be applied to first term’s tuition. Tuition is billed in installments for each term.  

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 servicemembers with a high-quality education tailored to their distinct needs. We proudly support the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This distinction allows veterans to maximize their service time by having up to 100% of the tuition paid for depending on length of service. The OVSS represents Active Duty, Reservist, National Guard, Veteran and VA Dependent students. Contact the campus VA Office at (303) 315-7300 or by email at VMSS@ucdenver.edu to find out more details about your VA benefits. 

International students 

If you are an international student and accepted into the program, our team will forward your application materials to the CU Denver International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS). The ISSS Office will reach out to you directly regarding next steps to start the process of obtaining your student visa. 

If you have specific questions related to obtaining a visa, please contact our ISSS Office.

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 is the first research university in Colorado to attain the status of Hispanic-Serving Institution. As a federally designated minority-serving institution, our campus and faculty are eligible to apply for specific federal grants, receive priority points in grant scoring, and be considered a preferred partner for other institutions. More information is available at this link.

A new cohort begins each August. Admissions are made on a rolling basis, meaning decisions are made as applications are completed.

Our goal is to make the application process as streamlined as possible:

• 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. 
• Merit-based scholarships are awarded upon admission.

You can check your admission status via the account you create for the online application. You will receive a final decision by email shortly after the submission of all materials. 

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 potential for further promotion. In addition, the ideal candidate has:

• An average of 10-12 years of full-time professional work experience.
• Prior degrees that are supported by official university transcripts, including GPA for all courses.
• Two letters of professional recommendation. 
• A complete admissions form, including a personal statement and current résumé.
• A sponsorship form, to be completed by your organization, stipulating any support that will be provided and agreeing to allow you sufficient time for all classes and coursework.

All candidates must complete an interview as the final stage of the selection process. The interview helps us assess your motivation for pursuing an EMBA, your academic and professional experience, and your plans for the future.

In addition to the requirements above:

• If you are a citizen of a country where English is not the official language, you must present an official score from the TOEFL or IELTS tests. This requirement is waived for candidates who have previously earned a degree from a U.S. college or university. 
• Candidates who wish to strengthen their applications may submit a GMAT score, but it is not required. 

Individuals who do not meet the above criteria, but have a non-traditional background of business success or are already in a senior position in their organization, are encouraged to contact Program Coordinator, Bethany Cape, to discuss the potential for enrollment in 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.