Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)

An Executive MBA is a graduate business degree designed for experienced professionals and managers seeking to advance into senior leadership roles. EMBA programs emphasize leadership, strategy, and organizational decision-making while allowing students to continue working full time.

No. The Executive MBA program is a 45-credit, lockstep program that embeds foundational business knowledge directly into the curriculum. The cohort structure also promotes collaboration and peer learning, eliminating the need for traditional prerequisites.

Yes. The Executive MBA follows a cohort structure in which students complete the core curriculum together, integrating learning across courses and subjects. Students also select one elective course (2 credits) from the MBA program’s available options.

No. While academic preparation is important, professional experience is one of the strongest predictors of success in the program and serves as a primary qualification for admission.

Applicants with fewer than eight years of experience may be admitted in rare cases. To offset limited experience, candidates typically demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, such as owning a business, holding a management role, or receiving strong support from their employer as a high-potential leader.

AACSB stands for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It is the global benchmark for excellence in business education. Fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide earn AACSB accreditation, making it a strong indicator of program quality. For more information, visit www.aacsb.edu/accreditation.

The Class of 2027 tuition is $63,500*. This cost includes all books, parking and meals on class days.
*Program cost is subject to change.

Program costs are divided into four equal installments across the fall and spring semesters. Employers sponsoring a student may be billed directly.

Students may also access up to $20,500 in federal student loans per academic year. The program administrator can assist with the FAFSA process. This billing structure may also allow students whose employers reimburse annually to spread payments over three years instead of two.

The Helzberg School of Management offers a limited number of scholarships.

The alumni discount applies to undergraduate courses but not graduate-level classes. However, Rockhurst offers a 10% tuition discount for military service members, veterans and alumni of AJCU institutions enrolled in a graduate business degree or certificate program. This discount cannot be combined with other Rockhurst discounts.

Applicants must complete the online application and submit all required materials, including:

• A personal statement describing your interest in the program and potential contributions
• Two letters of recommendation
• A professional résumé
• Official undergraduate transcripts

After submission, applicants will be interviewed by two program faculty members. Admission decisions are typically communicated within 10 business days following the interview.

Upon acceptance, a $1,500 deposit is required to secure your place in the cohort.

Cohorts typically include 16 to 24 students, fostering engagement, collaboration, and applied learning.

The early admission deadline is May 1. Applicants admitted by this deadline may begin elective coursework early and gain access to Executive MBA community events before the program officially begins in the fall.

Applications submitted after May 1 are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the summer.