Executive MBA Frequently Asked Questions

No. The Executive MBA is a 45-hour lockstep program that embeds foundational knowledge in the curriculum. In addition, the cohort structure allows for maximum collaboration for peer learning that mitigates a prerequisite requirement.

Yes. The Executive MBA is a cohort program where students take the same set of classes because, in the EMBA, the experiences are more tightly integrated across courses and subjects. Students, however, will choose one course (2 credits) to take as an elective from the wide selection offered in our Helzberg MBA.

No. While academic skills are important, a strong predictor of success in the program is experience and that experience is a primary qualifier for students to enter the program.

It is possible for someone with less than eight years to be admitted as an exception, but this is rare. Usually, to overcome limited experience, you would need to have unique experiences such as owning your own business or have strong support from your company recognizing you as high potential manager including having a current management role.

AACSB stands for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and is the benchmark of quality for business education worldwide. Earning and maintaining AACSB accreditation is a comprehensive, demanding process. To learn more about AACSB accreditation, visit www.aacsb.edu/accreditation.

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

Program cost is broken into four equal installments for each fall and spring semester of the program. If your employer is sponsoring you, the company can be direct-billed. Up to $20,500 per academic year in student loans is available to use for costs. The program administrator can help you apply for these funds through the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Also, if your firm reimburses a maximum amount per calendar year, this billing allows you to spread the cost over three years rather than just two.

The Helzberg School offers limited scholarships.

With a bachelor's degree, you are able to take bachelor's classes with the alumni discount but not graduate-level classes. Rockhurst University offers a 10% tuition discount for Military servicemembers, Veterans, or alumni of AJCU institutions enrolled in a graduate business degree or certificate program. This discount can not be combined with any other RU discount.

Complete an online application with all required documents, including a personal statement of why you want to be in the program and how you will contribute, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and official undergraduate transcripts. Once your application has been submitted, an interview with two program faculty will be scheduled. You will be notified of your final admission status within 10 working days following your interview.

Upon notice of admission into the cohort, you will submit a $1,500 deposit to enroll.

This varies, but typical classes have 16 to 24 students. These are ideal sizes in terms of student engagement in our applied and experiential learning activities.

The early admission deadline is May 1. Applicants who meet all requirements and are admitted to the program gain the opportunity to get a head start on elective coursework and gain early access to Rockhurst Executive MBA community events occurring before the program officially begins in the fall. Applications submitted after the early admission deadline are welcome and will be processed on a rolling basis throughout the summer.