Executive MBA Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take prerequisites to the program if I don't have a business degree or have taken business courses?

No. The Executive MBA is a 46-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.

Do I need to take a GMAT?

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.

I have less than eight years of professional experience. Could I still qualify to be admitted into 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.

What does AACSB Accreditation mean?

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.

Can I take electives?

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.

What is the total cost of the program?

The class of 2025 cost is $63,500.* This price covers all books, parking, and meals on class days.

*Program cost is subject to change.

How am I billed and are student loans available?

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.

Are their scholarships and/or grants available?

The Helzberg School offers limited scholarships.

I received my bachelor's degree from Rockhurst. Am I able to use my alumni discount for Executive MBA classes?

With a bachelor's degree, you are able to take bachelor's classes with the alumni discount but not graduate-level classes.

What do I need to do to gain admission?

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.

How many students are in a typical cohort?

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.

When is the deadline for application to the next class?

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.