Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing an executive MBA program
Qualifying for admission
Adapting to executive student life
Choosing an executive MBA program
What is an executive MBA program? (top)
An executive MBA program allows experienced professionals to obtain a master’s degree in business administration while working full-time. The curriculum allows executive participants to benefit from the diverse experiences of their classmates as well as the faculty. OneMBA classes are held on weekends, so executives from a wide geographic area can participate.
What is a global executive MBA program? (top)
A global program is one that is designed for business professionals who have, or aspire to, global management responsibilities. The curriculum focuses on global business issues and the skills and knowledge that successful global managers need.
Which schools offer executive MBA programs? (top)
More than 220 universities and colleges around the world offer executive MBA programs. For a list, visit the Executive MBA Council.
How does OneMBA differ from other executive MBA programs? (top)
The OneMBA Program is the only executive MBA program created through a partnership of five premier business schools on four continents. No other executive MBA program offers the global diversity and networking opportunities resulting from OneMBA students and faculty living and working in four world regions — Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. More than 38 countries are represented by the OneMBA students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Are the OneMBA partner universities accredited? (top)
Yes, all five universities in the OneMBA partnership are fully accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the premier accrediting agency, which is located in the US.
Do OneMBA graduates receive the same MBA as fulltime students? (top)
OneMBA graduates receive an MBA degree issued by their home university. UNC’s OneMBA graduates receive the same MBA degree earned by UNC Kenan-Flagler’s fulltime MBA students. In addition, all OneMBA graduates also receive the OneMBA diploma issued by the five OneMBA partner universities.
How does OneMBA differ from UNC's other MBA for Executives Programs? (top)
One key difference is the OneMBA curriculum is focused on global management, while UNC’s Evening and Weekend curriculums allow executives to select elective courses based on their career goals. View the comparison chart for other differences among UNC's MBA Program formats.
Qualifying for admission
What are your admission requirements? (top)
OneMBA participants must have a minimum of seven years of fulltime professional work experience, with ten years preferred. We also look for participants with current or expected global management responsibilities. For more a complete list of requirements, visit our admissions page.
Is the GMAT an admissions requirement? (top)
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is optional, but recommended if your academic record does not demonstrate strong quantitative skills.
Do I need to be multilingual to participate? (top)
English is the language used for all OneMBA communications. The ability to speak other languages is desirable, but not required.
How can I prepare for the academic challenge since I graduated more than six years ago? (top)
Because OneMBA is for seasoned professionals, most applicants have been away from school for many years. We encourage you to review and improve your knowledge of statistics, economics, finance, and accounting before the Program begins. The greatest challenge facing many students is balancing school, home and work responsibilities. The OneMBA curriculum is demanding, but is also personally and professionally rewarding.
What level of computer proficiency is required? Do I need a laptop? (top)
You will need to be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Because you will be working with your study team during class sessions, all executive participants should have a PC laptop computer with Microsoft Office 2000, XP or 2003. You will also need your own high-speed Internet service provider to work off-site.
Do you accept transfer credits? (top)
No, we do not accept transfer credits. Executive participants begin OneMBA at the same time, move through the curriculum together, and complete the requirements for graduation as a group. As a result, executives build an extensive network of trusted colleagues living and working around the globe, as well as lifelong friendships.
Adapting to executive student life
What airport should I use when traveling to OneMBA classes in Leesburg, VA? (top)
Dulles International Airport is only eight miles from the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg VA, where most of UNC's OneMBA classes are held.
Does the OneMBA tuition cover the cost of Thursday night stays for weekend classes? (top)
The OneMBA tuition covers the cost of Friday and Saturday accommodations, but not Thursday. OneMBA Friday morning classes begin at 9:30 am, so many students fly in early in the morning.
How much study time will I need outside of class? (top)
OneMBA participants average 3 hours in individual study or team meetings for every hour in the classroom.
How are study teams chosen? (top)
You will be assigned to two types of study teams: global teams and a regional team. Participants are selected to give each team a broad range of skills, backgrounds, and nationalities.
Global Teams: Your global team will work together on projects and assignments for your Globally Coordinated Core Courses and Global Residencies. Global teams will be composed of 7 or 8 executive participants living and working in different parts of the world. Your team will meet at a global residency and work together remotely by phone and internet until the next residency, when you will be assigned to a new global team. You will work with 3 different global teams over the 21-month Program. Regional Teams: Your regional team will be composed of executive participants from UNC. You work with this team on Regional Course assignments throughout the OneMBA Program.
How do executive participants communicate when they are not on campus? (top)
Interactive communications technologies are used to maintain close contact among executive participants and faculty from all the partner universities. OneMBA provides web conferencing tools that allow for real-time document and application sharing as well as video and voice-chat capabilities over the Internet.
Can I concentrate in a specific area like finance or marketing? (top)
The OneMBA Program prepares participants for senior leadership positions that require broad global management skills. As a result, it is not possible to major in a particular subject.
If I live nearby, am I required to stay with my classmates during the regional or global residencies? (top)
OneMBA participants learn a great deal from their interaction with each other. Much of this interaction takes place during the residency evenings. UNC expects participants to immerse themselves in the Program and requires all participants to stay with the class during all residencies. As a result, you will develop a lifelong network of professional contacts and friends.
If I can't commit to 21 consecutive months, does UNC offer short-term executive courses? (top)
UNC's Executive Education Programs offers highly-ranked, non-degree business courses and seminars lasting a few days or several weeks. These programs provide the skills and knowledge needed to prepare executives for leadership roles and for enhancing personal skills and career potential. | 
