• A Master of Business Administration gives an individual the skills and knowledge to climb the ladder within an organization by combining coursework with everyday professional experiences. An individual who wishes to obtain an MBA but continue working full-time should consider an Executive MBA program. An EMBA can be obtained in two years or less with more or less the same benefits as a traditional MBA, but the EMBA admission requirements lean more toward professional experience.
  
  

Professional Accomplishments

• The type and length of professional experience are critical in the admissions process for an EMBA. Applicants are expected to have at least five years' professional experience, but often EMBA students possess 10 or more years of significant professional experience. Business schools also look closely at applicants' accomplishments. They tend to favor individuals who will enrich the educational environment and stimulate the learning experience.
  
  

GMAT

• An EMBA generally puts more emphasis on professional experience, but a good Graduate Management Admissions Test score can be very helpful in getting into an EMBA program. EMBA programs tend to be more flexible than traditional MBA programs. For example, students at top business schools such as Wharton and UCLA have average GMAT scores of more than 700 for an MBA but less than 700 for an EMBA. Some business schools do not require the GMAT but recommend it in cases where the applicant's professional or academic experience cannot prove his quantitative skills. A few business schools, such as Duke, NYU Stern, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler and University of Michigan, accept waivers for the GMAT. These waivers are normally accepted in cases where people can prove a great deal of quantitative skills in their applications or have received prior postgraduate degrees.
  
  

Professional Recommendations

• Two letters of recommendation are required for all EMBA applicants. One must be from a professional direct supervisor or manager who can provide specific details pertaining to the applicant's management, analytical and leadership skills as well as professional achievements. The other can be from a former employer, client or other individual who has worked closely with the applicant.
  
  

Transcript

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university is required, although it does not have to be a degree in business. Official transcripts of the undergraduate degree must be submitted along with the application, with most schools looking for a grade point average of 3.0 or better.