Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions: 

Is EMU accredited?

EMU is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

How long is the program?

Students taking the standard course load (two courses per term) and sequence can finish the MBA in two years. Graduate Certificates can be completed in as little as 9 months.

How many courses are in the MBA core, and how many semesters?

There are 36 hours in the core, and students who take the standard course load (two courses per term) finish in six semesters.

How much is tuition?

Click here for current tuition rates.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. MBA students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal education loans. Full-time or part-time MBA students may also consider an affordable monthly payment program that can be used in combination with a loan to reduce interest costs. For additional information, visit our Cost and Tuition page. 

Is a thesis required?

No. Students take a capstone course and the end of the program, which involves a group or individual project.

I do not have a business bachelor’s degree. Can I apply for the program?

Yes.

Is transfer credit accepted?

Yes, the EMU MBA program will accept up to six graduate credits from other institutions.

Is the GMAT required?

No, the GMAT is not required if you have a Master's degree in a relevant field and can provide documentation about their qualifying entrance exam (e.g., GRE or LSLSAT).

Can a student start in the fall or spring?

All new cohorts for the MBA begin each fall. Graduate Certificates can start in either the Fall or Spring semesters. 

Can I take one course per semester instead of two or three?

Yes. While taking two to three courses is the preferred schedule, there is flexibility for students who feel they can’t manage more than one course per semester. 

MBA-Specific Questions:

Given that there are three schools that are partners in the Collaborative MBA program, where does my degree come from? 

You can choose to have your degree come from any of the four schools: Bluffton University, Canadian Mennonite University, Eastern Mennonite University, or Goshen College. If you do not choose, we will choose a school for you. All of your courses will be registered with that school so your transcripts will show all credit given by the school you choose.

Will I be allowed to choose the school where I will participate in graduation?

It is expected that students will attend the graduation of the school that is issuing their degree. If, given unusual circumstances, a student wishes to attend the graduation ceremony of a different Collaborative MBA participant school than the one they are receiving their degree from, they must petition the Collaborative MBA program director by November 30 of the academic year within which they will graduate with a rationale for wanting to change graduation locations. If permission is granted by the Collaborative MBA program director, the student will be responsible to make arrangements to obtain the appropriate graduation regalia for the school where they will be physically present for graduation.

Each school will list all Collaborative MBA graduates along with their degree issuing school in their graduation programs.

How long do I have to complete the program?

Up to four years.

What if I have to take a break for personal or professional reasons?

The cohort model is ideal when students move through the program together as a community. However, we understand sometimes life gets in the way. If for some reason you need to take a break for personal or professional reasons, you can drop out of a class and resume with the cohort when your schedule permits. You would simply take the missed course(s) the following year. We strongly suggest, however, that you wait until the end of the semester so that you can earn credit for the work you have begun.

Why an International Residency as part of the Collaborative MBA Program?

One of our program core values is “Global Citizenship.” We believe that organizations today are interdependent and mutually accountable to local, national, and global communities. As a result, we believe in interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and interfaith engagement. To that end, a global perspective is important for today’s business and organizational leaders, and that is why we include a course which integrates a one-week international residency.  The international setting not only provides students with a global perspective but also a context and on-going case study for the entire MBA curriculum. In addition, it is also a resume enhancing hands-on experience that provides perspective for student’s day-to-day work and their development as leaders in their organization.

Some students have used the international residency as a launching point for further travel or holiday time in the same location or region, and this may include family members or friends.  Students who take opportunity to extend their experience for personal reasons should plan for their family/friend to arrive on location no earlier than the departure day of the residency.

What are the computer/technology requirements?

In general, any computer or laptop purchased in the past three years will meet the minimum specs. Your experience in EMU classes (especially, but not exclusively online courses) is highly dependent on the quality and functionality of your computer equipment. Below are the minimum required specifications for your computer equipment and software.