UCF EMBA Professors and students alike feed off each others’ knowledge and experience and raise learning to its highest level. EMBA at UCF is more than an education. It is a creation of a valuable network of professionals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the questions asked the most about our executive and professional degree programs. If you don't find the answer to your questions, please feel free to contact us.
Degree Program FAQ’'s.
What are the requirements for admission?
Our objective is to admit a well-rounded individual who can bring uniqueness and insight to the learning environment of the class and team experience. The Admissions Committee evaluates candidates on many factors including work experience, professional character, leadership qualities, degree of motivation, and demonstrated scholastic ability. These factors are assessed through work experience, academic records, letters of recommendations, and a personal interview.
The specific admission criteria include: (1) three years of full-time, progressive and relevant work experience, (2) transcripts showing a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited university or institution, (3) evidence of academic strength, as shown by the GMAT score (other standardized test scores may be substituted in certain situations), (4) submission of three letters of recommendation and a personal essay describing their educational and professional goals and (5) finally, the personal interview is used to assess the candidate on an individual basis.
What is the typical profile of a UCF PMBA student?
The typical UCF PMBA student is an action-oriented, driven leader with a track record of success. Many of the students are sponsored by their organizations to complete the program because they are seen as future leaders and key decision makers in their organizations. We also have a number of entrepreneurs and professionals, such as physicians, lawyers, and accountants, who are using the PMBA as a tool to effectively grow their businesses. The class composition of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals provides a dynamic and challenging atmosphere. Students agree that the diversity of the class provides a productive learning environment and incredible networking opportunities. Many of our PMBA students continue networking even after graduation.
Our past PMBA students had an average age of about 34 years with a mean of 12 years working experience behind them. The students represented such professional areas as Sales/Marketing, Finance/Accounting, Engineering, Computer Science, and many more.
Is the UCF PMBA right for me?
The UCF Professional MBA (PMBA) program is specifically designed for working professionals with at least three years of full-time progressive work experience. The program is application-oriented and prepares students to successfully face the challenges they will encounter as they advance in their careers. The students use their own experiences, as well as those of the faculty, to develop problem-solving skills that can be immediately applied to organizational settings.
One of the key features of the UCF PMBA program is being a part of a cohort group of students. PMBA students take all classes with their cohort group, creating a supportive network of friends and colleagues. The group will take classes two evenings a week for 22 months allowing the busy professional to complete the program while maintaining their career.
Another feature of the PMBA program is structured continuance. Curriculum and class meeting times are in place prior to the start of the program. Students can plan months in advance for classes and requirements. The EDC staff handles all administration aspects of university attendance including course registration, tuition payment, securing books and classroom materials, parking decals, even cap and gown orders. This allows students to concentrate on their studies while on campus.
What are the differences between an MBA program and the MSM program?
The PMSM provides an alternative to the MBA degree for students who desire specialized study and a high level of professional proficiency in management/human resources. MBA programs offer a variety of courses in all areas of business including finance, economics, management, accounting, and much more. The PMSM program focuses on management and organizational behavior and does not include such a wide variety of courses.
What are the differences between the Executive MBA and the Professional MBA?
While the Executive MBA and the Professional MBA each offer a competitive program for students and employers, there are some differences. The EMBA admits students who have at least five years of professional work experience, whereas the PMBA only requires three years. The EMBA is held on alternating Fridays and Saturdays for 20 months at the UCF Executive Development Center Downtown, whereas the PMBA meets two evenings a week for 22 months at select UCF regional campuses. Both the EMBA and the PMBA tuition include fees, text materials, parking during class times, and all administrative fees. Both programs include 39 credit hours with about 15-20 outside study hours per week, and have a class size no larger than 40 students.
How do I pay for an executive or professional degree program?
The cost of a UCF executive and professional degree tuition includes fees, text materials, parking during class times, and all administrative fees. Meals and refreshments on class days, and meals and lodging on the international trip are included in the cost of EMBA. Most of our students receive full or partial payment from their organizations for the program via scholarships or other educational reimbursement programs. However, some of our students do self-fund the full or partial cost of their program. Financial aid packages are available to pay for the tuition. Contact us for further information regarding what financial support is available or directly contact the UCF Financial Aid office at (407) 823-2827 or federal financial aid Web sites such as SallieMae MBA Loans or the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
What benefit does the employer obtain from sponsoring an employee?
Many employers financially support their managers and executives in UCF’s executive and professional programs because they have found that sponsoring qualified personnel has resulted in a high return on investment. When an organization makes an investment in one of our programs by sponsoring their employee, they are not only reaping the benefits of the knowledge the student will bring back to the organization, but also the opportunity to tap into a vast network of nationally recognized faculty and prominent executives in the central Florida area. Company sponsors are encouraged to attend and participate in selected seminars.
How do busy executives successfully complete requirements of a rigorous executive or professional degree program?
Our executive and professional programs require a major investment of your time. Students need the support of their organizations, families, and friends in order to attain the most beneficial program experience. Spouses are always welcome to attend program introductory sessions and social events so that they too can share in your experience. We also have a tutor and mentor program available to give you added assistance and support.
Our faculty expects you to invest an average of 15-20 hours per week outside of the class in teamwork and/or individual preparation. However, our faculty understands the demands of an executive or professional student, and has designed the coursework so that your professional responsibilities are not compromised. Our students feel that the time commitment is substantial but manageable. Our graduates believe their hard work and dedication paid off tremendously in the long term in terms of promotions, pay increases and new career opportunities.
What happens if I don't have a current or acceptable GMAT score?
In general, UCF accepts scores that are less than five years old. If the admissions committee has identified you as a strong candidate, the committee may recommend retaking the GMAT and accept you into the program, contingent upon receiving an acceptable GMAT score before the program begins. We encourage all applicants to apply and let our admissions committee evaluate your scores or call and speak with our recruiter for further directions or advice.
Candidates with backgrounds other than business, such as medicine, law, engineering, etc. may be partly evaluated on their preparation for graduate study by scores of other standardized tests, such as the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, etc. Please contact our recruiter for specific information regarding your case.
What are the requirements for admission?
Our objective is to admit a well-rounded individual who can bring uniqueness and insight to the learning environment of the class and team experience. The admissions committee evaluates candidates on many factors including managerial experience, professional character, leadership qualities, degree of motivation, and demonstrated scholastic ability. These factors are assessed through work experience, academic records, letters of recommendations, and a personal interview.
Specific admission criteria varies among programs. Please see the admission requirements page available for each program or click below on the program you wish to learn more about:
What is the typical profile of a UCF executive or professional student?
The typical UCF executive or professional student is an action-oriented, driven leader with a track record of success. Many of the students are sponsored by their organizations to complete the program because they are seen as future leaders and key decision makers in their organizations. A number of entrepreneurs and professionals, such as physicians, lawyers, and accountants, use UCF’s executive and professional programs as a tool to effectively grow their businesses. The composition of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals from different backgrounds and functional areas provide a dynamic and challenging atmosphere. Students agree that the diversity of the class provides a productive learning environment as well as incredible networking opportunities. Many of our students continue networking even after graduation.
The PMSM group consists of individuals currently in management positions who want to develop additional expertise, as well as those who seek to move into the management track as a vehicle for career advancement. The program is suited for a wide variety of backgrounds including those with degrees in economics, education, hospitality, nursing, psychology, and business.
Is UCF right for me?
UCF executive and professional degree programs (EMBA, PMBA, PMSM, PMRE) are specifically designed for executives and managers with full-time progressive work experience (the specific work requirement varies among programs. See program requirements for more details). Programs are application-oriented and prepare students to successfully face the challenges they will encounter as they advance in their careers. Students use their own experiences, as well as those of the faculty, to develop problem-solving skills that can be immediately applied in the students’ organizational settings.
One of the key features of UCF executive and professional degree programs is being part of a cohort group of students. Students take all classes with their cohort group, creating a supportive network of friends and colleagues.
Another feature of executive and professional programs is structured continuance. Curriculum and class meeting times are in place prior to the start of the program. Students can plan months in advance for classes and requirements. The EDC staff handles all administration aspects of university attendance including course registration, tuition payment, securing books and classroom materials, parking decals, even cap and gown orders. This allows students to concentrate on their studies while on campus.
