Frequently Asked Questions

EMBA students have been in their respective careers for at least five years (the average is 15 years professional experience with eight of those being in management).

The Executive MBA program is 18 months. Our inaugural program begins January 2025 and concludes with commencement in May 2026. A new cohort will begin in January of each year. 

Courses are taught in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Twelve on-campus class sessions are held monthly in the first four terms. Each in-person session is hosted on campus for Friday/Saturday classes. Residency weeks will bookend the start and end of the 18-month program.

Yes. EMBA students have access to the same resources as other students including school facilities. 

Yes! Residency weeks in Charleston will bookend the start and end of the 18-month program. The first residency week will include orientation and onboarding, professional and career development workshops, and academic coursework. The final residency week is scheduled around the May commencement ceremony. This week consists of Executive Communications courses, the Integrated Capstone class, and Advanced Corporate Finance class. Monthly, on-campus sessions are held in the first four terms.

Each in-person session is hosted on campus for Friday/Saturday classes. Other co-curricular opportunities may be hosted during this time too, including executive speaker lectures and networking events.

Outside of class, we encourage our students to explore all that Charleston has to offer during their time here.

Yes. Our inaugural EMBA class will be traveling to Panama in the spring of 2026.

• Five years or more as a working professional
• An undergraduate degree
• Transcripts with university-level coursework
• Cover letter
• Résumé/CV
• Optional standardized test scores (GMAT/EA)
• Three professional references

Yes. Select candidates will be invited to schedule an interview after a review of their application. All interviews are scheduled virtually through Zoom.

No. Standardized test scores are not required. If a student chooses to submit scores, the GMAT exam is preferred. Self-reported test scores must be accompanied by an unofficial student score report submitted in the application or an official score report sent directly to the university.

Yes. The Executive MBA program requires at least five years of prior work experience for an application to be considered.

• The priority application deadline is August 1.
• The regular application deadline is October 1.

• Applicants that applied before the priority deadline (Aug. 1) will receive a decision October 1
• Applicants that applied before the regular application deadline (Oct. 1) will receive a decision December 1

No, the Executive MBA program at the College of Charleston does not accept transfer credits from other educational institutions.

Yes. Multiple recruiting events are scheduled throughout the year.

You are also welcome to schedule a one-to-one appointment with an admissions counselor. Appointments are conducted in person, by phone, or virtually.

Tuition and fees are determined at the beginning of each program year. Once set, tuition and fees do not change for the 18-month program.

Tuition is currently set at $11,500 per term over five terms, or $57,500 for the entire program.

• One-on-one executive coaching
• Beginning and ending 360-degree assessments
• Charleston experiences
• International lodging
• Books and class materials
• Meals
• On-campus parking
• Graduation regalia

• Federal Direct Student Loans
• Federal GRAD PLUS Loan
• Veteran Benefits
• Corporate Sponsorship

Corporate sponsorship involves an employer providing financial support or other resources to an employee to help cover the costs of the program. This support may include tuition fees, travel expenses, study materials, and paid time off for classes and exams.

No. While we encourage employers to make a financial contribution, allowing students to participate (time) is the only investment on their part that we require.

Yes. Contact emba@cofc.edu and we will put you in touch with someone who can speak about sponsorship.

Many applicants find it helpful to present their sponsorship request as a business case, pointing to the specific ways in which the Executive MBA experience will benefit their employer. We are happy to help you with this. Contact us to get started.