Answers To All Your Questions

Get all of your questions answered about the Executive MBA program at Kennesaw State University's Coles College of Business!

Program Overview

  • The KSU Executive MBA is designed for aspiring professionals, including senior leaders, rising executives, and entrepreneurs, who are ready to expand their influence and drive meaningful change in their organizations and communities.

    Whether you're preparing for a C-suite role, scaling a business, or leading innovation within your organization, the program provides strategic insight, leadership skills, and a global perspective.

  • AACSB Accredited logo
    CEO Magazine ranked Kennesaw State's Executive MBA Program No. 1 in Georgia for the tenth year in a row. The program is tied for 1st in the country and 5th in the world.

    The program is also AACSB accredited — the premier international accreditation for colleges of business, and rated #3 internationally in teamwork and #10 in eBusiness by Bloomberg Businessweek.

  • The programs serve different audiences. The KSU Executive MBA is designed for experienced professionals including executives, mid-level managers, and entrepreneurs.

    The average student brings 10+ years of work experience and 8+ years of management experience. Those not as well versed in the foundations of business should consider the Evening MBA or WebMBA.

  • In addition to the EMBA, Coles College offers the Evening MBA, a nationally and internationally ranked program, and the WebMBA, designed for full-time professionals who want to earn their MBA with the flexibility of online learning.

Admissions

  • The admissions process includes:

    • Complete the online application
    • Submit a current resume or LinkedIn profile showing at least 5 years of post-undergraduate professional work experience
    • Interview with Program Directors
    • Submit two professional recommendations
    • Submit official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate coursework to the Office of Graduate Admissions

    Complete Admissions Process

  • The GMAT is not required, but sometimes recommended.

    For specific questions about your situation, contact Erin McGerald at 470-578-6862 or emcgeral@kennesaw.edu.

  • The program rigorously screens candidates to secure the highest caliber of participants, taking a holistic viewpoint and focusing most on where you are in your life and professional career today.

    The greater the diversity of the class, the richer the learning experience for all.

  • The interview is a two-way opportunity.  It is a chance for the program to express excitement about your consideration and for you to evaluate fit. The team wants to learn about your goals, professional experience, interests, and desire to pursue the EMBA.

    If the program is a match, next steps will be discussed; if not, other Coles graduate program options will be explored.

  • International applicants must meet additional requirements. Details are available at KSU's international graduate admissions page.

Deadlines & Start Dates

  • Courses begin in October 2026.
  • An early application is strongly encouraged, as cohort seats are limited.  The application opens in August, and the deadline is July 1st.  After July 1st admission is on a rolling basis until the class is full.

Schedule & Format

  • The KSU EMBA program is offered in an 18-month, weekend-only cohort model. Classes meet one weekend per month on both Saturday and Sunday with virtual options available.

    This program is the only one in metro Atlanta with a true weekend format, conveniently located right off I-75 at the KSU Center, where you'll find conference rooms, executive classrooms, dining facilities, and dedicated program staff.

  • Yes. The new HyFlex format gives you the option to attend class weekends virtually or in-person, allowing you to move forward in your education and career at the same time.
  • The program can be completed in 18 months with a schedule designed to fit your busy life.
  • The EMBA features a 48-credit hour curriculum that integrates cutting-edge topics like AI, digital transformation, and sustainability.
  • Yes. The EMBA International Residency allows students to engage with top-level projects in countries outside of the United States, gaining a global perspective on business development and decision-making, including strategic planning, project management, team collaboration, and consulting.

Cost & Financial Aid

  • The Executive MBA total program cost for in-state and out-of-state residents includes:

    • Books, case studies, and simulations
    • Personal assessments
    • Program-long executive coaching and team coaches
    • Meals on all class days
    • Opening residency hotel accommodations at a local resort
    • Hotel, excursions, ground transportation, and meals during the global experience trip
    • Dedicated faculty, one-on-one tutoring if necessary, and an EMBA-only support team

    To view the total cost, visit the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees page and select "Total Cost Programs

  • Graduate research assistantships and scholarships are available. Financial aid options including scholarships, grants, and more are available through KSU. Many EMBA students also utilize employer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship.

Who Are My Classmates?

  • The average EMBA student is 35-52 years old, brings 10+ years of work experience, and has 8+ years of management experience. Notably, 72% of students come from non-business undergraduate majors.

  • Students and alumni come from organizations including:

    • ADP
    • Amazon
    • AT&T
    • Bank of America
    • CDC
    • Chick-fil-A
    • Coca-Cola
    • Cox Enterprises
    • Delta
    • Equifax
    • Google
    • Home Depot
    • IBM
    • Lockheed Martin
    • Microsoft
    • Salesforce
    • Truist
    • UPS
    • the US Army
    • Verizon
    • WellStar
    • Among many others.

  • Student and alumni titles include:

    • Finance Director
    • Lab Manager
    • General Manager
    • Director of Sales Operations
    • Senior Customer Manager
    • VP of Operations
    • CFO
    • Senior Lead Analyst
    • Surgeon
    • Director of Marketing
    • Deputy Director
    • Among many others.

Career Outcomes & ROI

  • Across recent EMBA cohorts, 68% of our graduates reported salary increases of more than 10%, and 31% reported more than 30% increases.

    Many also reported taking on new responsibilities or receiving promotions while still enrolled— real-time momentum, not delayed results.

  • The KSU EMBA is one of only two global programs offering program-long executive coaching. Students are paired with an executive volunteer of their choice for the entire 18 months — a dynamic, one-on-one relationship focused on professional growth and career management.

    Additionally, students complete personal assessments, career management journaling, and develop a personal mission statement and development plan throughout the program.

Next Steps

  • Join us for an in-person or online information session. Discover our curriculum, meet our team, and find out how our program empowers working professionals to lead with confidence.

    After the in-person information session, stick around to enjoy lunch with our current students and sit in on an afternoon class.

    View the info Session schedule

  • Contact Erin McGerald, Associate Director, at emcgeral@kennesaw.edu or 470-578-6862 to set up your interview or ask questions about the program.

  • You can start your application at Graduate Application Process or request more information to have an admissions counselor reach out to you.