Class Characteristics: Each cohort is made up of seasoned professionals with broad management experience.

A profile of a current Executive MBA class:

• Average of 15 years of professional experience
• Average age is 37
• Executive and general management, IT, sales/marketing, human capital, law, finance, and accounting are some of the sectors represented.

Program structure: Executive MBA courses are carefully crafted to cover business problems and concepts from the perspective of high-level company decision makers. The program is made up the Smith School's strong MBA core courses, which establish a broad functional knowledge framework for participants to build on. They are supplemented with advanced courses in mission-critical areas including operations management, international marketing, cross-cultural marketing, and innovation and entrepreneurship. Electives are offered approximately once every six months and students can take elective courses in their home locations or at Smith School locations around the world.

Program Duration: Program Duration: The Executive MBA can be completed in 18 months and students are strongly encouraged to do so, though each student has up to two years to complete the curriculum. Participants will receive comprehensive administrative support from executive education staff.

What is the class schedule?
After a one week orientation, students meet approximately once a month for four consecutive days

Will I receive an accredited degree?
Yes. The Smith School of Business is accredited by the AACSB (American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business) and your diploma will read Masters of Business Administration.

Are the Executive MBA professors Smith School faculty?
Yes. The same faculty that teach the full- and part-time MBA students will be teaching the Executive MBA courses in China. In addition, influential visiting speakers will participate in special presentations and group discussions.

What kind of access will I have to professors?
All professors will be available online and for face-to-face discussions during class time.

How much of the program is done online?
None of the course work is done online. All teaching happens in the classroom. Groups, however, may choose to work virtually between classes. Virtual team interaction and group collaboration are facilitated through Blackboard.

How much time should I expect to spend on coursework outside of class?
Students can expect to spend about twenty hours before and after each four-day class, and to receive assignments and materials three to four weeks in advance.  Advance preparation includes a graded deliverable such as a case, paper or exam that is worth 20 to 25 percent of the total grade. This helps ensure sufficient preparation and that time in class is used most effectively.

How much does the program cost?
Tuition is $43,000.

When does the next class start?
January 2009.

How can I learn more about the program?
Fill out the online inquiry form or contact us at  shanghai@rhsmith.umd.edu