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Executive MBA
Vanderbilt Executive MBA

How To Apply

We look forward to getting to know you throughout the Executive MBA application process. We want you to make your application a strong showcase of who you are, what you have accomplished, and what you hope to achieve.

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Application Checklist

Take the first step toward enhancing your career, developing yourself as a leader and discovering a close-knit community of alumni from all over the world. For information on the required components of the Executive MBA application, please click below:

  • Online Application

    The Vanderbilt EMBA is hosted online. To begin, you will be asked to provide basic information such as demographic and contact information, areas of interest, activities and education, and work history. Applications are considered complete when each component has been received and processed by our team. You can check your application status at any time by accessing the application checklist. 

    All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the deadline date. 

  • Standardized Test Score (Optional)

    The Vanderbilt Executive MBA program is test-optional. However, candidates are required to submit a statement of academic readiness in order to provide insight into their quantitative and analytical exposure through both education and work experience. 

  • Unofficial Transcripts

    Vanderbilt requires graduate students to have a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, or its equivalent. An unofficial academic transcript from every college or university you attended is required as part of the application. 

    Legible, unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application submission and should include your full name, the name of the institution, all courses with grades received, grade point average, grading scale, and conferred degree with date (if applicable). If your conferred degree with date is not included on your transcript, upload a copy of your diploma along with your transcript. 

    If your transcript is not in English, include your translated academic records along with your originals. 

    Official Transcripts 

    Official academic records are required for admitted students prior to enrollment. Final official academic records must be sent directly from the issuing institution/agency to Vanderbilt University. 

    Information on the prior degree verification process, including how to submit official academic records, can be found on the Vanderbilt University Registrar’s Website. 

  • Essays

    Your written statements give us great insight into your unique qualities and goals. We have two required written statements. Additionally, you have the opportunity to provide an essay to clarify and explain anything you feel is important for the Admissions Committee to know. 

    Career Essay (500-word limit): Explain your post-degree short-term and long-term career plans as specifically as possible. When combined with your studies at Owen, how will your background, experiences, interests and personal attributes enable you to pursue these goals successfully?  

    Statement of Academic Readiness: Write a statement addressing your academic preparation for the Executive MBA Program, including specific examples of how you've engaged with complex business concepts, demonstrated analytical thinking, and pursued continuous learning in your career. Explain what you will uniquely contribute to the learning environment. 

  • Letter of Recommendation

    Only one letter of recommendation is required for the Vanderbilt Executive MBA application and recommendations are due on the application deadline date. 

    Select your recommender and enter their contact information within the application early to ensure your application will not be delayed. Instructions on submitting the Vanderbilt recommendation form will be emailed directly to your recommender. 

    We encourage you to choose a professional recommender familiar with your work, such as a direct supervisor, client, or project manager. 

  • Resume and Work Experience

    Your resume is an opportunity to tell your story on paper and should highlight your educational background, work experience, and any other activities or interests that are significant to you. You may use the detailed work history section in the online application to provide additional information.

    The ideal candidate for this program has at least five years of management experience, ranging up to 20 years or more.

  • Evaluative Interview

    Interviews are an essential component of the application and are conducted by members of our team. Evaluative interviews are offered by invitation to applicants who have submitted a complete application. 

    Interview invitations are sent on a rolling basis and conducted virtually and on campus.

    Our admissions interviews are behavioral based and a great opportunity to share your:

    • Background, professional experience, and career progression
    • Current role, including proven leadership, and management skills
    • Ability to apply the program’s content to your organization
    • Potential contributions to the classroom and C-Team

Personal Consultation

We understand that your questions and concerns are as unique as you are. Our admissions staff is available to answer your questions and help you assess whether the timing is right for you to apply. Schedule your in-person or phone personal consultation now.

Completed Applications

Applications are considered complete and ready for review when all required materials—essays, letter of recommendation, unofficial transcript, and application fee—have been received and processed by our team. Incomplete applications will not advance to the interview stage.  

Applicants with a complete application can expect a decision within 4 weeks after the application deadline. Please note that an evaluative interview is required before an offer of admission is given. However, applicants may receive a denial or waitlist decision at any stage without an interview.  

Applicants can check their application status at any time by accessing the application checklist. 

Click to check the status of your application. 

Additional Information

  • Application Fee

    There is a $200 application fee for the Executive MBA program.

  • Deferred Admission

    The Executive MBA program may offer deferred admission on a case-by-case basis. If admitted to the program, you may request approval for a deferral. Merit-based scholarships are not guaranteed from one year to the next.

  • Reapplication

    We welcome re-applicants in the next application cycle and will retain your application for two years. If you reapply, please use the same login credentials. Some of your former application data will transfer into your new application. You are encouraged to use the explanatory statement to describe how you have improved your candidacy.

  • Mailing Supplemental Materials

    We recommend that you keep copies of everything you submit to Vanderbilt for the duration of the application process. Please mail any supplemental application materials not submitted electronically to:

    Center for Data Management - OWEN
    Vanderbilt University
    PMB 407833, 2301 Vanderbilt Place
    Nashville, TN 37240-7833

  • Application Status

    You can check your status at any time by logging into your Application Status page, keeping in mind it may take a short time to process applications.

  • Admissions Decisions

    In general, decisions will be released four weeks after the application deadline. All Admissions Committee decisions are final, and applicants will be considered for admission only once in any given academic year.

    The Admissions Committee reserves the right to deny any applicant, rescind any offer of admission, or dismiss any enrolled student if any part of the application is inaccurate, misrepresented, falsified or otherwise untrue.

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