EMBA Program FAQs

No, the GMAT/GRE requirement cannot be waived based on work experience. However, waivers are available if the applicant has completed one of the following:

• An accredited graduate degree (Master’s, Ph.D.)
• A professional degree (JD, MD, DVM, etc.)
• An active CPA, CFP, CMA or PE license
• A graduate certificate or GMAC executive assessment test

While the Admissions Committee does not require a minimum score on the GMAT or the GRE, it is suggested that applicants receive scores at or above the national averages. Currently, the GMAT national average is a 544 total score. The GRE average is a 151 on the quantitative section, and a 151 on the verbal section.

In many cases, the Graduate School does have access to transcripts from the University of Nevada, Reno. However, if there are courses currently in progress at the time the application is submitted or an applicant attended here many years ago, the applicant would be responsible for requesting a final official transcript.

The EMBA and MBA are similar in many ways—both include coursework in statistics, strategic management, marketing and finance. An EMBA is designed specifically for business professionals and executives who want to accelerate their education while continuing to work full time. The online program structure offered by the University of Nevada, Reno makes a graduate education in business accessible to more students and allows professionals to earn a degree they may not be able to pursue otherwise due to work and personal obligations.

The EMBA is a rigorous two-year degree program that requires a significant time commitment. While individual study habits may vary, plan to spend at least 10–12 hours each week on course assignments, discussions, and research.

Students in each cohort begin the program at the same point, move through the curriculum together, and build supportive working relationships in a stimulating online environment. Courses in the EMBA program are sequenced to assure continuity in learning. EMBA students are required to complete their degrees in two years. Most students continue to work full-time while enrolled in the program.

The EMBA program is completed entirely online. At a minimum, students need regular access to a reliable desktop computer or laptop, the Internet, and a webcam/microphone to complete each class. It is assumed that a student entering an online program has the basic computer skills necessary for participating in and completing a class online. Knowing how to use email and navigate the Internet is essential, as is a basic understanding of how to use computers, common software (MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.), and webcams/microphones. Students must be able to send messages, upload attachments, post assignments, and participate in discussions through the online course sites. EMBA instructors, staff, and class peers cannot be expected to serve as technical tutors.

Students will have at least one proctored exam for each class in the program. These exams are proctored through an online proctoring service. Students are supervised by webcam and will need to show government-issued picture IDs to confirm identity. 

Students in the EMBA program are working professionals who seek a graduate-level business degree to enhance their careers. Most students continue working full time while enrolled in the program and are employed in mid-to upper-level management positions or are business owners.

The program builds on the awarding-winning University of Nevada, Reno part-time MBA program, ranked as one of the top programs in the United States by BusinessWeek, the country’s most prestigious source for ranking of business schools. All programs offered by the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the highest level of accreditation attainable in business education.

Graduates of the EMBA program will gain knowledge and skills to:

• Lead organizations
• Tackle new and unfamiliar circumstances through a conceptual understanding of relevant disciplines
• Adapt and innovate to cope with unforeseen events
• Manage in unpredictable business environments

With a blend of theory and practice that integrates professional experiences with a graduate-level academic management curriculum, the EMBA program provides a general management emphasis suited to the needs of mid-career executives and experienced professionals. The program familiarizes students with cutting-edge issues of business disciplines for managerial decision making, and crystallizes the philosophy and capabilities of experienced professionals, fostering professional growth.

The diploma will read "Executive Master of Business Administration" and will not indicate that the degree was completed online.