Frequently Asked Questions - MBA Programs
What are the differences between the Professional MBA and the Executive MBA Programs?
The two main differences are admission requirements and class format. Executive MBA (EMBA) Program applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of managerial experience. During the required Executive MBA interview candidates are evaluated on their management background. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is not required for admission to the Executive MBA Program.
Applicants to the Professional MBA Program are required to take the GMAT. Although work experience is not required for admission to the Professional MBA Program, most applicants are working full-time although not necessarily in a management position.
Class formats in the EMBA and Professional MBA Programs also differ. In the Executive MBA Program, students take classes in a lock-step format, with the same classmates in each course for the duration of the program. Each year EMBA cohorts are offered on-campus and off-campus in either a weeknight, Saturday, Alternate Weekend (Friday and Saturday) or Alternate Saturday schedule format and in a traditional 100% classroom or hybrid (50% classroom and 50% online) delivery format. Students in the EMBA Program are given honors, pass-or-fail grades. In the Professional MBA Program, students choose the classes they will take each quarter. Professional MBA classes are offered exclusively on the Moraga campus from Monday through Thursday, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. and, beginning Autumn 2007, on Saturday morning and afternoon. Students in this program are graded using the traditional letter grade system.
What is the minimum GMAT score, undergraduate GPA and TOEFL required for admission to the Professional MBA Program?
Saint Mary's College does not have absolute requirements for the GMAT and GPA. The average Executive MBA student GPA is 3.0. The GMAT and GPA averages for Professional MBA students are 550 and 3.0, respectively. International applicants who have studied at the undergraduate level in languages other than English are required to have a total minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based).
When is the application deadline?
There are no application deadlines. Prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications at least one month prior to the preferred quarter of entry. Qualified candidates will be considered as long as vacancies exist. The Professional MBA Program begins in the autumn, winter, spring, and summer. The EMBA Program begins in the autumn, winter, and summer. Applications are received year-round and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis.
What is the length of the program?
The EMBA Program is 18 months in duration. The length of the Professional MBA Program depends on the course load taken. For example, students who enroll in 2 courses per quarter finish the MBA Program in 27 months.
Are MBA courses taught on a quarter or semester system?
The Graduate Business Programs are on a quarter system. Each quarter is 11 weeks.
Where are classes held? Do you offer classes at satellite locations?
The Professional MBA Program is offered exclusively in Moraga. The Executive MBA is offered off-campus in San Ramon, Sacramento and South Bay (Santa Clara).
Does Saint Mary's College hold information sessions about the MBA programs?
Yes, Open Houses are held on the Saint Mary's College campus and at our classroom sites in San Ramon, Sacramento, and Santa Clara off-campus.
Are financial aid and scholarships available?
Financial aid is available to Graduate Business students in the form of student loans.
Many Graduate Business students receive partial funding for tuition from their employers. We will collaborate with your company's tuition assistance program to complete any necessary documentation.
Students may register for a monthly payment plan, available through the Business Office. They may also pay tuition with a major credit card. For information, call (925) 631-8001.
Student loans are available for both part-time and full-time students. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Saint Mary's College Financial Aid Office at (925) 631-4370.
