Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Program
The EMBA program gives you the comprehensive business knowledge, strategic perspective, and professional credentials to compete for today’s top management positions.
Overview
UNLV’s executive MBA is a high-impact graduate program designed for experienced professionals, senior managers, and emerging executives seeking to elevate their leadership, strategic thinking, and organizational impact.
Delivered through a cohort-based, executive-friendly format, the EMBA integrates advanced business knowledge with real-world application—equipping leaders to make data-driven decisions, guide teams through complexity, and drive meaningful organizational change.
Five Reasons to Earn Your EMBA at UNLV
- Designed for Executives: Built specifically for working professionals balancing leadership roles and career advancement.
- Cohort-Based Leadership Experience: Learn alongside a diverse group of accomplished peers, strengthening collaboration, perspective, and lifelong professional networks.
- Applied, Real-World Curriculum: Immediately apply strategy, finance, leadership, and analytics concepts inside your organization.
- Access to Industry and Community Leaders: Engage with regional executives, alumni, and faculty connected to Southern Nevada’s growing economy.
- Building your Network: Learn alongside leaders from multiple sectors and meet EMBA Alums making an impact in Southern Nevada.
A Leadership Degree Built for Impact
UNLV’s Executive MBA combines the academic rigor of a top-tier research institution with the flexibility required by today’s senior professionals. The program integrates:
- Strategic leadership and decision-making
- Financial and data-driven management
- Innovation, entrepreneurship, and global business
- Organizational transformation and executive communication
Receive Mentorship from Our Expert Faculty Members
The strength of the EMBA lies not only in its curriculum, but in the depth of expertise delivered by faculty and guest lecturers. You will learn from distinguished UNLV professors, legal and policy experts, and senior business leaders from Southern Nevada and beyond. Each faculty member is committed to informing, inspiring, and shaping the next generation of executive leadership.
Who is the Program Ideal For?
- Mid- to senior-level professionals preparing for executive leadership
- Managers seeking promotion into director- or VP-level roles
- Industry leaders expanding strategic and financial expertise
- Entrepreneurs scaling growing organizations
- Professionals pivoting toward higher-impact leadership positions
- Leaders who want to make an impact in the Southern Nevada community and expand their networking opportunities
For more information about the program and your eligibility, schedule a 1-on-1 consultation.
What to Expect
Class Meeting Times
Classes begin in June with an intensive one-week, in-person residency, allowing you to connect with your cohort, engage with faculty, and establish a strong foundation for the program. Following the residency, the schedule transitions to two-day class sessions every other Friday and Saturday (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.), providing the flexibility needed to balance full-time professional responsibilities, academic rigor, and personal/family commitments.
Time Commitments
Participants should plan to dedicate approximately 20 additional hours per week outside of class for coursework and preparation.
Classmates
As a member of the EMBA cohort, you have the unique opportunity to learn alongside a diverse group of accomplished business leaders from various industries and backgrounds. You will learn as much from them as you will from your professors. The relationships formed in your cohort will last far beyond your time in the classroom, and the learning format is further enhanced by industry experts and EMBA alumni who provide their expertise as guest speakers.
Concierge-Style Support System
As a working professional, your time is valuable. Our program provides a concierge-style support system so you can remain focused on learning and leadership development while program staff assist with administrative details such as course registration, textbook ordering, and program paperwork/logistics.
"Our Executive MBA program prepares accomplished professionals to elevate their leadership and expand their impact. Building on their experience, the curriculum sharpens strategic thinking, strengthens decision-making, and connects students with a powerful network of peers and leaders across industries."Anjala Krishen, Ph.D., Interim Dean of Lee Business School
Tuition and Fees
The comprehensive Executive MBA program fee of approximately $51,576 (2026–27; subject to change) includes:
- Tuition and most university fees
- Parking and graduation fees
- All books and course materials
- Meals and refreshments on class days
- Transportation, lodging, cultural activities, and most meals during the International Seminar
Use the tuition estimator to estimate all expenses to attend UNLV.
Financial aid is available for qualified applicants.
Many of our self- and partially self-sponsored Executive MBA students also apply for student loans to assist them in financing their education. For more information, visit the Federal Loans for Graduate Students page.
Career Advancement Outcomes
An Executive MBA accelerates advancement into senior leadership and strategic decision-making roles across industries.
Common Post-EMBA Career Paths
- Vice President
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- General Manager/Division Leader
- Strategy or Management Consultant
- Entrepreneur/Founder
Career Impact of an EMBA
Graduates frequently report:
- Expanded organizational influence and leadership scope
- Increased compensation and promotion velocity
- Stronger executive decision-making capability
- Access to a lifelong professional leadership network
"This program challenged me to build something that truly matters—work that brings people together, creates opportunity, and gives back to the communities that shape us. It strengthened how I lead and think strategically, and clarified why I lead. It reaffirmed that business and service can coexist, and that real impact comes from lifting others as we rise."Jose Orozco, EMBA ’22, Adjunct Professor, UNLV; Co-Founder, Broches for a Cause LLC & Orozco Siblings Nonprofit
Program Structure
The Executive MBA curriculum integrates strategy, finance, leadership, analytics, and innovation within a structured cohort progression.
- 43 total credit hours
- Completed in 18 months
- Executive schedule (bi-weekly Friday/Saturday sessions)
- Begins with intensive June residency
- Designed for full-time working professionals
- Participation in an international trip
- Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy
- Financial Decision-Making for Leaders
- Data-Driven Business Analytics
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Global Business
- Negotiation, Law & Ethical Governance
- Additional features of the Executive MBA format include: Concierge-style support system
- Services include registration, financial-aid support, and degree progress support
- Dedicated EMBA suite
- Access to guest speakers
- Capstone International Seminar experience Executive coaching and career guidance
- Alumni networking events All class materials delivered directly to you
- UNLV student parking permit
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided on class days
Participants complete a global seminar applying EMBA learning within an international business environment—strengthening:
- Global leadership perspective
- Cross-cultural strategy
- Real-world executive decision-making
Ready to Apply?
The Executive MBA is designed for experienced professionals with demonstrated leadership potential.
Minimum Requirements
- Current professional résumé
- Statement of purpose outlining career goals and leadership aspirations
- Letters of recommendation (as requested)
Required Documents
- Corporate Endorsement Form indicating your company's direct support and commitment to your attendance in the EMBA Program.
- If you are uncertain your employer would support your decision to join the EMBA program, a Justification Letter may help. You can edit as you see fit, then send it to your supervisor along with, or before, requesting they complete the Corporate Endorsement Form.
- At least one Personal Recommendation Letter from an individual who can evaluate your potential for success in a graduate degree program.
- Executive Assessment
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
This program does not admit students for the fall term.
Spring Term:
This program does not admit students for the spring term.
Fall Term:
Priority Application:(application fee waived) Dec. 1, 2025
Final Consideration Deadline ($150 application fee): May 1, 2026
Contact
Program Contact
Prospective Student Contact
