M.B.A. for Executives

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MBAExec Academic Program

Darden’s MBA for Executives Program is designed for practicing managers who do not want to interrupt their careers to get an advanced business degree. The Darden MBA for Executives program tanslates the traditional Darden experience into a highly rigorous, highly relevant executive MBA. At the end of 22 months, students receive the same MBA degree our full-time students receive. The goal of the MBAExec program is to prepare men and women who have demonstrated leadership and who are practicing managers to lead complex organizations through a dynamic business environment. To succeed, requires an enterprise-wide perspective. Students study business the way business gets done – by making connections across functions within the firm, across companies in the value chain, and around the globe. Using our decision-oriented approach, students gain an understanding of how critical decisions in any area resonate throughout the enterprise.

Student Body

Student Body

The Darden MBA for Executives program is designed to develop students as leaders and people. Students are challenged: by the rigor of the curriculum, by the quality of the faculty, and most of all, by the knowledge, experience, and commitment of their colleagues. Each class consists of 50 to 60 very smart, seasoned individuals with a track record of leadership and both the potential and the drive to reach even greater heights. They have on average 10 to 15 years of work experience (seven years minimum). Together, they represent a cross section of industries, functions, backgrounds and most importantly, perspectives.

Curriculum

Curriculum

The MBAExec curriculum consists of five elements that work together to deliver an enterprise perspective:

Leadership Residencies: week-long, multi-disciplinary immersion experiences, concentrating on a current business issue and the leadership challenges it presents
Core Curriculum: consists of the same ten courses as our full-time MBA program, delivered in five themed, integrated terms
Action Learning course: students apply academic material to their professional context
Professional Advance course: spans three terms and is an integral part of the curriculum; students work one-on-one with a professional executive performance coach to apply their learning to a personal leadership challenge. This course also encompasses several career development components that all business leaders need to manage their own career and the careers of others.
Next-Level Seminars: some of which are electives, these courses build on and extend the knowledge gained in the core curriculum. These seminars vary from cohort to cohort and are developed to meet the needs and priorities of the students.

Program Design and Delivery

Program Design and Delivery

The MBA for Executives program delivers a concentrated educational experience while preserving the ability to perform work and support family and community. The flexible schedule blends face-to-face sessions and distance learning, allowing students to earn an accredited Darden MBA in just 22 months. Our blended model allows students to study on their own between on-Grounds sessions, yet have sufficient time at Darden to establish a strong learning community and develop a network of colleagues and relationships.

Leadership Residencies. Over the course of the program, students enroll in week-long, experiential residencies which focus on a leadership challenge from a business and personal perspective. Students enhance their leadership skills through workshops, coaching and reflection. One of the four leadership residencies takes place outside the United States.

On-Grounds Residencies. Approximately once a month, students come to the Darden Grounds, on the University of Virginia North Grounds, for 2-3 day residencies. Half of these sessions are Friday/Saturday; the other half are Thursday/Friday/Saturday. Classes include traditional cases, live cases based on challenges students encounter at work, simulations, role-play, and individual and group presentations. These face-to-face meetings strengthen our learning community and cement the relationships among students, faculty and staff that are so important to the Darden experience.

Distance Learning. A range of distance learning technologies is utilized to maintain the intense pace of interaction and stay in touch with the Darden community. Students interact with professors, hold virtual team meetings, and work on team projects with classmates virtually. This component of the program allows for fewer trips away from home and office to attend classes in Charlottesville. Students can study online anywhere, anytime.