University of Alberta EMBA

On average, more than 80 per cent of students in executive MBA classes at the University of Alberta come from non-business backgrounds.

Courses first focus on practical management skills, in areas including finance, marketing and managing operations. The curriculum then moves into current theories and practices in management, with a focus on leadership, strategy and international business. Students work in different teams every semester.

During the entire second year of the program, students complete a two-part business project that investigates a strategic issue facing a business (most students choose to focus on their own employers). Students first gather existing research and information on the issue, then narrow their data into a research question. In the second part, they collect first-hand, “live” data from the workplace or organization they have chosen, and develop strategic insights into the issue.

At the end of the program, students travel to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong for a 12-day international study trip. They visit local companies along with international and Canadian businesses operating in China. Past students have travelled to GM Shanghai, RBC in Beijing and the Alberta Hong Kong Office.

Throughout their education, students can receive eight hours of executive coaching. Students meet with multiple coaches at a “coach café” session to find the best connection. Students can also interact with senior executives in a series of lectures, where business leaders explain their personal thoughts and experiences around different leadership styles.

The program begins in August with an orientation, followed by a week-long course. From September to April, students complete 16 courses, held in four-day blocks from Thursday to Sunday every month. Students finish two more week-long courses during the two-year program. No classes are scheduled in May, June and July between the first and second year.

Full-Time: 21 months

Work Experience: 7 years

Cost: $67,000

Cost (International): $67,000

Total Full-Time Enrolment: 48

Female Students: 30%

International Students: 2%