Walton Executive MBA
Designed for working professionals, this hybrid/online program allows students to obtain a Walton Executive MBA (EMBA) in two years by attending classes approximately one Saturday each month.
Work/Life Balance
You don't have time to stop the rest of your life while you get an MBA. We had your work-life balance in mind when we designed the Walton Executive MBA program.
You'll attend classes part time (6 hours of coursework per semester) and attend class just one Saturday a month for two years.
View Program ScheduleDirector's Message
A special message from Vikas Anand, Director of MBA programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business.
View MessageInnovative Curriculum
Because the Walton College is located in the heart of the retail industry, we have designed our EMBA curriculum with a strong foundation in the value chain and the consumer-packaged goods industry.
CurriculumCommon Questions
Is work experience required? How much does the program cost? How can I pay the application fee? What happens if I turn in my application late?
Get Answers
Executive MBA
Program Length: 2 years
Program Start Date: Fall
Application Deadline
Priority Deadline: February 15th
Final deadline: July 1
Curriculum Overview
View a Course Listing
Admissions Information
View Info and Requirements / F.A.Q.
Required Test**: GMAT or GRE
**A GMAT/GRE waiver is available for select candidates with quality work experience
and a strong prior academic record.
Program Cost
View Cost of Program
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Inside the Executive MBA
Current Executive MBA Students
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Innovative Curriculum
Because the Walton College is located in the heart of the retail industry, we have designed our EMBA curriculum with a strong foundation in the value chain and the consumer-packaged goods industry.
We focus on applications-based learning through cases and projects that can be quickly applied to your current workplace. By organizing around the value chain, the Walton EMBA blends theory with analysis of real-world business solutions.
Opportunities to grow don’t end with the classroom. Students will enhance their understanding of the business and cultural environments of prominent emerging markets through overseas projects in Global Business. EMBA students also participate in our award-winning entrepreneurship program, professional development with industry experts, and networking with extraordinary corporate connections.
First Year Classes
| Late Summer/Orientation 2 hours |
| Fall Semester 6 hours |
| Spring Semester 6 hours |
| Summer Semester 6 hours |
Second Year Classes
| Fall Semester 6 hours |
| Spring Semester 6 hours |
| Summer Semester 6 hours |
View more details in the Executive MBA Program catalog listing.
Work-Life Balance
When trying to decide if getting your MBA is the next step to furthering your career, what often comes to mind is family. How can you take the leap into a program without the confidence that it won’t derail the life and career you’ve worked so hard to build? You know you don’t have time to stop the rest of your life while you get an MBA.
Well guess what? We had your work-life balance in mind when we designed the Walton Executive MBA program. Our Executive MBA program is built around your life, your career, and your study preferences. Your courses are available to you anywhere, anytime. With face-to-face class days organized just one Saturday a month, you can plan your schedule up to a year in advance. Our faculty make sure you know what your assignments are well ahead of time, giving you the ability to plan your courses around your work schedule.
We designed the Walton EMBA to fit into your busy schedule. Our innovative, part-time program leverages classroom instruction with online learning activities and interactive team-based problem solving.
To complete the 38-hour program, our students attend classes part time, taking 6 hours of coursework per semester and attending class just one Saturday per month for two years. Even when classes are not in session, you have access to all of the Walton College’s learning resources from anywhere in the world through our extensive technology services and support.
Executive MBA Saturday Class Dates
| Fall 2019 |
Spring 2020 |
Summer 2020 |
Fall 2020 |
Spring 2021 |
Summer 2021 |
| August 24 |
January 11 |
May 16 |
August 29 |
January 9 |
May 15 |
| September 28 |
February 1 |
June 6 |
September 26 |
February 6 |
June 5 |
| October 26 |
February 29 |
June 27 |
October 24 |
March 6 |
June 26 |
| November 16 |
March 21 |
July 25 |
November 7 |
April 3 |
July 24 |
| December 7 |
April 25 |
December 5 |
April 24 |
Admissions Requirements for the Executive MBA Program
Admission to the Walton College Executive MBA program is highly competitive and selective. Enrollment is limited. The admissions committee base their decisions on applicant's:
- Work experience
- Undergraduate coursework & GPA
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Interview for final round applicants
- GMAT or GRE score - Please Note: A GMAT/GRE waiver is available for select Executive MBA candidates. If you have at least five years of quality work experience and a strong prior academic record, you may be eligible. Please contact us for more details.
GMAT/GRE WAIVER
A GMAT/GRE waiver is available for select Executive MBA candidates. If you have at least five years of quality work experience and a strong prior academic record, you may be eligible for a waiver. Please contact us for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Executive MBA students complete the first course in the program, Introduction to Strategy, during orientation. Participation is required.
A minimum of two years previous work experience is typically required for admission to the Walton Executive MBA program. A GMAT/GRE waiver is available for select Executive MBA candidates. If you have at least five years of quality work experience and a strong prior academic record, you may be eligible for a waiver. Please contact us for more details.
Yes. Please call 479-575-2851.
For the current cost of the program, please visit the Cost and Funding page.
We recommend you ask current and/or former supervisors who know you and your potential well. Other professional references may also be appropriate.
Applications that arrive after the official deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. Email gsb@walton.uark.edu to find out the current status of the next Executive MBA cohort. We use a rolling admission process1 for the Executive MBA program. 1Rolling Admissions Process: A rolling admission process means that we review and make decisions on received applications periodically and before the final deadline. While some seats are held till the end of the deadline, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Yes, you can take the GMAT or GRE after the application deadline. However, your application will not be considered complete, and an admissions decision cannot be made, until we have received your test score. Applicants with at least five years of quality business experience and a strong academic record will be considered for a GMAT or GRE waiver as part of a full application review.
AACSB or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is the premier accreditation institution for business schools around the world. Nearly 600 institutions worldwide have the accreditation. As an accredited institution, we must follow a set of strict guidelines governing faculty and academic quality, meaning that your degree will be more valuable to both you and your future employer. To learn more about AACSB and what it can do for you see bestbizschools.
To successfully complete coursework in the Executive MBA program, students should have a laptop/device that meets the following criteria: Specifications: Preferably 5 years old or less, 4 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB free disk space minimum Operating System: Windows 7, Windows 8.x, or MacOS 10.x* (Students using a Mac will need to be able to run Microsoft Excel for Windows on their machines) Network: Wireless enabled and/or Ethernet port Virus Protection: An up-to-date virus protection software *Please consult your Walton Connect page on Blackboard to note any additional operating system/software requirements specific to your program
The EMBA program begins in the Fall semester only.
New & Noteworthy
Priority Application Deadline for Walton MBA Admissions and Scholarships is Feb. 15
Walton College is accepting applications for full-time, executive and healthcare executive MBA programs. The priority application deadline is February 15.
Walton MBA and Springdale High School Students Join Forces with New Mentorship Program
“The goal of the program is to change lives, in small or big ways,” said Many Mejia, current M.B.A. student at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, 2019-2020 MBA Student Advisory Board member and the founder of the Walton MBA Mentorship Program.
Expert Panel Offers Advice to New Interns
Full-time M.B.A. students successfully completed Internship Interview Week – a Walton MBA sponsored program that helps students secure internships in Northwest Arkansas.
