Each of the four MBA programs for working professionals serve the needs of a different student group. The courses are functionally integrated, and the broad curriculum objectives are similar in each of the MBA programs for working professionals. All are oriented toward applied learning and are highly interactive, making extensive use of experiential learning techniques. Emphasis and depth of subject material within the curriculum varies somewhat from program to program depending on the intended student group. All programs result in the same Master of Business Administration degree as the fulltime MBA.
Concentrations (Required)
Aerospace and Defense — Project
Physician Executive — Project
Professional — Project
Executive — Project
Campus Code
Knoxville Campus
Admissions Standards/Procedures
- Primary consideration is given to the applicant’s professional achievements and recommendations from the applicant’s organization.
- Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate Council
- Applicants must submit:
- An online application to the Office of Graduate Admissions
- An online application to the program
- Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
- Applicants may need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) (see specific program descriptions)
- No cut-off score exists for either grade point averages or GMAT scores
- Admission is competitive, and applicants will be evaluated on their ability to operate on a par with other high achieving participants.
- Prerequisites: Although there are no specific course prerequisites for admission, undergraduate studies and professional experience should demonstrate ability with both qualitative and quantitative work.
Academic Standards
- Transfer Courses: Because of the integrated nature of the course delivery for the MBA programs for working professionals, no credit hours may be transferred as substitutes for program curriculum.
Aerospace and Defense Concentration, Project
The Aerospace and Defense MBA is provided for a national audience of professionals from defense and commercial aerospace organizations who have five years of work experience. The program provides a solid grounding in the broad range of business functions. In addition to the traditional Executive MBA curriculum, the program also offers specialized areas of focus (e.g., value stream integration, lean manufacturing, acquisition processes, and industrial statistics), providing students the opportunity to choose an area relevant to their career goals within the context of the aerospace and defense industry. This mix of topical coverage is ideal for individuals with technical backgrounds who are transitioning into program management where business and leadership skills are critical.
The program is completed in three consecutive semesters. Course work is completed through on campus residence periods, off-campus sites for industry-immersed learning, and via synchronous and asynchronous distance learning. Graded work includes a number of large-scale projects completed under faculty supervision, resulting in significant written reports and oral presentations. Non-thesis students are not required to take comprehensive exams as part of the degree requirements. In lieu of comprehensive exams, non-thesis/project students must successfully complete and defend a faculty reviewed Organizational Action Project in order to complete the program.
Admission Information
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- The application due date is six weeks prior to the beginning of the first semester.
- The GMAT may be waived for applicants with 5 or more years of professional work experience or a graduate degree.
- The program will not be offered in those years in which the enrollment is insufficient.
Contact Information and Website
- James W, Wansley, Director, Aerospace and Defense MBA Program
- Aerospace and Defense MBA website
Program Requirements
- Program requirements for all concentrations in the Working Professionals, MBA program are listed below.
Physician Executive Concentration, Project
The Physician Executive MBA is provided for an international audience of physicians. The students for whom this program is designed have an MD, MBBS, or DO degree with five or more years of work experience. The curriculum objectives are the same as those for the Executive MBA, but in the Physician Executive MBA, many of the functional skills are taught in the context of the health care industry with specialized content related to the health care environment. The Physician Executive MBA is the right choice for physicians who want to have a voice in the health care industry, in their own careers, and are seeking a program that allows them to continue their practice while earning their MBA degree.
The Physician Executive MBA is three consecutive semesters completed in twelve months. The class meets in Knoxville for week-long residence periods in January, April, August and December. Between residence periods, live distance learning classes are held each week, and there are asynchronous internet assignments.
Admission Information
- Applicants to the Physician Executive MBA are not required to take the GMAT.
Contact Information and Website
- Kate Atchley, Director, Physician Executive MBA Program
- Physician Executive MBA website
Program Requirements
- Program requirements for all concentrations in the Working Professionals, MBA program are listed below.
Professional Concentration, Project
The Professional MBA Program is provided for fully employed professionals. A minimum of five years of work experience is preferred. The emphasis in this program is to provide grounding in the quantitative and qualitative tools of various business functions and a good basis in strategic thinking. Learning is expanded through applying these tools that are the basis for the analysis of various business functions and strategic thinking. Learning is expanded through applying these tools within the student’s own organization through a structured project that continues throughout the program. The Professional MBA is the right choice for individuals who wish to enhance their position within their organization by broadening their business knowledge beyond the functional area in which they are currently employed to prepare them for higher level management positions.
The Professional MBA Program operates over three semesters with a hybrid delivery of in-class and online sessions.
Admission Information
- A completed application
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendations
- Two written essays
- The GMAT/GRE may be waived for applicants with 5 or more years of professional work experience or a previous terminal or master’s degree.
- Any request to waive the GMAT/GRE requirement must be submitted with the application package to be reviewed/approved by the director.
Contact Information and Website
- Molly Kinard, Director, Professional MBA Program
- Bruce Behn, Academic Director, Professional MBA Program
- Professional MBA website
Program Requirements
- Program requirements for all concentrations in the Working Professionals, MBA program are listed below.
Executive Concentration, Project
The Executive MBA is provided for a national and international audience of managers holding middle and upper level positions in organizations that support their attainment of an MBA degree. The students for whom this program is designed usually have ten or more years of work experience and are currently in management positions. Typical students bring a greater knowledge of business fundamentals than is true of other MBA programs. The Executive MBA places considerable emphasis on global business, strategic thinking, and individual leadership skills. In addition to the traditional Executive MBA curriculum, the program also offers specialized areas of focus (e.g., supply chain management, healthcare, and strategic leadership) providing students the opportunity to choose an area relevant to their career goals and current business trends. The program has a heavy emphasis in strategic thinking and leading-edge management concepts. The Executive MBA is the right choice for individuals who are in positions of broad responsibility or who have been designated to fulfill such roles within their organizations in the future.
The Executive MBA is a cohort based, three (consecutive) semester program completed in a period of twelve to sixteen months depending on the student’s chosen area of focus. The class meets for residence periods approximately once per quarter. One or more of the residence periods may occur at international locations. Off campus work includes distance learning classes and requires substantial and regular contact with faculty and other participants. The project work in the Executive MBA is a large scale management project running for the duration of the program. Students work with managers in their own organizations to choose a project of significant scale and scope. Each project has a faculty advisor.
Admission Information
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with early application encouraged.
- The GMAT may be waived depending on work experience.
Contact Information and Website
- Kate Atchley, Director, Executive MBA — Healthcare Leadership
- Shay Scott, Director, Executive MBA — Global Supply Chain
- Michael McIntyre, Director, Executive MBA — Strategic Leadership
- Executive MBA website
Program Requirements
- Program requirements for all concentrations in the Working Professionals, MBA program are listed below.
Program Requirements (All Concentrations)
Each concentration in the Working Professionals, MBA will follow the same program requirements listed.
Credit Hours Required
45 graduate credit hours
Required Courses
- Common Course Structure (36 credit hours)
- Projects (9 credit hours)
Additional Course Requirements
- Students carry a full, 15 credit hour load each semester
Non-Course Requirements
- Project
- In lieu of comprehensive exams, project students must successfully complete and defend a faculty reviewed Organizational Action Project in order to complete the program.
- Other Requirements
- Other requirements are the same as those for the full-time MBA program.
