Executive MBA

Designed for high-potential individuals ready to reach new heights, the Katz Executive MBA Worldwide program prepares people to lead organizations with confidence. As a truly global program, we operate classes across three continents: in North America (Pittsburgh, United States), South America (São Paulo, Brazil), and Europe (Prague, Czech Republic).  Students learn as part of an international cohort. They travel to each location and practice international business through our Global Executive Forums.

Harnessing the intellectual capital of the University of Pittsburgh, our program is taught by professors internationally respected for their research and consulting. They've created a management-focused curriculum that encompasses the business concepts and analytical tools used by senior executives. Built for working professionals, our program is structured to accommodate demanding schedules. Our students typically graduate in less than two years.

Established in 1972, the Katz EMBA Worldwide program is one of the very first in the world; today we're among the most innovative. We are a Top 10 program among U.S. public institutions and ranked No. 26 overall in the United States and No. 62 overall in the world (Financial Times, 2012).

Admission to the Executive MBA Program

Steps to complete a Katz Executive MBA Worldwide program application  You must complete the following to be considered for admittance:

• Completed application form (PDF)

• Résumé

• Self-recommendation letter describing your:Two recommendation letters (PDF)

  • Current job responsibilities and assignments
  • Finest achievements and greatest disappointments
  • Challenges you have met within your organization
  • Civic and community activities and offices held
  • Reasons and motivations for entering the EMBA program
  • Professional and personal goals and plans

• College or university transcripts

• GMAT (Optional in some cases). Use code: DPZ-M5-98

• TOEFL or the IELTS examination (for anyone who speaks English as a second language). Our TOEFL code is: 2927-02.

• In-person interview with Katz EMBA Worldwide program representatives

Submit your materials directly to the EMBA location you wish to attend.

Candidates are evaluated based on the following: 

1. Professional Experience and Potential

A minimum of five years of professional experience is required. Ten years is recommended, as the average Katz EMBA Worldwide student has 14 years of experience.  Furthermore, applicants should be in a management position. Individuals who are reentering the workforce or undergoing a career transition should contact us for more information.Strong academic performance or exceptional test scores can compensate for individuals in the early stages of their career development. However, in all cases, applicants must demonstrate a record of strong job performance, positive career progression, and high growth potential.

2. Previous Academic Performance

An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent is required. Candidates whose GPA was below 3.0 or who have less than 10 years professional experience must take the GMAT exam. (See GMAT Scores section for additional information)

3. GMAT Scores

We use the GMAT exam to assess an applicant's ability to perform in graduate-level courses. The GMAT exam is not required for all candidates; however, a successful score may strengthen your application.

If you fall into any of these categories, a GMAT exam is required:

• Have less than 10 years of professional experience.  For candidates with a master's degree, eight years of professional experience is required

• Had an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0

• Earned an undergraduate degree in an area with little or no quantitative coursework

When you sign up for the GMAT exam, send your results directly to us, by using the code DPZ-M5-98

4. Organizational Support

Your employer must indicate its willingness to give you sufficient time to complete our EMBA class schedule. In addition to time off, many candidates receive some form of financial support from their employers; however, this is not required.

5. English Language Proficiency

English is the language of the Katz Executive MBA Worldwide program, even in our locations abroad. Citizens of a country where English is not the official language must present an official score from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS(International English Language Testing system). However, individuals who earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution in an English-speaking country are exempt.

For the TOEFL exam, a score of 100 or higher is desired. No score below 80 will be accepted. On the IELTS, a score of seven or higher is desired. No score below 6.5 will be accepted. Applicants who fail to meet these requirements must verify their English-language proficiency by sitting for an additional test. You must send your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to us. The TOEFL code is 2927-02. For information about the IELTS.

6. Interview

Interviews are the final stage of our selection process. The interview helps us to assess your motivation for enrolling our Executive MBA program, the quality of your academic and professional experience, and your plans for future personal and career growth.