Executive MBA Program Format & Schedule

Earn Your Executive MBA in 18 Months—Without Pausing Your Career

The University of Georgia Executive MBA is built for working leaders like you. You complete the program in 18 months through a flexible mix of in‑person classes, online learning, and immersive residencies—all designed to support balance between work, school, and personal life.

Executive MBA

at a Glance

Ideal for experienced professionals preparing for executive leadership

Length
18 months
Total Modules
10
Learning Format
50% in‑person, 50% online
Weekend Class Location
Atlanta
Residencies
2 in Athens, GA
1 international

How the Executive MBA Program Is Structured

A Modular Learning Experience That Fits Your Schedule

You move through the program in 10 learning modules. Each module combines classroom instruction, online work, and real‑world application so you can immediately use what you learn on the job.

Instruction is delivered through:

  • Weekend classes (Friday–Saturday) once per month
  • Online coursework
  • On‑campus residencies in Athens, Georgia
  • One international residency experience
EMBA Fortune

Team‑Based Learning That Expands Your Network

You work in purposefully designed teams from day one. These teams:

  • Pair you with classmates who have different backgrounds and perspectives
  • Change partway through the program to expand your network
  • Help you develop strong collaboration and leadership skills

Where and When You Will Attend Class

Atlanta Weekend Classes

Monthly

Classes meet Friday and Saturday, once per month at the Terry Executive Education Center, Buckhead (Atlanta) from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Athens Residencies

Two Total

  • Opening Residency: 4 days (Monday–Thursday) at the start of the program in September
  • Executive Capstone: 4 days (Monday–Thursday) near the end of the program

Lodging for Athens residencies is included in tuition.

Online Learning

Throughout the Program

Between in‑person sessions, you complete 10–20 hours of flexible online work each week. You use this time to prepare for class, collaborate with your team, and complete assignments. There are no required live sessions or fixed meeting times, so you can fit coursework around your executive schedule.

Key Program Milestones and Timeline

Welcome & Onboarding

Program Start

You kick off the Executive MBA program with a required Welcome & Onboarding Weekend in Atlanta. This experience helps you transition smoothly into the program, connect with your classmates, and begin building strong relationships from day one. You meet your cohort, engage with faculty and staff, and get familiar with the facilities and program expectations—all before classes fully begin.

What’s included in the welcome weekend:

  • A Welcome Dinner on Thursday evening to meet classmates and program leaders
  • Onboarding sessions on Friday and Saturday that introduce you to the curriculum, learning tools, and support resources
  • Opportunities to build relationships with your cohort and begin team connections
  • Time to explore program facilities in Atlanta
  • Required attendance to ensure a strong start and long‑term success
  • Accommodations provided so you can focus on connecting and preparing for the program

International Residency

Mid‑Program

Midway through the Executive MBA, you take part in an international residency that deepens your global perspective and challenges how you think about business. Over one immersive week abroad, you learn how economic, cultural, and regulatory forces shape organizations around the world. Alumni consistently describe this experience as one of the most memorable, demanding, and rewarding parts of the program.

What’s included in the international residency:

  • A 7–9 day global residency at the program’s midpoint
  • Global business lectures led by faculty and international experts
  • Talks from distinguished guest speakers with on‑the‑ground insight
  • Company site visits with global and multinational organizations
  • Cultural excursions that deepen regional and market understanding
  • An international strategic consulting project applying your learning to real business challenges
Learn more about the International Residency

Class of 2028 Schedule

Welcome & Onboarding Weekend

Aug 27–29, 2026
Location: Atlanta, GA

Includes welcome dinner and onboarding sessions. Attendance is required.

Module 1

September Residency

Sep 21–24, 2026
Location: Athens, GA

  • EMBA 7410: Organizational Behavior & Leadership — Athens Residency (Jessica Rodell)
  • Excel Skill Building Workshop
    Date: TBA
    Location: Virtual

Module 2

Oct 16–17, Nov 6–7, Dec 4–5, 2026
Location: Atlanta, GA

Module 3

Jan 8–9, Jan 29–30, Feb 19–20, 2027
Location: Atlanta, GA

Module 4

Mar 12–13, Apr 9–10, Apr 30–May 1, 2027
Location: Atlanta, GA

Module 5

International Residency

May 10–20, 2027
Destination: TBA

Destinations are typically announced 6 months prior to travel. The International Residency will last between 7-9 days. Actual travel dates may vary.

Module 6

Jun 4–5, Jun 25–26, Jul 23–24, 2027
Location: Atlanta, GA

Choose 1 elective*:

Module 7

Aug 6–7, Aug 27–28, Sep 24–25, 2027
Location: Atlanta, GA

Module 8

Oct 15–16, Nov 5–6, Dec 3–4, 2027
Location: Atlanta, GA

Module 9

Jan 7–8, Jan 28–29, Feb 18–19, 2028
Location: Atlanta, GA

  • EMBA 7550: Strategic Management (Scott Graffin)
  • EMBA 7800: Entrepreneurship & New Venture Creation (Susan Cohen)
  • Optional Mergers & Acquisitions Workshop — Dates TBA, typically in person on a Friday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Module 10

Capstone Residency

Mar 6–9, 2028
(Mon–Thurs)
Location: Athens, GA

Pre-Graduation

Optional Certificates in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Leading Change

February–April, 2028
Location: Online

Graduation

May 2028
Location: Athens, GA

Plan Ahead With Confidence

You receive a detailed program calendar before the program begins so you can plan work travel, personal commitments, and study time well in advance. The program follows the UGA holiday schedule and is designed to support long‑term balance.

*To graduate, Executive MBA students must complete 1 elective. Only electives taken within the Executive MBA Program will count toward the MBA Degree requirement.