Global Leadership EMBA FAQs

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2. About the Global Leadership EMBA:

Q. If I don't see myself working abroad for a global company why would the GLEMBA global business specialization be an advantage?
A: With the exception of the personal services industry segment, most people today and in the future will find themselves working in functions or support operations that span boundaries or organizations.  People are required to interact with others --customers, suppliers, developers--- either in person or virtually who may work in a different part of the world and who may be from a different culture.

To lead or manage a global operation or simply to feel more confident to perform effectively as a contributor in a global workforce, professionals need to recognize and understand the complexity of doing business in a global context.

GLEMBA offers the same general management curriculum which is common in most EMBA programs.  In addition, GLEMBA enhances that foundation knowledge with a full range of globally focused courses, projects, workshops, and experiential opportunities.  The combined general management and global curriculum enables you to develop a global mindset, think strategically, analyze complex situations, and adapt cross-culturally-- knowledge and skill set that prepares and positions you today and in the future to compete in an increasingly integrated global marketplace.

Q. Why doesn't the Global Leadership EMBA use a weekend class format like typical EMBA programs?
A: GLEMBA's blended classroom and virtual delivery model was created in 1996 as an alternative for those who simply cannot attend class every other weekend due to business, travel, or personal commitments. Many other EMBA programs use variations of this format which has formed to be as high or higher learning value as traditional classroom models, particularly for adult learners. With technology advances, replicating what happens in the physical classroom has become easier. It is becoming an appealing option for professionals who wish to pursue graduate management education and need or desire more convenience and greater time flexibility.

Q: Are courses modular or sequential?
A: In the GLEMBA program, courses are delivered sequentially, one at a time. Unlike most EMBA programs that deliver courses in modules of three of four courses at one time for an entire semester, GLEMBA's sequential approach allows students to master one subject at a time. Our students and alumni have overwhelmingly supported this curriculum roll-out as it enhances learning and retention and is easier to manage one course rather than several, given their demanding work schedules.

Q: Can I have camaraderie and develop career networks with my GLEMBA colleagues?
A: The opportunity for extensive interaction - in person or virtually - with peers is one of the key features of GLEMBA's model. The quarterly classroom sessions allow students to get to know each other personally and to network. Team building exercises are part of the new student orientation to jump start the bonding process. The learning design requires virtual teamwork, enabling students to engage frequently with each other. The international study tour, which involves traveling with student colleagues for seven days in a foreign country, provides another rich opportunity for building camaraderie and friendship. Alumni frequently mention that they have built lifelong friendships in the GLEMBA program.

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3. Classroom and Virtual Delivery

Q. How does the combination of classroom and virtual work?

A: GLEMBA's blended classroom and virtual delivery is based on three main premises: 1.) Learning depends on the motivation, effort, and participation of the individual; 2.) Academic discourse, discussion, exchanges and collaboration are essential to the learning process; and 3.) Certain learning activities and personal relationships require face-to-face contact.

When GLEMBA responded to students' need for an alternative to classroom-based learning, we looked at the manner in which many of our students were conducting business or maintaining relationships today: Face-to-face meetings followed by continuing communication and exchanges via communication technologies.

Classroom sessions, held quarterly at the beginning of each GLEMBA "semester," serve several objectives and incorporate a number of activities.

The Classroom sessions allow instructors to deliver courses introductions that semester. Prior to a classroom session, students typicallywork on assignments to prepare for class discussion.

Classroom time is also used to learn -- such things as "soft skills" work on team-building exercises, and hear guest speakers.

Finally, research - and our own extensive experience with GLEMBA students and alumni - reveals higher learning outcomes when there are face-to-face opportunities for faculty and peers to meet and most importantly, the exchanges that take place enable colleagues to bond and form a support and professional network.

Virtual delivery means that certain learning activities are supported by technology. A course gets started in the classroom and then continues virtually.  GLEMBA students continue to acquire information from textbooks, faculty lectures, engage in academic discussions with faculty and with the class, and write and submit assignments.  Instead of having to drive to campus and sit in a classroom, students participate using communication technologies of groupware and web conferencing.  The class or the team interactions in the same room at the same time, only the "room" is a web conference room.

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4. Academics

Q: How accessible is the faculty?
A: GLEMBA faculty are highly accessible and available via email, phone or web conference and in person at residencies. Our faculty know our students' needs and provide quick responses. Also, GLEMBA students two contact, for each course — the faculty member and a course manager.

Q: How do I fit the Global Leadership EMBA program into my life? How many hours per week are required to succeed in the program?
A: Like any academic pursuit, an investment of time is required. The amount of time varies for each student. Students and alumni typically mention that on average it takes between 12 to15 hours per week to stay current with the academic workload. Honing good time management skills is essential in order to balance work, family and academic commitments.

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5. Admissions

Q: Is an undergraduate degree required?
A: Yes. All graduate students at The University of Texas at Dallas must have a four-year undergraduate degree or its equivalent.

Q: Does my undergraduate degree need to be in business?
A: No. Students in the Global Leadership EMBA are valued for their academic diversity. No particular undergraduate major is required for this program.

Q. Can I transfer in credits that I earned from an MBA I started at another school?
A: Yes. A request for review of credits earned at other accredited institutions may be made at the time of application. GLEMBA will follow the requisite university process which requires a review of transcripts for course completion with a grade of a least a B. The number of credits transferred varies on a case-by-case basis largely dependent on curricula matches.

Q: Do I need to take the GMAT to be admitted into the GLEMBA program?
A: No. The GMAT is not required.

Q: When will I receive a decision regarding my acceptance?
A: Applications are considered complete and ready for review when all materials have been received in the Global Leadership EMBA admissions office. After review of the application and related documents, a telephone interview will be scheduled. Admission decisions are generally made within two weeks of the completion of the interview.

Q: Who should complete my recommendation forms?
A: Information on recommendation forms is intended to gauge professional achievements, leadership potential, and ability to work effectively with others. Your direct supervisor and two other individuals who have known you professionally or who can attest to your leadership potential should complete the recommendation forms.

Q: Can I participate in GLEMBA if I live outside the United States?
A: GLEMBA has been designed to accommodate any student who has an Internet connection, the ability to attend the on-campus residencies and participate in the international study tour. With the exception of the requirement for demonstration of English competency from those for whom English is not their first language, we make no distinction in our admission process or program fees based on a student's nationality or country of residence.

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6. Tuition

Q: How will I be billed for tuition?
A: All students follow the same payment plan. Tuition is paid in installments three times a year: March, August and December. New students pay a nonrefundable deposit upon acceptance that is credited toward the first installment, the balance of which is then paid at New Student Orientation.

Q: What is NOT included in the programs tuition?
A: Textbooks: Students purchase their own textbooks through the GLEMBA virtual bookstore with a feature to search for the best prices. Airfare to the international study tour location: Students arrange and pay for airfare to and from the international study tour location and travel and living expenses to attend residencies. Students who need to travel, make and incur the costs of their own travel and hotel arrangements. GLEMBA has arranged a preferred rate at a business hotel near the campus.

Q: Can I get federal student loans to help fund the program?
A: Yes. The Global Leadership EMBA meets the conditions for U.S. federal Stafford loans. If you are a U.S. citizen you can apply for federal loans. If your not a U.S. citizen but you have a co-sponsor, you can pursue loans from private lenders. GLEMBA has a dedicated executive student loan liaison to assist you through the process.

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