The Darden School offers one world-class MBA program in three formats: MBA, MBA for Executives (EMBA) and Global MBA for Executives (GEMBA). In all three formats, students earn the same Darden MBA degree and are taught through the case method by the same #1 ranked faculty. Each format uses the same core curriculum, but varies in schedule and format, the ability to work full time while in school and the cohort experience level. To help choose the format that’s right for you, review the similarities and differences below. To learn more, you can request information, attend an event, or schedule a conversation about EMBA or GEMBA before you apply.
Length
21 months
21 months
21 months
Format
Combination of core and elective courses in Charlottesville, Virginia with opportunities to study abroad.
Combination of monthly weekend residencies in Charlottesville, Virginia; four one-week leadership residencies (one is international); and distance learning.
Combination of six two-week residencies in China, Europe, India, Brazil and the United States and distance learning.
Work while earning MBA?
Summer internship only
Work full time
Work full time
Preferred Years of Work Experience
While we do not require full-time work experience, the range is usually between 2-7 years. 7+ years 7+ years
Class Profile
Class Size
325
50-60
20-40
Average Age
28
37
37
Age Range 23-33 27-54 29-49
Average GMAT
703
633
660
Average Work Experience 4 years 16 years 15 years
Faculty
Classes are taught by Darden’s #1 ranked faculty (The Princeton Review & Financial Times).
Classes are taught by Darden’s #1 ranked faculty (The Princeton Review & Financial Times).
Classes are taught by Darden’s #1 ranked faculty (The Princeton Review & Financial Times).
Unique Curriculum Attributes
Case Method
Almost all classes are taught using the case method or a variation on the case method.
Almost all classes are taught using the case method or a variation on the case method.
Almost all classes are taught using the case method or a variation on the case method.
Learning Teams
All students are assigned to a learning team at the beginning of the program.
All students are assigned to a learning team at the beginning of the program.
All students are assigned to a learning team at the beginning of the program.
Global Opportunities
- A one-week residency outside of the United States (most recently China)
Concentrations offered
Yes – view descriptions of the 11 concentrations
No
No
Ethics Course
Yes (required)
Yes (required)
Yes (required)
Leadership Course
Yes (required)
Yes (required)
Yes (required)
Entrepreneurship Courses
Yes (optional)
Yes (optional)
Yes (optional)
Executive Leadership Coaching
No
Yes
Yes
Part Distance Learning
No
Yes
Yes
Housing and Meals
Many students live just a short walk from the Darden Grounds in apartment complexes or in rental homes. Graduate student housing is also provided through the University. View the UVA Graduate Guide for more information. Students provide their own meals.
During residencies, accommodations and meals are provided.
During residencies, accommodations and meals are provided.
Company Sponsorship
Not required, but some companies sponsor students financially.
A letter of company support (for time away from work) is required. Financial support from employer is optional.
A letter of company support (for time away from work) is required. Financial support from employer is optional.
Career Services
Career Services Integrated Into the Curriculum?
Yes – an optional Career Management course is integrated into the curriculum.
Yes – a required Professional Advancement course is integrated into the curriculum.
Yes – a required Professional Advancement course is integrated into the curriculum.
Career Services
- One-on-one career coaching with a functionally-aligned career consultant and a Second Year student career coach
- Career Discovery Forums
- Tailored career management workshops
- On-Grounds Networking Nights and Recruiting
- Job Treks around the world
- Access to student and alumni networks
- Lifelong, complimentary alumni career services
- One-on-one career coaching with an executive career consultant
- Tailored career management workshops/seminars
- Access to On-Grounds recruiting where appropriate
- Access to student and alumni networks
- Lifelong, complimentary alumni career services
- One-on-one career coaching with an executive career consultant
- Tailored career management workshops/seminars
- Access to On-Grounds recruiting where appropriate
- Access to student and alumni networks
- Lifelong, complimentary alumni career services
Admissions/
Financial Aid
GMAT or GRE Required?
Yes
Yes. Some waivers are granted for applicants who have taken other graduate standardized tests and based on review of professional and academic credentials.
Yes. Some waivers are granted for applicants who have taken other graduate standardized tests and based on review of professional and academic credentials.
Interview Required?
Yes, by invitation only
Yes, by invitation only
Yes, by invitation only
Tuition/Fees
MBA Tuition and Fees
EMBA Tuition and Fees
GEMBA Tuition and Fees
Learn More/
Contact Information
Website
www.darden.virginia.edu/MBA
www.darden.virginia.edu/EMBA/
www.darden.virginia.edu/GEMBA/
Blog
blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions
blogs.darden.virginia.edu/EMBA
blogs.darden.virginia.edu/GEMBA
E-Mail
Darden@darden.virginia.edu
MBAExec@darden.virginia.edu
GEMBA@darden.virginia.edu
Phone
+1-434-924-7281
+1-434-243-3622
+1-434-243-3622
Schedule a Conversation Not applicable
Schedule a conversation Schedule a conversation
