Match Your MBA Education to Your Experience

Like many students who choose UNC Kenan-Flagler’s #1-ranked online MBA program, Jonathan T. Morgan was looking for an advanced business education that would amplify his real-world experience, sharpen his leadership skills and introduce him to global learning experiences—all without derailing his existing priorities.¹

“I wanted to participate in the best, most challenging program possible while still being able to travel. I considered several executive MBA programs, but in the end, I could not be more satisfied with my decision to choose MBA@UNC.”

Jonathan T. Morgan, Class of 2015
Director of Research Alliances at Area 1

Morgan says he’s still reaping the benefits of his MBA education.

"MBA@UNC has prepared me for the full range of conversations, decisions and projects in which I am now involved on a daily basis,” he says. “Every day I draw from lessons from the courses, which specifically relate to my new leadership position."

EMBA vs. MBA: What To Look For

An MBA can help you become a more effective leader of people and organizations. Here are a few factors to consider before making your decision about which MBA or executive MBA (EMBA) format to pursue.

Admissions Requirements

Make sure you meet the necessary qualifications to apply. Will you need to submit standardized test scores or other materials that require advance preparation or planning?

We require a bachelor’s degree, at least two years of professional experience and GMAT/GRE scores. Applicants with five years of experience automatically qualify for a standardized test score waiver—and those with fewer than five years may still be eligible.

Classmates’ Experience Level

Research how much experience the average student has upon starting a particular MBA program. Will your classmates share your level of experience and professional insight?

Our online MBA students bring an average of 10 years of professional experience to the table, and they often learn as much from one another as they do from professors.³ Students share their real-world knowledge during live classes, amplifying the course material and enriching the discussion.

Curriculum and Concentrations

Take a close look at the types of courses you’ll be taking. Do they explore topics that align with your executive career path and allow you to tailor your knowledge according to your goals?

In addition to studying topics like finance, operations and marketing, our students choose nearly half of their credits from more than 25 electives. They can also pursue one of five concentrations: Data Analytics and Decision-Making, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing or Strategy and Consulting.

Delivery Method

Consider how much time you’re willing and able to dedicate. If you typically work long hours or travel on a regular basis, is commuting to campus—or relocating entirely—a feasible option?

The majority of the instruction for our program is delivered online. Our state-of-the-art online campus—accessible via mobile, tablet or desktop device—makes it possible for students to stay connected and keep learning no matter where they are.

Program Length

Most traditional, on-campus MBA programs take two years to complete, whereas executive and online options can offer the same high-quality instruction in a shorter or more flexible time frame.

For instance, our online MBA program can be completed in as few as 18 months or as many as 36 months.

Alumni Services and Benefits

Explore how much alumni support is offered by the MBA programs you are considering. Will your program continue to provide resources and guidance once you’ve graduated?

UNC Kenan-Flagler alumni have lifelong access to personalized career services and their online coursework. They can also register for additional elective courses—including new ones, developed each year—for a nominal fee, allowing them to keep their skills up to date.

An Advanced Curriculum for Executives

Our online MBA program combines academically rigorous courses—taught by the same world-class faculty members who teach across the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA portfolio—with in-depth leadership training.

Students strengthen their understanding of core business concepts, but they also learn how to critically assess and address the varied, ever-changing challenges modern organizations—and by extension, leading executives—face on a daily basis. Additionally, they develop the skills to effectively communicate across stakeholder groups and balance competing priorities.

Executive Leadership Training

UNC Kenan-Flagler integrates both leadership development and career management into the MBA student experience. Leadership is a core value of the business school. By applying business best practices and advanced management skills, students can develop as leaders as they move into senior positions.

Like an executive MBA program, leadership coaching is infused throughout the program via:

• Classroom business simulations and leadership-focused Summits
• One-on-one career and leadership sessions with UNC Kenan-Flagler staff
• Debriefing and coaching from executives after self-assessments
• Mock interview practice and resume guidance
• Curriculum-based consulting opportunities

A Global Approach to Learning

We equip executive-level students with the broad perspective and advanced management skills they need to lead across teams, functions and cultures. Our online program features an international student community, global Summit weekends and networking and consulting opportunities around the world.

Expand Your Worldview

Our students learn from diverse, experienced professionals—both faculty and classmates—who live and work around the world. With a broader perspective, students in leadership roles can better understand international markets and the issues facing potential business partners.

Experience New Cultures

Summits—immersive, three-day learning experiences held on campus in Chapel Hill and in cities around the globe—bring students together with classmates, faculty and local leaders. These gatherings are a chance to explore some of the world’s most fascinating business hubs. Students can also extend their time abroad through optional week long Global Immersions.

Past Summits have been held in cities like:

• Budapest
• Helsinki
• Istanbul
• Johannesburg
• Lima
• London
• São Paulo
• Taipei

Study and Consult Abroad

To provide students with additional hands-on experience, we offer access to programs and opportunities that encourage students to grow their network—within and beyond the U.S.

• Doing Business In (DBI): Students study abroad and explore another culture during a one- or two-week stay at one of our MBA exchange partner schools.
• Student Teams Achieving Results (STAR): Working under the guidance of a faculty adviser, students help international clients address strategic and functional needs.

Balancing Work, Life and an Elite Online MBA

Our online program removes the barriers that prevent many busy professionals from pursuing an MBA while offering the same networking and relationship-building opportunities as an on-campus program.

Engagement-Focused Live Classes

Students attend weekly online classes, hosted on Zoom, where they interact face-to-face with faculty and an intimate group of experienced professionals. By hearing how their classmates have handled various leadership challenges, students enrich their own understanding of strategic problem-solving and other leadership approaches.

Thought-Provoking Coursework

Our coursework immerses students in business topics through self-paced lectures, faculty-designed videos, interactive case studies and collaborative projects. Assignments are due weekly, which means students have the flexibility to work at their own pace, during times that suit their schedules.

Enhanced Career Resources

Students also receive complimentary access to LinkedIn Premium Career, which includes a suite of career-enhancing features. Through LinkedIn Premium Career, students can take advantage of salary insights, participate in LinkedIn Learning courses, engage in interactive interview preparation and send InMail to hiring managers.

Total Support, Today and Tomorrow

Throughout the program, students work closely with a dedicated student support adviser to track their progress and plan their schedules. When they graduate, they become part of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s global alumni network of more than 42,000 accomplished business leaders—2,000 of whom graduated from the online MBA program.