Executive MBA at Texas A&M
- EMBA Expert
- Jun 8
- 17 min read
For seasoned professionals looking to elevate their leadership capabilities and expand their strategic thinking, the Executive MBA (EMBA) at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School offers a transformational experience. Delivered at the state-of-the-art CityCentre campus in Houston, this 21-month, in-person program is designed with the modern executive in mind—balancing rigorous academic learning with real-time application in the workplace.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Executive MBA at Texas A&M
The Mays Executive MBA is tailored specifically for professionals who already hold significant experience in leadership and management roles. With a format that meets twice a month—consisting of one Friday and two Saturday sessions—it offers an immersive learning environment while respecting participants’ ongoing professional commitments. This unique schedule ensures continuity in learning without major disruption to work and personal responsibilities.
Texas A&M’s EMBA program stands out for its integrative curriculum that addresses all critical facets of business, from strategy and finance to leadership and marketing. The program goes beyond business fundamentals by emphasizing personal development, organizational leadership, and ethical decision-making. This holistic approach helps participants not only grow in competence but also evolve into transformative leaders capable of driving change within their organizations and industries.
Another hallmark of the program is the emphasis on experiential learning. Students benefit from foundational experiences such as Residency Week, where they are immersed in team building and professional competencies, and the Washington Campus Seminar, a four-day deep dive into the intersection of government and business. These real-world engagements are capped off with a Capstone Project, which allows students to apply their learning to a high-impact organizational initiative or entrepreneurial endeavor.
Mays Business School’s Executive MBA also benefits from the prestige of Texas A&M University and the global Aggie network. With top-tier rankings from Poets & Quants, Fortune, and the Financial Times, the program is consistently recognized for offering exceptional value and high-quality executive education under $115,000.
In essence, the Executive MBA at Mays is not just a degree—it’s a leadership transformation experience. Participants emerge with refined skills, enhanced confidence, and a strategic mindset, equipped to tackle the challenges of today’s complex global business environment.
Program Highlights and Key Rankings
The Executive MBA at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School is more than just an advanced business degree—it's a high-impact leadership development journey that delivers tangible value. Designed specifically for experienced professionals, this program combines academic rigor, executive insights, and powerful experiential learning elements to create a transformative experience.
Why the Mays Executive MBA Stands Out
One of the standout features of the Mays Executive MBA is its location and format. Delivered at the vibrant CityCentre campus in Houston, the program is structured to minimize disruption to participants' professional lives. Classes meet on alternating weekends, including one Friday and two Saturdays per month. This approach provides a consistent cadence of in-person engagement while accommodating the demanding schedules of executives and senior managers.
With a cohort-based learning model, participants form close professional and personal bonds that last beyond the program. The diverse makeup of each cohort—ranging from C-suite executives and entrepreneurs to senior managers across industries—fosters peer learning and networking at an advanced level.
Ranked Among the Nation’s Best
The program’s commitment to quality and impact is reflected in its impressive national rankings. According to 2024 data:
Number 1 Executive MBA in the U.S. under $115K (Public) – Poets & Quants
Number 4 Executive MBA (Public) – Fortune
Number 4 Executive MBA (U.S., Public) – Financial Times
These accolades affirm Mays Business School’s position as a leader in value-driven executive education. The program is particularly lauded for its affordability relative to peer institutions, robust return on investment, and consistently strong outcomes in leadership advancement and career growth.
Holistic and High-Value Learning
Beyond affordability and convenience, the Mays Executive MBA delivers a comprehensive, integrative curriculum that covers strategy, finance, operations, leadership, and global business. The program also includes specialized sessions such as the Washington Campus Seminar and a final Capstone Project—each reinforcing practical application and strategic insight.
Moreover, the Mays brand carries the prestige of Texas A&M University, giving graduates access to a global alumni network known as the Aggie Network. This community is one of the largest and most engaged in the United States, opening doors to lifelong professional connections and career advancement.
Curriculum Structure and Academic Experience
The Executive MBA at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School is intentionally structured to align with the real-world demands of senior professionals. With a 21-month duration and a clearly defined sequence of four academic semesters, the program enables students to acquire, apply, and deepen their understanding of business disciplines while continuing to perform in demanding professional roles.
Modular Weekend Format
Classes are held on alternate weekends—typically one Friday and two Saturdays per month—at the CityCentre Houston campus. This hybrid cadence ensures that learning is concentrated and immersive, while still allowing for work-life integration. The format is ideal for working executives seeking to balance education, leadership responsibilities, and personal commitments without compromising on any front.
Credit Hours and Program Flow
The EMBA consists of 45 credit hours delivered over four semesters. The academic experience begins with an intensive Residency Week held at Texas A&M’s main campus in College Station, setting the tone for the program. This week introduces foundational concepts, facilitates cohort bonding, and immerses students in the Aggie culture.
No classes are held during the summer term, allowing students to reflect, recharge, or focus on their careers while continuing independent work on the Capstone Project.
Here’s how the program is structured across semesters:
Semester | Key Themes | Delivery |
Residency Week | Foundation in team dynamics, case methodology, self-assessment | In-person, College Station |
Fall – Year 1 | Core business fundamentals, leadership development begins | Houston Campus |
Spring – Year 1 | Managerial decision-making, entrepreneurship, DC seminar | Houston + Washington, D.C. |
Fall – Year 2 | Strategic thinking, marketing, business law | Houston Campus |
Spring – Year 2 | Global business, governance, mergers & acquisitions | Houston Campus |
Cohort Learning Model
The program uses a cohort-based model, meaning students enter and progress through the curriculum together. This model fosters an environment of trust, collaboration, and shared learning that mirrors real-world executive teams. The resulting camaraderie is an essential part of the learning journey and often translates into lifelong professional connections.
Integrated Leadership Focus
One of the distinguishing aspects of the Mays EMBA is its emphasis on executive leadership and personal development. From courses in organizational leadership and negotiations to sessions focused on self-awareness and team effectiveness, the program aims to develop not just business acumen but also the human and strategic qualities of leadership.
Through its integrated, experiential, and leadership-oriented design, the Executive MBA curriculum delivers far more than technical knowledge—it cultivates adaptive, forward-thinking leaders ready to navigate complexity and drive innovation.
Detailed Course Breakdown by Semester
The Executive MBA at Mays Business School delivers a comprehensive and strategically sequenced curriculum that blends academic rigor with practical application. Structured over four semesters and beginning with an immersive Residency Week, the program covers key areas of business including strategy, finance, leadership, analytics, operations, and ethics.
Each semester builds upon the last, progressing from foundational business knowledge to advanced strategic leadership concepts. Below is a semester-wise breakdown of the courses offered during the program.
Residency Week (Program Launch – College Station)
This initial immersion serves as the foundation for the program and the cohort experience. Key elements include:
Team-building workshops
Self-assessment and leadership skill development
Business communication modules
Introduction to the Case Method and data analysis
Social activities to foster cohort bonding
An introduction to Texas A&M traditions and values
Year 1 – Fall Semester
Course | Focus Area |
Business Analytics | Data-driven decision-making |
Financial Accounting | Understanding financial statements and reporting |
Operations Management | Process improvement and operational efficiency |
Talent Management | Strategic HR and workforce planning |
Organizational Leadership I | Leading self and small teams |
Leading Teams | High-performance team dynamics |
Executive Performance | Professional growth and leadership presence |
Capstone Consulting Project | Initial project scoping and research |
Career Management | Executive coaching and career planning |
Year 1 – Spring Semester
Course | Focus Area |
Supply Chain Management | Logistics, procurement, and global operations |
Managerial Economics | Economic frameworks for strategic choices |
Management Accounting and Control | Internal financial management |
Corporate Finance I | Investment decisions and capital budgeting |
Entrepreneurship | Venture creation and innovation strategies |
Executive Performance | Continued leadership development |
Capstone Consulting Project | Implementation planning |
Career Management | Industry alignment and job market positioning |
Washington Campus Seminar | Policy and regulatory impact on business (in D.C.) |
Year 2 – Fall Semester
Course | Focus Area |
Corporate Finance II | Advanced capital structure and valuation |
Corporate Strategy | Strategic planning and execution |
Marketing Management | Market segmentation, targeting, and value propositions |
Marketing Strategy | Integrated marketing planning |
Legal and Ethical Issues in Business | Governance, compliance, and corporate responsibility |
Executive Performance | Strategic influence and vision |
Capstone Consulting Project | Analysis and development of solutions |
Career Management | Leadership branding and transition strategies |
Year 2 – Spring Semester
Course | Focus Area |
Corporate Governance | Board structures and fiduciary duties |
Negotiations | Influencing and conflict resolution |
Organizational Leadership II | Leading at enterprise scale |
Global Business & Leadership | International markets and cross-cultural management |
Mergers & Acquisitions | Deal-making and integration |
Executive Performance | Final leadership refinement |
Capstone Consulting Project | Presentation and final deliverables |
Career Management | Final coaching and exit strategy planning |
This detailed structure ensures that by the time students complete the program, they are equipped with holistic business knowledge, refined executive presence, and practical skills to solve complex, high-stakes problems in any organizational context.
Unique Learning Experiences: Residency Week, Washington Campus Seminar, Capstone Project
What sets the Mays Executive MBA apart from other programs is its commitment to experiential learning—embedding critical leadership experiences into the academic journey. From day one, students are immersed in situations designed to test and elevate their skills beyond the classroom. Three signature components highlight this approach: Residency Week, the Washington Campus Seminar, and the Capstone Consulting Project.
Residency Week: A Transformative Launch
Held at Texas A&M’s main campus in College Station, Residency Week marks the beginning of the Executive MBA program. It’s more than just an orientation; it’s a foundational experience designed to jumpstart personal growth and cohort connection.
Key activities include:
Foundational coursework on communication, case method learning, and data analysis
Self-assessment modules that spark reflection on leadership style and goals
Team building and group dynamics exercises to set the tone for collaborative learning
Interactive sessions with alumni, offering insights on balancing work, family, and studies
Immersion in Aggie culture, including tours and traditions, fostering a unique school spirit
The week concludes with a strong sense of community and purpose—key pillars for navigating the 21-month academic journey ahead.
Washington Campus Seminar: Bridging Business and Policy
In the spring of the first year, all Executive MBA students attend the Washington Campus Seminar, a four-day immersive experience in Washington, D.C. This seminar focuses on the intersection of business, government, and public policy—a dimension often overlooked in traditional MBA programs.
During this experience, students:
Interact with current and former policymakers, regulators, and political analysts
Explore how legislation and regulation impact business strategy
Gain exposure to real-time policy debates and economic decision-making at the federal level
Build an understanding of how to influence policy environments as executive leaders
By the end of this seminar, students leave with a stronger grasp of how public systems affect private enterprises—and how leaders can respond with strategy and influence.
Capstone Consulting Project: Strategy in Action
The Capstone Project is the academic culmination of the Executive MBA experience. Spanning the entire program, this project allows students to solve a real-world challenge for their employer or another organization.
Project structure includes:
Defining a high-stakes business problem or opportunity
Integrating classroom concepts across disciplines (finance, strategy, operations, marketing)
Developing actionable recommendations through research and analysis
Presenting findings in a final oral and written deliverable
Students have the option to pursue a live enterprise challenge or an entrepreneurial venture, both of which require deep market understanding, cross-functional thinking, and impactful execution. The result is not only a showcase of learning, but also a project that creates measurable value in a business context.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
The Executive MBA at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School is designed for accomplished professionals—those who are not only looking to enhance their business acumen but also to elevate their impact as leaders. As such, the admissions process is carefully curated to identify candidates with a strong professional track record, leadership potential, and the ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment.
A Holistic Review Process
Admissions to the Mays Executive MBA program are conducted on a rolling basis, with three application rounds leading up to the program’s fall intake. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach, meaning that no single element of the application is weighted more heavily than the others. Instead, they evaluate candidates based on a combination of academic performance, professional experience, leadership capability, and personal motivation.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants should meet the following baseline criteria:
Minimum 10 years of professional experience
At least 7 years in a managerial or leadership role
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Strong communication skills and a commitment to collaborative learning
Notably, standardized tests such as the GMAT or GRE are not required, making the program accessible to candidates with rich work experience and demonstrated leadership ability.
Required Application Components
A complete application for the Executive MBA includes:
Professional résumé highlighting work experience and career progression
Essays responding to prompts about leadership philosophy, career goals, and motivation for pursuing the MBA
Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework
Application fee
Evaluative interview, conducted by a member of the admissions team
Applicants are encouraged to schedule a one-on-one consultation with an admissions representative to discuss program fit, clarify goals, and receive personalized guidance through the application process.
Application Timeline
For Fall 2025 entry, the following deadlines apply:
Round | Deadline |
Round 1 | November 15, 2024 |
Round 2 | February 28, 2025 |
Final Round | June 6, 2025 |
While the program accepts applications until the final round, early submission is strongly encouraged due to the competitive nature of admissions and the limited number of cohort seats available.
Program Fees, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
Earning an Executive MBA is a strategic investment—one that pays dividends in career advancement, leadership readiness, and long-term earning potential. At Mays Business School, Texas A&M University, the Executive MBA program delivers exceptional value by offering a top-tier education at a competitive cost.
Tuition Overview
For Texas residents, the all-inclusive tuition for the Executive MBA program is $125,000 (subject to change). This flat rate is designed to eliminate hidden costs and streamline the financial planning process for busy executives.
The tuition covers:
University tuition and associated fees
All required textbooks and course materials
Case studies, software subscriptions, and simulation tools
Residency Week expenses (lodging, meals, and program activities)
Travel and accommodations for the Washington Campus Seminar
Executive career coaching and advising services
This bundled approach ensures that students can focus on learning and leadership without being distracted by incidental costs throughout the program.
Financial Aid Options
Students enrolled in the Executive MBA program may be eligible for various types of financial aid, including:
Federal student loans
Private education loans
Employer sponsorship or tuition reimbursement
Military and veterans' education benefits
Texas A&M University encourages admitted students to explore options through the Office of Financial Aid and use the Tuition Calculator for the most accurate cost projections based on personal circumstances.
Scholarships and Merit Awards
All applicants who are admitted into the Executive MBA program are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. These awards are granted based on a combination of factors such as:
Professional achievement
Leadership potential
Academic credentials
Contributions to cohort diversity
No additional application is necessary for scholarship consideration, making it a streamlined and equitable process for all admitted students.
Return on Investment
Ranked number 1 Executive MBA under $115K (Public) by Poets & Quants and consistently placing in the top 5 nationally by Fortune and the Financial Times, the Mays Executive MBA offers an outstanding ROI. Graduates leave with enhanced credibility, expanded professional networks, and the capability to pursue higher leadership roles or pivot into new industries with confidence.
Career Services and Alumni Support
The Executive MBA at Texas A&M’s Mays Business School goes beyond academic instruction—it is a career-transforming experience. Through a robust ecosystem of coaching, resources, and alumni connections, the program provides strategic career development tailored specifically for senior professionals aiming to scale their impact, transition roles, or redefine their career trajectories.
Executive Career Management Services
Mays Business School offers dedicated executive career services to all EMBA participants from the very start of the program. These services are not generic job placement tools—they are bespoke, strategy-oriented support systems designed for experienced professionals.
Key offerings include:
One-on-one executive coaching focused on leadership brand, communication, and long-term career vision
Career management workshops on negotiation, career transitions, board readiness, and entrepreneurial paths
Guidance on LinkedIn branding, resume revamp, and executive-level interviewing
Strategic support for internal advancement or external career moves
Career support continues throughout the 21-month program and is closely integrated with the Capstone Project and other academic milestones, ensuring that career goals evolve in tandem with leadership growth.
Lifelong Access to the Aggie Network
Graduates of the Mays Executive MBA program become members of the Aggie Network, one of the most active and influential alumni communities in the United States. With over 500,000 alumni worldwide, Texas A&M’s alumni network provides lifelong connections, mentorship, and business opportunities.
Benefits of Aggie alumni status include:
Access to global networking events and local alumni chapters
Invitations to speaker series, leadership forums, and reunions
Opportunities for continued learning and executive development
A reputation for loyalty, trust, and collaborative spirit that extends far beyond graduation
Many Mays EMBA graduates remain engaged with the school through guest speaking, mentoring, and corporate partnerships—creating a virtuous cycle of support that benefits current and future cohorts alike.
Outcomes That Matter
The real value of the Mays EMBA is measured in the tangible outcomes experienced by graduates. Many report:
Promotions and salary increases within months of graduation
Successful transitions into new industries or roles
Greater confidence in boardroom and strategic leadership settings
Expanded professional networks leading to new business ventures or consulting roles
These outcomes are not incidental—they are the direct result of a program designed to build high-performing, high-impact leaders.
Global Exposure and Leadership Development
In today’s interconnected world, leadership is as much about global awareness and adaptability as it is about strategic thinking and operational excellence. The Executive MBA at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School addresses this need through a carefully designed curriculum and experiential modules that emphasize global exposure, ethical leadership, and personal transformation.
Leadership Development at the Core
Leadership isn’t a course at Mays—it’s a continuous theme woven throughout the entire EMBA journey. From the opening Residency Week, students begin a structured path of self-discovery, feedback, and skill enhancement. This leadership journey evolves through:
Executive Performance modules each semester, guiding students through leadership presence, influence, and effectiveness
Organizational Leadership I & II, which build foundational and advanced leadership capabilities
Career Management support, helping professionals align personal values with long-term leadership vision
Real-time classroom dialogue and coaching from faculty who are not only academic experts but also seasoned business leaders
This approach ensures that students don’t just gain theoretical knowledge—they develop the self-awareness and executive maturity required for high-stakes decision-making.
Global Business and Policy Insight
The Mays Executive MBA introduces students to global perspectives through both coursework and immersive experiences. A key feature is the Washington Campus Seminar, which provides insight into:
How federal policies and regulations impact domestic and international business
Interactions with government leaders, lobbyists, and regulators
Real-world exposure to policy formation and its effects on corporate strategy
In the final semester, students take a dedicated course on Global Business & Leadership, which explores:
Challenges and opportunities in international markets
Cross-cultural management and global team dynamics
Strategic frameworks for global expansion and risk management
This curriculum ensures that Mays EMBA graduates are equipped to lead not only within their organizations but across industries, borders, and cultures.
Real-World Application through the Capstone
The Capstone Consulting Project serves as the program’s global thinking laboratory. Students select and develop a long-term project focused on addressing strategic business challenges—often involving multinational dynamics or cross-border considerations. Whether it’s launching a new venture, rethinking global supply chains, or preparing a company for international expansion, the Capstone is a high-stakes, high-impact learning experience.
The Aggie Leadership Legacy
Mays Business School is rooted in Texas A&M’s broader mission of developing ethical, values-driven leaders. Graduates of the EMBA program are expected not only to lead businesses—but also to shape industries, influence policy, and mentor future generations of professionals.
By integrating leadership development and global awareness across every semester, the Mays Executive MBA produces leaders who are confident, globally competent, and ethically grounded—ready to take on the complex challenges of modern business.
Why Choose the Mays Executive MBA?
When you're balancing a thriving career with ambitious goals for the future, the decision to pursue an Executive MBA is a major one. At Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, we understand that the best investment you can make is in yourself. That’s why the Mays Executive MBA program is built for driven professionals who are ready to lead at the next level.
1. Proven Leadership Development
At Mays, leadership isn't just a buzzword—it’s at the core of everything we do. Our Executive MBA program is designed to sharpen your strategic thinking, elevate your decision-making, and expand your influence as a leader. Through personalized coaching, executive seminars, and real-world business simulations, you'll walk away not just with knowledge, but with a confident executive presence.
2. World-Class Faculty, Real-World Insight
Our faculty are more than researchers—they're industry experts and thought leaders with deep connections to business, finance, technology, healthcare, energy, and beyond. They bring real-world experience into the classroom, translating complex theory into practical tools you can use immediately in your current role.
3. Aggie Network Advantage
When you join Mays, you become part of the powerful Aggie Network—one of the largest and most loyal alumni networks in the world. This connection opens doors across industries and around the globe, offering lifelong support, career advancement, and opportunities that extend far beyond graduation.
4. Designed for Busy Professionals
Our program is tailored for executives who can't put their careers on pause. With a convenient schedule—classes held every other weekend at Houston’s CityCentre—and a curriculum designed to deliver maximum impact in a manageable format, the Mays EMBA allows you to learn without stepping away from your leadership responsibilities.
5. ROI That Speaks for Itself
Mays Executive MBA alumni report measurable growth in both salary and career trajectory. Whether you’re preparing for a C-suite role, planning a pivot, or starting something of your own, our program delivers the strategic insight and confidence to lead with purpose.
FAQs
1. What is the Mays Executive MBA program?
The Mays Executive MBA at Texas A&M is a part-time MBA program designed for experienced professionals aiming to enhance leadership and business acumen while continuing to work full-time.
2. Who is the Mays Executive MBA designed for?
This program is tailored for mid-to-senior level professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs with significant work experience who want to advance to top leadership roles.
3. Where is the Mays Executive MBA program held?
Classes are held at the Texas A&M Mays Business School facility in Houston’s CityCentre, a convenient location for working professionals.
4. How long is the Mays Executive MBA program?
The Executive MBA program is completed over 21 months, with classes meeting every other weekend.
5. What are the admissions requirements for the Mays EMBA?
Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree, strong professional experience (10+ years preferred), a completed
application, resume, essays, letters of recommendation, and an interview.
6. Is the GMAT or GRE required for the Mays Executive MBA?
While test scores are optional, submitting a GMAT or GRE can strengthen your application, especially if academic performance needs context.
7. How much work experience is required for the Mays EMBA?
Most students have 10 to 15 years of professional experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
8. What is the cost of the Mays Executive MBA program?
Tuition is approximately $99,500 for the entire program, including books, meals during class weekends, and global immersion travel.
9. Are scholarships available for the Executive MBA?
Yes, Mays offers limited scholarships and encourages early applications for consideration.
10. Does the program include international learning opportunities?
Yes, a global immersion trip is part of the curriculum to help students understand international business firsthand.
11. Can I work full-time while enrolled in the Mays EMBA?
Absolutely. The program is specifically designed for working professionals and follows a bi-weekly weekend format.
12. What topics are covered in the Mays EMBA curriculum?
The curriculum covers strategic leadership, finance, marketing, operations, data analytics, and global business.
13. Is the Mays Executive MBA STEM-designated?
No, the Executive MBA is not currently STEM-designated.
14. What is the average age of students in the program?
The average student age is typically between 35 and 45 years old.
15. How does the Mays EMBA support career growth?
Through leadership coaching, executive workshops, alumni networking, and real-world applications, students gain the skills and connections to level up their careers.
16. What is the ROI of a Mays Executive MBA?
Many graduates report significant increases in salary, leadership responsibility, and career mobility shortly after completing the program.
17. How competitive is admission to the Mays EMBA?
It’s competitive, with a holistic review process that considers professional achievements, leadership potential, and academic readiness.
18. Is the program accredited?
Yes, the Mays Business School is AACSB-accredited, ensuring the highest standard of business education.
19. How can I apply to the Mays Executive MBA?
You can apply online through the Texas A&M Mays Business School website. Applications typically include personal essays, recommendations, and an interview.
20. Can GOALisB help with my Mays EMBA application?
Yes, GOALisB provides expert MBA admissions consulting to help you create a strong, strategic application tailored to the Mays EMBA program.
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