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W. P. Carey MBA - Executive Program

W. P. Carey MBA - Executive Program

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / W. P. Carey MBA - Executive Program

Business, Entrepreneurship, Management, approved for STEM-OPT extension

Immediately elevate your contribution to your organization with expanded leadership skills gained through the comprehensive business curriculum taught by world-renowned faculty. During this two-year program, you'll develop a strategic perspective, learn how policy shapes business decisions and gain an understanding of how companies half a world away can impact your business.

Program description
Degree awarded: MBA  W. P. Carey MBA

The executive MBA program is designed for senior leaders with increasing responsibility managing people, projects and budgets.

The W. P. Carey School of Business Master of Business Administration program provides a solid foundation and knowledge base in the core business disciplines, enabling students to develop the analytic capabilities and decision-making and leadership skill sets required to effectively integrate decisions into the business environment. Students learn how to refine their management skills and contribute more substantially to their organization and society.

Classes meet one weekend per month on campus, convenient for travel from within Arizona and surrounding states. A summer experience in Washington, D.C., and an international practicum help students see the world of business in a new way. The program is completed in 21 months and is supported by each of the eight academic units within the W. P. Carey School of Business. The comprehensive approach equips students with:

  • a data-driven mindset
  • the fundamentals of business and the confidence to see projects to completion
  • strategic leadership skills and exposure
  • an understanding of public policy here and abroad

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance

Degree requirements

48 credit hours including the required capstone course (MGT 589)

Required Core (1.5 credit hours)
LES 582 Ethical Issues for Managers (1.5)

Electives and Research (43.5 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
MGT 589 Strategic Management (3)

Additional Curricular Information
While there are no business course prerequisites, potential students must demonstrate strong quantitative ability and effective written and oral communication skills.

The business school does not accept graduate credits earned while students are in nondegree status or from courses taken before admission to the Master of Business Administration program or while enrolled in another Master of Business Administration program outside the W. P. Carey School of Business. Registration in School of Business courses numbered 501 and above is limited to students who have been admitted to a graduate degree program and have the approval of the MBA program office.

The executive curriculum must be taken in the prescribed sequence and is augmented by a series of lectures on thought leadership and off-site learning programs, including a business and public policy course in Washington, D.C. An additional off-site course exploring issues and strategies in the global business environment is held in partnership with an international business school. The program is completed in 21 months.

All students must successfully complete the comprehensive requirement established for the Master of Business Administration by the W. P. Carey School of Business and the Graduate College. The comprehensive culminating experience is integrated with MGT 589 Strategic Management. Students passing this course with a grade of "B" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher satisfy the comprehensive examination requirement.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the W. P. Carey School of Business.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. current resume
  4. two letters of recommendation
  5. answers to short-answer questions
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Letters of recommendation should comment on the student's motivation, commitment, achievements, work experience and opportunity for success in the program.

A personal interview, arranged by invitation only, will be completed before an offer of admission may be made.

Applicants should see the department's website for more information.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 07/01Final
Career opportunities

The Master of Business Administration includes the essential academic preparation for students who are interested in pursuing professional careers as leaders within organizations in diverse functions, such as human resources, finance or marketing.

Career examples include:

  • CEO
  • finance manager
  • marketing manager
  • supply chain manager
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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