1. How is the EMBA structured?
Our EMBA is structured to accommodate full-time working persons. Students can currently complete the program in a minimum of twenty-two months, or up to a maximum of six years. Most students opt to take the program in two, three, or four years. Courses are offered from early September to early July, with most courses being delivered over a six-week period. Some courses are also offered over shorter time periods such as one week.
Starting in 2012, courses will be offered from September to April and be delivered Friday and Saturday every two weeks over four weekends. Students will be able to complete the program in a minimum of twenty months taking four courses per semester (fall, winter) and a maximum of six years.
2. How are courses sequenced?
Students complete fourteen courses, including a two-course equivalent signature project. The first phase of the program focuses on enhancing managerial skills and understanding functional business topics. Students currently have the opportunity to take two courses in each of the semesters (fall, winter, spring/summer). The second phase of the program focuses on developing strategic perspectives and application to a dynamic global environment. Again, students have the opportunity to take two courses in each of the fall and winter semesters. The signature project course can currently be completed in the spring or the spring/summer time periods.
Starting in 2012, students have the opportunity to take four courses in the first component during the fall and winter. In the second component, students have the opportunity to take four courses in the fall semester. The signature project can be completed in the spring and summer following the first year and winter semester of the second year.
3. How will courses be delivered?
Courses are delivered through a variety of methods designed to enhance learning and accommodate the needs of adult learners and people working full-time. Our classrooms are equipped with multi-media equipment and wireless internet. We also have an online course management site to access class materials. Delivery methods include, but are not limited to: traditional classroom offerings, live case studies, consulting projects, guest speakers, and mentoring opportunities.
4. Can I do a general EMBA program of study?
No, you cannot take a general EMBA at UPEI. Our EMBA program offers specialized streams of study in Biotechnology Management & Entrepreneurship, as well as Innovative Management, both of which are unique in the Atlantic region. The program has been designed specifically for people interested in supplementing their work experience with academic learning in these flourishing fields of business.
5. What is the expected workload during a typical semester of study?
Normally, students will take two courses per semester over a period of six weeks each, back-to-back. In-class time will be thirty-nine hours per course, or 6.5 hours per week. Each course will also require a commitment of approximately 12–14 hours per week in addition to class time.
Starting in September 2012, students will normally take four courses per semester over a total of eight weekends (Friday and Saturday). In-class time will be thirty-six hours per course (or nine hours per class). Each course will also require a commitment of approximately 15-20 hours per week in addition to class time.
6. What does the program pre-work entail?
Whenever possible, pre-work is done in the online environment, to accommodate students' work schedules, while ensuring they are prepared academically for the EMBA program. Approximately four to six weeks in advance of each intake, students will receive a link to the pre-work that the Admissions Committee feels is necessary for the students to undertake prior to commencing the formal program. This pre-work may consist of any or all of the following, based upon individual experience and background: article readings, textbook readings, short-course seminars, and/or online courses.
7. What is the Signature Project course?
The Signature Project is a two-credit course that provides students with the opportunity to apply the management concepts and skills acquired during the EMBA program. There are many project options available. For example, students may tackle a real problem for a client and produce a feasible solution; create a plan for a new business; or develop the concept for a new venture within an existing organization. A formal report and presentation are required. The project is completed independently by each student and it is to be approved and supervised by a faculty advisor(s). This project is conducted after all other course work is completed.
8. How much does the EMBA Program cost?
Current program tuition fees total $27,940 for 2011-2013. Students can pay in two installments of $13,900 and $14,040 respectively at the beginning of their first and second year. A second option involves three equal installments within the first year and two equal installments within the second year, five installments in total. A program admission fee of $1,000 is required to reserve your seat in the EMBA Program. This fee is credited towards your tuition. Course materials and textbook fes for the program are $1,860.
9. What financing options are available to me?
UPEI’s School of Business offers a minimum of five EMBA Entrance Awards valued from $3,500 to $5,000 which are offered each year to incoming EMBA students based on academic and professional achievements, as well as leadership skills or potential. Visit the UPEI Awards & Scholarships website for more information and to apply.
Other scholarships, bursaries, and awards have been established for graduate students at UPEI. These can be found on the UPEI Awards & Scholarships website.
Your employer may also be willing to sponsor you for the EMBA Program. Click here to access The Case for Sponsorship.
RRSPs also provide a source of funding. Under the Canadian Income Tax laws, you are able to borrow up to $10,000 per year to a maximum of $20,000 through the Life Long Learning program.
There are also sources at the government and industry levels to assist students in MBA programs such as SSHRC and studentawards.com. The CIHR post-doctoral fellowship is available to PhDs in the health sciences that enter an MBA biotechnology program.
Your student status will also have significant tax implications in your favor. Tuition fees and a monthly education allowance greatly reduce the true cost of the EMBA program.
10. Are international students accepted?
Yes, international students are very welcome at UPEI. International students must meet Canadian immigration requirements and be conversant in English. International students are responsible for paying international student tuitions and fees.
11. What are the admission requirements for the EMBA program at UPEI?
All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Admission to the program is based on criteria that ensure high standards of academic quality and student achievement, as well as diversity. These include formal post-secondary education, work/life experience, English language skills, practice, or training related to the specialized stream to which an applicant is applying, and competency in the areas outlined in the referee form.
Please check the EMBA Admissions guide through the Office of the Registrar for more details regarding the academic and work experience requirements as they apply to each specialized stream of study.
12. If I do not have an undergraduate degree, but have managerial experience or a professional designation, do I qualify for program entry?
Most candidates for admission to the EMBA program hold an undergraduate degree; however, this is not an absolute requirement for entrance. Professional designations such as CA, CFA, CMA, CGA, or PEng will be also be considered. At UPEI we also encourage exceptional managers who lack a formal degree, but have other outstanding qualifications to apply to the Program. We will review what you "know and can do" and assess your knowledge and skills against a standard that we would expect a university graduate to possess. If you successfully meet the standard and the other admission criteria, then you will be accepted to the program. While we do limit the number of applicants admitted on this basis, we strongly urge you to apply if you feel you possess the equivalent knowledge and skills. Your total risk is the cost of the application, and your potential benefit is recognition of your abilities and admission to an exciting degree program.
13. What am I required to submit in my application for admission?
Once all materials are received, an admission interview may be conducted by the Graduate Business Studies Committee. The committee is seeking well-rounded and knowledgeable people with managerial and leadership potential.
Official Transcripts - Official transcripts or certified copies of the applicant’s complete undergraduate and graduate (if any) record to date are to be sent to the Office of the Registrar. Applicants from outside North America are urged to attach official statements of the grades obtained and the subject matter included.
Resume and Reference Letters - A current resume must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar along with a minimum of two suitable references. The resume must detail work experiences, responsibilities, and contributions to employers. The reference form is available on the School of Business website.
Personal Statement - A personal statement, of no more than 400 words, must explain the reasons why you wish to enroll in UPEI’s EMBA program. It should include details of your relevant past experience, your long- and short-term goals, and explain how the EMBA program will meet your needs and assist you in reaching your educational and career goals. Also ensure you indicate the number of years in which you intend to complete the EMBA program (i.e., 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 years). Note: Applicants without a formal degree or professional designation will be expected to provide convincing evidence of their capabilities in communications, analysis, and knowledge transfer, as well as their professional contributions and accomplishments within their personal statement. For these applicants only, the personal statement must be no more than 800 words.
GMAT (if requested) - Applicants must only submit a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score if requested by the EMBA Admissions Committee. A minimum score of 550 is required, with preference given to scores of 600 or over. These scores must be less than five years old. If there are exceptional circumstances, a waiver of the GMAT may be considered. Applicants who already possess an advanced degree in a master's and/or a PhD from other recognized universities may be allowed to waive the GMAT.
14. If I don't have the minimum GPA or GMAT, can I still apply?
It is important to note that our admission process considers several criteria (GPA, GMAT, work experience, and demonstration of leadership skills). Weaknesses in one area can be offset by strengths in another. At the same time we insist on stringent admission standards. If we see potential in a candidate, we may ask him/her to rewrite GMAT or take upgrading courses.
15. I have never taken a business course and my experience is not in business, am I eligible for admission to your EMBA Program?
Yes. Many of our students come with non-business undergraduate degrees and, in fact, those specializing in Biotechnology Management & Entrepreneurship generally have an undergraduate degree in Sciences. We are seeking applicants with relevant work experience, which might include managerial, supervisory, leadership, new venture ownership, and professional and project development experiences. Our candidates come to the Program with experience from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. We believe a variety of work experiences and backgrounds raises the calibre of class interaction so that students learn from both the professor and each other.
16. What is the application deadline?
Admissions are accepted on a rolling basis with one program start date available each year in September. The deadline for application submission is April 15th or until all seats in the program are filled. However, to be considered for EMBA Entrance scholarships and donor scholarship incentives, candidates must submit their applicatons prior to February 15th. Applications received after February 15th and up until March 15th will be considered for donor scholarhip incentives only.
17. May I transfer credits to receive advanced standing?
The EMBA program offered at UPEI is highly integrated and does not easily lend itself to module-by-module credit for advanced standing. The courses designed for the program are of high value for interpersonal skills building, team building, and leadership development. We therefore limit transfer of relevant graduate credits from recognized universities.
18. I met all the minimum admission criteria. Why was I not offered admission?
Please note that admission to the UPEI EMBA Program is competitive and we accept 20-25 students per year. Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission to the program.
