University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s business school has three STEM-designated Executive MBA programs. These globally high-ranking programs are taught by accomplished faculty who are not only talented teachers but expert researchers. UNC’s EMBA programs offer unique, flexible degrees that allow students to continue working full-time while earning their degrees.
The learning environment at UNC Kenan-Flagler is collaborative, academically challenging, and primarily focused on leadership development. Classes at UNC Kenan-Flagler are team- and discussion-based, covering topics such as creating value in organizations and thinking globally in a diverse world. UNC Kenan-Flagler prioritizes long-term success in leadership, providing its students with a career services team. Further, Kenan-Flagler is exceptionally dedicated to fostering a community of inclusion and diversity.
| Class Size | Does not disclose |
| Age/Experience | Average Age: 32 years Average Work Experience: 8 years |
| Diversity | Women: 29% |
| Companies Represented | 47 |
| Pre-MBA Median Salary and Bonus | Does not disclose |
| Advanced Degrees | 13% |
| Industries represented | Tech: 17% Healthcare: 15% Manufacturing: 13% Consulting: 8% Energy: 8% Military: 8% Real Estate: 8% Financial Services: 4% Government: 4% |
| Class Size | Does not disclose |
| Age/Experience | Average Age: 38 years Average Work Experience: 15 years |
| Diversity | Women: 36% |
| Companies Represented | 46 |
| Pre-MBA Median Salary and Bonus | Does not disclose |
| Advanced Degrees | 29% |
| Class Size | Does not disclose |
| Age/Experience | Average Age: 33 years Average Work Experience: 10 years |
| Diversity | Women: 37% |
| Companies Represented | 46 |
| Pre-MBA Median Salary and Bonus | Does not disclose |
| Advanced Degrees | 12% |
| Industries represented | Financial Services: 29% Technology: 12% Consulting: 9% Manufacturing: 8% Energy: 6% Healthcare: 6% Media/Entertainment: 3% Military: 3% Real Estate: 3% |
UNC Kenan-Flagler has three executive MBA programs: Evening Executive, Weekend Executive, and Charlotte Executive. The Evening Executive and Charlotte Executive programs last 24 months, and the Weekend Executive program lasts 21 months. The main differences between these programs are the location, schedule, and structure of class meetings.
The UNC Kenan-Flagler Evening Executive MBA program has weekly evening face-to-face class meetings. This program is targeted toward business professionals who live in the Chapel Hill metro area. Next, the Kenan-Flagler Weekend Executive MBA meets once per month on the weekends, with two Impact Weekends. Finally, the Charlotte Executive MBA program has weekly class meetings in addition to three Friday afternoon classes with executive lunches each term. All three programs combine in-person and online teaching. Students are expected to work between 12 and 20 hours outside class.
The EMBA programs at UNC allow for a flexible work-life balance, accommodating business professionals who work full-time. Evening and weekend meeting times, along with asynchronous teaching, allow students to integrate learning into their careers.
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s future-focused, analytical-based curriculum is customizable for students. Each EMBA program at UNC Kenan-Flagler includes themed core courses as well as electives, such as Communication, Information Technology/Entrepreneurship, and Operations. The core courses are designed to cover theory in addition to real-life business challenges. Students complete projects with their study team and have the option to obtain a certificate in finance, marketing, strategy and entrepreneurship, or strategy and leadership.
The Kenan-Flagler application requires prospective students to submit their resume, two essays, two letters of recommendation, and their transcript. Applicants are not required to take the GRE or GMAT if they have more than five years of experience. There is also a required interview for admission.
Successful applicants should already have strong leadership abilities and an understanding of accounting, statistics, finance, and economics. Applicants to the Evening Executive, Weekend Executive, and Charlotte Executive have nine, twelve, and ten years of experience on average respectively.
The two essays, each between 250 and 500 words, ask the applicant to describe themselves, their experiences, and their overall career goals. These essays should be structured, concise, and reveal the applicant’s personality and accomplishments.
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s EMBA essays are identical across all three EMBA programs:
For more guidance, take a look at our MBA Essay Tips, where we look at the most common MBA essays and discuss how to answer them effectively.
If invited, prospective students complete a required in-person interview in which the admissions committee hopes to learn more about their qualifications. It is important for applicants to demonstrate their dedication to teamwork and diversity, in addition to their experiences and motivations for completing an executive MBA during this interview. Applicants should schedule their interview at a time they can also visit a class at UNC and meet other students and faculty members.
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s EMBA programs appeal to self-motivated mid- to senior-level executives with an interest in participatory and collaborative learning. UNC Kenan-Flagler stands out for its support of alumni, encouraging them to continue taking electives to sharpen and hone the skills they developed during their EMBA program. Further, students interested in a global EMBA experience should consider the Evening Executive program, which includes the Global Entrepreneurship Lab.
Explore the UNC Kenan-Flagler EMBA program with insights from our experienced MBA Counselors.
*All data retrieved from the UNC Kenan-Flagler EMBA Program webpages, unless otherwise stated.
