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Global Executive MBA

Accelerate your development as a global leader in one year

The Global Executive MBA program (GEMBA) provides you the opportunity to receive your MBA degree in just one year from a world-renowned university in the heart of one of the most innovative cities in the United States. You will learn from award-winning faculty at the UW Foster School of Business in a smaller cohort than other MBA programs, enabling more access to personalized feedback from faculty, hands-on practice, and closer relationships with your fellow classmates from around the globe. GEMBA also leverages Seattle’s status as a global hub for innovation, technology, sustainability, and diversity.

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Reasons to choose the Foster GEMBA program

One-year full-time format
Earn a prestigious MBA degree in an accelerated timeframe. The rigorous curriculum will boost your leadership skills and provide the tools to expertly solve business challenges.

Smaller class size
Get to know both the faculty and your fellow students better, while benefiting from the strong community and connections at the UW Foster School of Business. GEMBA students partner to share expertise and serve as professional resources for one another. Hear about GEMBA from alumni.

Connections to the Seattle business community
Seattle is home to many iconic global companies such as Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft, Boeing, and Costco. Tech companies including Google and Facebook have established a significant presence in Seattle to compete for talent. The region is also a hub for entrepreneurs and cultivates a startup mindset. The GEMBA program provides access and connections to influential business leaders in the region as a natural extension of classroom learning. Learn more about the Seattle and UW community.

Students from around the globe
A typical GEMBA cohort consists of about 80% international students which creates dynamic classroom discussions that highlight the diverse backgrounds and knowledge of the students. Learn more about the student experience.

Theme-based Global Immersion Trip
The program will include an in-depth analysis on managing climate risks and opportunities for businesses. The location for the trip will be determined later, taking into consideration economic, political and other factors that affect the region.

Cross-program career services
The career services center plans relevant events and provides dedicated one-on-one support, while also providing opportunities to mix with other UW MBA students to expand your professional network and business connections.

STEM-designated MBA MS option
The MBA Management Science Degree is an optional credential available to GEMBA students. Students who complete 16 credits from a defined list of management science elective courses and meet the degree requirements of the GEMBA Program earn both the MBA degree and the STEM-designated MBA Management Science Option. GEMBA students will be able to earn the 16 credits with careful elective course selection without having to lengthen their program or incurring additional tuition expenses. The GEMBA team will be able to help you with planning this option.

Completion of the MBA Management Science Option also permits GEMBA students studying on F-1 visas to participate in the initial 12-month period of post-degree Optional Practical Training (OPT) while also applying for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension.

Support and events for spouses/partners of the GEMBA program students
The GEMBA program has special events for spouses and partners of the GEMBA students. These include a welcoming orientation session just for family members, social gatherings to help them get connected to one another, organized family-friendly outings, and GEMBA team assistance. You’ll find that it is a welcoming and positive environment for both you and your family.

Admissions Information

Application deadlines for cohort starting June 2024:

Final application: January 15, 2024

Review the admissions process

Admissions Events


Watch videos

Hear from GEMBA students on why they chose to participate in the GEMBA program at University of Washington.

Kenji Urabe shares the benefits the Global Executive MBA Program is bringing to his career.

GEMBA blog