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- Business Connections – Not only is Seattle home to iconic global companies such as Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft, Boeing, and Costco, but it also attracts many tech companies outside of Seattle, like Google and Facebook, to establish their presence in Seattle to compete for talent. The region is also a hub for entrepreneurs and welcomes startup mindsets. According to Geekwire, Seattle is among the top 10 in their global startup ecosystem rankings. As part of the learning experience, students will gain access and connections to influential leaders.
- Smaller Class Size with Experienced Professionals –The smaller classes in the GEMBA program give students the opportunity to interact more closely with faculty and other seasoned global professionals (usually with 10-15 years of experience) participating in the program.
- Higher International Class Representation – Whereas most U.S. MBA programs have about 30-40% international students, the UW GEMBA program has a much higher 80-90% representation which allows the students to share more diverse global experience, network, and business connections abroad. Whether you are from the U.S. or another country, learning from a diverse group of professionals with international experience elevates everyone’s learning.
- Theme-based Global Immersion – In line with UW Foster’s Purpose Statement of “Together, we foster leaders, insights, and progress to better humanity,” the GEMBA curriculum incorporates a theme-based immersive learning on how we can better humanity. The 2024-2025 class will incorporate learning around managing climate risks and opportunities. This will be integrated as a course offering over the Spring Break in 2025.
- Cross-Program Career Services – Offered jointly with EMBA, Technology MBA, and Hybrid MBA Programs our career services opportunities provide not only dedicated one-on-one support, but also mixing with other MBA program participants at UW to expand your professional network and business connections.
- Support services are available for spouses and partners of GEMBA students. The decision to pursue an MBA impacts the families just as much as the students, especially if you are moving to Seattle from another city or to the U.S from another country. The GEMBA staff helps not only the students but also their spouses/partners to get more quickly acclimated into their new home.
Read and watch stories from GEMBA alumni about their experience.
The program is ideal for mid-career professionals being cultivated to assume leadership roles in global organizations who are looking to enhance their career, contribute back to their organizations, or seek new professional opportunities. A desirable candidate should meet the following criteria:
- Four-year undergraduate degree in business or alternate degree with relevant work experience
- Ability to take a one-year sabbatical from current job to complete the program on a full-time basis in Seattle
- Meet minimum TOEFL (92 iBT) or IELTS (7.0) or Duolingo (120) is required. Click here for language requirements and available assistance.
- Most GEMBA students have 10-15 years of experience. Minimum 6 years full-time professional work experience is required.
- Read more detailed application information.
- Click to download the class profile for 2023-24
If you do meet the minimum score(s), we encourage you to plan ahead to study for the test(s) well in advance (6-12 months) of applying to the program. Alternatively, if your tests score are below 92 TOEFL iBT; 7.0 IELTS; 120 Duolingo, then you can check to see the qualifying scores and enroll in appropriate UW Academic English Program. These are virtual quarter-long classes so you may need to register for Summer 2022, Autumn 2022, and/or Winter 2023 Quarter classes prior to the program start in June 2023.
Get more information on application requirements.
Learn more about our career services.