Curriculum
Build a comprehensive foundation in business through a one-year, full-time MBA designed for experienced professionals, while developing the strategic, leadership and global perspective required to lead in complex, international environments. The Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) curriculum integrates core business disciplines with applied learning, global immersion and executive-level collaboration.
Students have the option to take select electives to pursue their own areas of interest as well as to qualify for a STEM-designated degree, allowing international students the option to extend their OPT experience.
Program Overview
The Global Executive MBA is a one-year, full-time MBA designed for experienced professionals seeking to expand their leadership capabilities in global business environments.
Students progress through an integrated, cohort-based curriculum across core business disciplines, with learning reinforced through collaboration, applied consulting projects and global immersion.
Program at a Glance
- Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Credits: 65
- Format: Full-time, cohort-based
- Duration: 12 months
- Schedule: Daytime weekday classes, in-person
- Location: UW campus in Seattle
- STEM designation: Yes
How the GEMBA Curriculum Is Structured
The Global Executive MBA curriculum is delivered over four academic quarters and a required global immersion experience. Students progress through the program as a cohort, building knowledge across business disciplines while applying learning in integrated and real-world contexts.
Summer quarter
Students begin with core concepts in accounting, marketing, statistics, microeconomics and leadership, establishing a foundation in business fundamentals and team-based learning.
Global Immersion
Students participate in an international experience focused on global business environments, applying classroom learning to the real-world challenges and opportunities created by climate change across markets and cultures. Read about a recent GEMBA global immersion experience in London.
Autumn quarter
Coursework expands to include finance, strategy, ethics and operations management. Students deepen their ability to analyze business problems and make cross-functional decisions.
Winter quarter
Students explore macroeconomics, global business strategy, leadership development and while beginning applied consulting work and elective coursework.
Spring quarter
The program concludes with advanced coursework in decision modeling, managerial accounting, organizational leadership and electives, along with continued applied learning and integration across disciplines.
Core Curriculum
The Global Executive MBA core curriculum develops a comprehensive understanding of business across key functional areas while emphasizing integration and real-world application.
- Finance and accounting
- Marketing
- Strategy and global business
- Economics
- Leadership and organizations
- Data and decision-making
- Operations
- Integrated business learning
See full list of core course descriptions
Electives and Customization
Students complement the core curriculum with elective coursework that supports their individual career goals and interests. Electives provide the opportunity to deepen expertise in specific functional areas or industries.
STEM-Designated MBA Management Science Option
Students may pursue a STEM-designated MBA Management Science degree option through elective coursework. By completing 16 credits from a defined set of management science electives, students earn both the MBA degree and the STEM-designated MBA Management Science option. With careful elective planning, this option can be completed within the existing program structure without extending program length or incurring additional cost.
For international students, the STEM designation allows eligibility for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in addition to the standard 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) period.
How the Global Executive MBA Format Shapes Your Experience
The Global Executive MBA is designed as a full-time, immersive learning experience for professionals seeking to accelerate their careers in a global context.
Students learn alongside a diverse cohort of experienced professionals, gaining exposure to multiple industries, perspectives and leadership styles. The cohort-based structure fosters collaboration, peer learning and long-term professional relationships.
Coursework is integrated across disciplines, emphasizing how decisions in one area of business impact others. Faculty and industry leaders bring real-world insights into the classroom, reinforcing the connection between theory and practice.
Leadership and Applied Learning
Leadership development and applied learning are integrated throughout the Global Executive MBA experience.
Students strengthen their leadership capabilities through team-based coursework, collaboration and structured development opportunities. Communication, influence and decision-making skills are reinforced across the curriculum.
Applied learning takes place through:
- Team-based consulting projects addressing real business challenges
- Case-based learning and simulations
- Global immersion experiences that apply business concepts in international settings
These experiences ensure that students not only understand business concepts, but also apply them in complex, real-world environments.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
Through the curriculum, students strengthen their ability to:
- Think strategically in global business environments
- Make cross-functional, data-informed decisions
- Lead teams and organizations effectively
- Apply business concepts to real-world challenges
See how the Global Executive MBA supports career outcomes and advancement
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you study in the Global Executive MBA program?
Students study core business disciplines including finance, marketing, strategy, economics, leadership and operations, with an emphasis on global business and applied learning.
How is the Global Executive MBA curriculum structured?
The curriculum is delivered over four quarters in a cohort-based format, combining core coursework, electives, global immersion and applied consulting experiences.
Does the Global Executive MBA include global immersion?
Yes. A required global immersion experience allows students to apply business concepts in international markets and gain cross-cultural perspective.
Can students take electives in the Global Executive MBA?
Yes. Students complete elective coursework to deepen expertise in specific areas aligned with their career goals.
Is the Global Executive MBA STEM-designated?
Yes. Students may pursue a STEM-designated MBA Management Science option by completing qualifying elective coursework. This option can be completed within the standard program timeline and may allow eligible international students to apply for a STEM OPT extension.
Explore the full Global Executive MBA Curriculum
For detailed course descriptions, view the full curriculum.