Executive MBA
Thank you for your interest in the Leeds School of Business!
Click on the panels below to learn more about the Executive MBA program. If you have questions, send us an email at leedsgrad@colorado.edu.
Please note: Orientation and semester calendar dates are tentative. Additionally, program details are subject to change. We will update this page with new or additional information, as it becomes available.
Executive MBA Program Information
The executive MBA program is designed for leaders and executives with at least 8 years of work experience who are interested in developing their leadership skills.
- The program is delivered via a cohort model that enables students to build their professional and personal networks.
- Courses are delivered over 2 semesters each academic year for a total of 4 semesters.
- Enhanced virtual instruction provides flexibility so that you can balance work and personal commitments with school.
- Each semester, you will meet with your teams and faculty periodically, leveraging technology for engagement.
- Six intensive one-week residencies throughout the degree foster in-person collaboration with your faculty and classmates, and enable you to apply lessons learned.
The curriculum consists of 45 total credits.
- Rigorous first year coursework focuses on business fundamentals.
- Leadership development is spread throughout the program with themes around inclusion, executive and ethical responsibilities, and negotiation.
- During Year 2, students learn about advanced topics in marketing, finance, and strategy as well as innovative business practices and how an entrepreneurial mindset can be leveraged.
Review the program summaries for the for the Full Time, Hybrid, and Evening MBA programs.
Executive MBA Orientation and Start Dates
Orientation is from August 7-9, 2026 on the CU Boulder campus. Students are expected to attend all sessions in person.
Additional program prep work in advance of your first year will be assigned in August and completed before classes start.
Classes start August 20, 2026.
*dates are subject to change
Note: Semester Calendar Dates are tentative and subject to change. In-Person Residency #1: September 28 - October 3, 2026 (Location: Vail, CO)
Semester Notes:
In-Person Residency #2: January 31 - February 6, 2027 (Location: CU Boulder Campus) In-Person Residency #3: April 11 - 17, 2027 (Location: CU Boulder Campus)
Semester Notes:
Executive MBA: Year 1
Fall Semester One - August 20 to December 4, 2026: 10.5 credits
Fall Semester, Session A courses: August 20 - October 11, 2026 (6 credits)
Executive Leadership, September 27 - December 4, 2026 (1.5 credits)
Fall Semester, Session B courses: October 19 - December 4, 2026 (3 credits)
Spring Semester One - January 7 to April 23, 2027: 10.5 credits
Spring Semester, Session A courses: January 7 - February 7, 2027 (3 credits)
Spring Semester, Session B courses: February 22 - April 23, 2027 (7.5 credits)
Additional prep work will be assigned at the kickoff, and should be completed August 9-18, 2027.
In-Person Residency #4: September 26 - October 2, 2027 (Location: TBD)
Semester Notes:
In-Person Residency #5: January 30 - February 5, 2028 (Location: CU Boulder Campus) Ten Day In-Person Residency #6: April 17 - 26, 2028 (Location: Global Location)
Semester Notes:
Executive MBA: Year 2
Second Year Kickoff: August 6 - 8, 2027 (Location TBD)
Fall Semester Two - August 19 to December 3, 2027: 10.5 credits
Fall Semester, Session A courses: August 19 - October 10, 2027 (7.5 credits)
Ethics, September 26 - December 3, 2027 (1.5 credits)
Fall Semester Session B courses: October 18 - December 3, 2027 (1.5 credits)
Spring Semester Two - January 6 to April 21, 2028: 10.5 credits
Spring Semester, Session A courses: January 6 - February 13, 2028 (4.5 credits)
Spring Semester, Session B courses: February 21 - April 26, 2028 (6 credit hours)
Program Graduation
Academic enrichment opportunities are a critical counterpart to the classroom experience and enhance the value of your degree.
Speaker series and workshops are offered on a variety of topics such as board governance, entrepreneurship, loT technology, ESG & sustainability, personal branding, and digital currency. These are typically scheduled remotely via Zoom at lunchtime during the February and October semester breaks.
In addition, students will engage with Leeds business partners and alumni on a regular basis. Access to personal executive coaching is provided as part of the program tuition.
The cost of attendance is $89,000 for the entire 45 credit program, billed in four equal installments of $22,250. Program costs for the Executive MBA program are not expected to change during the two-year program, though unforeseen situations could result in a tuition increase.
Applicants to the Executive MBA program are automatically considered for competitive merit scholarship awards. Selected candidates will be notified of their scholarship in the admissions letter.
For students receiving the VA Education Benefit: The VA Education Benefit does not cover food or lodging expenses (including meal ticket fees). Therefore, your benefits will not cover all of the tuition and program expenses for the Executive MBA program.
Students covered by the VA Education benefit also receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on the location where a majority of their in-person courses take place. This is determined by the zip code of the degree-granting institution (i.e. Boulder, Colorado). Students also receive a Book Stipend per credit hour with a maximum annual cap. Please contact your VA officer for details specific to your benefits. For more information, contact the CU Boulder Veteran and Military Affairs (VMA). Email: veterans@colorado.edu.
Click here for additional information about financing your degree.
Students may also apply for scholarships and fellowships from private sources (outside of the University of Colorado Boulder and the Leeds School of Business) to help finance their degree. Click on the links below for more information.
List of Outside Scholarship Search Websites
List of National Fellowships
Prospective students considering the Executive MBA program should review our website for information about deadlines, application requirements, and admissions criteria.
If you decide to apply, you will start by creating an account in our application portal.
International students: The Executive MBA program is not eligible for the student visa program at the University of Colorado Boulder. Prospective MBA students who require a student visa should consider the Full-Time MBA program.
The Leeds School of Business Executive MBA program attracts leaders and executives who help create a dynamic experience.
Over 50% of our high-performing students are at the director level or above, and come from various backgrounds and professions. With a minimum work requirement of 8 years and strong academic requirements, the result is a rich learning environment of peers, faculty and connections to Boulder and the Front Range's business community.
Check out our website for information about the Executive MBA Class of 2027.
Leeds values the leadership and management skills our veterans contribute to the school.
Our MBA programs offer collaboration, community, and support to build on the skills you’ve developed during your military service. We will help you build the business skills that will prepare you for a significant role in a civilian career. We also recognize that our military veterans are making a significant transition into a civilian career and offer resources and support. For more information, please review our website and the links below:
Office of Veterans Services
MBA Veterans Club
Also note: The application fee for active US military and US military veterans will be automatically waived at the time of submission.
If you have questions, we invite you to connect with us in one of the following ways:
- Sign up for a virtual event or appointment, hosted by a member of our graduate admissions team.
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Send us an email at leedsgrad@colorado.edu.
- If you would like to be added to our mailing list, complete our interest form for the Executive MBA program at Leeds.
Additional Resources regarding the Leeds School of Business:
Leeds School of Business Homepage
Program website: Executive MBA
View a pre-recorded information session for the Executive MBA Program
View a pre-recorded information session for Part Time MBA Programs
Centers of Excellence
Faculty Directory