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Executive Master’s in Business Administration (EMBA)
Next start:
October 2026
Format: Online + Select In-Person Events
Total Courses:
13 (45 credit hours)
Program Cost: $53,460
Why Get Your Executive Master’s in Business Administration?
City University of Seattle’s Executive MBA (EMBA) is designed for those who have 5+ years of leadership experience who are ready to expand their impact across entire organizations. This 21-month program helps directors, vice presidents, and senior professionals strengthen strategic leadership, systems thinking, and organizational performance.
As the only Executive MBA built on the Baldrige Excellence Framework, CityU prepares leaders to make enterprise-level decisions, drive sustainable growth, and navigate complex business challenges. Through a flexible mixed-mode format that combines online learning with immersive experiences, students can immediately apply what they learn while continuing to advance their careers.
The program also features CityU’s Identity Reboot process, helping participants evolve from operational managers into transformational leaders equipped to leverage AI, data, and strategic insight to create lasting organizational impact.
Transform your leadership. Transform your organization.
Program Highlights:
- Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework: Master the methodology used by award-winning organizations to drive results.
- Executive Mentoring: Pair with an experienced leader for one-on-one coaching for the full 21-month duration.
- Immersive Events: Attend domestic and international events where theory meets the boardroom.
- Systems Thinking & AI-enabled Decision-making: Use a curriculum that puts AI tools into every strategic course.
- Leadership Development Tailored for Senior Roles: Move beyond management basics to master enterprise-level influence
Course Requirements
We built the curriculum around executive-level skills rather than academic checkboxes. You will move through core courses tailored for leaders who need to apply new ideas on Monday morning. Your learning creates value immediately, so you don’t have to wait until after graduation to see a return on your time. Highlighted courses below, for full course requirements please refer to the current catalogue.
Core Executive Courses
EMBA 552 Ethical Leadership, Risk, and Governance
EMBA 554 Strategic Foresight and Competitive Advantage
EMBA 556 Global Economics and Market Dynamics for Executive Decision-Making
EMBA 562 Customer Experience and Marketing Strategy
EMBA 564 Strategic Accounting and Value Creation
EMBA 566 Corporate Finance and Capital Markets Strategy
EMBA 572 Executive Decision-Making with Data, AI, and Analytics
EMBA 574 Operational Agility and Resilience
EMBA 576 Leading Culture, Communication, and Change
EMBA 582 Product and Service Innovation for Growth and Performance Excellence
EMBA 584 Innovation Strategy and Enterprise Transformation in the Digital Era
EMBA 586 Leading with Purpose, Power, and Influence
Immersive In-Person Events
During this program, you will leave the screen behind for in-person immersive experiences that stretch your strategic view.
EMBA 591 Immersive Experience 1: Systems and Self
*EMBA 592 Immersive Experience 2: Systems and Self
*Note one experience will be an international visit.
Capstone: System-Level Strategy Project
For your final project, you’ll grab a real challenge from your current workplace and apply the Baldrige Framework to it. This allows you to spot performance gaps and build a legitimate strategic roadmap.
EMBA 650 Executive Capstone
Skills You’ll Gain
Through 45 credits of Study, you’ll develop the ability to:
- Lead with strategic foresight in a changing business environment
- Build resilient, high-performing teams and cultures
- Navigate enterprise-level risk and complexity
- Apply systems thinking to improve organizational performance
- Make data-informed decisions using emerging technologies and AI
- Lead ethically in diverse and global environments
- Align cross-functional teams around shared goals
- Drive sustainable growth and long-term value creation
Tuition & Financial Aid
The CityU EMBA provides elite executive education at a total program cost of $53,460. This price includes all teaching resources and materials. We believe high-impact leadership should stay attainable for the dedicated professional. You receive a world-class education without the excessive fees associated with many private institutions.
Our executive students use a mix of funding strategies for tuition and fees, and we ensure that you understand all available funding strategies before you begin.
Tuition Estimator
Our tuition calculator can help estimate your tuition for this program, including scholarships and financial aid.
Ways to Save on Tuition
You may reduce the cost of your program with these options.
Corporate Sponsorship
Many employers offer sponsorship opportunities for EMBA students. We encourage you to check with your organization and learn what educational support or funding options might be available.
Military Tuition Benefits
CityU supports veterans and active-duty service members pursuing degrees. We accept military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs to help reduce costs for those who have served.
Alumni Discounts
If you are a former CityU student, you are eligible for a 15% discount.
Scholarship Opportunities
CityU offers a variety of scholarships to help make education more accessible.
Your Next Steps
We made the path to your EMBA simple:
Connect with an Advisor
Confirm your eligibility and discuss your goals for the October 2026 start.
Submit Your Application
Plan Your Start Date
Begin Your EMBA Journey
Career Opportunities
An Executive MBA can help accelerate your path to senior leadership by building the strategic, systems-thinking, and decision-making skills needed to lead organizations through change. Whether you’re pursuing a C-suite role, leading organizational transformation, or growing your own business, CityU’s EMBA prepares you to drive performance, innovation, and long-term impact.
Earn Promotions
40%
According to EMBA (2025), 40% of students saw a promotion while in an EMBA program
Salary Growth
17.5%
EMBAC (2025) graduates saw an increase from $192,644 to $226,428 upon graduation.
Increased Responsibilities
55%
According to EMBAC (2025), 55% of students received increased responsibilities after graduation.
Career Support & Networking
Join a global network of 63,000+ CityU alumni, with graduates at leading companies worldwide. Through CityU Connect, you’ll have access to mentorship, career services, and a community dedicated to helping you advance.
Our graduates put their skills to work at leading employers across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Apply Today. Graduate Sooner.
10-week quarters for most programs allow you to complete your degree faster. Apply today for FREE.
Next start date:
October 2026Personalized Support From Enrollment to Graduation
Time is a non-renewable asset. CityU gets that. Our staff handles the bureaucratic noise and administrative friction so you can stay locked in on your growth as a leader.
From enrollment to graduation, you receive white-glove advising. This includes simplified registration and proactive outreach. Expect our advisors to get in touch with you directly, and we prioritize keeping you synced with the university community.
Our advising team understands the high pressure of a senior-level career. Whether you are returning to school after a long pause or balancing a global travel schedule, we’re here to be your ally to help you cross the finish line and secure your legacy.
Our faculty work as practitioners who understand the Purpose Mindset and what you want to build. Weekend sessions include guest lecturers sharing insights from their executive roles. Sessions are structured to respect your time, and every minute in the classroom provides a return on your investment.
