Q.  How can I prepare myself to be an effective on-line learner?

A.  A certain amount of discipline is required to be an effective independent learner.  In the case of on-line studies, we recommend that the student develop a specific study schedule and rigorously adhere to it.  The study environment should be a dedicated space (a small home office or, where possible, an office in one’s workplace). The space should be relatively free from distractions and should be organized to promote efficiency.  A reliable computer with high-speed internet connection is an absolute necessity.  Good computer skills are likewise essential.  It is important that the on-line learner in a lock-step program (such as the Executive MBA Health-System Pharmacy Program) understand that each course must be completed within the semester in which it is offered.  Although the on-line learner has complete control over his or her own study schedule, course completion deadlines must be kept in mind.

Individual communications between faculty members and students, as well as among students, will be handled primarily by e-mail.  It is important therefore that students regularly check their e-mail and respond as necessary.

Q.  What happens if I get off-track (if I am unable to take the full course load each semester)?

 A. Getting off track may cause a delay in graduation of up to a year or longer.  Most of the courses, even though offered on-line, are offered only once per year.  (This is necessitated because of faculty schedules and workloads.)  Required courses are included in the three residential weeks interspersed throughout the program.  If a student were to miss any one of these residential weeks, this would be another cause for delay in graduation.

Q.  Are there any opportunities for tuition assistance?

A. Many employers have a tuition-assistance policy that provides for partial or total reimbursement of tuition for certain types of professional enrichment programs.  Prospective students should investigate these opportunities with their current employer.

Certain courses are offered during these weeks that cannot be delivered effectively on-line; these entail interactive exercises, case studies, seminars, and other face-to-face interactions with program faculty, fellow students, and prominent guests.  The residential weeks are also considered to be important for networking, team-building, and overall professional growth and development.

Q.  How are project coaches selected?

A. Each student in the Executive MBA Health-System Pharmacy Program is required to complete an innovation project (described under Curriculum).  A coach will be assigned to each student as a project consultant.  The coach in each case will be an experienced health-system pharmacy manager/leader with a national reputation for excellence.  Coaches will be identified and appointed by the Program Co-Directors (two of whom are members of the faculty of the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy).

Q.  Are the residential weeks required?

A. Yes.  The three one-week residential components of the program are important elements of the Executive MBA Health-System Pharmacy Program.

Q.  Is a laptop computer required in the EMBA Health-System Pharmacy Program?

A.  A laptop is not required although we strongly encourage students to have access to one. Most students bring laptops to class and find them to be useful in taking notes and completing in-class assignments. The Fogelman EMBA Program classroom is equipped with internet connections and other state-of-the-art technology that assist the students in learning.

Q.  How many years of experience should I have?

A.  A minimum of five years of experience in a managerial or professional position is required.

Q.  When does the program start?

A.  The program starts each August with the Week in Residency. Students may not enter the program in mid-year.

Q.  Can I sponsor myself?

A. Yes, you may self-nominate if you would like. However, you will need two letters of recommendation from individuals you have worked for or with over the past five years.

Q.  What is the minimum GMAT score I must have to be admitted to the EMBA Program?

A.  Decisions about admission to the program are made on the basis of a variety of factors considered together. Undergraduate GPA and background, GMAT score, quality and level of work experience, personal statement of interest, letters of recommendation, and the personal interview are all considered for admission to the program. There is not an absolute minimum GMAT score, but a competitive GMAT score for students is 500 and above.

*For individuals that hold an advanced degree, GMAT requirement will be waived.

Q.  Does the EMBA Program accept the GRE for admission in place of the GMAT?

A.  Yes, the EMBA Program does accept the GRE.  A competitive score on the GRE would be 1000 or above.

Q.  Is financial aid available?

A. Yes, but you must work through the Financial Aid Office at the University of Memphis. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (901) 678-4825 or www.enrollment.memphis.edu/financialaid or you may log on to www.finaid.org for an in-depth guide to financial aid.

Q.  Is the entire program fee due at the beginning of the program?

A.  No, the fee for each semester is paid at the beginning of that semester.  There are also several payment plan options available.

Q.  When will I know if I am accepted into the program?

A. You will be notified of your acceptance into the program approximately one week to ten days after your personal interview.

Q.  What is the average size of the class?

A. Optimal class size will range from 15 to 25 students.

Q.  Do classes meet during the summer?

A. Yes, you will have one – two classes during the summer. The academic year begins in mid-August with the Residency Week.

Q.  What grade point average must I have in order to graduate?

A. You must have a 3.0 GPA and no more than 2 C's.

Q.  What kind of time commitment is required for the EMBA Health-System Pharmacy Program?

A.  At least 15 to 30 hours a week should be allotted for class, working on assignments, and meeting with team members. Therefore, a student in the EMBA Program must make a serious commitment to the program.

Q.  Are there any pre-requisites for the EMBA Program?

A. No, there is no pre-requisite course work required. However, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.