Are you a senior manager looking to fast-track your career without stepping away from your current role? Executive MBA (EMBA) programs are designed specifically for seasoned professionals, offering advanced leadership training, powerful networking opportunities, and the flexibility to balance work and education. 

However, many busy executives struggle to find the time to prepare for the GMAT, GRE or EA (Executive Assessment) that some EMBA programs require. The good news is that most schools recognize this, and are much more flexible as regards testing requirements for EMBA candidates than for full-time MBA candidates. In this article we explore the Best Executive MBA Programs in the USA without GMAT requirements.  We explore these test-optional EMBA options, offering insights into program structure, alumni career paths, and admissions requirements.

 

1. MIT Sloan School of Management: Leading Through Innovation

Renowned for fostering a culture of innovation, MIT Sloan’s EMBA equips leaders to disrupt industries and solve today’s most complex challenges.

• Curriculum Highlights: This 20-month program emphasizes systems thinking, leadership development, and data-driven decision-making.
• Admissions Requirements: MIT Sloan evaluates applicants based on their professional achievements and past academic track record, and the GMAT is not mandatory. However, note that the school requires candidates to demonstrate the aptitude to succeed in a rigorous academic program, so if your college transcripts are weak, you should consider taking the GMAT to shore up your academic profile. The school expects candidates to have at least 10 years work experience.
• Action Learning at MIT Sloan: Real-World Impact: The “Action Learning Labs” allow students to work on real-world problems, applying classroom insights to pressing business challenges.
• Logistics: Classes meet once every three weeks, with intensive sessions on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Tuition: $208,300 for the full program, including textbooks and basic travel costs for the Global Labs project trip; not including living expenses.
• Average Work Experience: 17 years
• Alumni Success: Graduates include CEOs and C-suite leaders across industries like tech, healthcare, and consulting.

 

2. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University: Collaboration and Global Perspectives

Kellogg’s EMBA blends collaboration with global perspectives, preparing professionals to drive organizational innovation and success.

• Curriculum Highlights: This 20-month program emphasizes teamwork, global networking, and real-world applications in diverse markets.
• Admissions Requirements: Kellogg waives the GMAT for applicants with strong academic backgrounds and significant managerial experience. The school requires at least 8 years work experience.
• Global Reach: International Electives and Residencies: The program offers global electives and international residencies, enabling participants to explore diverse business environments firsthand.
• Logistics: Kellogg offers two U.S. locations — Miami, FL, and Chicago, IL — with multiple schedules to suit busy executive lifestyles.
• Tuition: $196,000 for the full program, plus living expenses
• Average Work Experience: 15 years
• Alumni Success: Kellogg EMBA alumni hold leadership positions in a wide range of global organizations.

 

3. Chicago Booth School of Business: Analytical Rigor and Flexibility

Chicago Booth is renowned for its analytical and data-driven approach, and the school’s EMBA program prepares executives to tackle complex business challenges with data-driven insights. The program combines academic rigor with a global perspective, and runs in parallel across the school’s Chicago, London and Hong Kong campuses. 

• Curriculum Highlights: Over 21 months, Booth’s EMBA emphasizes analytics, leadership development, and strategic decision-making. The program includes advanced electives and international exchange opportunities at Booth’s campuses in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong.
• Admissions Requirements: Chicago Booth offers flexibility in its testing requirements, allowing applicants to submit GMAT, GRE, or EA scores. However, these tests are not mandatory if candidates can demonstrate strong quantitative and leadership skills through their professional and academic achievements. A minimum of 10 years of work experience is preferred.
• Global Reach: Booth’s international campuses and global cohort provide unparalleled networking opportunities and exposure to diverse business cultures.
• Logistics: The Chicago based cohort meets every 3 weeks for 3 days; the London and Hong Kong based cohorts meet for week-long sessions. All cohorts meet together for a total of 5 weeks. 
• Tuition: $210,500 for the Chicago based program, including course materials, most meals, and accommodation during global exchanges.
• Average Work Experience: 13–15 years
• Alumni Success: Booth EMBA graduates are renowned for their decision-making and analytical expertise, and hold influential roles in finance, consulting, and global corporations.

 

4. Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley: Innovation at the Forefront

Haas combines rigorous academics with a commitment to innovation, making it a perfect choice for professionals seeking leadership roles in tech or sustainability.

• Curriculum Highlights: Over 22 months, students engage in rigorous academics and practical leadership training.
• Admissions Requirements: Haas waives standardized tests for candidates with a degree from the US in business, economics or a STEM field and a GPA of 3.4 or higher, however submitting a GMAT, GRE or EA score is still encouraged.
• Immersive Learning Experiences: these constitute 25% of the curriculum. Five field immersions focus on real-world challenges and take students to various locations, including nearby Silicon Valley and global business hubs.
• Logistics: Classes meet once a month, with three-day sessions that allow for deep engagement.
• Tuition: $212,000, including course materials, hotel during core course sessions in terms 1-3 and immersion weeks, most meals.
• Average Work Experience: 12+ years
• Alumni Success: Haas EMBA graduates are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and impact in innovation-driven sectors.

 

5. NYU Stern School of Business: Connecting with Global Industries

Situated in New York City, Stern’s Executive MBA leverages its location to connect students with world-class industries and opportunities.

• Curriculum Highlights: The 22-month program sharpens strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and financial expertise.
• Admissions Requirements: Stern prioritizes professional accomplishments and leadership experience over test scores. The school requires a minimum of six years work experience; submitting GMAT, GRE or EA scores is optional. 
• NYC Advantage: being based in NYC means that students benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities and industry access.
• Logistics: Classes meet every other Friday and Saturday.
• Tuition: $226,000, including materials, meals and some accommodation costs.
• Average Work Experience: 14 years
• Alumni Success: Stern EMBA alumni are well-represented in finance, consulting, and media industries.

 

6. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan: Learning by Doing

Ross’s action-based learning ensures students don’t just study business—they practice it in real-time scenarios.

• Curriculum Highlights: This 21-month program combines leadership development with a focus on solving practical challenges.
• Admissions Requirements Ross evaluates career progression and leadership experience, and has no testing requirements.
• ExecMAP: The Executive Multidisciplinary Action Projects (ExecMAP) course allows students to work on real-world projects, applying classroom knowledge to practical business challenges.
• Logistics: Classes meet once a month in either Ann Arbor or Los Angeles, with sessions held from Friday to Sunday.
• Tuition: $191,000, including materials, meals and accommodation.
• Average Work Experience: 13 years
• Alumni Success: Ross EMBA alumni are known for their strong operational skills and leadership in various industries.

 

7. UCLA Anderson School of Management: Collaborative Learning for Strategic Leaders

UCLA Anderson’s EMBA focuses on collaborative learning to help professionals enhance strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.

• Curriculum Highlights: Over 22 months, students explore a comprehensive curriculum with core courses and customizable electives.
• Admissions Requirements: Anderson assesses candidates’ professional expertise and leadership background. While standardized tests like the GMAT are optional, applicants are evaluated holistically, considering work experience and academic history.
• Capstone Projects: Applying Knowledge to Real Challenges: Capstone projects allow students to solve workplace challenges using newly acquired knowledge.
• Logistics: Students have two scheduling options: with the Bi-Weekly Schedule, classes meet in person every other weekend. With the Monthly Schedule, classes meet in person once a month.
• Tuition: $193,000 including materials, meals and accommodation. 
• Average Work Experience: 15 years
• Alumni Success: UCLA Anderson EMBA alumni contribute significantly to the Southern California business landscape and beyond.

 

Comparison Table

School	Program Length	Unique Feature	Tuition*	Average Work Experience	Format
MIT Sloan School of Management	20 months	Action Learning Labs	$208k	17 years	In-person every 3 weeks
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University	20 months	Global electives and international residencies	$220k	15 years	Multiple scheduling options
Chicago Booth School of Business	21 months	Global campuses (Chicago, London, Hong Kong)	$211k	13–15 years	In-person every 3 weekends (Chicago cohort) + exchanges
Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley	22months	Immersive learning experiences	$212k	12+ years	In-person once per month
NYU Stern School of Business	22 months	NYC-based networking opportunities	$226k	14 years	In-person every other Friday & Saturday
Ross School of Business, University of Michigan	21 months	Executive Multidisciplinary Action Projects	$191k	13 years	In-person once per month
UCLA Anderson School of Management	22 months	Capstone workplace projects	$193k	14 years	In-person once or twice per month

* Some schools include accommodation and meals in tuition fees; see detailed descriptions above.

 

Let’s Get You In

If you’re looking to level up your career while continuing to work, as outlined above, there are a number of top Executive MBA programs that are test optional, meaning no GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment is required. These programs offer the flexibility you need to balance work, life, and education, with a focus on leadership development and real-world problem-solving.

Whether it’s MIT Sloan’s hands-on approach, Kellogg’s global electives, or Ross’s action-based learning, there’s an EMBA program designed to fit your goals. The best part from an admissions perspective? These schools prioritize your leadership experience and professional accomplishments over test scores, so the application process is typically less onerous than it is for full-time MBA programs.

At Fortuna Admissions we have extensive experience supporting EMBA applicants with their applications and our coaching team includes a number of former senior admissions staff from top EMBA programs. If you are ready to explore your EMBA options, book your free consultation today.