Professional MBA (ProMBA)
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Our Professional MBA (ProMBA) is designed to empower mid-career, full-time working professionals to further their education while advancing their careers.
16-Month Hybrid Structure
From August 2025 to December 2026, learn through a hybrid structure that combines in-person and virtual learning to accommodate a full-time work schedule.
Applied Learning
With our hands-on approach to learning, all students complete an Organizational Action Project (OAP), delivering measurable contributions to their workplaces.
Leadership Development Program
ProMBA’s Leadership Development Program offers a unique approach by combining comprehensive classroom education with personalized coaching, empowering students to improve and elevate their leadership skills.
Immersive Global Business Curriculum
Embark on a curriculum-based international learning experience by visiting companies and government agencies to gain a deep understanding of global business dynamics.
Designed for Working Professionals
The Professional MBA (ProMBA) program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business is designed for ambitious, fast-track professionals looking to grow their business knowledge and advance their careers.
The ProMBA program is ideal for individuals with at least five years of professional work experience who plan to take on increasing levels of responsibility in their organizations.
Haslam’s ProMBA serves a regional market, with nearly a third of students traveling from outside the Knoxville area to attend classes. Designed to promote learning across industries and job functions, the cohort mix comprises an average of 40 students with both business and non-business undergraduate degrees.
ProMBA Highlights
Students average 13 years of professional experience
55% of candidates hold an undergraduate degree in a field outside of business
Graduates see an average salary increase of 17%
93% of students report greater work effectiveness
The ProMBA Experience
When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re there to help you along your path. Hear from some of our alumni about their ProMBA journeys and the program’s impact on their careers.
ProMBA, Class of 2019
ProMBA, Class of 2019
ProMBA, Class of 2019
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Combining on-campus and distance learning, the 16-month program offers a flexible modality that enables you to continue working full-time while earning your degree. Our applied learning approach enables you to leverage real workplace challenges to master key business skills.
Format
In-Person, on campus
Distance virtual learning
Days
Saturdays
Tuesdays
Total Per Month
2 to 3
1 to 2
Approximate Timing
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
7 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.
Format:
In-Person, on campus
Days:
Saturdays
Total Per Month:
2 to 3
Approximate Timing:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Format:
Distance virtual learning
Days:
Tuesdays
Total Per Month:
1 to 2
Approximate Timing:
7 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
ProMBA is designed to enhance students’ business education and develop their leadership skills. The curriculum includes components that require students to apply educational concepts through workplace projects and one-on-one coaching.
ORGANIZATIONAL ACTION PROJECT (OAP)
The Organizational Action Project (OAP) component of the ProMBA curriculum is designed to produce an immediate return on investment for students. With support from a dedicated faculty advisor, each student applies classroom learning to address a real challenge within his or her own organization.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Leadership Development Program (LDP) pairs every ProMBA student with a C-suite executive who serves as a professional coach and mentor. With a leadership coach, each student works through an individualized plan to set and achieve professional goals and build management skills.
GLOBAL IMMERSION EXPERIENCE
ProMBA students embark on a week-long global immersion experience to observe international business. Students meet with leaders of local and multinational organizations, governmental agencies, finance and consultancy firms.
Self-Directed Study: Developing Skills for Career Advancement
During the summer semester, students have the opportunity to pursue self-directed study to gain a competitive professional edge. With guidance from their leadership development coach, each students designs a personalized plan to enhance their skills and boost their career potential. Examples of learning themes include:*
- Yellow Belt & Green Belt Process Excellence Certifications
- Bloomberg Certification
- Visualization Management
- Business Communication and Executive Presence
- Entrepreneurship
Students may also choose to build their own courses of study to further their professional goals and interests.
*Subject to change.
FACULTY
Lindsay Mahony
Assistant Department Head for the Department of Management & Entrepreneurship, Director of Franchising Program Initiatives
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Andy Puckett
Paul & Beverly Castagna Professor in Investments and HCB Endowed Faculty Research Fellow
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Lance Saunders
Associate Professor; Jerry & Suzanne Ratledge Professor of Supply Chain Management
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CURRICULUM
ProMBA builds leaders across industries and functions through a strategic business approach. Students delve into key business concepts to understand organizational structures, make process decisions, project and benchmark financial performance and manage through change.
| Semester | Outcomes | |
| Fall 2025 | Students develop a macro-level understanding of business concepts and explore how business disciplines interact on global, national and interdepartmental scales. | |
| Spring 2026 | Students develop the ability to re-engineer processes to drive value for their organizations. Students learn to analyze existing workflows, identify areas for improvement and optimize processes for efficiency and effectiveness. | |
| ProMBA Summer Skill-Up | Students may tailor their educational journeys by selecting from a range of professional development activities, or designing personalized paths of study aligned with their career goals. This autonomous learning experience empowers students to enhance their professional competencies and further their competitive advantages post-graduation. | |
| Fall 2026 | Students learn how to prepare and present a financial rationale for their re-engineered processes and benchmark successes. Students develop strategies for managing and leading change to implement improvements. | |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Haslam’s ProMBA is a 16-month program. This next class will begin in August 2025 and graduate in December 2026.
To be considered for admission, ProMBA applicants must have:
- Active full-time employment
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Business acumen to contribute actively to the learning process
- Strong recommendations and employer support to leverage OAP learnings at work
The 2025-2026 program fee will be finalized by the UT Board of Trustees in June 2025. The current program fee is $52,500:*
- Advanced Program Fee: $500*
- Fall Semester 2023: $17,000*
- Spring Semester 2024: $17,500*
- Fall Semester 2024: $17,500*
Tuition may also be paid in a lump sum at the start of the first semester. Contact us about accommodations for company billing requirements or yearly educational tuition reimbursement caps.
*Please note that the current program fee may increase for 2025-26.
- Books and school supplies (laptop, writing materials, etc.)
- Travel and lodging
- Some meals
- International trip expenses, including but not limited to travel, lodging and discretionary spending
Yes. Many applicants’ employers provide full or partial financial assistance, as the ProMBA assignments relate directly to work and improve employee performance and retention.
UT is proud to support military members and veterans in achieving their educational goals. As a 2025 Veteran Ready Business, we offer resources and guidance through the Veteran Success Center to help service members take their next steps toward an MBA. Prospective students can schedule an enrollment consultation here for more information.
To complete your application at https://apply.haslam.utk.edu/apply, you will need the following:
- Current resume
- Two professional references
- Responses to four provided essay prompts
- Transcripts
- $60 non-refundable application fee
GMAT/GRE scores are waived for applicants with five or more years of business experience. If you have fewer years of business experience, schedule a conversation with an enrollment advisor to discuss the details.
KEY DATES
The Professional MBA admissions team reviews applications on a rolling basis. Cohorts are limited, so the earlier you complete your application, the sooner you can get an admissions decision to reserve your seat.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Prospective students can learn more and register to visit a Professional MBA class at the link below.
MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION, TODAY
Are you ready to commit to becoming a more strategic leader with the Haslam College of Business? Request more information or contact an enrollment advisor to learn more about the Professional MBA.
Request Information
Learn more about our Graduate Programs for Working Professionals.