Professional MBA (ProMBA)
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Build your leadership skills with our Professional MBA (ProMBA) program, which empowers working professionals to advance their careers. Our program offers a unique mix of online and in-person learning that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule. Expand your network, learn from executive coaches and develop strategic business knowledge with ProMBA.
An MBA in 16 Months
The ProMBA curriculum was designed with full-time workplace leaders in mind. Earn your MBA from Tennesseeās flagship university in just 16 months while maintaining career momentum.
Applied Learning
With our hands-on approach to learning, students master thinking critically about real-world scenarios. The programās Organizational Action Project calls on students to evaluate and overcome challenges in their own workplaces.
Industry Connections
Join a cohort of professionals from diverse business backgrounds. Our ProMBA Nation network is more than 1,300 alumni strong, operating across organizations and industries nationwide.
Leadership Development
With the guidance of a dedicated leadership development coach, you’ll set goals and track your progress throughout the program. Our leadership development team comprises C-Suite leaders from varied industries.
Designed for Working Professionals
The Professional MBA (ProMBA) program at the University of Tennessee is designed for ambitious, fast-track professionals who want to grow their business knowledge and advance their careers.
With a focus on leadership development and studentsā career goals, ProMBA is ideal for individuals with at least five years of professional work experience and a plan to take on increasing levels of responsibility in their organizations.
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 50 students. To that end, the program welcomes students with both business and non-business undergraduate degrees.
11
Average years of professional experience among ProMBA students
54%
Average percentage of ProMBA candidates with an undergraduate degree in an area other than business
70%
Average percentage of ProMBA graduates promoted during the 16 month program
The ProMBA Experience
When youāre ready to take the next step, weāre there to help you along your path. Hear from some of our alumni about their ProMBA journeys and the programās impact on their careers.
TESTIMONIALS
āI recently received a significant promotion to support the hydro generation fleetās budget for TVA where I ensure the accuracy of operational and outage expenditures for 20+ generating sites across the TVA service area.ā
Taylor Frazier
ProMBA, Class of 2019
Financial Consultant, Tennessee Valley Authority
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Combining on-campus and distance learning, our 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.
IN-PERSON LEARNING
During the 16-month program, students attend classes two to three Saturdays a month in person at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. These experiences enable them to connect with their cohorts and engage with expert faculty members.
- Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST
DISTANCE LEARNING
The program incorporates faculty-led virtual learning sessions to bring course content to students in an accessible and interactive format. Students complete distance learning sessions one to two Tuesday evenings per month.
- Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. EST
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
ProMBA is designed to enhance studentsā 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 are invited to travel with faculty and classmates to observe international business. This week-long, immersive experience includes meeting with leaders of local and multinational organizations, governmental agencies, finance and consultancy firms.
OPTIONAL: ADD-ON CERTIFICATES
At no additional cost, ProMBA students are invited to take skill-up courses to enhance their careers. These include:
- Yellow Belt and Green Belt Process Excellence Certifications
- Bloomberg Certification
- New Venture Planning Course
- Professional Development Career Series
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
The ProMBA curriculum is designed to teach the business skills necessary to successfully lead a team or organization spanning any industry. Students approach work from a strategic, whole-business perspective through experiential projects and simulations. The curriculum focuses on these six core competencies:
Communication
Aligning internal and external stakeholders behind clearly outlined strategic plans and goals.
Responsibility
Taking ownership of individual and team goals while assuming a greater scope of professional duty in the workplace
Team Building
Engaging direct reports, peers and stakeholders to guide the organization forward through authentic leadership and common goals
Impact
Informing positive change within an organization by developing meaningful relationships and efficient processes that align with best practices
Operational Strategies
Driving organizational excellence by critically assessing and improving day-to-day functional areas
Crisis Management
Positioning oneself and oneās organization to adapt and respond appropriately to business challenges
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The ProMBA program takes 16 months to complete. This yearās class will begin in August 2023 and graduate in December 2024.
To be considered for admission, ProMBA applicants must have:
- Active full-time employment
- A bachelorās 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.
ProMBAās out-of-pocket expenses include:
- Books and school supplies (laptop, writing materials, etc.)
- Travel and lodging
- Some meals
- Optional international trip ā approx. $2,500
Yes. Many applicantsā employers provide full or partial financial assistance, as the ProMBA assignments relate directly to work and improve employee performance and retention.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a designated 2022-2023 Military Friendly Silver School and 2022-2023 Military Spouse Friendly School, thanks to UTās expansive support for the military community and their families.
The Veteran Success Center at the University of Tennessee can to answer questions about types of support available to the military community. They are available by phone at 865-974-5420 and by email at utkva@utk.edu.
Learn more about UTāsĀ Military Veteran Services.
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.