LEAD MBA

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the LEAD MBA?
2. Is the LEAD MBA an accredited program?
3. Do I receive a LEAD MBA degree or an MBA Degree?
4. Is it difficult to return to school for an accelerated MBA?
5. How is teamwork treated in the LEAD MBA?
6. How will an MBA affect my career?
7. Are specializations available in the LEAD MBA Program?
8. When does the program start?
9. Does everyone start in September?
10. When are classes offered?
11. Are laptops required?
12. What is the program cost?
13. How can I find out more about the program before I apply?

The LEAD MBA is a cohorted program where students learn as part of a small group, learning from faculty as well as from each other. Small class learning is one of the strengths of the program, and individuals from diverse industries and different levels of experience add value to the learning experience by bringing their own unique perspectives to the group.

This is a lockstep program where classes meet twice a week for a 24-month duration. Another unique aspect of the LEAD MBA is the emphasis on leadership. Modules have been interwoven throughout the curriculum to shape leadership by accentuating high-impact communication, negotiations and conflict resolution and team-building skills. Lastly, incorporated into the program is a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification and international residency option.

The Drexel MBA is a fully accredited program by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Less than one-third of the nation's business schools hold this status.

We are proud that the Drexel MBA is one of the most comprehensive programs in the Philadelphia area. Our curriculum is the same MBA degree regardless of the program you choose. Upon graduation, you will earn an accredited MBA degree from Drexel University, the recognized standard in management education and a key to success in the business world.

Change of any kind can be difficult, but the rewards of an accelerated MBA program like the LEAD MBA far outweigh the costs. Students who are successful in the program are motivated and dedicated to pursuing the degree, realizing that the challenge is worth their effort.

The time demands of the program require all participants to make adjustments in their lives, but the cohorted environment makes this transition easier as all members of the class face similar challenges. In addition, students are placed in learning teams throughout the program to help them balance the demands of work, life, and their pursuit of an MBA.

Given the accelerated pace, teamwork plays a particularly important role within the LEAD MBA. Students are assigned to teams at the beginning of the program and work in those teams through all classes in a given term. The teams are changed at different points throughout the program to allow students the opportunity to work with different individuals. This allows each student's unique personal and professional perspective to add to the group's educational experience.

In addition to the student teams within the course component, the program also stresses the importance of teamwork within the cohort. Students participate in workshops designed to facilitate teambuilding and improve group communication.

With an MBA, you will have attained a high level of knowledge about a wide range of topics considered essential in modern business leadership. As such, the MBA marks you as a person who is willing to invest the time and effort needed to gain the degree and as someone who is prepared to accept and meet all the challenges the business world has to offer. It says that you not only want to succeed, but that you have been tested and are capable of success.

Yes, the LEAD MBA provides a comprehensive approach in an accelerated delivery format which includes the opportunity for students to choose from the following five areas of specialization: Engineering Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems Strategy, or Marketing. In addition, students may choose to continue on after completing their degree requirements to pursue a dual degree or to pursue an additional concentration in a particular discipline.

A new class is admitted into the program each fall term. The program runs for eight terms over 24 months and operates on a 10-week quarter system. Classes begin mid-September with an intensive residency period (Wednesday-Sunday). During this period students will have the program orientation and participate in a 3-credit business simulation.

As part of the program's cohorted structure, all participants, regardless of undergraduate major, must start in September.

Students on the University City campus attend classes on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Students on the Malvern campus attend classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, also from 6 to 9 p.m.

LEAD MBA students are recommended but not required to have a laptop computer and wireless card to take advantage of Drexel's wireless campus. This will permit access to Web-based course materials, online career management tools, the Internet, e-mail, and more. Minimum laptop and card specifications are available upon request.

The total cost for the 2007-09 LEAD MBA program is $54,000, including tuition and fees. Students wishing to participate in the international residency option are responsible for additional associated costs. The additional costs for the international trip depend upon location.

You are encouraged to attend program information sessions, participate in one of the scheduled online chat sessions, or schedule a class visit to find out more about the program. If you have additional questions, program staff members are available to answer questions and discuss the program. For program questions about the LEAD MBA, contact John Adamski, Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment, at john.h.adamski@drexel.edu, or Ms. Charlotta Thunander, Assistant Director, LEAD Programs, at cthunander@drexel.edu.