Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi (MBA)

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Program Description

Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi

The Stern at NYUAD Full-Time MBA Program and Part-Time Executive MBA Program represent a global business education established on students’ academic success, professional development, and well-being. Stern at NYUAD MBA and EMBA students develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in any business environment across the world, with a particular focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.

Balancing theory and conceptual frameworks with practical applications, the curriculum first develops a solid base of management skills through required core courses and then builds on that knowledge through specialized electives. Within this structure, students choose from a set of elective courses and plan their programs according to their own needs and interests. In addition to a one-year Full-Time MBA program, a two-year Part-Time option offers the flexibility to balance these academic pursuits alongside professional committments.

The core curriculum introduces students to the functional activities of organizations and the analytical and conceptual frameworks for managerial decision-making. Collectively, the core courses provide both the fundamental knowledge that a manager must have to be effective and the foundation for advanced specialization in different functional and interdisciplinary areas.

Stern at NYUAD’s MBA and EMBA Programs provide depth as well as breadth. After completing the core curriculum, a student obtains in-depth knowledge in academic program areas by completing advanced level elective coursework. For the Full-Time MBA option, students choose from a set of elective courses offered at Stern at NYUAD and, during their summer term at NYU Stern, from approved courses offered in New York. For the Part-Time EMBA option, students choose from a set of elective courses offered during four global residencies, and class weekends in Abu Dhabi. A list of Stern at NYUAD elective courses can be found in the course descriptions for the program. Students may choose to focus their academic specializations.

MBA and EMBA Specializations

All Stern at NYUAD students graduate with an MBA in General Management and can select one specialization or choose not to specialize at all. We offer a selection of elective courses that leverage market demands, and are designed to build on and advance student knowledge and skills. See MBA Specializations for a list of specializations.

Note: The Stern at NYUAD one-year MBA is a demanding full-time program. As such, it is not possible to work full time while enrolled. Class schedules and other required program elements cannot be adjusted to accommodate student activities outside of the program.

Admissions

Stern at NYUAD’s admissions process is holistic and selective. The Admissions Committee evaluates each candidate’s academic profile, professional achievements and aspirations, and personal characteristics.

Academic Profile

Stern at NYUAD seeks students who will perform well in our academic program. We assess academic potential through the quality of and performance in prior academic program(s), as seen from academic transcripts, and general aptitude as measured by standardized tests (or meeting test waiver requirements).

Professional Achievements and Aspirations

Stern seeks students with a proven track record of success, demonstrated potential for future leadership, and a well-articulated plan to achieve their short- and long-term goals. Professional achievements and aspirations are primarily assessed by a candidate’s essays, résumé, employment history and internships, professional recommendation(s), and interview (by invitation only if required).

Personal Characteristics

Stern at NYUAD values students with both intellectual and interpersonal strengths/ emotional intelligence (IQ + EQ). We seek students who embody Stern's values of mutual support and collaboration and who will be passionate, engaged participants in the Stern community. These personal characteristics are often evidenced in a candidate’s essays, professional recommendations, activities and achievements, and interviews (if required).

See Admissions for detailed information on the application process.