Overview
The Chicago Booth Sokolov Executive MBA Program is designed for experienced professionals who want to earn an MBA while continuing to work full time. The 22-month programme combines Booth’s analytical approach to business education with a global learning experience across Chicago, London and Hong Kong.
Chicago Booth Sokolov Executive MBA at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Sokolov Executive MBA |
| Duration | 22 months |
| Format | Designed for working professionals |
| Campuses | Chicago, London and Hong Kong |
| Programme Start | September |
| Core Curriculum | 18 courses |
| Courses per Quarter | 2–3 |
| Global Cohort | 5 weeks together across global campuses |
Why Choose the Chicago Booth Sokolov Executive MBA?
The Sokolov EMBA is built for professionals who want to advance their careers without taking a break from full-time employment. Students earn the same MBA degree as graduates of Booth’s other MBA programmes while studying in a cohort-based executive format.
- Continue working: The programme is structured around the needs of experienced working professionals.
- Global campuses: Study across Chicago, London and Hong Kong.
- Analytical approach: Develop rigorous problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Experienced peer network: Learn alongside accomplished professionals from different industries and regions.
- Leadership development: Build leadership capabilities through the integrated LEAD experience.
- Global perspective: Work with a worldwide cohort and experience all three campuses.
Chicago Booth Sokolov EMBA Curriculum
The curriculum follows a structured progression, beginning with fundamental business tools and moving toward real-world application, leadership development and an experiential capstone. The programme contains 18 courses in the core curriculum.
| Curriculum Focus | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Business Foundations | Develop a strong grounding in fundamental business disciplines. |
| Analytical Skills | Build the ability to analyse complex business problems and make informed decisions. |
| Real-World Application | Apply business frameworks to current workplace challenges. |
| Leadership Development | Strengthen leadership capabilities through LEAD. |
| Experiential Capstone | Integrate concepts learned throughout the programme in a final experiential course. |
Chicago Booth’s Analytical Approach
The Sokolov EMBA follows Chicago Booth’s analytical approach to management education. Students are challenged to examine business problems rigorously, question assumptions and use analytical frameworks to develop practical solutions.
LEAD: Leadership Development at Booth
LEAD is integrated throughout the Sokolov EMBA experience. It combines executive coaching, career and leadership clinics, and conversations with experts and executives. Students can tailor these experiences around their professional priorities and leadership goals.
Chicago Booth EMBA Global Campus Experience
A defining feature of the Sokolov EMBA is its three-campus structure. Students apply to a primary campus in Chicago, London or Hong Kong, but spend time at all three campuses during international session weeks. This allows students to develop relationships with executives and classmates across different markets while earning the same MBA degree.
| Campus | Role in the Programme |
|---|---|
| Chicago | Booth’s North American EMBA campus in downtown Chicago. |
| London | Global financial centre and European EMBA campus. |
| Hong Kong | Asian financial hub and East Asian EMBA campus. |
The programme includes five weeks spent with the global cohort, with international session weeks taking place across Chicago, London and Hong Kong.
Chicago Booth Sokolov EMBA Class Format
The programme is designed to fit alongside a professional career. Chicago students attend four Thursday–Saturday sessions every quarter, while London and Hong Kong students attend 16 session weeks across the programme, generally from Monday morning through Saturday afternoon.
Chicago Booth Sokolov EMBA Career Impact
The Sokolov EMBA is designed to help experienced professionals make meaningful career progress while remaining in the workforce. Booth provides lifelong access to career and leadership support, including individualised coaching and access to global industry expertise.
The programme’s career resources are particularly relevant for professionals seeking to advance within their current organisation, move into a new industry or function, or prepare for broader leadership responsibilities.
Chicago Booth EMBA Student Network
Students join a global community of experienced professionals and build relationships with classmates across industries, functions and regions. The international structure strengthens this network by bringing the cohort together across Booth’s global locations.
The network continues beyond graduation through Chicago Booth’s alumni community, giving graduates ongoing opportunities for professional connections, events and learning.
Chicago Booth EMBA Lifelong Learning
The Sokolov EMBA extends beyond graduation. Alumni can take three additional classes at no cost after completing the MBA. Additional electives are also available for a nominal fee. Booth provides further opportunities through talks, skill-building programmes, industry conferences and networking events.
Chicago Booth EMBA Admissions
The programme is intended for experienced professionals who are ready to take on greater leadership responsibility while continuing their careers. Applicants can demonstrate their academic readiness through the Executive Assessment, GMAT or GRE, or request a test waiver.
Because the programme is designed around full-time employment, candidates should also consider whether their employer and professional responsibilities can accommodate the required class schedule and international session weeks.
Who Should Choose the Chicago Booth Sokolov EMBA?
- Experienced professionals who want to earn an MBA without leaving full-time employment.
- Managers preparing for broader leadership responsibilities.
- Professionals seeking stronger analytical and strategic decision-making skills.
- Candidates who value a global peer network and international business exposure.
- Professionals looking for lifelong career coaching and learning opportunities.
- Candidates who prefer a rigorous, analytical approach to executive education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chicago Booth Sokolov EMBA designed for working professionals?
Yes. The programme is specifically structured for experienced professionals and allows students to continue working full time while completing the MBA.
Do Sokolov EMBA students receive the same MBA degree as other Booth MBA students?
Yes. Sokolov EMBA students earn the same MBA degree as students in Booth’s other MBA programmes.
Can students change their primary Booth campus?
Yes. Booth states that students may transfer among the Chicago, London and Hong Kong campuses during the programme to enhance their global experience and accommodate their schedules.
Does the Sokolov EMBA provide career coaching after graduation?
Yes. Booth provides alumni with access to Booth Coaches for individualised consultation and skill development as their careers progress.
What tests can I submit for the Sokolov EMBA?
Applicants can choose the Executive Assessment, GMAT or GRE, or may request a test waiver where eligible.
Final Verdict
The Chicago Booth Sokolov Executive MBA is best suited to experienced professionals who want to strengthen their analytical, strategic and leadership capabilities without stepping away from their careers. Its global network, continued career support, international experience and lifelong learning opportunities make it particularly valuable for professionals aiming for their next stage of leadership.
