Lead at the Next Level
Professional MBA
Earn your MBA while you work. Gain a competitive edge with Haslam’s 16-month Professional MBA and build high-demand business skills to reach new heights in your career.
Now enrolling for August 2027. Request more information below.
Program Overview
About the Professional MBA
This 16-month program is designed for working professionals who want to strengthen their business and leadership capabilities, all while advancing their full-time careers.
Students apply classroom concepts directly to their organizations, create immediate value, and develop skills that set them apart as strategic and impactful leaders.
Make an Immediate Impact
Applied & Experiential Learning
The ProMBA program addresses real business challenges, provides a global perspective and prepares rising leaders to build and manage high-performing teams. Here are a few of the unique program benefits that equip ProMBA students to advance to the next level.
Organizational Action Project
With individualized faculty guidance, apply program concepts to a strategic challenge within your own organization and deliver measurable results before graduation.
Global Immersion
Experience international business firsthand through a week of immersive learning, including connecting with industry leaders and exploring new cultures as you apply your MBA skills in a global destination.
Leadership Development
Engage in personalized coaching to unlock your full leadership potential. Strengthen your executive presence, enhance decision-making and accelerate professional growth through personalized guidance and feedback.
Upcoming Events
Experience ProMBA
Ready to gain immediately applicable insights and deliver true organizational impact while in a graduate program? Register for an in-person Information Session to sit in on a class, meet current students, and learn about the program firsthand.
About Our Students
Class Profile
Designed for working professionals who are ready to amplify their impact and accelerate their career growth, ProMBA attracts mid-career leaders who bring real-world experience and a commitment to advancing their capabilities.
12
AvG Years of Work Experience Per Student
55%
Of Students Have A non-business undergrad degree
5
avG YEARS OF MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE PER STUDENT
42%
oF sTUDENTS LIVE OUTSIDE THE kNOXVILLE aREA
Ready to Apply for PROMBA?
Hybrid MBA Structure
Program FOrmat
Our 16-month Professional MBA features a hybrid format designed for mid‑career working professionals. This structure combines in-person and virtual learning to allow you to pursue your degree while staying fully engaged in work and personal commitments.
Hybrid Format
On-Campus Learning
2 to 3 Saturdays per month
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Expand your business acumen and leadership skills through experiential, in-person learning, and build a network that supports long-term personal and professional growth.
Virtual Learning
1 to 2 Tuesday Evenings per month
7 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. ET
Live, faculty-led virtual sessions allow for continuous learning while maintaining focus on personal and professional priorities during the week.
Professional MBA
Curriculum & Learning Outcomes
Turn theory into action through practical, applied learning. Over 16 months, you’ll move from mastering big‑picture business fundamentals to re-engineering processes and leading change in your own organization.
Schedule a chat with the admissions team for a deeper curriculum review.
| Semester | Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026: Build the Foundation | Students will develop a macro-level understand of business concepts and explore how business disciplines interact on a global, national, and interdepartmental scale |
| Spring 2027: Analyze & Design | Students will develop the ability to re-engineer processes to drive value for their organizations. They will learn to analyze existing workflows, identify areas for improvement, and optimize processes for efficiency and effectiveness. |
| Summer 2027: Gain a Competitive Edge | Optional: Customize your journey with a self-directed study defined by personal and career goals. Select from a range of development activities or design your own learning experience to build in-demand professional skills. |
| Fall 2027: Implement & Benchmark | Students will learn how to prepare and present a financial rationale for their re-engineered processes and benchmark successes. |
Professional MBA
Cost & Financial Aid
“The ProMBA program has pushed me further than I expected in the best possible way. The balance of rigorous academics, practical application, and leadership development has reshaped how I think, lead, and deliver value at work.”
– Imad Mir, ProMBA Class of 2025
| Advance Program Fee | $500 |
| First Fall Semester | $18,500 |
| Spring Semester | $19,000 |
| Second Fall Semester | $19,000 |
| Total Program Cost | $57,000* |
*Program cost is subject to change
Financial FAQs
What is the best way to pay for Haslam’s Professional MBA?
Most Professional MBA students fund their degree through a combination of sources rather than a single payment method. While nearly all students pay a portion of the cost out of pocket, other common approaches include employer tuition assistance, federal graduate loans, and veteran education benefits such as the GI Bill.
Common funding sources for Haslam’s Professional MBA include:
- Employer tuition assistance or reimbursement: Many companies support employees pursuing graduate business education, particularly programs with direct organizational value like ProMBA. Our admissions team can help you prepare for that conversation. Schedule a conversation here to connect.
- Graduate loans: ProMBA students are often eligible for graduate student loans. Contact UT’s One Stop office for guidance on loan types and eligibility.
- Veteran education benefits: Service members and veterans may be able to apply their benefits toward ProMBA. Contact UT’s Veteran Success Center for personalized guidance.
- Out-of-pocket payment: Nearly all students pay all or a portion of the $57,000 program cost directly. Payments are typically made at the beginning of each semester, and you can learn more about UT’s payment plan option here.
Are there additional fees beyond tuition?
Yes, though the majority of program costs are covered under the $57,000 program fee. To ensure that there are no surprise costs within the core experience, the majority of what you’d expect to pay for is already included.
The cost includes:
- All university tuition and fees
- Meals during in-person sessions
- Lodging during the global immersion
- Leadership development coaching throughout the program
The cost does not include:
- Books, school supplies, and laptop
- Travel and lodging as needed for in-person sessions
- Airfare and discretionary spending for the global immersion
Is financial aid available for Haslam’s ProMBA program?
Yes, students enrolled in Haslam’s Professional MBA may apply for financial aid, including federal and private graduate student loans. To learn more about financial aid options that may be available to you, we recommend contacting UT’s One Stop team:
- Phone: 865-974-1111
- Online Contact Form: https://onestop.utk.edu/resources/contact-one-stop/
How do I approach my company about employer tuition assistance or reimbursement?
Many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement to support employees pursuing relevant graduate education, and Haslam’s Professional MBA is a strong fit for that benefit.
Start with HR or your direct manager. Most companies manage tuition reimbursement through their HR department, where you can find the official policy, eligibility requirements, and reimbursement limits. If no formal policy exists, your direct supervisor is often the right first conversation.
Know the numbers before you ask. The IRS allows employers to provide up to $5,250 per year in tax-free educational assistance (IRC §127). Some companies use this as their reimbursement cap, though high-performing employees pursuing programs with direct business impact, like an MBA, may qualify for additional support above that threshold.
Make the business case. Frame the conversation around organizational value: how the skills, leadership development, and strategic thinking you’ll gain will directly benefit your team and company goals. Haslam’s ProMBA is designed for working professionals, meaning you apply what you learn immediately on the job.
We can help you prepare. Our admissions team regularly supports prospective students in exploring the Professional MBA tuition reimbursement process, including providing documentation and talking points to strengthen your request. To learn more, schedule a conversation here.
Can I use veteran benefits to pay for Haslam’s Professional MBA?
Yes, many veteran education benefits, including the GI Bill, may be applied toward Haslam’s Professional MBA. The program has a proud history of supporting service members and veterans in achieving their academic and professional goals.
For personalized guidance on your specific benefits and eligibility, the University of Tennessee’s Veteran Success Center is a terrific starting point. Their team can help you determine how your benefits may apply to ProMBA and walk you through the process.
Contact UT’s Veteran Success Center:
- Email: utkva@utk.edu
- Phone: 865-974-5420
Professional MBA
Admissions Requirements
What does the application require?
Applying to ProMBA is a clear and streamlined process designed for working professionals who want to keep rising in their careers. Prospective students are asked to submit:
- A resume
- Responses to a four-prompt essay
- Two professional references
- Transcripts (review transcript requirements)
- GMAT waivers are available
- TOEFL waivers are available for international applicants
Schedule a call with our admissions team to learn more about the application process, or to request a testing waiver.
Professional MBA
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pursue a career change while in Haslam’s ProMBA program?
Yes, and many students do. More than half of our students earn a promotion or take on new responsibilities during the program. Whether you’re aiming to advance within your current company or explore a new industry, ProMBA equips you with the skills, network, and confidence to move your career forward while you’re still in the program.
What is the difference between a Traditional MBA, Professional MBA, and Executive MBA?
All three program types carry the same Masters in Business Administration credential, but they differ in format, audience, and career stage.
Traditional MBA: Designed for early-career professionals, traditional MBA programs are typically full-time, daytime programs that require students to step away from the workforce. They emphasize foundational business education and often support students with career placement after graduation.
Professional MBA: Designed for mid-career professionals with approximately five or more years of work experience who want to advance without pausing their careers. Haslam’s ProMBA is structured around the schedules of full-time working professionals, allowing students to immediately apply what they learn to their current roles. It is ideal for rising leaders looking to broaden their business acumen, expand their responsibilities, and prepare for the next stage of career growth without stepping away from the workforce.
Executive MBA: Designed for senior leaders and executives operating at the top of their fields. Executive MBA programs focus on strategic leadership, organizational decision-making, and navigating complex, high-level business challenges. These programs assume the deepest level of professional experience and organizational authority.
Not sure which program is the right fit? Our admissions team can help you identify the best path based on your background, goals, and career stage. Schedule a conversation here.
How intensive is the ProMBA workload alongside full-time employment?
ProMBA is rigorous, but it is intentionally designed for full-time working professionals. To help students plan ahead, program assignments are provided at least two weeks in advance, minimizing last-minute scheduling conflicts and making it easier to balance personal, professional, and academic responsibilities. Faculty and program staff provide dedicated support throughout to help students stay on track.
Interested in learning more about the ProMBA experience? Our admissions team can answer your program questions and resource you with opportunities like alumni conversations and in-person class visits. Connect with admissions here.
When does ProMBA start, and how long is the program?
Haslam’s Professional MBA launches every August and is completed in 16 months.
Each incoming cohort begins together in August, progressing through an integrated curriculum designed to build on itself from start to finish. Students who begin in August graduate the following December on a focused, efficient timeline that allows working professionals to earn their MBAs while advancing their careers. Connect with our admissions team to learn more.
Can I customize my class schedule or choose a concentration?
ProMBA follows a fixed, integrated curriculum by design.
At the mid-career level, professionals are rarely responsible for just one business function. They make decisions that cut across finance, operations, strategy, marketing, and leadership simultaneously. Haslam’s ProMBA is built around that reality. Rather than siloing students into a single concentration, the integrated curriculum develops well-rounded leaders who can think and act across every dimension of an organization.
That said, the program does offer meaningful opportunities for personalization:
- Organizational Action Project: Through this individualized project, each student works one-on-one with a faculty advisor to identify an opportunity for improvement, then completes a series of deliverables to drive real value for the company before graduation.
- Summer Skill-Up: A self-directed term built into the 16-month program timeline. Choose from seven faculty-led opportunities designed to deepen your expertise in high-demand areas, or design your own development path based on your personal and professional goals. Current opportunities span areas such as business analytics, finance, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and more.
Both experiences are built into the 16-month program timeline, ensuring every student graduates with both a shared foundation and a personalized depth of expertise. Connect with our admissions team to learn more.
I don't have a business background. Can I still apply to ProMBA?
Yes, a business undergraduate degree is not required. More than half of ProMBA students come from non-business backgrounds, spanning industries such as healthcare, engineering, government, and beyond.
The program is designed to build business and leadership skills across industries and job functions, making it an ideal opportunity for professionals looking to formalize and expand their expertise regardless of their undergraduate field of study.
Learn from Industry Experts
Featured Faculty
Mark Collins
Distinguished Lecturer
Joan Heminway
Rick Rose Distinguished Professor of Law, Director, Clayton Center for Entrepreneurial Law
Eric Kelley
James Ernest Goodner Professorship in Banking
Lindsay Mahony
Assistant Dean for Entrepreneurship and Strategic Initiatives, Director of Franchising Program Initiatives
Hear from Our Graduates
ProMBA Success Stories
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.
Connect with our team
Need More Information?
You can reach out to us for more information using the contact information below.
Josh Boucher
Program Coordinator, Business Development
jboucher@utk.edu
865-974-6967