The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is home to one of a handful of MBA programs in the country that specialize in Aerospace and Defense. Because of this specialty, the program at UTK uniquely positions graduates to differentiate themselves in the defense and commercial aerospace job market. Cohort participants learn a lot from each other, too. That’s why it’s critical to include a diverse set of candidates each year, ensuring that participants receive the best possible experience. UTK is happy to offer GOV WID a $5,000 annual fellowship to one GOV WID member. Fellowship can only be applied to and with the UTK ADMBA program.
About the UTK ADMBA program:
- Approximately 35 cohort participants per academic year
- An 11-month hybrid format (Jan - Dec) that includes five, in-person residence periods in Knoxville, Tennessee
- Cohort participants that have both defense and commercial aerospace backgrounds and range from transitioning military careers, engineering, contracts, finance, and manufacturing.
- Organizational Action Projects (OAPs) replace the traditional MBA thesis, allowing participants to choose a topic that aligns with their passions and, in many cases, solve a real-world problem for their current employer or organization
- Nearly 100% of cohort participants maintain full-time employment status while working towards their MBA
- Most cohort participants have been out of traditional learning environments for many years and are considered seasoned professionals in their respective fields, which means they bring a wealth of real-world experience to the cohort
- UTK ADMBA has standing relationships with companies like Lockheed Martin and Elbit, as well as regular participation from Tinker AFB, Hill AFB, and Robins AFB
Additional benefits include:
- Veterans can take advantage of in-state tuition costs, regardless of their current location
- GMAT waivers are available for those who qualify
- Additional financial assistance is available for those who qualify
- Accelerated promotional opportunities - 88.7% of graduates are promoted within two years of completing their ADMBA
- The same benefits of a traditional MBA (leadership, finance, etc.) with the added benefits of a focus area of aerospace and defense, such as introductions to major commercial and defense companies, tours of operations, introductions to board members, significant network opportunities, and more.
- Career-broadening and transition opportunities thanks to a 400+ alumni network, including 200 DoD senior leaders, and long-term faculty relationships
UTK ADMBA Application Process
UTK ADMBA applicants are encouraged to start the process at any time. The program runs from January to December, with the application process broken into four phases:
MUTUAL DISCOVERY
PERSONAL STRATEGY
PERSONAL STRATEGY
Schedule a call with a faculty member in the UTK ADMBA program to determine if their MBA program is the right fit for your career goals, current organization, and work-life balance.
PERSONAL STRATEGY
PERSONAL STRATEGY
PERSONAL STRATEGY
Work with UTK faculty to determine your strategy for acceptance and participation in the program (GMAT, financials, application, etc.)
REVIEW
PERSONAL STRATEGY
FINAL PREPARATION
Canidates are reviewed by the university for official acceptance into the program.
FINAL PREPARATION
PERSONAL STRATEGY
FINAL PREPARATION
Once the candidate has been accepted into the ADMBA program, the cohort participant is prepared to start in January (pre-read materials, logistics, critical dates, etc.)
ready to apply?
To qualify for this exclusive fellowship, complete the online form between 1 February and 30 April.
Photo credit: Kira Cupp