Banking and Financial Institutions, EMBA
The Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) in Banking and Financial Institutions prepares professionals to lead in banking, financial institutions or regulatory agencies.
- Master of Business Administration
- Online
- Online
30 Credit Hours
Program Overview
The EMBA in Banking and Financial Institutions at Sam Houston State University is the most tenured accredited graduate degree in Banking and Financial Institutions in the United States. Built with industry professionals in mind, the EMBA is structured to fit in your busy schedule with convenient online courses and an annual one-week residency.
The 30-credit hour curriculum begins with a new cohort each fall and is completed over five semesters spanning less than two years. The Executive MBA is primarily delivered online, with a required in-person residency on the Huntsville Campus each year—a one-week session before the fall semester begins. This structure offers flexibility while maintaining valuable face-to-face engagement.
Supported by the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking, the EMBA remains rooted in the founding program mission to, "provide educational programs for community bankers."
Why Choose This Program?
Advance your banking career with an AACSB-accredited EMBA built around your schedule and focused on financial institutions.
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Tailored to the Industry
This program features a curriculum tailored specifically to the banking and financial services sector, delivering relevant and immediately applicable skills. With fully online, asynchronous coursework, you can earn your degree without interrupting your career. Graduates are prepared to step into leadership roles in banking, financial institutions, regulatory agencies and beyond.
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Leadership Lecture Series
The Leadership Lecture Series, featured as the one-week residency, provides networking and learning opportunities from top industry leaders. These industry leaders will share their expertise directly with you providing a real-world perspective to meet the challenges of today's financial environment. Segment topics are unique each year and address hot topics in the banking industry. The Fall 2026 in-residence will begin - August 16, 2026 and conclude - August 21, 2026.
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Cohort Based Model
The EMBA program follows a cohort model, where you'll enter the fall semester alongside your peers and progress through the same carefully sequenced courses together. This structure creates more than just classmates—it builds a powerful professional network and support system from day one. As you navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and collaborate on projects together, you'll forge lasting relationships. Many cohorts develop bonds that extend far beyond graduation, creating a trusted network who support each other's careers for years to come.
Program Costs
The total program cost is $44,000 for domestic and international students. Year 1 fees: $8,000 Fall, $7,000 Spring, and $7,000 Summer; Year 2 fees: $11,500 Fall and $10,500 Summer.
Program costs cover: tuition, fees, books, single occupancy room during the one-week in residence, with breakfast and lunch, and offered certifications. The only additional fees are the application fee, residency evening meals, and a graduation fee upon completion of the Executive MBA program. Items not covered: computer, internet access and travel to and from the program.
The nature of the EMBA program requires purchase of goods and services prior to commencement of the one-week residency, therefore a $1,000 orientation fee will be non-refundable after the start of the in-residence regardless of whether the student has paid or has not paid the program fee.
Scholarships
All EMBA students are encouraged to apply for scholarships which they qualify for. Available scholarships include:
SHSU utilizes a streamlined application termed, Scholarships4Kats. This application dramatically simplifies the process for students by importing key information from their student data record and allowing them to be automatically considered for all relevant scholarships. A student has to be accepted to Sam Houston State University to apply for scholarships.
Financial need-based scholarships for First Year students ($40,000) or Second Year students ($20,000). Application details found here.
Available to First Year students employed by a Texas bank. 2026 Application details can be found here.
Available to First or Second Year students employed by a Texas Bankers Association (TBA) member bank. 2026 Application details can be found here.
Industry Experienced Faculty
Learn from faculty who bring decades of experience in banking, financial regulation, and executive leadership. With an understanding of the industry needs, they provide relevant learning experiences.
Become A Bearkat
Ready to start your application to the EMBA program? Our team is here to help. Call: 936-294-3746 or Email: shbanking@shsu.edu.