Frequently Asked Questions
The masters programs can accommodate students from all undergraduate majors, as there is no specific major requirement for admission. In order to request that an Application Form be mailed to your address, please fill out the information here.
What is the curriculum?
The MBA program is a 48 credit hour program. It consists of general business courses and twelve hours of electives. Electives from one specific area (i.e. finance, management and management information systems) are designated as a concentration. A concentration allows you to complete 12 credit hours in a specific area of study (please check with the Graduate Services Center for some of the special concentration program details). The Master of Science in Business Administration (MS/BA) is a more specialized degree. The curriculum entails 18 to 21 hours out of 36 credit hours from a specialized field. MS/BA programs require additional tool courses for students without any previous background in business. The MSA (Master of Science in Accounting) works the same way as the MS/BA programs.
Is there a thesis or comprehensive exam?
No thesis is required in any of our master programs. Business Statistics and Production/Operation Management specializations in the MS/BA program have a comprehensive exam requirement during the last semester of the coursework. In the MBA, MSA and MS/BA programs, students must receive a “B” or better in the capstone course in order to graduate.
What are the admission criteria?
Admission to the Rawls College of Business is highly selective, with each applicant carefully considered on his or her potential for leadership and demonstration of academic, intellectual, and interpersonal communication abilities. Outstanding GMAT scores and previous academic performance may have a competitive advantage; however the personal essays, letters of recommendation, work experience, and additional honors and activities count significantly in the evaluation process. Averages for all enrolled business graduate students are 560 for the GMAT and 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale. International applicants whose native language is not English must have a minimum 550 TOEFL score for the paper-based test or a 213 on the computer-based test. Applicants to the MSA program should also have at least a 3.25 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in accounting courses.
Do you have a required orientation?
New students are required to attend New Student Orientation held prior to the beginning of the academic term.
What if I don’t meet the minimum requirements?
Because the Standards and Admissions Committee employs a profiling system, the committee evaluates your file in depth for a final decision.
How does the admission process work?
Applications are submitted to the University’s Office of the Graduate Admissions located in Holden Hall, and to the Graduate Services Center in the Rawls College of Business. (Special instructions are provided on the application form). After completion of all the documents in the application file, Graduate Admissions compiles the file and sends it for evaluation to the Graduate Services Center for the Rawls College of Business. Upon processing the file at the Rawls College of Business, Graduate Admissions is advised of a decision about admission. Once the decision is confirmed, you will receive a letter stating the final decision on your application.
Does the GMAT test require prior knowledge of business?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is not specifically related to education or experience in business. It is designed to measure the analytical skills developed over a long period of time. Knowledge of a specific subject area is not tested. The GMAT covers three basic areas: quantitative, verbal and analytical writing assessment. The quantitative section of the test measures basic mathematical skills and understanding of the elementary concepts as well as the ability to reason with numbers, solve quantitative problems and interpret graphic data. The verbal section emphasizes reading, understanding and reasoning as well as basic grammar skills. Analytical writing assessment is a recent addition to the test. The result of this part is evaluated separately and is not included in the composite score. This section explores the test taker’s ability to compose a logical, meaningful and clear-cut essay on two topics provided.
When can I enter the program?
The Rawls College of Business has a rolling admission policy. The suggested deadlines for completion of the application file are March 1st for fall semester, September 1st for spring semester, and February 1st for the summer. This allows time to receive the admission decision in order to make necessary relocation plans as well as visa and travel arrangements for the international students.
Can I be employed while going through the master’s program?
Courses taught at night in one semester are normally offered during the day in the next semester. Most summer courses are taught during the day. An applicant can still earn the degree attending school part time. However, we are not able to guarantee the availability of electives in the evenings. Students who have full-time employment require a longer time to complete their programs. Part-time employment (up to 20 hours/week) could be possible along with students’ full-time course work.
May I begin taking graduate classes without taking the GMAT?
Graduate School allows US citizens and permanent residents to take up to 12 hours of graduate courses under the nondegree graduate temporary (GTMP) status. Students can choose the nondegree post undergraduate (PGRD) option to take undergraduate courses. There are only a few degree applicable courses that can be taken as a GTMP. Being a GTMP or PGRD does not guarantee an automatic admission to the master’s program. You are required to take the GMAT and complete the application process for the Rawls College of Business to be evaluated for the program. International applicants with F-1 visas are not eligible for nondegree status.
