FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the application requirements?

The admissions committee will review and evaluate prior academic performance, leadership experience, professional experience, aptitude for graduate study, writing skills, general motivation and managerial attributes based on the admission standards set by the College of Business and Economics for graduate business programs. No GMAT or GRE testing is required.

If you’re unsure when you want to enroll, we recommend selecting the earliest start date you’re considering on your application. You can always defer to a future session if needed. If you’ve already applied and haven’t received a decision yet, you can request a start-date change through your student success coach.

Learn more about the OMBA admission requirements

Is there an application fee waiver?

The Online MBA program offers an application fee waiver if you have not yet submitted your application. Contact a student success coach prior to submitting your application to receive your waiver.

My GPA is lower than the requirement. What are my options?

Applicants with a 2.75-3.00 GPA may be considered for provisional admission. If the GPA in your last two years (60 credits) of study is better than your overall cumulative GPA, the higher GPA will be considered.

Applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 are considered case-by-case and must show significant work experience. Talk to a student success coach to see if you may qualify.

Do I need an undergraduate business degree or business classes to be admitted?

No, we welcome applicants from all academic backgrounds. Business coursework is not required prior to enrollment. The first course in the program, BUSMBA 500 – Business Foundations, has introductory tutorials in Excel, statistics and economics to ensure everyone starts with a solid business foundation, regardless of their undergraduate degree.

Do I have to be employed to apply?

While full-time employment is not required, most students work full-time while completing the program. Work experience is a factor in admissions decisions, as our coursework is immediately applicable to professional roles.

What kind of work experience is required?

The Online MBA requires applicants to have at least two years of significant, full-time professional work experience, with an emphasis on managerial responsibilities. On average, students enter the program with eight-and-a-half years of management experience. Ideal candidates have experience managing people, budgets and customer accounts beyond a basic supervisory level. Examples of qualifying experience include hiring/firing responsibilities, company training, fiscal management or contract negotiations. This requirement ensures that students can apply real-world experience to coursework and contribute to a rich, collaborative learning environment.

Will this program help advance my career?

A strong majority of recent graduates said the Online MBA helped them move forward in their careers, with 95% seeing a positive impact. Additionally, 51% of students experienced career growth by securing a promotion or landing a new job while still enrolled. To learn more about how this program can support your professional development, visit our career page for more details.

What kind of salary increase can I expect?

While an MBA doesn’t guarantee a salary increase, it’s highly likely to lead to one. In a 2024 exit survey of our graduating students, on average, they saw an 18% salary increase during the program, with graduates reporting an average salary of $132,356.

Does the Online MBA improve job performance?

Absolutely — 78% of graduates said the program enhanced their job performance, equipping them with practical skills they could apply immediately in their roles. The OMBA program focuses on growing business knowledge, leadership ability, presentation skills and problem-solving – all important aspects of job performance.

What types of companies hire Online MBA graduates?

Graduates from our program work at top companies, including Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, SpaceX, Pfizer, Nike and John Deere. This list only highlights a portion of the companies our students go on to work for. Approximately 30% of students work for small businesses or become entrepreneurs.

Can Online MBA students access Career Services?

Yes. Online MBA students have access to the same career services as our on-campus students, including career coaching, resume workshops, mock interviews and networking opportunities. Additionally, OMBA advisors are strong career mentors and available to assist with career mapping, job searching, and more.