Baccalaureate Preparation

The Master of Business Administration program is open to graduates from areas other than business administration. It also provides an opportunity for continued study in management for graduates from a school or department of business. The only prerequisite coursework is college algebra or its equivalent.

Admission to MBA Programs

MBA programs are open to those who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and whose undergraduate academic records, scores on the required standardized examination, and prior work experience indicate that they have the capability to complete the program. A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, specifically, is not required - other areas of study are also eligible.  Admission to all programs in business is reviewed by the MBA Admissions Committee. Those who have not completed a baccalaureate degree are not eligible for enrollment in MBA courses.

Applicants for MBA graduate programs must take the Graduate Management Admission Test administered by Pearson VUE. The GMAT is administered in most foreign countries and by appointment at designated testing centers throughout the United States. The test typically is taken during the academic year before the term for which admission is sought. 

Regular Admission to MBA Programs

The admission committee looks at each applicant holistically for evidence of preparedness for graduate and MBA study.  The minimum requirements for consideration include:

1.  Bachelor’s Degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited university with a 3.0 cumulative GPA,
2.  GMAT score of 500 or above (or an equivalent GRE score), and
3. A completed application.
4. Quality and length of post-graduate work experience,
5. Evidence of leadership.
6. Evidence of analytical ability.

A complete MBA application includes:

1. Completed application form
2. Official transcript with GPA and conferral of a Bachelor’s Degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited school
3. Resume or CV
4. Official GMAT or GRE or a waiver request
5. Personal Statement
6. Application fee
7. For international applicants only, IELTS or TOEFL score.

Additional Admission Notes:

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION TO THE MBA PROGRAM

Provisional admission may be offered to applicants who meet all requirements for admission but have a bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) with a 2.0-3.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited university.  Provisional admission affords one semester of enrollment in the MBA program, at the conclusion of which a 3.0 GPA must be earned or the student is subject to dismissal.

GRE vs GMAT Scores

The GMAT exam is preferred. However, we will accept a GRE score and review it based on a GMAT concordance.

International Applications:

Students whose native language is not English or who have not completed a degree from a college or university in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, or Australia are required to provide english proficiency scores to earn regular admission into the MBA and obtain a waiver from the AEC. International students in F-1 and J-1 status must also comply with Federal immigration requirements by pursuing a full course of study each semester to maintain their legal status. Students who require an F-1 or J-1 visa are not eligible for admission into the Working Professional MBA and/or Online MBA Part-Time Programs.

GMAT/GRE Waiver Policy for Professional MBA Programs

A GMAT or GRE score report is generally required as part of the application process for the Full Time MBA Program. It is used by the Admissions Committee to help assess an applicant's quantitative and analytical readiness for graduate study and the academic rigor of the KU MBA program. However, under special circumstances, candidates may request a GRE/GMAT waiver. 

GMAT Waivers are automatically granted for students with a terminal degree The GMAT is waived for individuals that have completed a J.D, M.D, D.O. or Ph. D. degree.

Check with the department for more information and instructions on how to submit a GMAT waiver.

Provisional Admission to the MBA Program

Provisional admission may be offered to applicants who meet all requirements for admission but have a bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) with a 2.0-3.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited university.  Provisional admission affords one semester of enrollment in the MBA program, at the conclusion of which a 3.0 GPA must be earned or the student is subject to dismissal.

 

MBA Admission Requirements

Admission to MBA Programs

MBA programs are open to those who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and whose undergraduate academic records, scores on the required standardized examination, and prior work experience indicate that they have the capability to complete the program. A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, specifically, is not required - other areas of study are also eligible. Admission to all programs in business is reviewed by the MBA Admissions Committee. Those who have not completed a baccalaureate degree are not eligible for enrollment in MBA courses.

Applicants for MBA graduate programs must take the Graduate Management Admission Test administered by Pearson VUE. The GMAT is administered in most foreign countries and by appointment at designated testing centers throughout the United States. The test typically is taken during the academic year before the term for which admission is sought. 

Regular Admission to MBA Programs

The admission committee looks at each applicant holistically for evidence of preparedness for graduate and MBA study. The minimum requirements for consideration include:

1.  Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited university with a 3.0 cumulative GPA
2.  GMAT score of 500 or above (or an equivalent GRE score)
3. A completed application (see below)
4. Quality and length of post-graduate work experience
5. Evidence of leadership
6. Evidence of analytical ability

A complete MBA application includes:

1. Completed application form
2. Official transcript with GPA and conferral of a Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited school
3. Resume or CV
4. Official GMAT or GRE score (or a waiver request)
5. Personal Statement
6. Application fee
7. For international applicants only, IELTS or TOEFL score.

Additional Admission Notes:

Provisional Admission to the MBA Program

Provisional admission may be offered to applicants who meet all requirements for admission but have a bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) with a 2.0-3.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited university. Provisional admission affords one semester of enrollment in the MBA program, at the conclusion of which a 3.0 GPA must be earned or the student is subject to dismissal.

GRE vs GMAT Scores

The GMAT exam is preferred. However, we will accept a GRE score and review it based on a GMAT concordance.

International Applications:

Students whose native language is not English or who have not completed a degree from a college or university in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, or Australia are required to provide English proficiency scores to earn regular admission into the MBA and obtain a waiver from the AEC. International students in F-1 and J-1 status must also comply with federal immigration requirements by pursuing a full course of study each semester to maintain their legal status. Students who require an F-1 or J-1 visa are not eligible for admission into the Online MBA Part-Time Program.

GMAT/GRE Waiver Policy for Professional MBA Programs

A GMAT or GRE score report is generally required as part of the application process for the Full-Time MBA Program. It is used by the Admissions Committee to help assess an applicant's quantitative and analytical readiness for graduate study and the academic rigor of the KU MBA program. However, under special circumstances, candidates may request a GRE/GMAT waiver. 

GMAT waivers are automatically granted for students with a terminal degree. The GMAT is waived for individuals that have completed a JD, MD, DO or PhD degree.

Check with the department for more information and instructions on how to submit a GMAT waiver.

Joint Degree Programs

Dual MBA and MS Business Analytics

The purpose of this dual degree program is to meet the demand for analytical skill sets in management. With an MS in Business Analytics offered on campus, we have the unique opportunity to join this high demand area of specialization with the MBA. By using the MS as a specialization, we can pair the programs in a 4-semester sequence. The program will be offered on the Lawrence Campus and will consist of 34 credit hours of MBA and 30 hours of MS coursework. The dual program will take two years to complete and includes a summer internship.

Dual MBA and Bachelors of Engineering

The KU MBA and Bachelors of Engineering bridge program allows engineering students to begin taking MBA courses in their senior year of the engineering undergraduate program. Bridge program students will earn a Bachelor of Science from the School of Engineering and an MBA from the School of Business in about nine to ten semesters. A good fit for the program is a student on-pace to graduate in the spring of their senior year, prepared for an academically rigorous senior year, and meets the admission requirements of the Full-Time MBA program. The program will be offered on the Lawrence Campus and consist of 44 credit of MBA coursework. Students will complete the MBA coursework in a year and a half.

Dual MBA and Pharm.D.

This dual degree program allows students to earn an MBA from the School of Business and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the School of Pharmacy by extending their professional graduate study. The MBA/Pharm.D. program is combined with the Full-Time MBA Program on the Lawrence Campus. Students will take 34 hours to complete the MBA portion of this dual degree. Students gain competence and expertise in the complementary fields of business management and pharmacy. 

Prospective students must submit an application and be accepted to the School of Pharmacy first. Students must meet the prerequisites of and be accepted by both schools. Diplomas are awarded concurrently by each school at the conclusion of the joint degree program requirements.

Dual MBA and JD

This program combines in 4 years of study the 3-year Juris Doctor program offered by the School of Law and the Full-Time MBA program offered by the School of Business. It entails 40 hours of MBA coursework and 76 hours of law coursework. It is for students who plan to engage in corporate law practice or enter business using law training as background. It offers training in the convergent fields of business management and law.

Students must meet the admission requirements of each school and should be admitted by both the School of Law and the School of Business. The Law School Admission Test and the Graduate Management Admission Test are required. A student who decides to enter the program after beginning the first year in the School of Law or in the MBA program should discuss the plan with the associate dean or program director of each school as early as possible. Diplomas are awarded concurrently by each school at the conclusion of the joint degree program requirements.

The School of Business follows general Graduate Studies policy requiring a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average for all coursework counted toward any master’s degree. The School of Law requires a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 (C) in all law school work. Grades received in any law courses credited toward fulfillment of the MBA degree requirements are incorporated into the MBA grade-point average, which ultimately must be 3.0 for the awarding of the MBA degree.

Dual MBA and M.Arch. Degree Program

The Master of Business Administration/Master of Architecture dual degree program is designed for students intending to pursue a career in architecture, development, construction, and/or business. Students completing the dual degree program earn an MBA from the KU School of Business and an M.Arch. from the KU School of Architecture and Design. Diplomas are awarded concurrently by each school at the conclusion of the joint degree program requirements.

Students complete 106 credit hours in the Master of Architecture program and 34 credit hours in the School of Business. Prospective dual degree students must already be students in the Master of Architecture program and must apply and be accepted by the School of Business. New students must complete the architecture curriculum before starting the MBA curriculum and must declare their intention before completing the first year of the architecture curriculum. Typically, the MBA is completed during the final year of study. Diplomas are awarded concurrently by each school at the conclusion of the joint degree program requirements.

Dual MBA and MD

This dual degree offered in partnership with the KU Medical Center allows MD students an opportunity to earn an MBA in one year. The MBA/MD program is offered full-time at the Lawrence campus. Students will take 34 hours to complete the MBA portion of this dual degree. Students gain competence and expertise in the complementary fields of business management and medicine.

Prospective students must submit an application and be accepted to the School of Medicine first. Students must meet the prerequisites of and be accepted by both schools. Diplomas are awarded concurrently by each school at the conclusion of the joint degree program requirements.

Dual MBA and Physical Therapy (DPT)/Occupational Therapy (OT)

The purpose of this joint degree program is to meet the demand for business courses in the Physical Therapy (DPT) and Occupational Therapy (OT)  programs and prepare physical therapists to run their future practices with business efficacy. The program will be offered on the Lawrence Campus and will consist of 34 credit hours of MBA coursework. Students will complete the MBA portion in one academic year. The DPT and OT curriculums will remain unchanged.

Prospective students must submit an application and be accepted to the School of Health Professions first. Students must meet the prerequisites of and be accepted by both schools. Diplomas are awarded concurrently by each school at the conclusion of the joint degree program requirements.

MBA with a Graduate Certificate in Petroleum Management

The MBA program with a graduate certificate in Petroleum Management from the School of Engineering is offered full time on the Lawrence campus. It meets the requirements of active-duty U.S. Naval Supply Corps officers who usually are assigned to billets requiring this training upon completion of study at KU. Other students interested in the intersection of the management of fuels and business are also encouraged to apply to this program. Students typically take a minimum of 43 hours of MBA coursework and 15 hours of Engineering coursework during this two-year program.

Master of Business Administration Degree Requirements

Full-Time MBA Degree Program

The Full-Time MBA program features an emphasis on cohort learning. The community-building begins each August with orientation and is integrated throughout the program. The Full-Time MBA program in Lawrence requires 48 credit hours over 16 months. Students are admitted to the program only once a year in the fall semester. Requirements are designed for a person holding a baccalaureate degree in any field, with no specific course requirements in business or related areas. Transfer credit is not accepted to this program. Due to the accelerated nature of this program, students who receive a failing grade in a course or have less than 3.0 after the first semester may be dismissed upon recommendation of the MBA team.

The 48 hours in the MBA program consist of 30 credit hours in ten core classes, 6 credit hours of application classes, and 12 credit hours of specialized track classes. Prior to the beginning of the final semester, students select a track of specialized track classes.

Full Time MBA Degree Requirements