What factors are most important in determining admission?
Do I have to take the GMAT to be considered for admission?
Can I take courses as a non-degree student?
Do I need work experience to join the program?
What kinds of financial assistance are available?
What are the costs of the program?
How long does it take to complete the program?
How can I waive courses I have already taken as an undergraduate/graduate student?
Are the College of Management’s MBA and MSA programs AACSB-accredited?
What career services does the College of Management offer?

What factors are most important in determining admission?
Many factors affect your chances for admission, including essays, recommendations, and an interview, but we weigh your undergraduate performance, work experience, and GMAT score most heavily. Please visit http://www.management.umb.edu/master/master_admissions.php for more details.

Do I have to take the GMAT to be considered for admission?
Yes -- all applicants must take the GMAT to be admitted to the MBA or MSA program. While we recognize the weaknesses of the GMAT as a predictor of your preparedness for, and potential success in, a graduate business program, the test does enable us to compare applicants from varied professional and academic backgrounds. While it is not the most important factor in determining admission, it is one element we consider. Applicants with very low GMAT scores should consider further preparation before completing their applications.

Can I take courses as a non-degree student?
We generally only allow matriculated students to take courses in the MBA and MSA programs, in order to ensure the integrity of the graduate program. Students in good standing at other AACSB-accredited MBA programs make take a limited number of courses in the graduate program on a space-available basis as long as they meet all prerequisites.

Do I need work experience to join the program?
Professional work experience is highly valued both in the admissions process and in the program. However, a few outstanding students without significant professional experience are admitted each year.

What kinds of financial assistance are available?
There are a limited number of Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Waivers offered on a merit and need basis. Graduate Assistantships include a full-tuition and partial fee waiver, as well as a stipend, in exchange for research or teaching work conducted under faculty supervision. These awards are highly competitive, and priority is given to continuing students. Students can apply for Assistantships after they apply to and are accepted into the program.

What are the costs of the program?
For Massachusetts residents, the cost per course (3 credits) is approximately $1280; for out-of-state residents and international students, the cost is approximately $2500 per course. Depending on how many courses a student is able to waive, the total cost for the MBA degree is $14,000-$22,000 for residents, and $28,000-$43,000 for out-of-state students. The MSA degree costs $13,000-$20,000 for residents and $25,000-$37,000 for out-of-state students.

The MSA degree requires 15 courses (45 credits) plus a math requirement; most students who hold Bachelor’s degrees in Management or a related field can complete the program with 10 courses (30 credits). Full-time students usually finish the program within one year, while part-time students do so in two years.

How can I waive courses I have already taken as an undergraduate/graduate student?
Students who have successfully completed undergraduate or prior graduate coursework in Business, Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, Law, or related fields can waive certain core courses in the MBA or MSA programs. For specifics, please see MBA Waiver Policy or MSA Waiver Policy, depending on your program of interest.

Are the College of Management’s MBA and MSA programs AACSB-accredited?
The College of Management’s undergraduate and MBA programs are accredited not only by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), but also by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the “gold standard” of business schools worldwide. The new MSA program receives preliminary AACSB accreditation under the umbrella of the College of Management’s accreditation. AACSB accreditation means that an institution adheres to the highest standards of research, curriculum design, and teaching excellence. Of nearly 4,000 business schools worldwide, about 500 are accredited by AACSB.

What career services does the College of Management offer?
The College of Management offers varied career assistance to its graduate students. Services range from workshops on interviewing and job search skills to seminars on networking, business etiquette, salary negotiation, and résumé preparation. Major firms come to campus regularly to recruit our graduates at numerous fairs and events. Moreover, the CM Senior Executive Forum, Distinguished Executive Award, and MBA Forum provide graduate students with the opportunity to learn from and connect with local and national business leaders. The MBA Alumni Association provides opportunities for mentoring and networking as well, drawing upon our strong Boston alumni presence.

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