Is the GMAT required?
No. The GMAT is not required. Generally, prospective students have several years of work experience and their success in industry speaks to their ability to perform in this program. We've found that standardized tests do not accurately measure prospective students' ability to complete the complex real-world projects that are addressed in the MBA curriculum.
Are scholarships and financial aid available?
Yes. Active-duty military, reservists, the National Guard and veterans, as well as federal and state employees (other than the State of Colorado) may qualify for the Tuition Reduction Program. Companies interested in learning more about the Corporate Partnership Program may contact Nicole Olsen.
The College of Business offers corporate partnerships for companies that refer or support multiple students in this online professional MBA program simultaneously. The program provides both entities with valuable benefits as a long-term relationship is forged. Companies interested in learning more about the Corporate Partnership Program may contact Travis Maynard.
Are Colorado State University professional MBA programs accredited?
Absolutely. Since 1970, both the online and the on-campus professional MBA programs have been accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), the benchmark of academic excellence for business schools. Less than 5 percent of business schools worldwide achieve this distinction. The AACSB review process examines educational outcomes, faculty research and tenure, the program’s connection to the larger business community and the impact faculty and students have on society. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to using business for a better world and helping students reach their professional goals.
Are the Online MBA program and the Evening MBA program similar?
Actually, the coursework is identical, with the same syllabus, material, lectures, and class discussions. Students must meet the same high academic standards. The difference is the method of delivery of course material and the time it takes to complete the program. The Evening MBA program is completed over the course of 2 years, with students attending in-person classes twice weekly. The Online MBA can be completed in as little as 21 months or students can take up to 5 years. Online classes are completed at times that work best for the individual student, rather than at set times during the week. In both degree programs, you earn a Master of Business Administration degree from the College of Business at Colorado State University. There is no difference on your diploma or official transcripts.
How do I know if I qualify?
The general admission requirements are a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from an accredited four-year undergraduate institution or the successful completion of a graduate degree, and a minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience. Professional references, a resume and a statement of purpose help the College of Business evaluate your ability to perform well academically in a graduate program. A TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE is mandatory for international students who have not graduated from an American university or whose country has an official language other than English. Visit the MBA website for complete details.
What is the format of the program and courses?
The program formats are semester-based, with two eight-week sessions in each semester. Summer semesters are also eight weeks. The online MBA requires 42 credits and follows a lock-step curriculum. This means initial classes form a foundation for subsequent classes that build on content and provide continuity and integration of course material.
Does the MBA offer a specialized area of study?
The Online MBA program is designed with flexibility and specialization in mind. You’ll learn the fundamentals of business while exploring the program’s five foundational competencies: innovation, financial, leadership, data analytics and using business for a better world.
More than 40 percent of the curriculum consists of elective credits, encouraging you to explore your interests, deepen your expertise in a competency or pursue one of 12 certificate options. Our certificates can be completed at the same time as the MBA program and help you specialize in areas like marketing management, applied finance, corporate finance and organizational leadership.
What is the profile of students in the MBA program?
MBA students come from diverse backgrounds and locations, representing all 50 states and more than 46 countries. Our students come from a variety of professional industries and all walks of life. The flexible learning formats allow our students to plan their academic pursuits around their work and life commitments. From young professionals to seasoned business leaders, our students view the online MBA program as an opportunity to refine their skills, advance their careers or start a new career path entirely.
