MBA Frequently Asked Questions
General Introduction
- Do I need an undergraduate business degree to apply?
- How do I know the MBA is a right fit for me?
- What kind of career opportunities are there with an MBA degree?
- Is the school accredited?
Entry Requirements & Application Process
- When are applications accepted and what is the timeline for applying to the MBA program?
- What are the specific program requirements?
- How important is the Statement of Purpose?
- Who should the recommendations come from?
Degree Design & Coursework
- Do I have to come to campus as part of my program or is it all at a distance?
- How are the courses set up?
- How long will it take to complete the program?
Financial Aid & Program Costs
- What is the cost of the program? What if I live out of state?
- Can I get financial aid even if I keep my full-time job?
General Introduction
Do I need an undergraduate business degree to apply?
No, you do not. Our goal is to admit students who offer diverse experiences and perspectives that enrich class discussion and collaboration. Therefore, we carefully consider applicants who represent a wide spectrum of academic and work experiences.
How do I know the MBA is a right fit for me?
To help you determine if the MBA program is right for you, you may have discussions with supervisors, colleagues, professors, and family. But sometimes, you just have to have an honest discussion with yourself about where you are professionally, where you aspire to go, and what is the best way to get there. Getting an MBA is really about “fit.” Therefore, some questions you might ask yourself include:
- Am I ready to take my career to the next level?
- Do I want to engage in collaborative activities with colleagues around the world?
- Is now the right time to develop my business acumen?
- Can I benefit from the practical application of my classroom experiences?
If you answered yes to those questions and look closely at our curriculum and case-study approach, you will find there is a good fit between your goals and Stephens’ MBA program!
What kind of career opportunities are there with an MBA degree?
MBA graduates are qualified for diverse careers in a variety of industries including Marketing, Corporate Management, Education, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Healthcare Administration.
Yes! Stephens College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
Entry Requirements & Application Process
When are applications accepted and what is the timeline for applying to the MBA program?
Stephens accepts applications on a rolling basis with entry allowed in January, June and August. Because of the number of qualified applicants, individuals should submit their application materials in a timely manner to ensure consideration for the term for which they are applying. Graduate, Online & Non-credit Programs admissions staff recommends completing your application at least 30 days prior to the start of the academic term you wish to begin. For example: December 1 for the January term, May 1 for the June term, and July 1 for the August term.
What are the specific program requirements?
At the program level, admission is determined by the departmental evaluation of previous record and recommendations to clearly evidence the ability to do advanced work of the highest quality. The MBA program also requires an interview which may be conducted online or over the phone. To be considered for admission, all applicants must meet application requirements and the following academic criteria:
- possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- have earned a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
Who should the recommendations come from?
Applicants must submit three professional recommendations as part of their application. Recommenders should be individuals who know the candidate in a professional capacity and who can attest to the applicant’s leadership ability. It is suggested that at least one recommendation come from a current or recent supervisor. Other acceptable recommendations include those from former or current professors as well as colleagues with whom applicants may have had a professional working relationship. Recommendations from family members, spouses, and friends are highly discouraged since they do not meet the professional capacity criteria.
How important is the Statement of Purpose?
The Statement of Purpose requirement is an important component in your application because it provides considerable insight to your communication skills, critical thinking ability, and fit for the program. It should articulate your intentions for pursuing an MBA, as well as demonstrate that you have a background to support your academic goals. In terms of length, the Statement of Purpose should contain no less than the 300-500 word requirement. Applicants will do well to cover three basic points:
- Why you want to study in the MBA program
- Experiences you have in the field
- What you plan to do with the degree when you graduate
Do I need a GMAT score to show I am qualified?
Although you may submit your GMAT score to Stephens for consideration, it is not required for acceptance to our program. Stephens MBA faculty members are dedicated to alleviating the barriers to higher education expressed by busy professionals interested in advancing their careers through graduate business education. Some working professionals may lack the time to prepare for the GMAT and not everyone does well on standardized tests. Our faculty used their professional expertise, business school benchmarks, extensive literature review and academic assessment methods to create a professionally sound, credible valuation of student ability that is used along with other evidence to evaluate applicants. It is the totality of experiences that makes a student qualified!
Degree Design & Coursework
Do I have to come to campus as part of my program or is it all at a distance?
No, you will not need to come on campus for class. Courses for the MBA are taught entirely online.
All online courses at Stephens use the Blackboard system. Our MBA faculty members provide engaging activities and learning opportunities that facilitate practical application by students in diverse workplaces. Each instructor is responsible for developing the syllabus which may include a variety of types of assessments ranging from papers to tests to projects.
How long will it take to complete the program?
Our graduate business classes are taught in online modules that consist of eight-week accelerated sessions. Most of our students take one class per session. Taking one class per session, the program takes approximately 2 ½ years to complete.
Financial Aid & Program Costs
What is the cost of the program? What if I live out of state?
We are a private school, but our costs are comparable to market value. In fact, our MBA was recently ranked #12 Best Buy by GetEducated.com out of 51 regional schools for an online Masters! There is no tuition differential for in-state and out-of-state tuition. Current tuition rates can be found in our catalog.
Can I get financial aid even if I keep my full-time job?
Federal financial aid is available for graduate students who qualify. The first step to receiving financial aid is to complete the FAFSA. Our school code is 002512. Students desiring additional financial assistance should also investigate whether their employer offers fringe benefits that include tuition reimbursement or consider loans from private lenders.
