When can I begin my MBA?
The On-Campus MBA program, as well as our Dual Degrees, greet a new cohort every fall semester.
What are the application deadlines?
On-Campus MBA
November 1 (Early)
December 1 (Round 1)
February 1 (Round 2 – final for international applicants)
April 1 (Round 3 – final for domestic applicants)
MBA/MS Sport Management
November 1 (Early)
February 1 (Final)
MBA/Master of Public Policy and Administration
February 1 (Final)
MBA/MS Engineering
February 1 (Final)
How will I receive an acknowledgement of application once I apply?
All applicants will receive an Acknowledgement Letter via email from the Graduate Admissions Office which includes your Admissions ID and Access Code. This will enable you to keep track of application materials that have been received. Additionally, the Isenberg Graduate Programs office will be in touch about incomplete materials and next steps.
How will I be notified if accepted?
Acceptance decisions are posted in SPIRE with instructions to confirm acceptance and an electronic acceptance letter will be posted by the UMass Graduate School. The Associate Dean and your academic advisor will email you with additional information to get started.
How long can I defer my acceptance?
Accepted students can defer their acceptance once, for up to one year. Contact your academic advisor to discuss further.
What are the requirements for applying to the On-Campus MBA?
Graduate School application and $85 Application fee (waived for military)
Personal statement
Resume/CV
Official transcripts of all universities/colleges attended
Two letters of recommendation
GMAT/GRE score (waiver may apply)
TOEFL/IELTS score (for international applicants only)
Interview (by invitation only)
How long should the personal essay be?
A personal essay should be one to two pages in length, and include information about your past and current academic and professional history, your future goals and reasons for pursuing the MBA, and other pertinent details that will help us evaluate you as a candidate.
Do I have to send a transcript with my application? Where do I send it?
Please submit your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, undergraduate and graduate, where nine (9) or more credits were earned. Unofficial transcripts uploaded to the Additional Materials page of your application are acceptable. Upon admittance, official transcripts will need to be submitted, either electronically or in paper format, directly by each institution's Registrar to the Graduate Student Service Center. Review After You Apply for instructions on submitting official transcripts.
Note: For international graduates, notarized and true attested copies of original academic documents are accepted. Evaluations may be required. Please contact our office for details.
My transcript is not in English. What should I do?
If the official transcripts and/or degree certificate(s) are not in English, our program requires an official English translation and/or an official credential evaluation from a NACES member in order to evaluate coursework and GPA in the admissions process. Notarized and true attested copies of original academic documents are accepted.
My transcript does not follow the U.S. 4.0 grading scale. What should I do?
A transcript evaluation may be requested in order to determine GPA/grade equivalency. Please contact grad@isenberg.umass.edu for more information.
Who should my professional recommendations come from?
Recommendations should be requested from individuals who know you on a professional level and well enough to provide specific examples and details regarding your past performance and competencies. If you are a recent college graduate, we encourage you to provide one academic and one professional reference.
What is the school code to send GMAT or GRE scores?
School Code: Isenberg-UMass Amherst - 3917
Do you offer GMAT/GRE waivers for the On-Campus MBA?
While a strong GMAT or GRE score enhances any application, candidates may make a case for admission without a GMAT or GRE score by submitting application materials that demonstrate strong professional experience and academic accomplishments, such as:
- Doctorate Degree, including a JD, PhD, PharmD, MD/DO, or international medical graduate with an ECFMG or Fifth Pathway
- Bachelor’s Degree with a 3.2 or higher cumulative GPA and 5+ years of professional work experience
PLEASE NOTE: As our admissions process is competitive, you are encouraged to submit a GMAT or GRE score to enhance the strength of your application should you not meet one of the criteria above. If you submit all application materials prior to taking an intended GMAT or GRE test, please email grad@isenberg.umass.edu and let us know so we can postpone review of your application until the GMAT or GRE results are received.
I am an international applicant; how do I find TOEFL/IELTS Information?
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate their English proficiency by submitting scores from a standardized English Language Proficiency Test. This is not required of U.S. citizens or non-U.S. citizens who hold U.S. Permanent Resident Status. For admission into the program, the minimum combined TOEFL score is 100; the minimum IELTS Academic combined score is 7; the minimum Duolingo English Test overall score is 120; and the minimum PTE Academic overall score is 68. Please note, when reviewing an application, the UMass Graduate School does not super score language tests (e.g., we do not accept the ETS MyBest Score set). Please consult the international applicants' page for more details.
How can I arrange an interview as part of admissions to the On-Campus MBA?
If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted to complete an interview either in person, Zoom, or Skype. Interviews are typically 30 - 45 minutes long.
How many credits are required for graduation?
There are 37 core credits required for the MBA although many students choose to take more, depending on the number of elective courses and focus areas added to their degree.
Can I specialize in a particular area of business in the MBA? Are there focus areas or concentrations?
Yes, you can choose elective courses that will help you get ahead in a particular area of business or earn a specialized degree. An academic advisor can assist you in developing a tailored concentration which would strengthen your skill set in areas of your choice. Each focus is an additional 9 elective credits. You can choose to focus in 2 areas, as long as you complete the full 9 elective credits in each. You can choose to focus on two areas if you complete the full nine elective credits in each. Focus areas include:
Business Analytics
Management and Entrepreneurship
Finance: Asset Management
Healthcare Administration
Do you offer dual-degree programs for On-Campus MBA students?
Yes! Our on-campus MBA program offers several MBA/MS dual degree options to consider. In partnership with the applicable departments, we currently offer dual degrees in programs: Business Analytics, Sport Management, Public Policy & Administration, and Engineering. You can learn more about these programs here.
Can On-Campus MBA students take elective courses from other departments at UMass Amherst?
Yes, as an On-Campus MBA student, you are welcome to take elective courses offered by another department to satisfy elective requirements. Students must gain approval from both departments prior to registration.
Is there an opportunity to earn academic credit for experiential learning projects?
Yes. In addition to taking elective courses, students have the option to put theory to practice in an experiential learning-based consulting project (3 - 6 credits) with for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. These projects allow students to apply their business knowledge and solve complex issues with a group of colleagues.
Is there any prerequisite coursework I need to complete before applying to the On-Campus MBA?
There is no prerequisite coursework; however, admitted students will be expected to successfully complete any assigned summer coursework in preparation for beginning the On-Campus MBA.
How is the program structured?
Designed as a cohort based program, all students progress through the core curriculum together during their first year on-campus. During the summer, students often partake in internships or study for industry exams. Upon returning for the second year, students complete the final two core courses before fulfilling elective credits. We follow a typical semester system – fall and spring semesters are 14 weeks.
Is there an option to fulfill the program requirements in less than two years?
Yes! Students can finish their final two core courses in the online program should they decide to leave the program after completing the first Fall and Spring semesters on-campus (this is most often done for a job offer). Additionally, students may graduate in December of their second year after completing all core requirements on campus.
How are the materials/classes presented?
Classes are held at the UMass Amherst campus. Presentation style varies per class including lectures, discussion groups, readings, and exams/papers. (Please note that each class varies, and the presentation methods/materials are at the discretion of the professor). Classes are typically held Monday through Thursday during the day, offering students Friday for group work, fellowship work, etc. However, the schedule may change year to year based on classroom and professor availability.
I am enrolling in my last class before I graduate, is there a form I need to fill out?
Congratulations on reaching your goal of completing your MBA! The academic advisor will be in communication with students about necessary forms and deadlines for graduation.
Note: An overall 3.0 GPA (B) must be maintained in order to graduate.
Will my focus area appear on the diploma?
The diploma will not reveal your focus area, but the transcript will. If you earn two focus areas, only one will officially be declared on your transcript.
Are there Honor Societies for the MBA Program?
Yes; students in the top 10% are inducted into Phi Kappa Phi while students in the top 20% are inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma.
Can I participate in MBA graduation ceremonies on campus?
YES! All eligible MBA students can participate in graduation ceremonies and receptions. You are eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies and receptions if you complete your MBA credits by May of the same year as graduation.
Can I participate in any networking events?
Yes, we offer many events including networking events, discussion panels, as well as social gatherings. Events may be offered both virtually and in-person.
What are the career resources that I can access as a student?
On-Campus Support Staff:
As an On-Campus MBA student, you will receive career support and guidance beginning at orientation from the Office of Career Success within Isenberg. A dedicated Chase Career advisor will be available to our On-Campus MBA students throughout the course of the program.
Our Director of MBA Alumni & Corporate Relations also works closely with our On-Campus MBA students to facilitate alumni introductions, host networking engagements and align you with the right resources to help you land that internship or post MBA job you are seeking.
Isenberg Resources:
- IConnect (tools, tips, tricks, recruitment, events, connections, etc.)
- Isenberg Alumni LinkedIn Group (Join at student level)
- Isenberg MBA Network
UMass Resources:
- Connect UMass
- UMass Handshake (UMass Amherst wide resource to connect with recruiters and view job openings)
- UMass Alumni Association (Students can request an Alumni ID using first time registration access as an accepted student)
What is the typical On-Campus MBA admissions profile?
Class Size: 40 - 45 students
Average Work Experience: 8 years
Average GMAT Score: 648
Average UGPA range: 3.45
Average TOEFL: 112
Gender Split: 56% Female, 44% Male
International: 30%
Dual Degree: 25%
Is the On-Campus MBA program STEM certified?
No, the On-Campus MBA program is NOT STEM certified no matter which focus area is chosen.
Is there a work experience requirement for the On-Campus MBA?
The On-Campus MBA requires 3 years of post-undergraduate work experience as we have found that this strengthens our classroom discussions and enables students to learn more from each other.
Am I at a disadvantage if I have not completed previous coursework in business?
No, many current students do not have previous coursework in business.
I earned an undergraduate degree that only took 3 years. Am I eligible to apply to the Isenberg MBA?
You must earn a degree from a 4-year institution or education that is equivalent to a 4-year degree (in some cases a course-by-course evaluation of academic history may be required). Please use the WES Degree Equivalency Tool to determine if an international student’s degree is equivalent to a 4-year US degree.
Can undergraduate students take MBA courses?
No, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a 4 year institution to enroll in MBA courses.
How do I get access to SPIRE, UMass Email and online library resources?
You need to activate your Student IT Account to get access to SPIRE, UMass Email, and Online library resources.
How do I search for and enroll in MBA courses?
All students can browse courses in SPIRE to review Isenberg course offerings. To register, login to SPIRE and click on Main Menu > Enrollment > Add Classes.
Can I preview my classes before they begin?
Yes! The MBA program uses Blackboard Learn (BBL) as its Learning Management System. Blackboard courses are available a week prior for registered students. This is a great opportunity every semester to introduce yourself and start to learn the navigation before having to learn the course content.
What course materials, such as textbooks, are required for my course?
Required course materials may be available by looking at the course notes and/or course syllabus all available in SPIRE OR through the MBA Toolkit in Blackboard Learn.
What, if anything, do I need to do over the course of the summer in preparation for beginning the program in the Fall?
Incoming students will register for and complete the four week Foundations of Accounting course as well as a self-paced Excel course during the summer months. Beyond these two courses, there is no additional academic prep work required. Students will have access to the MBA Toolkit in Blackboard Learn for updates and helpful resources provided by the department. Additionally, students should regularly check their UMass email.
Do students participate in an orientation prior to classes beginning?
Yes. Prior to the beginning of classes, all first-year students participate in the David C. O’Leary, Class of 1981, MBA Leadership Orientation Program. This is an immersive three-day orientation that takes place the week before classes begin. The program focuses on leadership and professional development such as interviewing techniques, networking strategies, and more, culminating with a networking reception at the UMass Club in downtown Boston.
Are there student clubs or organizations of which I can be a member?
Yes! Isenberg MBA Student Networks provide many opportunities for students to tailor their MBA experience. Student organizations open the doors to relationships, leadership development, and professional growth. Organizations include, but are not limited to; Graduate Business Association, Business Intelligence Club, Net Impact, and Graduate Women in Business. You can learn more about these organizations here.
What is the MBA fellowship program?
Any student (regardless of residency) who is given admittance into the on-campus program (dual degree students excluded) is awarded an MBA fellowship. There are no additional qualifications. The Fellowship program itself gives students a tuition waiver in return for 10 hours of work per week for Isenberg or another campus department in a strategic project. Students are paid a stipend of about $30/hour for their work and are also given healthcare. Students are responsible for paying miscellaneous fees (about $3,000 over the course of the two years) plus books and living expenses (which can vary based on your needs). In return, MBA Fellows get valuable hands-on experience while working on real initiatives for the school. You can find out more information about the breakdown of the fellowship here.
Do I get to select my fellowship placement?
Fellowship positions are typically assigned over the summer once the incoming class has been finalized. The office hopes to match our students to placements that best fit your past experiences, education and career goals. Should you have a strong desire to work on a particular project, you are welcome to inform the office of your opinion.
How do I apply for a transfer or waiver?
Graduate courses, taken within the previous three years that were not used to satisfy another degree, are eligible for transfer. You can transfer/waive up to two classes (6 credits) from another university toward your Isenberg MBA. Courses and their respective credits that transfer will reduce the number of credits required to complete your Isenberg MBA degree. Waivers do not reduce the number of credits; it simply allows you to replace a core class with an elective. In order for courses to be considered for transfers or waivers, please send us a description, a syllabus and an official transcript for each course. Please be specific about which Isenberg course you are requesting to have reviewed. We prefer to receive these requests via email to grad@isenberg.umass.edu.
Am I eligible for any MBA course exemptions or waivers if I have my CPA or a BS in Accounting?
You will be exempt from the foundation course in Accounting. In addition, Certified Public Accountants and those who have a Bachelor of Science in Accounting will be waived from the MBA core course, Financial and Managerial Accounting. As part of your application for admission, please include a copy of your CPA Certification or your official transcript for the BS in Accounting degree.
Am I eligible for any MBA course waivers based on previous degrees?
Yes; students may be eligible to waive a core class based on their undergraduate major or other graduate degree. This is typically addressed only with admitted students as they work with the advisors to schedule their first year of courses.
Will my military credits transfer for the Isenberg MBA?
Visit the American Council in Education (ACE) website to determine whether your military training courses qualify for credit. Once you determine which courses qualify, send an email, including the link to the ACE Course Exhibit web page to be reviewed by an advisor.
How do I know if courses have been approved for transfer or waiver?
The Graduate Programs Office will contact you to let you know which course(s) has been approved for transfer or waiver.
Does the MBA fellowship apply to all students?
All students admitted to the core MBA program (regardless of residency) are awarded the fellowship. There are no additional qualifications/applications. Dual students are subject to funding availability from the second degree department.
What additional fees will I be responsible for?
Students are responsible for paying miscellaneous fees (about $3,000 over the course of the program) plus books and living expenses (which can vary based on your needs). Graduate housing is currently unavailable on-campus. You will be able to work with the Off-Campus Housing Office once accepted into the program.
How will I receive my tuition bill?
You will be billed directly by the University Bursar's Office. Billing information will be sent to your UMass email account. Paper bills will not be generated. The bill can be viewed within SPIRE and paid directly online, or it can be downloaded and mailed with a check.
Is a deposit required prior to entering the On-Campus MBA program?
Yes. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required when you confirm acceptance to the On-Campus MBA and will be applied to the first fall semester bill.