Specific requirements to enter an MBA program vary from one institution to the next. Research the requirements for your particular school by visiting the school's business program website.
To enter into any MBA program, you must first fill out an application. Depending on the institution you decide to attend, you may have the option to complete this application online. Some institutions require applicants to pay a nonrefundable application fee.
Most institutions require incoming MBA applicants to hold a bachelor's degree (any discipline) from an accredited four-year undergraduate university or college, with a specific minimum grade point average (GPA) that varies by school. Your school will verify your undergraduate degree by requiring that you submit official transcripts from all of colleges or universities you have attended. If you attended a graduate program at another school, the transcripts from that institution are used to award transfer credits (credits awarded for courses completed from another institution).
Some graduate schools require applicants to submit official results from a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Both the GMAT and GRE are used by graduate schools to access an applicant's potential to complete the MBA program.
MBA programs will recommend or even require applicants to have a minimum number of years of full-time work experience. Your resume serves the purpose of providing proof of your professional history, and/or it could earn you college credits for life experience (professional experience credits). If professional credits are granted, they reduce the number of courses you must complete to finish your MBA degree.
To gauge how well you work with others in a business or academic setting, a school may request letters of recommendations. A letter of recommendation is a summation of how others view you professionally, academically or personally. Request recommendations from individuals who will give you an excellent review.
On average, 36 credits --13 three-hour courses -- are required for completion of a MBA degree. You may be required to maintain a specific minimum GPA as well. Most credits are from core credits (courses required for all participants in the MBA program) and general/elective credits (courses you select from a group of courses offered within the MBA program). If you are completing the program in an online format (distance learning), a minimum residency requirement might be required, which means you'll have to attend some courses on campus.
Upon completing all curriculum requirements, students can begin preparing for graduation. Most schools require students to fill out a graduation application, pay all past-due tuition and fees (if any) and gain approval of the faculty board of trustees.