Frequently Asked Questions

The Broad School of Business offers the following program option to pursue your MBA:

Full-Time 21-Month MBA

The Broad School of Business seeks applications from highly motivated individuals seeking to be part of a team-based Full-time MBA program. The Broad MBA program welcomes applications from college graduates in all fields. Admission to the program is granted to students who appear well-suited for management careers based on academic ability, maturity, motivation, leadership, and communication skills, as well as on personal and professional accomplishments.

The traditional 21-month MBA starts in August and ends in May two years later. Classes take place on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing during the day, with some evening and weekend commitments. All students are expected to pursue a professional internship opportunity that usually takes place during the summer between the first and second years of the program. This internship allows for the candidate to develop work experience related to their area of study, and to refine and polish professional skills.

Without work experience, the relevancy of the course material will be minimal. To enhance their knowledge and be effective in their future career, students need to be able to relate concepts to prior work experiences. Also, in the Broad School's team-based learning approach, work experience will enable students to be an asset for their team in dealing with projects and assignments. It will make them a strong contributor, while their teammate's backgrounds will enhance their experience.

If applicants are just graduating from an undergraduate program, they can still apply for the Broad Full-Time MBA Program here at Michigan State University. We select a very small number of applicants each year. Successful applicants without post-undergraduate work experience possess a strong undergraduate GPA, solid GMAT score, demonstrated leadership in and outside the classroom, community involvement, maturity, a clear goal set, and at least one undergraduate summer internship.

All parts of the application package are equally evaluated. The GMAT, undergraduate transcript, resume, essays, letters of recommendation, and the interview, if granted, are all evaluated closely to judge the applicant. No one part of the application is more important than the other.

What we look for in a resume is a career progression. Whether with the same firm or with several different organizations, we look at progression in job responsibilities and skills sets. We also want to see not only a description of what the candidate performed at each job, but also how the candidate contributed to the organization to advance or improve it.

No. Due to our integrated MBA course curriculum, we only admit students to the fall semester (August semester) each year.

We require all students to complete our two-year program in its entirety. We do not accept transfer credit, either to reduce the overall number of credit hours needed to graduate or to fulfill specific courses required for the program.

Typically, the Broad MBA program enrolls a class of approximately 100 students each year. Over the course of our MBA experience, students have an opportunity to network with approximately 300 students (approximately 100 in the second-year class during a student's first year and then another 100 who will be in the first-year class during a student's final year).

The 21-month MBA program follows a traditional academic calendar. Students begin the program in mid- to late-August and complete their first year of studies in the spring of the following year. Our flexible curriculum allows first-year students to choose detailed courses in their concentration areas, just in time to apply their new knowledge to summer internships. During the summer, MBA students work as interns with leading corporations and consulting firms. Elective courses are continued during the second year and graduation takes place in early May.

Each applicant is evaluated as an individual. Ultimately, the Admissions Committee assesses how each applicant fits with the strategic goals of the MBA Program. To assess this fit, we study academic record, GMAT results, TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international candidates only), work experience (both quantity and quality), personal and professional accomplishments, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and an invitation-only, evaluative interview.

While we do not have a minimum GMAT score, our median score is 640. That means 50 percent scored below this mark and 50 percent scored above it; GMAT alone does not guarantee or deny admission to the program.

The Broad MBA requires all non-native speakers of the English language to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Candidates should achieve scores at or above the Broad MBA minimums: TOEFL iBT: 100; TOEFL CBT: 250; and IELTS: average score of 7. Candidates who score below these minimums are not accepted. Valid test scores must be received with the application for admission packet. Application packets without the test scores will be considered incomplete and not reviewed until the score is provided. Candidates who hold a degree from a U.S. university or college are not required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants who have completed a degree from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction, may request a waiver of the TOEFL or IELTS. To request a waiver, a written waiver request should be submitted with the application for admission. This request must accompany evidence or proof of language instruction, including such proof as documentation on the degree transcript or a letter from the institution on official letterhead.

International students who have graduated from a U.S. or English speaking university may submit a request with the application for admission to waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. Please note that proof of the mode/method of instruction is required for consideration.

If an applicant takes the GMAT or TOEFL/IELTS more than once, the Admissions Committee will evaluate only the highest score reported (provided that all scores reported are still valid). The Broad MBA Program does not average multiple scores.

No, the GMAT is required for all applicants to the Broad MBA Program.

In addition to quantity of work experience, quality of experience is also closely scrutinized, with an emphasis on professional career progression, teamwork and leadership experience, and quantifiable business results or achievements.

No, many of our best MBA candidates have work experience from a variety of fields, including technical and service-oriented professions. We have had engineers, teachers, computer scientists, authors, entrepreneurs, chemists, lawyers, political aides, biologists, and even former professional athletes enter and successfully complete the Broad MBA program.

We encourage applicants who have done high-caliber work, but only have a couple of years of experience, to apply. Remember, we seek at least 24 months of post-undergraduate work experience. This experience should include evidence of career progression, teamwork and leadership, and quantifiable business results.

No, however, it is still a positive factor toward admission, and a strong co-op experience or professional internship can certainly add to a candidate's overall profile. Applicants should be sure to demonstrate contributions to the organization on their resume, similar to the detail for a regular position, not just roles and responsibilities.

No, many Broad MBAs have not had business courses prior to entering the program. The curriculum is structured to accommodate students from all educational backgrounds. On average, 48 percent of our class is made up of students with a business background; 33 percent with a science or engineering background; and 19 percent with a background in the social sciences or liberal arts (Class of 2009 data).

No, the Broad MBA Program does not admit any student who has previously attended an MBA program (or equivalent) at another school. A total of 58 credits must be completed at the Broad School to earn an MBA from Michigan State University.

No, the Broad MBA program does not admit any student who has previously earned an MBA degree (or equivalent) from another school.

Yes, all MBA students are required to own a laptop computer prior to the start of classes. There are several wireless hot spots located around the Business Complex, in the Gast Business Library, and the Owen Graduate Center. To enhance the learning environment and to prepare students for a technology-based work environment, the Broad MBA program is committed to integrating computer skills into the classroom. Each MBA core course is tied into an online learning management system called ANGEL. With ANGEL, students find course lectures, handouts, solution sets, email options, discussion servers, class profiles and other links. In addition, the MBA Career Services Center uses a web-based system called eRecruiting to schedule interviews and manage all student recruitment information.

Yes, at the Broad School, MBA students are highly encouraged to take advantage of the global learning opportunities available to them. In addition to the international topics offered as part of the curriculum and a global student population, we also provide opportunities for a unique dual-degree program with the Thunderbird School and multiple study abroad programs.

Broad MBAs who take advantage of the block tuition structure can pursue elective courses in the foreign languages or other areas of interest. The block tuition structure gives students the option to pursue additional business electives or electives in other fields of interest at MSU without having to pay for extra credits. Additional opportunities exist within the Broad MBA program for exposure to other languages and cultures—participate in an international study abroad program, mingle with our uniquely global student population, or enroll in international business classes.

Prospective applicants can click here and use the Apply Online! link. Applicants should follow the directions in our online application system. Once username and password for an account are established, applicants can access their application anytime they like up until the time they submit. The application fee is $85. All application information can be submitted online, including letters of recommendation. Supporting documents not completed online, such as transcripts, can be mailed to MBA Admissions, 215 Eppley Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. Once we receive the mailed documents, we will process them with the rest of the completed online application.

The Broad MBA program uses the batch admissions (or admission by rounds) process. By following this process, the number of seats available in our MBA class decreases as the admissions year goes on and selectivity increases. For these reasons, the Admissions Committee encourages all applicants to apply as early as possible. Applying early will ensure that applicants maximize their competitiveness for admission and for scholarships/graduate assistantships.

Typically, applicants can expect a decision within 30 to 60 days of submitting a complete application and finishing the invitation-only, evaluative interview. Incomplete applications will lengthen the usual processing time, and heavy application flow during certain periods of time can necessitate a longer processing time. Please understand that calls just to "check the status" of an application also lengthens the overall processing time. We encourage applicants to monitor the status of their application through our online application system. This system can be accessed by clicking here (applicants will need their PIN and password).

All applicants are officially notified of the Admissions Committee's decision by way of our online application system (access by clicking here). Admitted students will receive formal letters of admission from the Broad School and MSU's Graduate School.

Our view book is downloadable here (PDF file) or applicants can click here to request that a view book be mailed to them. Or anyone can call our office at (800) 4-MSU-MBA or (517) 355-7604 to request a view book.

Yes. All applicants admitted to the program must complete an invitation-only, evaluative interview. During the interview, the applicant's attitude, professionalism, maturity, ability to work with people, and fit with the MBA Ppogram will be assessed.

All applicants to the Broad MBA program are considered automatically for scholarships and graduate assistantships when the Admissions Committee evaluates the application for admission. However, applicants should apply early in the admissions year to be most competitive for a financial award. If an award is made, applicants are notified in their admission letter. No additional paperwork is needed to be considered for a financial award from the Broad MBA program.

Domestic U.S. students may also apply for additional financial aid in the form of loans. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. For more information on financial assistance, contact the Michigan State University Office of Financial Aid.

Individual visits to the Broad MBA program may be scheduled online by clicking here. During this visit, prospective applicants may schedule any of the following activities: evaluative interview, classroom visit, tour of the business school facilities, and/or meeting with an admissions staff member. Visits are available Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Please note that the ability to meet with students and visit class will be unavailable during holiday breaks and exam times.

Broad MBA staff members routinely travel around the world to attend different MBA forums and recruiting events. Our website has a listing of recruiting event locations and dates.

When an applicant has already applied, we have much of the information we will need. However, applicants who are reapplying will need to obtain a current application, and resubmit certain sections. Reapplication instructions may be obtained by email from Ms. Beth Thomas (thomase@bus.msu.edu) to obtain reapplication instructions. Applicants who are reapplying that have previously interviewed need not be interviewed again. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an additional interview if it considers it necessary.

No, many Broad MBAs have not had business courses prior to entering the program. The curriculum is structured to accommodate students from all educational backgrounds. On average, 34 percent of our class is made up of students with a business background; 23 percent with a engineering background; 28 percent humanities/social sciences, 8 percent Info systems/computer science, and 7 percent with a background in the math or physical science (Class of 2010 data).

All applicants to the Broad MBA Program are considered automatically for scholarships and graduate assistantships when the Admissions Committee evaluates the application for admission. However, applicants should apply early in the admissions year to be most competitive for a financial award. Applicants are notified if an award is made in their admission letter. No additional paperwork is needed to be considered for a financial award from the Broad MBA program.

All applicants to the Broad MBA program must hold a four-year undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree or the U.S. equivalent. Candidates who hold a three-year undergraduate degree along with a master's degree are also eligible to apply.

Academic credentials are only evaluated as a part of the application for admission process. Some candidates may wish to use an independent credential evaluation agency (WES and ECE are such agencies) to determine four-year equivalency. Applicants may submit the evaluation results with the application for admission.

No, many Broad MBAs have not had business courses prior to entering the program. The curriculum is structured to accommodate students from all educational backgrounds. On average, 34 percent of our class is made up of students with a business background; 23 percent with a engineering background; 28 percent humanities/social sciences, 8 percent Info systems/computer science, and 7 percent with a background in the math or physical science (Class of 2010 data).

Please arrange for one official, certified, or attested university or professional school records of subjects and mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas, and/or certificates to be sent to the MBA admissions office from the principal or registrar (or by the Ministry of Education in your country) of each school you have listed on your application. All records must be submitted via postal mail or in-person (facsimile or electronic records are not accepted). Un-certified photocopies and transcripts "issued to student" are not acceptable. Official translations must be furnished when originals are not in English. Original documentation may be required if admission to the Broad MBA is granted.

The Broad MBA seeks each applicant to have a minimum of two years (24 months) of post-undergraduate work experience. This is experience obtained after completion or certification of the undergraduate degree. Internships and Co-ops during the course of your undergraduate education are not considered post-undergraduate experience. Candidates who have less than two years of experience may not be competitive for admission. Please note that post-undergraduate work experience is only evaluated as a part of the application for admission process.