FAQ

How do I apply for admission to the MBA program?

Five months before your first semester, submit your application after receiving your GMAT scores. Use our timeline to make sure it’s complete. Have all official undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate transcripts sent to the Graduate College. If you’re applying for the accelerated program, submit your application during the second semester of your junior year.

Check the admission requirements. View the video to take a walk-through the process.

May I take the GRE instead of the GMAT? If so, what is the minimum score I have to make on the GRE?

We do accept the GRE for admission. A conversion chart (Flash required) is available through ETS. We do not accept the LSAT, MCAT or other professional exam other than the GMAT or GRE.

Please note: If you pursue a doctoral program in business, most universities won’t accept the GRE score and will require you to take the GMAT for admission.

May I take classes in the MBA program without taking the GMAT / GRE first?

Yes, but you must be a graduate-unclassified student (apply here) and also be otherwise qualified to be in the MBA program (i.e. meet a the required GPA of 2.75 for the last 60 hours of credit or feasibly meet the GPA requirement within one semester). We've written more on our blog.

Is there any way to be accepted on a conditional admission if I haven’t taken the GMAT/ GRE?

No. Unless you fully meet all admission requirements, you will not be admitted to the MBA program. You may begin as a graduate unclassified student.

Will you waive the test requirement?

We require students to complete the GMAT or GRE to be admitted to both the traditional and accelerated MBA programs. The score needed is determined by the admission formula found on the admission requirements page. We've discussed this topic more on our blog, too. A selected group of Missouri State COB students may waive the GMAT with a 3.50 cumulative GPA (full details are also on the admission requirements page).

Is it possible to complete an online MBA at Missouri State?

Yes!  Download a tentative map of courses here. We also offer evening sections and distance sites in Joplin, West Plains, and Lebanon (MO) to supplement these offerings if you plan to attend full-time.

How do I register for classes?

• Check to see if you have any holds on your registration by checking "Registration Status" in My Missouri State. Access common hold codes.
• Obtain release from the MBA advisor. You may make an appointment or simply email a list of your desired courses for the upcoming semester to the advisor. You must include your BearPass ID and the CRN (course reference number) for each course or the course subject code, course number and section number. Access more information on the registration process.
• Register on your scheduled registration date. This date may be found in "Advising Notes" in My Missouri State (under the Academics tab) or within Registration Resources (be sure to look at the sequence for the semester for which you wish to register). Registration is online through my.missouristate.edu, but you can register in person at the office of the registrar (Carrington 320) or at the Missouri State Outreach (Alumni Center, Suite 401).

We've made a video to help you through this process, too.

I need to move outside southwest Missouri and can’t finish my remaining course work at Missouri State. What can I do to finish my degree?

Nine hours of credit may be transferred from another AACSB-accredited MBA program but only with the approval from the MBA program director. See our transfer policies. Don't forget that we have a part-time online option that might be able to help you out, too!

If I repeat a course, how does this affect my GPA?

You may re-take a course for any reason at any time and only the last attempt of the course will count (if the class is taken for audit or visitor status, this statement is not true). Therefore, the original attempt is removed from the GPA. Please review the university’s repeat policy for further questions. Undergraduate coursework taken for foundation requirements does not factor into the graduate-level or program GPA.

What are the graduation requirements for the MBA program?

Each student must complete the following to graduate from our program:

1. Submit an Advisor-Approved Program of Study form to the MBA Advisor for approval of course work. Students should complete this form before completing 15 hours of credit in the MBA program.
2. Prior to the last semester, submit the Application for Graduation online.
3. Maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA in courses approved by program advisor.
4. Earn no more than 3 “C” grades in courses approved by program advisor. If you carry more than 3 “C” grades at any time during the program, you may be dismissed at discretion of the MBA program director. “C-“ or lower grades do not qualify as a passing grade for any course and therefore must be repeated to count toward the approved courses for graduation. See the Academic Regulations section of the Graduate Catalog for more information.

Watch the video to learn more about this requirement.

How much does the MBA program cost? How can I find out if I pay resident or non-resident rate tuition?

The tuition for the MBA program is approved by the University’s Board of Governors each April. Expected costs for international students do differ.
Your tuition will vary based on your residency status.

What kinds of financial assistance are available?

1. Graduate assistantships: Each department has its own requirements for materials, but each department requires the common application. Complete this form and make several copies for each department to which you apply. Also, be sure to send a resume with each application. Visit the graduate assistantships page on the Graduate College website for current openings.
2. Scholarships: Please review our Costs and Aid page for more details.
3. Financial aid (if eligible): Many students are eligible for some federal financial assistance for graduate school. Please refer to our university’s financial aid page for more information.
4. Student employment: Our student employment services office assists students in searching for part-time, on- and off-campus employment. For full-time employment opportunities, be sure to register with and contact the University’s Career Center, conveniently located in Glass Hall, Room 103.

How do I get an internship? How do I qualify for CPT or OPT?

You have a few resources available to you for internship leads. The University’s Career Center, academic departments and our office post internships as they become available. Once you have found an internship, you must obtain approval through both the department head of the content area (e.g. an internship as a computer programmer would likely meet with the department head of computer information systems) and the Career Center.