Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have majored in business in order to get an MBA?
No. Only about a third of our MBA students were business majors. The majority of our students studied technical areas in their undergraduate studies.
Can I visit an MBA class?
Absolutely! Contact us at mba@bradley.edu to choose a class to audit. All MBA courses are held in the evenings beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Do you offer courses online?
All MBA classes are held on campus, with the exception of certain electives, which may be offered online at the discretion of the instructor.
How can I apply? Begin an online application on the Graduate School website. To be considered for the MBA program, candidates must submit the following materials with their completed application:
- Essay response
- Non-refundable application fee of $40 ($50 for international applicants)
- Official transcript(s) from degree-granting institutions
- Two current letters of recommendation
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) exam results
- Current resume
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) results (if your native language is not English)
The Executive MBA Program follows a separate application process. Visit the Executive MBA program website to learn more about applying for admission and download an application.
What are the minimum requirements for admission for the GMAT, GPA and number of years of work experience?
The Graduate Admission Committee prefers a GMAT score above 500 and a GPA in the last 60 semester hours above a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). The GMAT is just one criterion our admission committee considers and is not the only indicator for success in business school. GMAT scores are valid for five years from the testing date to the application deadline to which you are applying.
We have no minimum requirements for work experience. Previous work experience greatly enriches one's experience in the classroom; we recommend candidates have at least two years of full-time work experience to be able to participate fully in classroom discussions and group projects.
For more information about admission requirements, visit the Graduate School catalog.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Ideally, one of your letters of recommendation should be written by your current supervisor or manager. We prefer that the second letter of recommendation be from a professor who has taught you recently. If you do not have a recent professor, it should be from someone who can objectively evaluate your professional performance as well as managerial and leadership potential, such as a former supervisor, previous employer, client, etc.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, to ensure a seat in the following semester, fall semester applications must be received by August 1, and applications for spring semester entrance must be received by January 1. Recommended submission deadlines for international students are October 15 for spring and April 15 for fall.
How long does it take to make a decision regarding admission?
Once your application is complete, you should be notified via mail in four to six weeks.
Do I need to take the GMAT?
Yes, the GMAT is required for admission to all graduate business programs except for the Executive MBA program. The GMAT is a standardized test designed to measure aptitude for graduate study in management. Applicants must arrange to take the test in sufficient time to permit processing of the application with the test results. For reporting the test results, the Bradley University GMAT institutional code is 1070. Information about the GMAT may be obtained by visiting https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat.
Do I need to take the TOEFL test (international students only)?
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency as demonstrated by a score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or by a score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Exemption from the TOEFL will be considered for applicants with a U.S. degree or those from a country in which the official language is English. Bradley's institutional code for score reporting is 1070.
Which score does the Admissions Committee consider if I take the GMAT and/or TOEFL more than once?
The Admissions Committee will only consider your highest test score.
Do you waive the GMAT exam requirement?
The GMAT exam may be waived if the applicant has earned a terminal degree in his/her profession (i.e. JD or PhD); if the candidate has a master's degree in an analytically rigorous discipline (i.e. mathematics, engineering, etc.) and a master's GPA of at least 3.4 or better; or if the candidate has 5+ years of relevant work experience with at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of prior coursework. The decision to waive the GMAT rests with the Associate Dean. To request a waiver, the applicant must begin an application and submit a GMAT Waiver Request Form through the Test Scores page of the application. The results of the waiver request will be communicated via the email address provided on the application. If approved, the form will be attached to the application materials in lieu of test scores and the; if denied, the applicant will be required to provide GMAT results with the application.
Contact us at mba@bradley.edu or call us at (309) 677-2914 with any questions.
Where and when are MBA classes held?
All MBA classes are held in the evenings in the Business and Engineering Convergence Center location of the Bradley campus. Classes typically meet from 5:30-8:30 p.m. two nights a week, either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.
How many courses can I take in a semester? How long will it take me to finish the program?
Part-time students typically take two courses per semester—one at a time for seven weeks at a time. Full-time students typically take three to four courses per semester. Part-time students can complete the program in as little as two years, and full-time students can complete the program in as little as one calendar year.
What is the cost per semester hour? Is financial aid available?
MBA program costs are charged per semester hour. For the most up-to-date information on tuition, expenses, and fees, please visit the Graduate School website. We offer scholarships, assistantships, and loans to help finance your education. Visit the Graduate School’s Financial Assistance webpage for more information, including application information for graduate assistantship positions.
How can I learn more about Bradley University’s Foster College of Business graduate programs?
Contact us! Email us at mba@bradley.edu.
