So you want to earn an MBA. You are all geared up, you have taken your entrance exam, and you are ready to begin. Only one little problem, you weren't a business major in college. Translation, you do not have the prerequisites for the MBA program. Well, do not fret my friend there is hope for you yet and I have proof. You are told your only option is to go back and get the 24+ hours in Accounting, financing, management... However, now there are many more options out there.
Instructions
1. 1. Many schools do not just look at your academic prerequisites, but look at your related experience as a possible prerequisite. This means if you have been a manager for several years they may waive the undergraduate management requirement. This could end up saving you valuable time and money if you decide to return and take the prerequisites through traditional classes.
2. 2. Many schools offer conditional admissions meaning you are accepted into the program on the condition you complete your prerequisites. You can take your prerequisites under the graduate program. You still have to take all of the courses but since you are a degree seeking graduate student you qualify for the same financial assistance and loans as any graduate student.
3. 3. There are also many schools who offer a post-graduate or pre-MBA program. However, you will not qualify for student loans and financial aid under some of these programs.
4. 4. An MBA Boot Camp is all of the prerequisites combined into one class. The class is usually listed as a graduate course. Again, admission is usually conditional, but you qualify for graduate student benefits and financial aid. This course is usually six credit hours. After auditing your transcripts, the school will let you know which courses you are missing. Programs such as those at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio are self-paced. This means you purchase the books for each subject, have one face-to-face class orientation and are responsible for completing the books, the chapter quizzes, and final exams online within twelve weeks at your own pace. Although this is not necessarily an easy process, having one professor for all of the courses may be better than six to eight professors. Once the course is completed your admissions status is changed from conditional to normal.
5. 5. 24 -30 hour of undergraduate prerequisites usually takes about 2-3 semesters to complete. Most graduate programs are 30-41 hours. It may be a better option to earn a Master's degree in a different area before starting an MBA. Many top-tier MBA programs waive the undergraduate prerequisites if you already have a master's degree.
6. 6. There are numerous online MBA programs that do not require the prerequisites. Just make sure to do your homework and be sure that the schools are legitimately accredited. You may also want to speak to previous graduates to find out how well their degree was accepted with potential employers.
7. 7. Finally, if you have no degree at all, you may want to consider one of the many five year programs schools are offering. Instead of the traditional route of a four-year degree, and two years MBA. You can go straight through for five years and graduate with the MBA.
Tags: graduate student, look your, Many schools, schools offer, This means, undergraduate prerequisites, waive undergraduate