Frequently Asked Questions (and answers!)
Our frequently asked questions are separated into two areas: Curriculum and Admissions.
Curriculum FAQ
How many hours are required?
Both the Distance MBA and the On-campus MBA programs require a minimum of 36 hours of coursework. Both programs also require up to 5 Foundation Courses.
Can I start taking classes before I am admitted?
You must be officially admitted to the MBA program prior to enrolling in any of the graduate level classes.
The semester has already started. Do I have to wait until the next semester begins to get started?
Yes. Classes begin only once during the semester.
What is the average completion time for MBA students?
The average time is 2 to 3 years. You can complete the MBA in as little as 18 months.
What is the maximum amount of time I have to complete the degree?
You have a maximum of 5 years to complete your degree. The 5 year period begins with the first 600-level course.
Do you offer a Master's in _________ (i.e., IS, Accounting, Finance)?
The only graduate degree we offer is a Master of Business Administration with the Areas of Emphasis. On campus Areas of Emphasis are listed here. Distance Areas of Emphasis are listed here.
Do you offer a Ph.D. program?
No. The only Ph.D. program in Business in the University of Colorado system is offered by University of Colorado at Boulder.
Is the MBA program accredited?
Yes. The Graduate School of Business Administration is accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business. Only 30% of all business schools nationwide hold this professional accreditation. AACSB accreditation is an assurance that students will be part of a high-quality program.
How do I know if I qualify as a Colorado Resident?
This is determined by Admissions & Records. All residency issues should be referred to them at (719) 255-3383. Active-duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in Colorado are eligible for instate tuition.
Can I take courses both on-campus and online via the Distance MBA program?
Yes. Once a you are admitted to the MBA program, you are eligible to take courses both on-campus and on-line. All Core and Foundation Courses are offered in both delivery methods.
Do you offer career placement services?
Yes we do. The College of Business Career and Placement office helps students and alumni find internships and employemnt. The office is located in Dwire Hall Rm. 301.You may visit the Career & Placement office online or via email.
Admissions FAQ
What are the admission requirements for the program?
The two primary factors are prior academic performance and scores on a standardized graduate school entrance exam. The GMAT or the GRE are the two standardized tests we take.
What is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®) is a standardized assessment — delivered in English — that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. The admissions committee uses the test as one predictor of academic performance.
What is the GRE?
The GRE® General Test measures critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study.
Will you accept the results of other standardized tests like the LSAT?
We will accept LSAT, MCAT, or DAT results for applicants who hold the corresponding professional law, medical, or dental degree.
- MCAT = Medical College Admission Test
- LSAT = Law School Admission Test
- DAT = Dental Admission Test
How do I register for the GMAT?
Refer to www.mba.com for comprehensive test and registration information.
How do I register for the GRE?
Refer to www.ets.org for comprehensive test and registration information.
When should I take the GMAT or the GRE?
Take one of these exams at least one month prior to the application deadline for the semester for which you are applying. Although you will get an unofficial score report as soon as you finish testing, the official score report takes 2-3 weeks to reach us. Applicants are advised to fax unofficial score reports to our office to expedite the admissions process. The MBA Advising office fax line is: (719) 255-3100.
What are the school codes for the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs?
GMAT: School codes are no longer used. UCCS will be listed as an option under Part-time MBA programs.
GRE: Requires 2 codes
School Code: 4874
Department Code (Business): 4201
Is there a minimum score accepted on the GMAT or the GRE?
Although the Admissions Committee looks at all scores, the total score submitted from the GMAT is an important factor in our application process. The range for the GMAT total score is 200 to 800. The average GMAT score of admitted applicants to the UCCS MBA program is 550.
On the GRE, there are three scored sections. The two sections with strong significance in the application process are the Verbal and Quantitative sections, both with a score range of 200 to 800. The average GRE score of admitted applicants is 1,120 (verbal + quantitative).
Will you accept standardized test scores that are more than 5 years old?
Yes, we will. GMAT keeps test scores indefinitely. However, GRE scores are only kept on record for a limited amount of time, so please contact them to see if they still have your scores. We cannot accept GRE scores directly from you; they must be sent to us from either GRE or from your prior university.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
No. The average undergraduate grade point average for admitted MBA students is approximately 3.10.
What if my GMAT/GRE or GPA is below average?
The Admissions Committee looks at the applicant's entire application package and evaluates a student based on the big picture. Although letters of recomendation are optional, they are encouraged for applicants who's test score or GPA is below our published average.
What should I include in my Statement of Interest?
The Statement of Interest is your chance to address the Admissions Committee. You should explain why you want to pursue an MBA and what you bring to the program. This is also a good place to address any weaknesses in your application (i.e., low test score, lack of work experience, inconsistent undergraduate grades, etc.). The Statement of Interest does not have any length requirements.
