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MBA Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to frequently asked questions about earning your Master of Business Administration at Wichita State University.

Do you offer any concentrations?

Yes. In addition to the general Master of Business Administration degree track, students who desire a more specialized degree can choose from the following MBA concentration areas:

Do you accept reference letters in place of reference forms?

Yes. If you'd prefer to ask your reference for a letter, we will gladly accept it instead of our provided form.

Who should reference forms be from?

Anyone who can speak positively on your behalf. Someone who has knowledge of your leadership potential is preferred, such as a past employer or faculty member.

Can you check that you've received all of my application materials?

Yes. Please call our office direct at 316-978-3230.

Can I register for classes within the MBA program prior to being admitted?

No. You must be formally admitted to both the Graduate School and the MBA program in order to enroll.

What prerequisites are required?

We require one prerequisite course: Business Statistics.

What if I don't have an undergraduate degree in business?

If your degree is not in business, then preparatory a course is required of you: ACCT 890A-1.

How about work experience? Is it required?

Our program does not require formal work experience in the field of business as an admission requirement, though prior work experience does provide you with an edge in this economy and more context for studies within the MBA program.

Do you interview applicants?

No. Interviews are not a part of our admission process.

How are applicants evaluated?

The admissions committee evaluates letters of recommendation, previous academic success, the applicant's personal goals essay and GMAT scores.

Are any MBA courses taught online?

Yes. We offer MBA classes in an online, hybrid, and traditional in-class format. All hybrid and traditional classes are taught on the main Wichita State University campus in the buildings known as W.Frank Barton School of Business.

When are classes offered?

Online, hybrid, and traditional classes are offered on a semester-basis during the fall, spring and summer. Hybrid and traditional courses are taught Monday through Thursday evenings beginning at either 5:30 or 7:05 p.m.

What is the tuition for the MBA program?

Is financial aid available?

Our program offers a small number of need-based fellowships which cover only a portion of tuition. Most graduate students are financing their degree through an employee benefit or subsidized loan.

Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam?

All applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received their undergraduate education in an English-speaking country, must submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). An IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL of 88 (Internet) / 230 (computer) / 570 (paper) or PTE Academic - 65 is required for the MBA program.

How will my admission decision arrive?

Graduate school will inform applicants of admission decisions by email. 

How long will it take for me to be notified once I've submitted my application materials?

For your application to be considered, all materials -- GMAT score, references, goals statement and resume -- are required. Once we have received your entire application packet, it typically takes two to four weeks for you to be notified.

If I'm admitted, may I defer my admission for personal reasons?

Yes. You may defer your admission for one semester. Please contact our office at 316-978-3230 to make this request.

If I'm denied admission, how do I re-apply?

All admissions decisions are final and there is no appeals process. However, you may re-apply during the next application cycle by completing another Application to Graduate School. We will keep materials such as your letters/forms of recommendation, statement of purpose and resume for one year from the date of your denial. You MUST meet admission deficiencies prior to re-applying.

I wasn't admitted. Can you tell me why?

Yes. Please contact the MBA director for an explanation as to why your admission application was denied.

What other graduate programs are offered by the W. Frank Barton School of Business?

Besides the MBA we offer the Master’s in Accountancy, Master’s in Business Analytics, Master’s in Economics, Master’s in Human Resource Management, the Master’s in Supply Chain Management, and the Executive MBA. 

I'm still an undergraduate student. What advice do you have to increase my chances for admission?

We encourage you to call or  make an appointment to visit with a member of our staff. Depending on your undergraduate degree, we may advise you to take some prerequisites or program equivalencies as part of your remaining coursework. You may also be eligible to apply for the Senior Rule and start your MBA program during your last semester of undergraduate coursework.

Are transfer credits accepted?

Yes. We can accept up to 12 hours of coursework from another AACSB-accredited MBA program. Determinations are made by the MBA director and courses must fall into appropriate requirements of WSU's MBA program.

I already have a master's degree. Can any of my previous coursework count within the MBA program?

Yes. We may accept as many as 6 hours of coursework from a previous master's degree towards your MBA. This decision is at the discretion of the MBA director and typically applies to electives only.

Still have questions?

 

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