Frequently-asked questions
1. Are there any prerequisites for the MBA program?
2. Is work experience required?
5. What are the requirements for international students? What services are available?
7. I work full-time: does this MBA program mostly serve full-time or part-time students?
8. I plan to be a part-time MBA student. How long will it take to complete the MBA?
9. Do you offer Saturday classes?
10. Are summer courses available?
11. What is the cost of the program? Is there financial aid available?
12. Where can I get additional information?
1. Are there any prerequisites for the MBA program?
We have MBA candidates from all undergraduate majors, and the only specific MBA Program prerequisite is a college-level (undergraduate) calculus course. If your prior studies did not include this prerequisite, you may apply to and be accepted to the MBA on a deferred or conditional matriculation basis.
Such a special matriculation status, which would be discussed in your admissions interview or your after you are admitted to the program, usually will require you to take the calculus course prior to starting MBA courses, but in certain cases, students may be permitted to take designated MBA courses while you are completing the calculus prerequisite.
If you're given such permission, you must complete the calculus course (with a minimum grade of B, or 3.0) within 3 terms, before enrolling in ECON 501 , INFO 501 or in any Advanced MBA courses (Categories III-V). If taken at another institution (see a list of authorized equivalents to MATH 114 - Calculus for Business), this must be documented with an official transcript sent to the MBA Office.
2. Is work experience required?
Work experience is not required for acceptance to the MBA program. However, work experience is considered a positive factor in the admissions decision, and most Montclair MBA candidates have worked full-time 3-6 years before applying to the program. Applicants who don't yet have professional experience should present strong academic credentials, personal statements, and recommendations.
Click here for more on work experience and references.
3. Is the GMAT required, and if so, what is the minimum score? Under what circumstances can the test be waived?
The GMAT is an MBA application requirement (the GRE cannot be substituted). You can submit virtually an entire application portfolio before taking the GMAT, but the standardized test scores must be received but before your application can be reviewed for admission.
We look for GMAT scores of 500 or better, and a balance between the Quantitative and Verbal scores (the Writing score is reviewed, but because we ask for a personal statement as part of your application, we will have an independent sample of your strengths in this area).
Please note, however, that the GMAT is not the only measure of your academic performance. If your other credentials meet our standards, your complete application will be reviewed even if the GMAT is below 500. We use a weighted scoring system for academic performance: for more information on this score and how it affects your application, click here.
The GMAT may be waived for applicants who already hold terminal degrees (PhD, MD, or JD), or certain MS degrees, from an accredited US college or university. For more information, click here.
4. Does the application differ for full-time or part-time enrollment, or for the Saturday-only MBA? What is the deadline for applying?
The admission requirements for the Montclair MBA are the same whether you plan to study part-time or full-time, and whether you choose our main campus MBA courses or the accelerated Saturday-only MBA at Brookdale. Click here for more details.
Applications are made to the Graduate School, and candidates are strongly encouraged to use the online application, as this increases not only the speed of a decision, but your control over your admissions portfolio.
There is rolling admission for graduate programs at MSU, with no deadline date (but international students should note deadlines associated with visa requirements). Applications are processed on a continuous basis, as they are completed.
We encourage you to apply well in advance of the term in which you plan to begin your studies, to ensure there is time for a comprehensive review of all your credentials. If you miss the start of that term, your application will be rolled over to the next.
Please note in particular that the Saturday-only MBA, which is a cohort program, admits only one group of students a year, in the early Spring.
5. What are the requirements for international students? What services are available?
Applicants who have earned their prior degree(s) outside the U.S. must arrange for a course-by-course evaluation of their degree(s) from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
TOEFL scores are required for all applicants who have undergraduate degrees from institutions where English is not the language of instruction.
In addition, there is an English language proficiency test, administered at Montclair State University, required after you are admitted. Please click here for more information about the ESOL test and the possible required coursework.
The MSU Office of International Services assists students in making the transition to life as a Montclair State University student. There is some housing on campus available, although this is limited, and many students make their own living arrangements.
International applicants - additional information
6. Does the MBA Program waive courses or grant advanced standing for prior graduate or undergraduate work?
Applicants with undergraduate degrees in business or prior course work in certain other related subjects may be eligible for advanced standing in the MBA Program. Through prior course work, challenge examinations and/or graduate transfer credits, the degree requirements may be reduced by up to 15 credits (SH) of Core courses (categories I & II).
Waiver assessments are made after candidates are accepted to the MBA. For a detailed explanation of our advanced standing policies, click here.
7. I work full-time: does this MBA program mostly serve full-time or part-time students?
Over 80% of our students are fully employed professionals who are pursuing their MBA degrees on a part-time basis. This is why all our courses are offered at night or on Saturdays, most of them once a week and are offered in Fall, Spring and Summer terms.
The typical student in our MBA program has over 5 years of work experience, but our students come from a broad range of business backgrounds and professional functions. The Montclair State University MBA experience is enriched by the interaction of such students with each other and the faculty, both in and out of classes.
8. I plan to be a part-time MBA student. How long will it take to complete the MBA?
MBA students have up to eight (8) years to complete the degree, but most part-time students actually successfully complete in half that time ( 3.5 - 4 years). Typically, they complete 2 courses (6 credits) in the Fall and Spring semesters, and 3 - 6 credits in the Summer ( 1- 2 courses) to accomplish this.
If you need to interrupt your studies for personal or professional reasons, a leave of absence can be granted for up to 2 years: that leave does not count against the degree time limit.
9. Do you offer Saturday classes?
We have a small number of MBA classes on Saturday mornings on the Montclair campus. However, most MBA classes meet Monday - Thursday nights, from 7:00-9:30 pm, once a week.
For students who seek a Saturday schedule, however, we offer our accelerated, cohort-style the Saturday-only MBA program, which meets on the campus of Brookdale Community College in Monmouth County.
10. Are summer courses available?
The MBA Program runs both Basic and Advanced courses in the Summer session, on 6, 8, and 12 week schedules. There is also an opportunity to participate in a short-term international exchange program during the Summer session.
Please note, that Summer session is voluntary for both SBUS faculty and MBA students: we cannot guarantee the scheduling of any particular MBA course in the Summer session. (see both future and past Summer course schedules).
11. What is the cost of the program? Is there financial aid available?
MBA courses on the main Montclair campus are $585.31 per credit for New Jersey residents, $804.99 per credit for out-of-state residents, for a total of 48 credits (if no courses are waived).
Many of our MBA students receive some financial support from their companies. Financial aid also is available through graduate assistantships and a limited number of merit-based scholarships.
12. Where can I get additional information?
For additional information on the Montclair MBA Program, contact the MBA Office, or attend one of our Open House programs.
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