Business Administration, M.B.A.

Option 1: Professional MBA (42 total credit hours)

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in business administration are required to submit the following to the Graduate School (option 1):

1. An application for graduate admission.
2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
3. Three online recommendations including one from an employer or supervisor who can comment on the applicant’s work experience and potential for successful completion of a master’s program.
4. Applicant’s resume and cover letter.  Two years of professional work experience is required.
5. GMAT or GRE Score unless the applicant meets any of the following criteria:
        a. completion of an advanced degree that includes graduate quantitative coursework
        b. five or more years of progressive managerial experience
        c. GPA of 3.2 or higher on bachelor’s coursework
6. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

A strong overall academic average and at least two years of appropriate full-time work experience are minimum requirements for consideration for graduate admission.  However, admission decisions are based upon several factors, and if other indicators of success are evident, individuals who fall below the established criteria in one of the areas may be considered for admission.

Option 2: International MBA (36 total credit hours)

International Business School Alliance Partner Schools (IBSA): Hochschule Bremen, University of Hertfordshire (London), Universitat de Valencia, Institute of Business Studies (Moscow), Novancia (Paris), and Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (Malaysia).

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in business administration are required to submit the following to the Graduate School (option 2):

1. An application for graduate admission.
2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate) showing completion of an undergraduate degree in business and/or economics or six business prerequisite courses. 
3. A minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL iBT test or 6.5 on IELTS test (7.0 to be eligible for a teaching assistantship). Required for non-native English speakers only (unless applicant earned their baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US institution). Scores are good for two years from the date the test is administered.
4. Three online recommendations including one from an employer or supervisor who can comment on the applicant’s work experience and potential for successful completion of a master’s program. Professional work experience is preferred.
5. Applicant’s resume and cover letter.
6. IMBA Statement of Interest uploaded into graduate application. The Statement of Interest requires selection of a primary and secondary specialization choice.
7. International applicants requiring student visa sponsorship must complete international student forms and provide proof of financial support.
8. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

A strong overall academic average is a minimum requirement for consideration for graduate admission. However, admission decisions are based upon several factors, and if other indicators of success are evident, individuals who fall below the established criteria in one of the areas may be considered for admission. 

Option 3: Executive MBA (48 total credit hours)

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in business administration are required to submit the following to the Graduate School (option 3):

1. An application for graduate admission.
2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
3. Three online recommendations including one from an employer or supervisor who can comment on the applicant’s work experience and potential for successful completion of a master’s program.
4. Applicant’s resume and cover letter. Five years of professional work experience is preferred.
5. GMAT or GRE Score unless the applicant meets one of the following criteria:
        a. completion of an advanced degree that includes graduate quantitative coursework;
        b. five or more years of progressive managerial experience (military experience counts for progressive managerial experience)
6. A minimum score of 79 on the internet-based TOEFL iBT test or 6.5 on IELTS test (required for non-native English speakers only (unless applicant earned their baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US institution). Scores are good for two years from the date the test is administered.)
7. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

A strong overall academic average and at least two years of appropriate full-time work experience are minimum requirements for consideration for graduate admission. However, admission decisions are based upon several factors, and if other indicators of success are evident, individuals who fall below the established criteria in one of the areas may be considered for admission.

Option 1: Professional MBA (42 total credit hours)

Forty-two credit hours of approved graduate credit must be satisfactorily completed for the degree. Classes begin in the fall and continue throughout the year (with appropriate breaks) until completion 21 months later. 

1. Each student must successfully complete a written analysis and oral presentation in MBA 558 Strategic Management .
2. Each student must complete the approved course of study within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study.

Option 2: International MBA (36 total credit hours)

1. Thirty-six credit hours of approved graduate credit must be satisfactorily completed for the degree. Classes begin in the fall Semester at any IBSA partner school for core courses, continue in the Spring for specialization courses at a different partner school and culminate in the summer/early fall with the completion of a thesis or practicum. Program length is approximately 13 months.
2. The student must complete one semester, core or specialization, at UNCW. The other semester should be completed at non-USA IBSA partner school (see listing above).
3. Each student must successfully complete a thesis or practicum and must successfully pass an oral competency requirement in defending their capstone project/thesis. A thesis manuscript must be submitted to the Graduate School.
4. Each student must complete the approved course of study within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study.

Option 3: Executive MBA (48 total credit hours)

1. Forty-eight credit hours of approved graduate credit must be satisfactorily completed for the degree. Classes begin in either the fall or spring semesters and continue throughout the year (with appropriate breaks) until completion 21 months later. Each student must successfully complete a written analysis and oral presentation in MBA 517 .
2. Each student must complete the approved course of study within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study.

Course Requirements for the Master of Business Administration Degree