MBA FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• GMAT/GRE and Waivers

• MBA Pre-Enrollment Competencies, Exemptions, and Modules

• Applying for Admission

• MBA Scheduling Information

• Additional Information

• Financial Aid

 

GMAT and GRE

1. How do I know if I am required to take the GMAT?
   The GMAT is waived if you have:
   • seven or more years of professional work experience OR
   • an undergraduate GPA of 3.3 -3.6 AND a minimum of three years of professional work experience OR
   • an undergraduate GPA of 3.6 or higher OR
   • a completed master’s degree, J.D., M.D., or Ph.D.
2. How do I request a GMAT waiver and determine if my work experience qualifies as "professional" work experience?
   Dr. Al Warner, the MBA academic program chair, reviews work experience on an individual basis. Your employment is not required to be managerial in order to qualify as professional, however, a professional role should have meaningful input into business decision-making. Part-time employment and internships do not qualify. Email your resume directly to Dr. Warner for consideration. 
3. Can I take either the GMAT or the GRE? Is there an admissible score?
   We accept a previous GRE score, however, you should take the GMAT if you haven’t taken either test. An admissible score is 450 if your undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or higher. More information is outlined on the GRE-GMAT information page or contact Graduate Admissions at 814-898-6818, if needed.
4. Where should my test scores be sent?
   On the day of testing, you will select Pennsylvania State University, School Code 2660, as a Score Recipient.

MBA Pre-Enrollment Competencies, Exemptions, and Modules

1. I understand that the course exemption process enables the Penn State Behrend MBA program to offer a 30-credit program, but how do I know if I am exempt from completing pre-enrollment competency modules?
   Exemption from the modules follows a very simple, rules-based approach. If you completed relevant coursework and earned a grade of B (not B-) or better within the last seven academic years, you will be exempt. Comprehensive information is outlined on the MBA pre-enrollment competencies page.
2. Who do I send my transcript to for review of pre-enrollment competencies?
   Eric Robbins, the MBA administrative program chair, determines earned exemptions. Email your transcript(s) to ejr122@psu.edu in PDF format, for consideration. It is best to start this process early in your application process.
3. I completed an accounting course at an institution other than Penn State, will it qualify for an exemption?
   In order for an accounting course to meet the criteria for relevant content, it must cover both managerial and financial accounting.
4. I completed a statistics course at an institution other than Penn State, will it qualify for an exemption?
   In order for a statistics course to meet the criteria for relevant content, it must be a business statistics course rather than a broad-based study of statistics. 
5. Why is the exemption process required?
   We require the exemption process to ensure that both business majors and non-business majors have the proper foundation for success in our rigorous MBA program. 
6. What should I do first, the modules or the application?
   The application deadline always precedes the module deadline, so typically individuals apply first to start the process and then pursue the modules. You can apply and be accepted before you begin modules. If you are planning well in advance you can begin the modules first, but make certain that you meet the application deadline.
7. When must the modules be completed?
   Modules must be completed at least one week before the semester begins.
8. Can I enroll in courses before I complete the modules?
   Yes. Once you have accepted your offer of admission and completed all pre-registration activities in LionPATH, you should enroll in class(es) to reserve your “seat.” This is highly recommended.
9. How long do modules take to complete?
   Our most recent data found that the student who commits ten hours per week to the modules can complete all three modules in two to three months. The completion time is much faster for students who have only one or two modules to complete. MBA IQ can decline access to complete the exit exam if you have not spent adequate time with the material—this has happened! Plan accordingly so that the modules and exams are successfully completed one week before the semester starts.

Applying for Admission

1. Where do I apply?
   An application link is located on the How to Apply website.
2. What is the application fee?
   The non-refundable application fee is $65.
3. Where do I verify documents submitted for my application?
   You can return to your application in the Graduate School portal anytime. Click on “Check your application status.”
4. I graduated from Penn State, do I need to upload Penn State transcripts?
   No, they will automatically be populated when you indicate that you attended Penn State. If you attended another institution, the Graduate School requires official transcripts regardless of the number of credits earned.
5. I graduated from an institution other than Penn State. Do I need to upload transcripts?
   Yes! We recommend that you order two transcripts from the Registrar at your institution(s), each in a separate, sealed envelope. You will open one and upload it to the application. Individuals who accept an offer of admission will be required to mail the second, sealed transcript to the Graduate School, which is located at the University Park campus. Don’t mail any materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions at Penn State Behrend.
6. Can I upload an unofficial, advising, or student-use transcript with my application?
   No. The Graduate School will not process applications without an official transcript.
7. What should I tell my recommenders to expect?
   After you submit your application, your recommenders/references will receive an email requesting them to complete a brief online evaluation of thirty academic and professional characteristics. Additional comments are optional. All your references must submit the recommendation form in order for your application to be considered complete.
8. Do my recommenders need to submit their online evaluation by the deadline?
   Yes, it is your responsibility to ensure that your recommendations are completed and submitted by the application deadline. Choose recommenders who can complete the form in a timely manner.
9. Are all other documents due by the stated application deadline?
   Yes. 
10. When and how will I know if I’m offered admission?
    Once your application is complete, a recommendation for admission will be made by Dr. Al Warner, MBA academic program chair. This typically takes up to seven business days and you will be notified of your admission status by email. Admission is offered jointly with the Graduate School, so your credentials also require its formal approval.
11. Can I change my semester of application?
    Yes. Your application semester can be deferred for up to three semesters. You should email your deferral request, including the semester in which you would like to enroll, to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
12. Can international students be offered MBA admission?
    The Department of Homeland Security does not approve student visas for the MBA program because it is delivered 75 percent online. However, individuals currently in the U.S. on a work visa are able to apply for admission to the program. 
13. How will I learn about LionPATH and other Penn State processes?
    Upon acceptance of your offer of admission, you will receive a series of emails introducing you to the tools you’ll use in your graduate education, including LionPATH, which is Penn State’s student information system. LionPATH is where you register for courses, access your tuition bills, and more. You’ll also receive emails from Identity Services and the Graduate School. It is required that you complete all pre-registration activities in LionPATH prior to enrolling in MBA courses.
14. Why should I accept my offer quickly?
    Once you accept your offer of admission, the Graduate School will request that you send your official transcripts, which is the final step in the admissions process. MBA courses can fill quickly; accepting your offer in a timely manner keeps the admissions process moving, allowing you to register sooner.
15. Is MBA orientation mandatory?
    Yes. The dates for both the Behrend MBA and the Cranberry MBA can be found on the MBA meeting schedule web page. In case of a schedule conflict, you may attend orientation in either location. Please email Dr. Al Warner, MBA academic program chair, in advance if you plan to attend the alternate location.

MBA Scheduling Information

1. Where can I find the MBA course listing?
   Visit the MBA curriculum page.
2. Are MBA courses offered in the summer semester?
   Yes, electives are offered in the summer. They are fully online courses. There are two six-week summer semesters.
3. Can I take just one course per semester?
   Yes. Keep in mind that your financial aid resources will be limited of you enroll in fewer than 5 graduate credits per semester.
4. Is summer enrollment required?
   No.

Additional Information

1. Where is my academic adviser identified?
   On the Student Center page of your LionPATH account. New students who have not yet been assigned an adviser can contact Dr. Al Warner, MBA academic director.
2. Do I need a specific GPA to graduate?
   Yes, a 3.0 minimum GPA is required.
3. How many years does Penn State allow to complete a graduate degree?
   Eight years.
4. Where are the Penn State semester dates and academic calendars listed?
   Semester dates and other pertinent information can be found on the Academic Calendars page.

Financial Aid

• What financial aid resources are available for graduate students?
  • View information about graduate financial aid online. For additional information, contact the Penn State Behrend Office of Financial Aid by emailing behrendfinaid@psu.edu or calling 814-898-6162.
  • If you plan to apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Penn State’s six-digit FAFSA code is 003329. At the graduate level you can access federal student loans if you are enrolled in 5 or more graduate credits per semester.