Business Administration

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact regarding course information?
For questions regarding the program or individual courses please contact MBAAdvisor@business.colostate.edu or call (800) 491-4622 ext. 4 or (970) 491-2865.

Can the GMAT be waived?
An applicant with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in undergraduate work (3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours may be acceptable), and at least eight years of full-time professional work experience that shows a progression in responsibility or a graduate degree may petition for a waiver to the GMAT.

Are scholarships and financial aid available?
Yes. Active-duty military, reservists, the National Guard and veterans, as well as federal and state employees (other than the State of Colorado) may qualify for the Tuition Reduction Program.

The College of Business offers the opportunity for Corporate Partnerships to companies who refer or support multiple students in the Distance MBA Program simultaneously. The program provides both entities with valuable benefits as a long-term relationship is forged. Companies interested in learning more about the Corporate Partnership Program may contact Susan Meyer at (970) 491-2461 or susan.meyer@colostate.edu.

Are Colorado State University MBA programs accredited?
Absolutely. Since 1970, the Distance MBA Program and the Professional MBA Program have been accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), the benchmark of academic excellence for business schools. Colorado State University is accredited regionally by the North Central Association of The Higher Learning Commission.

Are the Distance MBA Program and the Professional MBA Program similar?
Actually, the coursework is almost identical, with the same syllabus, material, lectures, and class discussions. Students must meet the same high academic standards. The difference is the method of delivery of course material. In both degree programs, you earn a Master of Business Administration degree from Colorado State University. There is no difference.

How do I know if I qualify?
The general admission requirements are a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from an accredited four-year undergraduate institution or the successful completion of a graduate degree, and four or more years of full-time professional work experience. Professional references help the College of Business evaluate your ability to perform well academically in a graduate program. A GMAT score is required, but you may petition for a GMAT waiver. A TOEFL or IELTS is mandatory for international students who have not graduated from an American university or whose country has an official language other than English. Visit the Distance MBA website for complete details.

What is the format of the program and courses?
The program formats are semester based, with two eight-week terms in each semester. Summer semesters are four-week terms. Each plan of study requires 40 credits and follows a lock-step curriculum. This means initial classes form a foundation for subsequent classes that build on content and provide continuity and integration of course material.

Does the MBA offer a specialized areas of study?
Colorado State University offers a Finance Certificate to complement its MBA programs and envisions adding other areas of interest in the future. In addition, through an alliance with the Graduate School-USDA (the major training organization for the federal government and the Department of Defense), the University offers an MBA with a Certificate in Federal Financial Management.

What is the profile of students in the MBA program?
MBA students come from diverse backgrounds and locations, representing all 50 states and more than 46 countries. The average age is 34, and students average 12 years of professional experience. The average undergraduate GPA is 3.2, and the average GMAT score is 580.