Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply?
- How are admission decisions made?
- What is the application deadline?
- Do you offer part-time or distance-education programs?
- Is an undergraduate degree in business required for admission to a master's program?
- Is the GRE or GMAT required?
- How long does it take to complete a master's degree?
- Is work experience required?
- Are interviews required?
- How large are the master's programs?
1. How do I apply?
Application materials are available at graduate.ua.edu/application/index.html.
2. How are admission decisions made?
Completed application materials are reviewed by the admissions committees in each program. Decisions are based on candidate qualifications and available resources.
3. What is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit the completed application and all supporting documents to the Graduate School is February 15 for the following year. Candidates are generally notified of admission decisions once the decisions are made.
4. Do you offer part-time or distance-education programs?
Yes. We offer an online program in Operations Management and a part-time, evening program in Management.
5. Is an undergraduate degree in business required for admission to a master's program?
Some masters' programs expect undergraduate business degrees or prior undergraduate-level work. See requirements for individual programs. The MBA, EMBA and certain other master's programs, particularly economics and applied statistics, do not require undergraduate degrees in businesses.
6. Is the GRE or GMAT required?
Candidates must provide valid scores for either the GRE or GMAT.
7. How long does it take to complete a master's degree?
The MBA is a two-year program. The EMBA can be completed in 17 months. Most other master's programs can be completed in one year.
8. Is work experience required?
Prior work experience is not required for admission to most master's programs; however, especially for the MBA, meaningful experience in business and an appreciation for the business environment are expected. Substantial prior work experience is required for the EMBA.
9. Are interviews required?
Interviews are required for the MBA and EMBA programs and are encouraged for the other programs. On-campus interviews are encouraged whenever possible. Phone interviews are substituted when campus interviews are not feasible.
10. How large are the masters' programs?
Programs vary considerably in size. The MBA program enrolls approximately 60-70 students each year. Other programs enroll from 15 to 70 students per year.