MBA Programs
Neeley School MBA Admissions
The nature of the Neeley School MBA programs requires that a holistic approach be used in the admissions process. Not only must applicants demonstrate academic ability, but also the ability to perform in a highly interactive, team-based environment. Previous academic records, relevant test scores, professional work experience (where applicable), motivation, maturity and demonstrated leadership are all considered in the admissions decision.
Except under extraordinary circumstances, students applying to the MBA Program must have or expect to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to enrollment.
Admission Application Checklist
An application to a Neeley School MBA program will not be considered by the Graduate Admissions Committee until all of the following materials are received:
- Completed application form and essays
- An official transcript from each college or university previously attended
- Contact information for three professional references
- Application fee of $100
- Official GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment score, unless waived. The test requirement is waived for CFA® Charter holders and for applicants to the Professional MBA, and Energy MBA programs who meet the criteria outlined below.
- Official TOEFL scores (non-native English speakers only)
- Personal interview (by invitation only)
Additional Admission Requirements for Accelerated MBA Programs
The Full-time, Professional, and Energy and focused Accelerated MBA Programs are available to individuals with professional experience and distinguished academic backgrounds in business, as evidenced by:
- completion, with a strong academic background, of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree or equivalent from an AACSB-accredited business school
- minimum of three years of postgraduate professional work or military experience
- sufficiently high GMAT or GRE scores, unless this requirement is waived as outlined below.
Other exceptional indicators of success may also be taken into consideration.
GMAT Waiver Guidelines
A GMAT waiver may, at the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Committee, be granted for candidates for the Professional MBA, and Energy MBA and the accelerated versions of each who meet certain criteria, including:
- Earned a 3.0 (on a 4.0) scale undergraduate cumulative GPA or higher; and
- Evidence of quantitative/analytical skills (e.g. successful quantitative/analytical coursework, professional experience demonstrating quantitative/analytical skills, relevant training or certification); and
- Have meaningful post-baccalaureate work experience
OR
- Earned a terminal degree, the highest academic degree that can be awarded in a particular field (examples: JD, MD, Ph.D.)
OR
- Successfully completed a graduate-level for-credit certificate program through the Neeley School of Business
OR
- Earned a relevant professional certification such as a CPA
MBA Program Prerequisites
Students admitted to the MBA program must complete two pre-enrollment requirements prior to registering for their first term of graduate study:
- Mathematical Skills Prerequisite
- Entering students are expected to have an understanding of basic mathematics (i.e., basic algebraic operations, relations and functions, exponents, logarithms, sets and functions, linear equations, differentiation, integration, slope and extrema). This requirement is ordinarily satisfied by one of the following:
- Satisfactory (C or better) completion of a 3-hour course in Introductory Applied Calculus or College Algebra or Mathematics with Emphasis on Business Applications; or
- A score corresponding to or better than the 80th percentile on the quantitative portion of the GMAT; or
- Satisfactory evidence of mathematical competence through a combination of courses taken in mathematics, statistics or economics prior to entering the program, and/or a makeup course that may be taken during the first term of the Neeley School MBA Program. (For specific details, contact the Neeley Graduate Programs Office.)
- MBA Orientation
- MBA orientation takes place on campus during the weeks before fall classes begin. Students receive instruction in teamwork and communication skills; a campus and degree program orientation; introductions to primary functional disciplines; and self-assessment exercises for career development. Students also meet their program cohort group.
- Students are also required to complete online modules over the summer prior to enrollment. More information will be provided upon admission.
Neeley MBA Program Requirements
If a student in any of the MBA programs or the MS programs receives 6 hours of a grade of C+ or lower, the associate dean for graduate programs may dismiss him/her from the program for failure to make satisfactory academic progress.
Neeley MBA Program Options
Full-Time MBA
Program Length: 21 months
Full-time Accelerated MBA
Program length: 11 months
Professional MBA
Program Length: 24-28 months
Professional Accelerated MBA
Program Length: 18-21 months
MBA for Energy Professionals
Program Length: 24-28 months
Accelerated MBA for Energy Professionals
Program Length: 18-21 months
Executive MBA
Program Length: 18 Months
Applicants must designate at the time of application which program of study they are seeking. Admission to one program is not necessarily valid for another. Students will not be allowed to switch programs except under extraordinary circumstances.