MBA Communication Requirement
Waiver Exam Information
Practice Waiver Exam Web Site
Waiver Exam Web Site
All RSB Course Descriptions

Communication skills are consistently rated among the top five characteristics of successful managers. Without adequate communication skills, an individual’s academic, technical, and professional expertise may not be recognized. Recruiters at Ross regularly stress the importance of communication; it is the lens through which a manager is perceived. We strive to ensure that our graduates are not merely adequate communicators – we want you to be recognized for excellence in communication. Below you will find an explanation of the Communication Requirement, a description of the courses offered, and an overview of the Waiver Exam.

What is the MBA Communication requirement?
The MBA Communication Requirement can be fulfilled through course work or a Waiver Exam. Unlike other MBA waivers, however, students have more than one opportunity to take the test, or to try the test again should they not pass the first time. This flexibility in test taking, as well as flexibility in course options, allows students to select the option that best fits their curriculum objectives.

How can I satisfy the Communication requirement?

Option 1: Take one (1) of the following courses and receive a passing grade.
LHC 520 (3.0crs)
LHC 521 (1.5 crs)
LHC522 (1.5 crs)
LHC 524 (1.5 crs)
LHC 560 (3.0crs)

Day MBA
According to a Curriculum Committee decision in Fall 2005, Day MBA students admitted in Fall 2006 and later must take the Waiver Exam within the first year of the program. The Waiver Exam is offered in July/August and October/November/December of each year. A day student may take the exam during one or both of these exam periods during his or her first year in the program. The July/August exam of the year they start counts as the first opportunity. (For example, a Day MBA student who plans to begin taking class in Fall 2007 may take the Waiver Exam in July/August 2007 and October/November/December 2007 only.) A pass on the Waiver Exam fulfills the MBA communication requirement.

Students who do not take and pass the Waiver Exam by these deadlines will need to fulfill the communication requirement with course work prior to graduation.

Day students may enroll in evening courses to satisfy the writing requirement.

Evening MBA
According to a Curriculum Committee decision in Fall 2005, Evening MBA students admitted in Winter 2006 or later may only take the Waiver Exam during their first three opportunities after being admitted to the program. The Waiver Exam is offered in July/August and October/November/December of each year. Evening students may take the exam one, two, or three times, as long as the exams are taken within the first three times the exam is offered after they begin their program. For students admitted in the Fall, the July/August exam of the year they start counts as the first opportunity; for students admitted in the Winter, the July/August exam of that year also counts as their first opportunity. (For example, for a student who plans to begin taking classes in Fall 2007, the first opportunity is the July/August 2007 Waiver Exam; for a student who plans to begin taking classes in Winter 2008, the first opportunity is the July/August 2008 Waiver Exam.) A pass on the Waiver Exam fulfills the MBA communication requirement.

Students who do not take and pass the Waiver Exam by these deadlines will need to fulfill the communication requirement with course work prior to graduation.

Evening students may enroll in day courses to satisfy the writing requirement.

Dual Degree MBA
A Dual Degree MBA student should take the exam during one or both of the exam periods during his or her first year enrolled at Ross. The July/August exam of the year they start at Ross counts as the first opportunity. Dual Degree students should not take the Waiver Exam during their first year if they enroll first elsewhere (such as the School of Natural Resources). They should wait until they first enroll at Ross. A pass on the Waiver Exam fulfills the MBA communication requirement.

Students who do not take and pass the Waiver Exam by these deadlines will need to fulfill the communication requirement with course work prior to graduation.

Dual Degree students may enroll in day or evening courses to satisfy the writing requirement.