Part-time MBA FAQ

Q: How long does it take to complete the Part-time MBA Program?

A: We offer two formats designed to fit your personal/professional lifestyle. The Evening Format is flexible; some students finish in a little over two years while others take more than five. The exact pace is determined by each student. The Weekend Format is completed in two years; students take classes two weekends per month. Both formats require 60 credits. Both result in the same Ross MBA valued around the world.

Q: How many credits/classes can I take in one semester?

A: The parameters vary within each format.

The Weekend Format is a lockstep, pre-formatted curriculum from which students graduate in 24 months. Credits range from 9 to 11.25 per term.

For students enrolled in the Evening Format, the normal credit load is 7 in a full term or 3 in a half term. Evening MBA students who are in good academic standing may increase their limit to 9 credits in fall or winter term and up to 7 credits in spring or summer half terms according to the following guidelines:

• It cannot be your first term in the program.
• You must be in good academic standing for which we expect at least 80% of your credit hours at PS level or higher.
• The additional hours (above 7 in fall/winter or above 3 in spring or summer) may NOT be added before specified dates. We do this to allow some time after registration opens for all students to have an equal opportunity to register.

Q: What is the cost of tuition?

A: Tuition for the 2009-10 school year is as follows: $1,583 for the first credit hour and $1,398 for additional credits. Tuition and fees are subject to change by Regents of the University.

Q: Do you accept transfer credits?

A: No, we do not accept transfer credits.

Q: Do you offer classes outside of Ann Arbor?

A: Yes. The Ross School also maintains facilities in Southfield. Students in the Evening Format may take classes at either location, depending on course offerings and convenience. Students in the Weekend Format will attend most classes in Ann Arbor, with an occasional class in Southfield.

Q: Can I attend classes at any of these locations?

A: Core courses are offered in Ann Arbor and Southfield each fall and winter term. Evening MBA students have the flexibility to attend any location. Weekend MBA students go through the program with their cohort class and take classes where specified each term.

Q: Do I ever have to go to the Ann Arbor campus?

A: Evening MBA students have the flexibility to attend either campus. And while electives are offered at both locations, the set of electives offered at each location varies from term to term. Students should expect to travel to the Ann Arbor campus for some of their electives if they want to take advantage of the full selection of courses.

Weekend MBA students follow a predetermined set of courses at assigned locations.

Q: Is the Ross School of Business affiliated with the University of Michigan campuses in Dearborn and Flint?

A: No, these campuses, which also have business schools, are completely separate.

Q: Do you have a required minimum GMAT and GPA?

A: Minimum required scores and/or grade point average are not used in the admissions process. Students are, however, always compared to the current pool of applicants.

Q: What is the average GMAT?

A: For students who entered the Evening MBA Format in September 2008 and January 2009:

• Average GMAT: 659
• Mid 80% range: 590-730

Q: How many days before the application deadline should I take the GMAT?

A: We recommend taking the GMAT test 30 days before the application deadline. Thirty days would allow plenty of time for the official report to reach the Office of Admissions by the application deadline.

Q: If I am scheduled to take the GMAT less than 30 days prior to the application deadline, will you accept a copy of the preliminary report?

A: If you are doubtful that the official GMAT score report will arrive by the deadline date, we will accept a copy of the preliminary score report.

Q: Is an interview required for admission?

A: Yes, an interview is required for admission, and is by invitation only. If the Admissions Committee invites you to interview, you will receive the invitation and scheduling information via email.

The interview provides the Admissions Committee with more information about you. It is not an indication of the outcome of your application. Interviews are typically conducted by our trained admissions professionals or Alumni Admissions Committee members in your area. Interviews may be conducted in person or by telephone.

Q: Is a three-year undergraduate degree from India acceptable to apply?

A.  No. It is not considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. If you have a three-year degree, it must be accompanied by a master's degree program or a Chartered Accountancy. For non-U.S. master's degrees, the degree must be greater than one year. For U.S. degrees, a one-year master's degree is acceptable.

Q: What if I cannot furnish my official transcripts by the application deadline?

A: The Office of Admissions can use unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. If admitted, your admission would be conditional upon receipt of your official transcripts. These would need to be received by the Office of Admissions prior to the start of classes.

Q: Can I have my application fee waived?

A: The application fee is only waived if an applicant is a former member of Peace Corps or Teach for America within three years of applying, or a former member of the U.S. Military who has been on active duty within three years of applying. We do not waive application fees for any other reason. Please email rossptmba@umich.edu to request an application fee waiver prior to submitting your application.

Q: Can I apply to both Evening and Weekend formats?

A: No. Students must chose between formats and may only apply to one program during any given cycle.

Q: Can I transfer from one program to another?

A: You should apply to the Ross MBA program format that best suits your goals and needs.  Requests for transfer between programs are handled on a case-by-case basis, and will only be approved in exceptional circumstances due to space limitations as well as variations between the programs.

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Q: Is it easier to be admitted into the Evening Format than the Weekend Format?

A: The Admissions Committee looks for the same qualifications for both formats.

Q: How does the Part-time MBA Program compare to the Full-time MBA Program in terms of degree requirements?

A: As much as possible, course material and other content are similar between the two programs.

Q: Will we have the same professors as students in the Full-time Program?

A: Yes, the same professors teach both programs.

Q: Can I take an occasional day class?

A: Weekend students take a predetermined set of courses in lockstep with one cohort of peers. Evening students can take non-core day classes subject to space availability and their own schedules.

Q: Is the completion of a college-level calculus course a prerequisite to admission to the Part-time Program?

A: Ross has no prerequisite courses for admission to the MBA Program. However, due to the analytical rigor of the program, it is expected that students have a working knowledge of college-level mathematics, including basic calculus. If you have not had this coursework, we recommend that you take a course that emphasizes business mathematics prior to beginning the program.

Q: What should I do if I need an early decision on my application?

A: Unfortunately, requests for admissions decisions to our Evening MBA Program before our decision notification dates will not be granted. Notification dates can be found at our Apply Now page.

For the Weekend MBA Program, admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis and will be provided six to eight weeks from the time a completed application is received beginning in early August.

Q: Can I reapply if I was not accepted previously?

A: Yes. Reapplication procedures are streamlined if you reapply within two years.

Q: Can I take courses before the program begins?

A: No.

Q: Can I waive out of courses?

A: Students in the Evening MBA Format are eligible to waive out of core courses based on previous course work completed, work experience, or by taking placement exams offered in the fall of each year. Credit is not earned by waiving a course; the credit hours may be replaced with elective courses.

Course waivers are not an option in the Weekend MBA Format.

Q: Do you offer a joint degree program?

A: The Evening MBA Format offers students the option to pursue a dual degree with the College of Engineering and the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

Students in the Weekend Format follow a predetermined set of courses that does not include the dual-degree option.

Q: Do you have to be employed?

A: No, but full-time work experience is considered as part of the admission process, and it is generally assumed that students will be working full-time while in the program.

Q: What will my degree read?

A: Masters in Business Administration, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Q: Do you offer an Executive MBA program?

A: Yes, the Ross School of Business offers an Executive MBA Program structured to meet the needs of individuals in senior management roles, focusing on leadership skills needed to be successful at the executive level.  Specifically, the program targets participants who have had generally 10-15 years of work experience, with significant experience in a managerial/supervisory capacity.  The collective professional experience of EMBA participants enriches the learning experience both in and outside the classroom.

Q: Can I use the services provided by the Office of Career Development (OCD)?

A: Yes, all MBA students can attend recruiting presentations, OCD workshops, access iMpact, and use OCD handouts, seminar videotapes, mock interviews, career counseling, and other services. Part-time MBA students can participate in the on-campus interview process for full-time recruiting during the fall term prior to graduation. However, part-time students cannot participate in on-campus interviews for internships since most part-time students work full-time and do not have the flexibility to do a summer internship.

Q: What are your placement statistics?

A: Placement statistics are available on our website at www.bus.umich.edu/StudentCareerServices. Click on the Employment Profile navigation button.

Q: How many weekend classes do you offer to evening students? Will there be more in the future?

A: Typically five weekend classes are offered each semester. Response has been very positive, and we are still in the process of exploring alternative class times.

Q: Do part-time MBA students participate in MAP?

A: Yes. The Multidisciplinary Action Project course (MAP) is offered during the fall term. MAP is an elective in the Evening Format. But it is a core requirement in the first year of the Weekend Format. The course requires a one-week commitment in late February or early March in which the student will work on-site or travel on behalf of the firm sponsoring the student's MAP project.

Q: Can part-time students join clubs in Ann Arbor?

A: Yes, part-time MBA students may join student clubs. The latest list of clubs can be found online at www.bus.umich.edu/organizations.

Q: How can I arrange for a tour of the Ross School of Business?

A: Prospective students are welcome to tour Ross during the regularly scheduled daytime visits. In addition, evening tours of Ross can be arranged. To learn more about visiting campus and taking a tour, visit www.bus.umich.edu/Admissions/EveMba/Tours.

Q: Can I make an appointment to talk with someone in the Office of Admissions?

A: Prospective part-time MBA students can schedule 15-minute counseling appointments with the staff where we can answer questions about the program. These appointments can be scheduled through the admissions office front desk (734-763-5796).