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Your interests and goals may span multiple academic disciplines or areas of expertise. That is why the Stanford MBA Program empowers you to combine studies. This flexibility offers a rich and valuable academic experience.

Generally, about 20 percent of Stanford MBA students take advantage of a joint or dual degree to complement their MBA. As a student, you may also take courses in any department or graduate school at Stanford University.

Joint Degrees

Your Stanford joint degrees must be conferred simultaneously upon completion of degree requirements for both programs. While in the Stanford MBA Program, you may not pursue concurrently more than one additional degree. Learn more about joint degree programs below.

Hilary Bartlett

“It is not at all an overstatement to say that my four years in the joint JD/MBA program at Stanford have been life-changing. Committed professors and inspiring peers have challenged me to expand my vision of what is possible for myself and for the world. I am graduating with greater confidence, a clearer sense of self, and an excitement for what the future holds. Not only do I dream bigger as a result of my time at Stanford, but my dreams feel more attainable. I am leaving Stanford with so much more than the foundational skill set I was seeking.”

Owen Wurzbacher

“The GSB’s joint degree program allowed me to explore the intersection of two passions: investing and education. It provided the flexibility to study both fields and illustrated the opportunities for applying business skills to education in an informed way. Using tools developed and relationships built, I look forward to influencing the education field and inspiring a love of learning in young people during my career.”

Dual Degrees

Interested in an additional discipline that is not represented in our joint degree programs? You can pursue a master’s degree from another Stanford program along with your MBA. While in the Stanford MBA program, you may not pursue concurrently more than one additional degree.  

You may pursue a dual degree with any graduate program at Stanford University. Candidates must apply to and be accepted by the other program separately, and then notify Stanford GSB. You may apply concurrently to both programs or apply to the dual degree program during your first year as an MBA student; some graduate programs also permit you to apply in your second year. As with joint degrees, you may only pursue one additional degree while in the MBA program.

Justin Norden

“After starting medical school at Stanford, I decided to pursue an MBA at the GSB to develop the skills to become a leader at the intersection of health care, technology, and medicine. Business school has not only taught me many valuable leadership skills, but also opened my eyes to think about problems in completely new ways. The best part about the GSB, however, has been getting to know and learn from so many wonderful classmates.”

Study Opportunities Outside Stanford

Stanford MBA students may also pursue degrees with specific professional schools at other universities. Check with each school regarding its policy and timeline.

Eligible Degree Programs & Requirements

• Harvard Kennedy School: MPA, MPA-ID, or MPP
• Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS): MA
• Princeton School of Public and International Affairs: MPA
• Yale Law School: JD
• Yale Medical School: MD

You may enroll in either a joint or dual degree with another graduate program at Stanford or a degree from an external university, but not both.

Degree Requirements

Paths to Completion by School

Harvard kennedy school (hks), johns hopkins sais, and princeton school of public and international affairs (spia).

You must spend five quarters of full-time study at Stanford GSB. The combined degree programs must be completed in one of the following timelines. Note that some programs may require a particular academic path in order to successfully complete both degrees.

Yale Medical School and Yale Law School

You must spend five quarters of full-time study at Stanford GSB and complete at least one year at YMS or YLS first. Consult with YMS or YLS for timeline requirements.

Things to Consider

Benefits of these experiences.

• Completing two degrees in a shorter amount of time while also saving on tuition
• Expanding one’s network outside of Stanford GSB
• Enhancing marketability for certain career opportunities
• Personalizing and individualizing your academic experience to meet your specific learning goals
• Limited capacity for electives that don’t count toward either degree program
• Higher quarterly enrollment load compared to peers pursuing the MBA only
• Possibly not graduating with your MBA cohort (depending upon your program)
• Additional moving expenses and logistical challenges if pursuing a program in a different location
• Not being able to participate in specific activities or courses that occur during a quarter that you are away from Stanford GSB (e.g., Arbuckle Leadership Fellows, View From The Top Leaders, Peer Advisors, TALK coach, Leadership Perspectives course assistants)
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MBA/PhD with the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The joint-degree program offers an MBA in combination with a PhD in the sciences or humanities from the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

An MBA may be pursued in combination with a PhD in one of a wide array of  areas of study , in the biological sciences, engineering and applied sciences, the humanities, the physical sciences, and social sciences. An MBA/PhD is not available in the  management disciplines .

Students typically complete both degrees in approximately seven years, rather than the eight or more that would be required if the degrees were pursued separately. Programs are highly customized to fit each student's individual course of study, and are generally determined at the time of admission. Students must complete one full year at Yale SOM, during which they complete the integrated MBA curriculum, and one year taking courses at both schools. Students typically begin their full year at Yale SOM after PhD qualifying exams have been passed.

Students receive financial support from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences during the semesters in which they are enrolled there. They pay tuition during the three semesters during which they are enrolled at Yale SOM.

Learn more about admission to the Yale School of Management. Learn more about admission to the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Is it Possible to Get My PhD After My MBA?

In academia, numerous accomplishments can be achieved. You can earn a dual degree and have expertise in multiple fields, or further your career potential by going back to school . But what about progressing from an MBA to a PhD? 

In regards to higher education, many consider earning a PhD, or doctorate degree, the pinnacle of success. Usually, due to passion for a particular industry or subject, a PhD candidate will spend years of rigorous research to unpack its intricacies and become a leading expert in the field.  At the end of their studies, they are able to finally see their work come to fruition when they receive their doctorate and join alongside other scholars. However, is it typical for an MBA graduate to move onto pursuing their PhD? And is there a specific purpose? Are there different types of PhD programs? What is the difference between a PhD and DBA?

To answer the budding question: yes, you can pursue your PhD after earning your MBA, and choosing to earn a doctorate is entirely up to you and your aspirations. To help you better understand if getting a PhD is the right choice, we look at the path an MBA graduate can take to earn their PhD, one of the higher purposes of a doctorate, and the different types of academic programs. 

What is a PhD, and What is it Used For? 

By definition, a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy in a particular discipline, which is why it's also referred to as a doctorate. This focus is typically for individuals highly passionate about a specific subject matter, driven by the pursuit to understand it better through rigorous research. A majority of students seeking their PhD are eager researchers, although there are always exceptions, and each carries out years of highly intensive research to conclude their original thesis and earn their doctorate. 

In terms of translating your education into a career, a doctorate can be used in a plethora of fields, especially if one’s thesis is around a wider subject matter and can be a discipline applied to various industries (take organizational development, for example). For those who are passionate about a career in research, a doctoral degree is a perfect fit. Possibly the most popular field for those with a doctorate is a fruitful career in academia, teaching their subject matter to others interested in the same area. Many graduates become faculty members at business schools upon completing their PhD and provide their expertise to their students. Regardless of which industry you choose, you can be assured that a PhD will provide you with numerous opportunities. 

How Long Does it Take to Progress from an MBA to PhD?

The timeframe for earning your PhD can vary depending on program and location. Many countries have varying timelines of how long the completion of a doctoral program will take. In the United States, the average is around 4-5 years of completion after receiving your Master of Business Administration. 

Do You Need an MBA to Get a PhD?

To be accepted into a doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree. It does not have to be a Master of Business Administration, but it does need to be a master’s of some form. Depending on your area of specialization, it could be advantageous to earn your MBA in pursuit of a PhD if you are planning to embark on a career in business upon completion of your doctorate. Additionally, one important aspect to consider is the program itself. It is important to look into a program’s requirements before applying to meet the eligibility criteria. 

The Difference Between a DBA and a PhD 

For those specifically interested in a career in business, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a highly beneficial doctoral program. A DBA focuses on a broader spectrum of business disciplines, dedicating research toward multiple corporate facets, and practical implementation. On the contrary, a PhD narrows into a specific area of discipline and research, emphasizing theory, and it’s potential implications. While both are heavily centered around research and implementation, a DBA sets business executives and leaders on a path to discover new possibilities for their organizations and businesses. In a way, it allows established business professionals to “trailblaze” the way for new and innovative ideas that can disrupt the market and set a precedent for the future of business.

Get Your MBA or DBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

At Pepperdine Graziadio, we proudly offer degrees to accommodate business professionals at any stage of their lives and careers. Our full and part-time MBA programs are designed to prepare candidates for a successful career in values-based business leadership. All of our MBA programs offer a personalized learning approach executed by our world-class faculty. Each program is characterized by its top-ranked business curriculum that can be coupled with an academic concentration. 

Our Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program has been carefully designed for the tenured business leader looking to drive groundbreaking innovations. This rigorous program allows candidates to gain in-depth knowledge and finetune their expertise through applied research. Also, executives enjoy learning alongside changemakers in various industries and participating in exclusive opportunities available only to DBA candidates.

Learn more about which programs fit your career aspirations and academic interests.

Learn more about how to achieve your career goals with a degree from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.

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Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders.

The MBA vs PhD Debate

• By Grace M.
• August 14, 2020

If there’s one question that seems to get business university professors flinching at, it’s the all-to-often “ what’s better – an MBA or a PhD? ”

The reason for this is clear – asking such a question seems to suggest that the result of obtaining an MBA or PhD is the same. This couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Let us first quickly break down what an MBA and a PhD is.

MBA is short for  Master of Business Administration , while PhD is short for  Doctor of Philosophy . Just from the first word of both types of degrees, we can already see that there’s an obvious difference between the two, but let’s proceed.

In terms of the required time commitment, an MBA will usually take two years to complete full time. On the other hand, getting a PhD can take four years (unless you decide to undertake it part time or enrol into an accelerated online PhD degree programme). So if time is your primary concern, then an MBA would be the obvious path for you.

As an MBA student, you’ll find that much of the learning curriculum is closely related to a professional environment. In fact, this is why some universities mandate at least one year of actual work experience as an entry requirement. As a result of the masters degree being so closely related to business in practice, an MBA student will usually research a broad range of subjects. Each of these subjects would focus on a unique business aspect such as accounting, consulting, economics, marketing, finance, leadership, management, ethics and trading.

On the other hand, a Business PhD student will only focus on one subject and do so in much greater detail. On top of this, the PhD student will usually also be expected to support lecturers with teaching classes and leading tutorial sessions.

The reason for this difference is because a doctorate is an advanced degree which aims to make you an expert in a specialised field. Because of this, a PhD is regarded as the higher professional qualification of the two.

MBA vs PhD Entrance Requirements

Due to the amount of funding available, a high number of applicants and a few available positions, the competition for entry into MBA and PhD programmes can be very high.

The specific requirements depend on the country you intend to study in; however, most MBA programmes require you to sit Graduate Management Test ( GMAT ) or Graduate Record Examinations ( GRE ). Regardless of whether you need to undertake a pre-qualification exam or not, most universities prioritise applicants who already have a level of professional experience.

The reverse is true for PhD programmes. For PhDs, you will require a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree (usually with a 2:1 or 1st), but you will not be expected to sit any pre-entrance exams nor will you be expected to have working experience. As a result, most students who do a business PhD are younger than those who do an MBA.

Earning your MBA or Doctorate Online

As if the MBA or PhD debate wasn’t enough, the online versions of these degrees are starting to get thrown into the comparisons. With the fast-developing rate of the internet and a general trend towards online global connectivity, higher education is experiencing a significant transformation.

Not only is it possible to get a doctorate online , MBA programmes and Masters in Project Management are also much more widely available online from top-ranking universities compared to several years ago.

While online learning may not be for everyone, many adult students, including myself, favour online degrees due to the flexibility they provide to on-campus or distant learning programmes. As someone who used to dedicate several hours a night on a university campus in a neighbouring area, take it from me, being able to study from your home office isn’t only easier, it’s much less stressful.

MBA vs PhD Career Options

So what gives a better return on investment in terms of career options, an MBA or a PhD?

The MBA is a specialised business degree, and as such, anyone who holds it is a valuable asset for any business. Industries are all about using employee abilities to the organisation’s benefit, and an MBA isn’t something an organisation should or will ignore.

Having a Masters in Business Administration is usually associated with greater career prospects. This is reflected in the speed that an MBA degree holder can climb the corporate ranks compared to an individual who doesn’t hold the specialised degree. Not only can they progress faster, but MBA holders typically also achieve higher positions during their career. This can include highly sought after positions such as associate directors and senior executives (assuming the student is ambitious and dedicated enough). Another benefit of getting an MBA is surrounding earning potential. It’s not unusual for those with an MBA from the London Business School, Oxford University or Imperial College London to receive starting salaries in excess of £50,000 a year .

In comparison, most business PhD holders won’t follow the same path as their MBA colleagues. Instead, most PhD graduates will enter into either a research or academic career. Because of this significant difference in the typical career path, which of the two types of degrees is better suited for you will depend on exactly what it is you want to do after completing your studies.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

PhD after MBA

Hopefully, it should be clear by now that an MBA and a PhD are two very different degrees, and because of that, it should also start to become clearer regarding which degree is for you.

If this isn’t the case, it may be useful to know that some business students, after completing their undergraduate degree, obtain an MBA and then move onto a PhD. This actually makes a lot of sense since the two forms of professional qualifications cover different stages of a student’s learning, and on that basis, there’s no reason why you couldn’t do both.

In fact, a few universities offer programmes that combine both degrees as a PhD-MBA dual degree. They are better known as PhD-MBA Integrated Degrees (or PhD-MBA Joint Degrees in US Graduate Schools) and can be the perfect option for anyone who wants to get the best of both qualifications. You don’t necessarily need an MBA for PhD eligibility, but they can prove beneficial as the transition from MBA to PhD will usually be less arduous than from Bachelors to PhD.

So what’s Better, a PhD or MBA?

The final answer depends on you. If you’re an individual who enjoys going up against others or the market, then an MBA will probably be the right option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer the realms of researching business theories, challenging yourself mentally and being able to pass on knowledge to others, then a PhD could be the better option. If both options sound interesting to you, then you may find a PhD-MBA dual degree of interest.

In the end, then, the question isn’t about whether an MBA is better than a PhD, but which one is personally better for you.

You’ll come across many academics with PhD, some using the title of Doctor and others using Professor. This blog post helps you understand the differences.

The term monotonic relationship is a statistical definition that is used to describe the link between two variables.

The scope of the study is defined at the start of the study. It is used by researchers to set the boundaries and limitations within which the research study will be performed.

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Is it really possible to do a PhD while working? The answer is ‘yes’, but it comes with several ‘buts’. Read our post to find out if it’s for you.

The Thurstone Scale is used to quantify the attitudes of people being surveyed, using a format of ‘agree-disagree’ statements.

Abdullah recently finished his PhD at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His computer science research developed deep learning-based algorithms for medical image analysis.

Dr Aitsi-Selmi gained her social epidemiology PhD from UCL in 2013. She now runs a private practice in Transformational Coaching and Consulting focused on careers, leadership and wellbeing.

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Master of Business Administration (Evening Hybrid or Online)

The MBA program offers a variety of opportunities for anyone interested in the demanding world of business. To fit the demands of working professionals, we proudly offer the MBA through an evening hybrid and online format. Regardless of the program structure you choose, you will receive the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of business.

Five Reasons to Pursue an MBA Degree

• Career Advancement: An MBA can open doors to senior management and executive positions. It's a credential that many companies value when looking to fill leadership roles.
• Increased Earning Potential: Graduates often see a significant increase in salary post-MBA. The degree can provide a return on investment through higher earning potential throughout your career.
• Networking Opportunities: Being part of an MBA program gives you access to a network of professionals, alumni, and industry leaders, which can be invaluable for career opportunities and mentorship.
• Personal Growth and Skills Development: An MBA challenges you to grow personally and professionally. It enhances your problem-solving, leadership, and strategic thinking skills, preparing you for complex business challenges.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: For those inclined towards entrepreneurship, an MBA provides the tools, skills, and networks necessary to start or grow a business effectively.

Program Options

We are proud to offer two MBA program options to best suit your goals and schedule.

The Evening Hybrid MBA

The evening hybrid MBA program is meticulously crafted to support working professionals aiming to elevate their careers without sacrificing their current professional roles. Our alternating in-person and online format allows you to progress at your own pace, as you can choose between full-time or part-time commitments. Classes are conveniently timed from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. on either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, with additional classes meeting once a week from 7 to 9:45 p.m. Please note that for those pursuing dual degrees, the hybrid format applies only to the MBA component.

Available Concentrations

A unique offering of the evening hybrid MBA is the program concentrations. These concentrations are ideal for professionals who want specialized, in depth knowledge in a specific business area. Your selected concentration will allow you to enhance your qualifications to target specific job opportunities, receive networking opportunities in your chosen field, and acquire specialized skills for industry relevance.

• General: Gain a broad understanding across industries, explore various business areas, and prepare for diverse leadership roles.
• Finance: Dive into the complexities of financial management and investment strategies to lead with confidence in the finance sector
• Marketing: Shape the future of marketing with data-driven strategies and a profound understanding of digital and traditional marketing arenas.
• Healthcare Management: Navigate the evolving healthcare landscape with a concentration that prepares you to lead with innovation and compassion.
• New Venture Management: Turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality in Las Vegas's thriving startup ecosystem, the emerging hub for innovation.
• Management Information Systems: Master the management of information systems across diverse industries and be at the forefront of digital transformation.
• Human Resources Management: Develop strategic insights into managing a firm’s most valuable assets—its people, preparing you for pivotal roles in HR management

The Online MBA

The online MBA program accommodates the schedules of working professionals around the globe. The asynchronous structure allows students to access coursework and lectures at their convenience to help them balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. The program maintains a rigorous academic standard equal to that of in-person courses, with all students having access to the same high-quality resources and faculty expertise.

This option comprises seven core classes to cover essential business disciplines. It also offers seven electives to help students tailor their education to specific interests and career goals. Electives range from topics such as advanced business strategies to innovative management practices.

MBA Dual-Degree Programs

Double your expertise through our dual-degree programs that are designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and credentials in two distinct but complementary fields. Current offerings include the following:

• MBA and Master of Science in Hotel Administration
• MBA and Master of Science in Management Information Systems
• MBA and Master of Science in Quantitative Finance
• MBA and Master of Healthcare Administration
• MBA and Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering
• MBA and Master of Science in Computer Science
• MBA and Doctor of Dental Medicine
• MBA and Juris Doctor
• MBA and Doctor of Medicine

Program Affordability and Value

At Lee Business School, we believe a high-quality education should be accessible to all aspiring business leaders. As the only business and accounting program in Southern Nevada that is accredited by AACSB International—the gold standard in business education—our program ensures that students receive a world-class education that meets the highest standards of excellence. Our strong rankings in U.S. News & World Report further attest to the quality and value of our program.

With competitive tuition rates and various financial aid options available, we strive to make our MBA program affordable for students from diverse backgrounds. Visit the Tuition and College Cost page for more information. Please note that a differential fee applies for this program. For an approximate cost breakdown, contact the Office of Graduate Student Services at [email protected] .

Nevada Residency

Your Nevada residency status plays a key part in your tuition rate. New graduate students are initially classified as out-of-state, with potential reclassification through a straightforward application process. Nevada residents enjoy significantly reduced tuition rates. International students on a non-resident visa are classified as out-of-state but can change their status after a year with a green card. Detailed residency guidelines are available to ensure you have all the information you need to potentially lower your educational costs.

Learn More About Nevada Residency

“The MBA program has been a transformative experience for my professional growth. The diverse curriculum, expert faculty, and real-world application opportunities gave me the skills and confidence to excel in my career. Joining and becoming vice president of the MBAA allowed me to actively participate in the community, and attending the events and socials allowed me to connect with peers and grow. ” Vicky Saab MBA (Concentration in MIS), Spring 2024 Graduate

Career Options

Our graduates are highly sought after by top companies across various industries, reflecting the exceptional quality of education and training they receive. From prestigious job titles to impactful roles at leading organizations, UNLV MBA graduates embark on diverse and rewarding career paths. Some potential career paths include

Potential Career Paths

• Brand Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Corporate Strategy Manager
• Entrepreneur/Startup Founder
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Controller
• Healthcare Administrator
• Human Resources Manager
• Investment Analyst
• IT Project Manager
• Management Consultant
• Marketing Manager
• Operations Manager
• Product Manager
• Project Manager
• Real Estate Development Manager
• Risk Manager
• Sales Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• Sustainability Manage

Top Companies That Hire Our Graduates

• Allegiant Air
• Bank of Nevada
• Boyd Gaming Corporation
• Caesars Entertainment Corporation
• Cragin & Pike
• Ernst & Young (EY)
• Las Vegas Sands Corporation
• MGM Resorts International
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• Southwest Gas Corporation
• Station Casinos
• The Howard Hughes Corporation
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Wells Fargo

The MBA Student Experience

The exceptional MBA student experience at Lee Business School Offers a supportive and dynamic environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. Students benefit from a diverse array of opportunities, including access to industry leaders, professional development resources, and a vibrant community of peers and alumni. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and experiences needed to excel in the global business landscape.

Access to Professional Development Workshops, Seminars, and Tools

Lee speaker series and seminars.

The Lee Speaker Series connects students with industry leaders, which is essential to the MBA program experience. Twice a semester, C-Suite executives are welcomed to campus to network with students and share important insights regarding various industries.

Learn more about the Lee Speaker Series and Seminars .

LinkedIn Learning Access

Students enrolled in our MBA program will have exclusive access to LinkedIn Learning to enhance their skills in critical areas such as strategic management, financial analysis, and leadership development.

Professional Workshops and Seminars from The Grad Academy

Students have the opportunity to take advantage of The Grad Academy at the UNLV Graduate College, which serves as the central hub for professional and career development programming for graduate students, as well as graduate school preparation for undergraduate students. Through a range of free programs, badges, certifications, workshops, and events, The Grad Academy supports students in developing competencies that position them for academic, career, and life success.

Learn more about the Grad Academy .

Expand Your Horizons Through Our Summer International Trip

Every summer, our program’s students and alumni have the opportunity to travel to an international destination to experience the business and culture. Embracing the dynamic and global business environment, the MBA program arranges business visits and immersive cultural excursions. Past destinations include the Czech Republic, Argentina, Russia, and China.

Gain Insight from Business and Company Visits

The MBA program is fortunate to have extensive relationships with companies throughout the southwest region. Each semester, MBA Program students can tour and engage companies representing various industries and disciplines. Recent company treks include Golden Knights City National Arena, Area 15, Cemex, 21st Century Fox, Dignity Health, and T-Mobile Arena.

Join the MBAA, an MBA Student Association

The MBAA aims to build community and engagement among current MBA students, alumni, faculty, and local business leaders. This student organization hosts several events throughout the year, including mixers, workshops, and recreational activities. It may also open the door for you to lead and influence through leadership positions available within the association.

Learn more about the MBAA .

Participate in the Graduate LEE Medallion Program

The Lee Medallion Program is a distinguished acknowledgement for graduate and professional students who exhibit exceptional involvement and achievement. Participation in designated activities is necessary for those aspiring to join the program. Upon completion, participants will receive the esteemed Lee Medallion during the semester of their graduation. We strongly advocate wearing the medallions during commencement as a distinguished addition to your graduation attire.

Learn more about the Lee Medallion Program .

Receive Support Throughout the Entire Journey

Our faculty and staff are dedicated to seeing MBA students grow and graduate. As part of that dedication, we encourage students to take advantage of various resources, including:

• The Office of Graduate Student Services
• Lee Business School’s Career and Professional Development Office
• The Lee Business School’s Centers , which can serve as resources for students in the areas of entrepreneurship and startups; real estate development, investment, and management; economic research; and Insurance and risk management.
• The UNLV Lied Library , which offers research assistance, study spaces, and houses the Graduate Student Lounge.
• Black Fire Innovation and the Troesh Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation – two startup incubators that support MBA students in developing their business ideas, providing mentorship, seed funding, and office space.
• The President’s Innovation Challenge and Rebel Venture Fund – two contests in which students can pitch their business plans to investors and compete for startup capital.

Study in a Major Metropolitan City and a Global Destination

The UNLV campus is located in the center of Las Vegas–a city with deep entrepreneurial roots that provides a stomping ground of energy and creative opportunities for business students. Lee Business School has long-standing relationships and ties with the business community. Our alumni lead some of the most successful gaming and hospitality companies in the world, have built innovative entrepreneurial ventures, and held significant titles in government from governor to senator. Our location is a living laboratory where you can get hands-on experience in your future career while making a difference in a thriving community.

Learn more about Studying in Las Vegas .

Program Data

Understanding comprehensive program data is essential for making informed decisions about educational investments. By examining key metrics such as return on investment (ROI), student demographics, and post-graduation outcomes, you can evaluate the potential benefits and align your career goals with our program's offerings. This data empowers you to assess the value of the MBA program and how it can significantly enhance your professional trajectory.

View ROI and Student Data

Admission Requirements

We welcome applications from ambitious graduates across all disciplines and from individuals from all experience levels. Any student wishing to apply to the MBA program should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or its international equivalent and demonstrate academic aptitude, professional experience, and leadership potential.
• Pay the application fee ($60 for U.S. domestic applicants and $95 for international applicants)
• Provide and upload transcripts with your online application. Official transcripts must be sent directly to UNLV Graduate College.
• Register and prepare via the official GMAT website.
• GMAT waivers are available in specific-cases. Please review and submit the  GMAT/GRE Waiver Request Form . Please allow the admissions committee one to two weeks to make a decision.
• Provide a 1-2 page personal statement detailing how the MBA will help you achieve your career goals and the skills you bring to the program.
• Include a current resume or CV with your application.
• Provide two letters of recommendations, ideally from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional potential. These can be from academic or professional references.

To receive a comprehensive admission checklist, please email [email protected] .

Application Deadlines

Fall Term: May 1 – International applicants Aug. 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants

Spring Term: Oct. 1  – International applicants Nov. 15 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants

Summer Term: March 15  – International applicants April 1  – Domestic or permanent residence applicants

“Our professors are dedicated to providing students with essential managerial skills and an innovative learning environment. The Lee MBA journey will empower students to achieve their career success and growth. The skills, knowledge, and network our students acquire are valuable rewards that last throughout their entire careers and take students further than they ever imagined.” Won-Yong Oh, Ph.D Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology

Program Advisors Contact

Lee Business School Office of Graduate Student Services Lisa Davis, Ph.D. Executive Director for the Office of Graduate Student Services 702-895-1367 [email protected]

Prospective Student Contact

Lee Business School Graduate Student Services 702-895-3655 [email protected]

Catalog Information

Visit our Degrees Directory to view our catalog information.

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How i got into the mba at harvard business school—and 4 ways you can too.

Tim Chaves, a 2015 MBA graduate from Harvard Business School, reveals four ways you can stand out in your application

How do you get into Harvard? Tim Chaves, MBA graduate from Harvard Business School, reveals the secrets to a successful MBA application

Mon Sep 4 2023

No! At least, not in my experience. When I first got to Harvard, I was amazed at how seriously each of the professors, administrators, and admissions staff took the school’s mission: to educate leaders who make a difference in the world.

While our first-year curriculum had two required finance classes, they felt like a baseline of business education rather than a push toward Wall Street. Our entire second-year curriculum was elective, with plenty of classes focused on social impact to choose from, and our first-year leadership class focused not just on leadership style, but on integrity, and asked us each to envision the difference we wanted to make in the world.

With all that said, what is Harvard Business School really looking for when they evaluate potential candidates for admission? Here’s my perspective—but bear in mind, this is my opinion as a graduate, not as a member of admissions staff!

1. Clear the bar

It’s absolutely true that there’s a certain bar of standards that if you don’t clear, it will be difficult to gain admission.

Firstly, the GMAT : the median is a 740. If you’re below 700, I’d recommend taking the test again.

Even with a score in the 740 range though, that’s no guarantee of admission—especially if your background is highly traditional, you might want to try hard to push above that, into the 750 range. You can use similar percentile ranges for the GRE.

Secondly, work experience: what you’ve done matters.  

The average incoming student at Harvard Business School has 4.9 years of post-college work experience. While you don’t need to have big names on your resume, those can help you because they represent a filter—a bar you’ve already cleared.

If you don’t have those big-name employers, that’s ok, but you’ll want to make sure your story is interesting and unique enough to offset that lack of a reliable indicator!

READ:  Average GMAT Scores For The World’s Top MBA Programs

©Wirestock/iStock

Next, grades: you don’t need to have had a college 4.0 to get into Harvard. The admissions team will take into account the difficulty of your school and major; the average is 3.73. If you’re far below that, it can be a red flag—possibly indicating a lack of effort more than a lack of intellect.

Then, there’s leadership experience. This can come from anywhere, but it’s absolutely something admissions will be looking for. How can you show that you can make a difference in whatever situation you find yourself in?

HBS’s definition of leadership is broad, but it always includes making some sort of meaningful difference in the world around you. If your experience is solely focused on improving your own position, that will be tough for admissions to get over.

Finally, let’s talk about recommendations. You’ll need extremely strong recommendations, period.

Each evaluator will be asked to rank you on several aspects of your work and character. Not rate—rank. Meaning, they’ll have to say if you’re the best they’ve ever seen, the top 5%, the top 10%, and so on. That question forces some honesty.

Obviously, this means you need to be thoughtful in choosing who recommends you, but if you’re a few years away from applying, it simply means that you should put in your absolute best, every day, in all aspects of your life. Referees who’d love to vouch for you will come naturally if you’ve done that.

2. Bring a unique voice

Beyond just clearing the bar, it’s important to show you bring something unique to the HBS classroom.

HBS teaches using the case method: each student comes to class each day having read and analyzed a case, often involving a protagonist in a difficult business situation or facing a difficult choice. The students’ job is to reason and debate with each other about the case, often advocating for one action or another.

You can imagine this type of interaction wouldn’t be all that helpful if everybody came with the same perspective. That’s one of the reasons HBS tries to foster a class that’s as diverse as possible: in terms of race, gender, sexuality, nationality, background, experience, and so on.  

In your application, I’d be sure to highlight how your voice is unique and will add a valuable perspective that might not otherwise be represented in the classroom.

3. Further the mission

As I mentioned above, my experience is that people at HBS truly do believe in their mission.

They want leaders who will make a difference, and again, that is open to broad interpretation. While it implies impact beyond just making money, it also leaves a lot of room for your own implementation of it.  

When you’re writing essays, doing an interview, or in any other pre-acceptance interaction, make sure that you’re clear about how you can help further the HBS mission. Be thoughtful and sincere about how you’ll make that difference, even if you don’t have the exact details nailed down.  

My essays absolutely spoke to the fact that I wanted to employ people and create positive work environments through entrepreneurship; I didn’t know that would take the form of ZipBooks , my accounting software startup, but that was ok!

They’re looking for the attributes of leadership and general directionality, but they don’t need to see rigid plans in order to see a leader.

READ:  12 Harvard Business School Online Courses | Explained

©Harvard Business School Online/Facebook

4. Get a little bit lucky

Lastly, be aware that even with a perfect application, there’s an element of luck involved. And it’s not just HBS—at any competitive business school, this comes into play. If you don’t get an interview, or you do and you don’t get in, be aware that it’s not necessarily a reflection on you.

First of all, as much as they’d like to judge you directly, the admissions team is really judging an imperfect proxy (your application). And secondly, there are additional requirements they’re trying to meet in terms of geography, background, and other diversity factors you have no control over.

I was lucky enough (and I mean that term literally) to get in, but I would have been the same person if I hadn’t. Clear the bar, focus on what makes you unique, sincerely explain how you’ll become a leader who makes a difference, and then let the chips fall where they may.

If you do that, you’ll be on a good path—no matter what happens with your application!

This article was first published in June 2018 and updated with the latest figures in September 2023.

Monday 25th April 2022, 08.50 (UTC)

That's very good

Sunday 28th June 2020, 20.54 (UTC)

Harvard Business School the top Mba surly . Trip Privacy

Thursday 25th June 2020, 07.01 (UTC)

Great post, Thanks for providing us this great knowledge, Keep it up. Resurge

Tuesday 16th June 2020, 09.02 (UTC)

Sometimes we also learn from what they don't teach you at Harvard.

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The ROI of an MBA: Is the Degree Worth It?

• 22 Nov 2022

When considering whether to pursue a master of business administration (MBA) , several questions come to mind, but most boil down to: Is it worth it?

Hundreds of thousands of students enroll in MBA programs annually to gain the combination of foundational and specialized business skills to excel in their careers.

Yet, business school is a commitment of time, effort, and money. If you enroll in a full-time program, you’ll take two years off work. If you’re in a part-time or Executive MBA program, you’ll juggle studying with your full-time job. The price of an MBA varies by program type and school but, on average, costs between $55,000 and $161,000 . Naturally, the question of return on investment (ROI) is a big deciding factor for prospective MBA candidates.

So, how do you know if an MBA is right for you?

Here’s a breakdown of the current demand for MBA degrees, three ways you could experience a return on your investment, and how to decide if it’s worth it.

Access your free e-book today.

Demand for MBA Degrees

The skills gained in an MBA program can set you up for success—and organizations recognize the value of hiring MBA graduates.

According to a report from Statista , in 2021, 97 percent of surveyed companies hired MBA graduates, up from 80 percent in 2020 and 50 percent in 2009. The data for 2022 is on track to yield similar results, with a projected 92 percent of companies hiring MBA talent.

This demand for employees with MBAs shows in employment rates of 2022 business school graduates: 86 percent were employed at the time of graduation, according to a report by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) .

It’s clear that organizations value MBAs, yet the same GMAC report also shows an increase in how graduates rank the degree’s value. In 2022, 85 percent of full-time MBA students reported their program’s value as “good to outstanding,” up from 82 percent in 2021. Likely contributing to this trend is the rise in career changes; the majority of 2022 business school graduates who used their degree to make a career change were successful.

The market demand for MBAs—as well as personal demand to reach career goals—is rising. Yet, graduate degrees are an investment, and deciding to pursue one is no small decision. Here are three ways an MBA can provide a return on investment.

Related: 10 Reasons It Makes Sense to Get an MBA

3 Ways an MBA Can Provide a Return on Investment

1. career trajectory.

One way an MBA can provide a return on investment is the expansion and acceleration of your career.

“Business school is a two-year time commitment and a financial investment,” says Vai Schierholtz, director of marketing for MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School. “But, ultimately, the value of all the things you gain from a professional standpoint puts you in a position to accelerate your career.”

In an MBA program, you’ll learn how to solve complex problems and make decisions. These skills are highly valued in leaders and can not only help you land roles with increasing responsibility but lead your team through difficult challenges.

While you can develop these on the job or through other educational opportunities, an MBA provides a unique immersive experience, especially if you take the program full time. It provides the technical and soft skills to be an effective contributor and leader in a business setting.

“An MBA teaches you the hard and soft skills you need in business,” Schierholtz says. “Alumni often say that the hard skills helped them in the first three years of their first job, but their career accelerates after they start using the soft skills they developed in the MBA program.”

2. Earning Potential

Along with career acceleration comes increased earning potential. When you think of return on investment, you might wonder: How will an MBA impact my salary and bonuses?

According to GMAC’s Corporate Recruiters Survey , in 2021, the average starting salary for MBA holders was between 22 percent and 40 percent higher than for bachelor’s degree holders. Seventy-one percent of corporate recruiters agree that employees with a business school education earn more at their companies. GMAC reports that North American full-time MBA students received a 50 percent median compensation increase from pre-MBA to post-graduation: from $80,000 to $120,000.

“There’s a cost for you to go to business school, but the return on investment from a purely financial standpoint is compelling,” Schierholtz says. “Especially when you factor in long-term career prospects, like earning potential and the ability to make an impact in an industry that’s important to you, business school is a fantastic choice.”

While no specific salary is guaranteed, an MBA can set you up to earn more than you would without it.

3. Connections

Finally, an MBA can provide immense value in the form of connections.

Typical MBA programs create sections of students who take the required curriculum together. These sections are often comprised of a diverse set of individuals to foster empathy and new perspectives. Because you’ll engage, study, and work with these people for at least your first year, you’ll likely develop strong connections.

“Something people may not consider about business school is that it's two years to make new friends from incredible places around the world,” Schierholtz says. “Some of my best friends in life now are from my time at business school. Business school is a transformative experience. Any time you go through a transformative experience with others, it creates bonds that will last a long time. I think that's one of those returns on investment that you can't really value.”

Aside from the students and faculty you’ll spend time with during an MBA program, you’ll also enter into an alumni network upon graduating. For instance, Harvard Business School’s alumni network is made up of 87,000 alumni worldwide, spanning 170 countries and a host of roles and industries.

The connections you’ll make in business school can enhance your personal life and lead to professional opportunities to advance your career.

Is an MBA Worth It?

Countless factors can influence the return on investment of an MBA. Ultimately, whether the degree is worth it depends on your career goals and circumstances. Weighing your personal finances, location, and family situation is an important part of the decision process, as are your professional goals and which program you decide to pursue.

Patrick Mullane, executive director of HBS Online and HBS Executive Education, provides advice on researching your options.

“Investigate the median salary of graduates by industry and compare that to what you’ll pay earning the degree,” Mullane writes in an article for Forbes . “The overall median may be skewed by higher-paying sectors, so be sure to focus on the industry you’re likely to enter upon graduation. Many people think education at any cost is worth it. It’s not.”

Weigh your personal circumstances and professional goals and consider how your school and future role could provide a return on investment.

While this is a personal decision, know that the time has never been better for MBA graduates in the workplace. The market demand for MBAs is high, and most MBA graduates report gaining value from their degrees.

If you aim to accelerate your career and become a well-rounded business leader, an MBA can help.

Are you considering earning an MBA? Explore our three-course Credential of Readiness (CORe) program and download our free guide to preparing for business school.

About the Author

Business Administration & Master of Climate Solutions MBA/MCS

Master of climate solutions (mcs).

Applications will open in September 2024 and the first cohort will enroll in Fall 2025.

The Master of Climate Solutions (MCS) at Rausser College offers a focused curriculum tailored to the evolving demands of the job market in climate-related fields. The program is built around teaching students how to accelerate the implementation of solutions that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions or protect against the harms of climate change through adaptation, with an awareness of equity and justice. This 29-unit program provides core knowledge and practical skills needed by professionals to excel in various sectors dealing with climate challenges.

Upon graduation, you will be poised to forge impactful climate solutions in varied contexts. Your potential paths include assisting a company in devising internal incentives to curtail its carbon emissions, crafting a resilient climate adaptation plan for a local government, assisting a transportation company pivot towards cleaner operations, rallying for climate-friendly legislation, or sculpting a business plan that propels a green entrepreneur's product to market.

Master of Business Administration and Master of Climate Solutions (MBA/MCS)

The Master of Business Administration and Master of Climate Solutions ( MBA/MCS) is designed to educate professional students who will go on to be business leaders and entrepreneurs in industries where climate innovation is central to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The program focuses on developing a comprehensive set of skills. Leadership training includes negotiation, conflict resolution, project management, influencing others, building coalitions, and reaching consensus. Professional skills are also emphasized, covering presentation techniques, climate data analysis, data visualization, life cycle analysis, carbon accounting, climate risk analysis, and Scope 3 assessment and reporting.

In terms of the career focused activities, the students will engage in resume development and career visioning exercises to further enhance their professional profiles and strategic planning abilities.

Moreover, the program will provide networking opportunities with industry professionals, as well as a mentorship program, enabling the students to create connections in the industry.

Contact Info

[email protected]

2220 Piedmont Avenue

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

9/12/2024, 1/9/25, or 4/3/25

Degree Type(s)

Masters / Professional

Degree Awarded

M.A., M.B.A., M.C.S.S.

GRE Requirements

GRE or GMAT required

Best MBA Programs for 2024

Earning an MBA is an investment that can accelerate your career and pave the way to a high salary. Fortune Education wants to help you decipher the best of what the business school landscape has to offer. In total, 81 schools are included in our Best MBA ranking. This ranking was last updated August 2023.

3. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

• ACCEPTANCE RATE
• AVERAGE GMAT
• GMAT REQUIREMENT
• MEDIAN BASE SALARY OF NEW GRADS

4. Yale University

6. Columbia University

7. University of Chicago (Booth)

8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)

UC Davis Master of Management

9. New York University (Stern)

10. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (Ross)

11. duke university (fuqua).

12. Cornell University (Johnson)

13. University of Virginia (Darden)

Maryville University Master of Business Administration | Online

14. University of California–Berkeley (Haas)

15. Dartmouth College (Tuck)

16. University of California–Los Angeles (Anderson)

17. University of Texas–Austin (McCombs)

18. University of Southern California (Marshall)

The online mba from rice business.

19. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)

20. emory university (goizueta), 21. university of north carolina–chapel hill (kenan-flagler).

22. University of Washington (Foster)

23. Georgetown University (McDonough)

The Online MBA From Syracuse University

24. Rice University (Jones)

25. Indiana University (Kelley)

26. Vanderbilt University (Owen)

27. University of Notre Dame (Mendoza)

28. Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller)

29. University of Rochester (Simon)

30. University of Minnesota–Twin Cities (Carlson)

31. Michigan State University (Broad)

32. University of California–Irvine (Merage)

33. University of Wisconsin–Madison

34. university of florida (warrington).

35. Fordham University (Gabelli)

36. University of Texas–Dallas

37. Howard University

38. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey–Newark and New Brunswick

39. Washington University in St. Louis (Olin)

40. University of Maryland–College Park (Smith)

41. Texas A&M University–College Station (Mays)

42. Brigham Young University (Marriott)

43. Southern Methodist University (Cox)

44. Boston University (Questrom)

45. University of Utah (Eccles)

46. William & Mary

47. CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College (Zicklin)

48. university of arizona (eller).

49. Texas Christian University (Neeley)

50. Babson College (Olin)

51. University of Pittsburgh (Katz)

52. University of Tennessee–Knoxville (Haslam)

53. American University (Kogod)

Unc kenan-flagler’s top-ranked online mba.

54. University of Massachusetts–Amherst (Isenberg)

55. University of Denver (Daniels)

56. Case Western Reserve University (Weatherhead)

57. Pepperdine University (Graziadio)

58. University of San Diego (Knauss)

59. Syracuse University (Whitman)

60. Tulane University (Freeman)

61. Hult International Business School

62. university of houston (bauer).

63. University of Oregon (Lundquist)

64. Baylor University (Hankamer)

65. Bentley University

66. University of Oklahoma (Price)

67. Morgan State University (Graves)

68. University of Cincinnati (Lindner)

69. Lindenwood University

70. pace university (lubin), 71. college of charleston.

72. Texas Tech University (Rawls)

73. University of Texas–San Antonio

74. Clark University

75. Appalachian State University (Walker)

76. Rochester Institute of Technology (Saunders)

77. John Carroll University (Boler)

78. University of South Florida

79. kent state university, 80. xavier university, frequently asked questions.

An MBA, or master of business administration, is an internationally recognized graduate-level degree in business leadership and management that can help you advance in your current industry or change fields. Most MBA programs have a core curriculum focusing on business fundamentals, and full-time programs typically take two years to complete.

A full-time MBA program requires students to completely immerse themselves in their coursework, group studies, and typically complete an internship. These sacrifices can pay off; the median salary of MBA grads, at $115,000, is 77% higher than people with a bachelor’s degree alone. And some recent MBA grads are fetching $200,000 or more .

Pursuing an MBA can be hard for students because they must transition back to academia, find the right balance between school and personal obligations, and make the most of networking and other opportunities that are a core part of business school programs. Learn more about what you should consider before you apply .

Most full-time programs take two academic years to complete, with an internship during the summer in-between. However, some business schools offer 12-month degree programs.

Some students from top-ranked business schools fetch pay packages exceeding $400,000 in their first roles out of school, depending on their chosen industry. In 2021, Harvard Business School grads netted average pay packages of $217,000, Wharton’s graduating class had a median base salary at $155,000, and more than one-third of Stanford’s latest class went into finance, where they earned $310,000 pay packages.

Most full-time MBA programs are designed to be treated like a job, with a full schedule of coursework and other school-related obligations like group projects. If you don’t want to give up a paycheck while attending school, a part-time , online or executive MBA program may be a better fit.

Part-time MBA students continue working and earning a salary, while applying lessons learned in the classroom in their current roles. These programs are best for people who want to advance within their current company or industry. Full-time MBA students fully immerse themselves in their business education, pursue an internship, and are often looking to switch careers.

A traditional MBA refers to a full-time program that typically takes students two years to complete. Classes are typically conducted in person and on campus for traditional programs, and business school is a full-time endeavor for these students.

Online MBA programs allow for more flexibility in students’ schedules , but traditional full-time programs offer students more personalized coursework and the opportunity to take full advantage of internships, networking, and other career resources. Traditional MBA programs are best for people who are switching careers.

A traditional MBA program can be an asset for professionals at any point in their career who are looking to switch careers, while the executive MBA option is geared toward more seasoned professionals who want to land a C-suite role.

Fortune’s ranking of the best traditional MBA programs stands out by finding schools that not only offer comprehensive curricula, but also see their students achieve competitive salaries after graduation.

Graduate Campus Hiring Program 2024-25

Application details.

Registrations for the program start from 3 rd July, 2024.

Last date to apply is 14 th July, 2024

Candidates graduating in 2026 with a non-engineering Bachelors degree

Bengaluru, Hyderabad

The Graduate Campus Hiring Program provides a distinguished opportunity to begin career in the financial industry. It provides a platform to discover, engage and recruit top talent from graduate (non-engineering) campuses across India, while shaping the careers of young professionals through innovation and excellence.

This program offers upskilling and professional development opportunities through structured sessions and networking with our senior leaders enabling participants to gain invaluable insights and skills. Candidates would also go through multiple rounds of assessments that would test them on various skills like aptitude, communication skills etc.

Candidates who qualify through the process will be offered a summer internship role at Goldman Sachs, India. Candidates will then be required to confirm their acceptance and signoff from the placement process.

Program Timelines:

Registrations:   3-Jul Aptitude Test:   18-Jul Upskilling Session 1 + Leadership Connect:   22-Jul Group Discussion:   23-Jul Upskilling Session 2:   26-Jul Interviews:   30-Jul

• Registrations:  3 rd July, 2024 – 9:00am IST to 14 th  July , 2024 – 11:59pm IST
• Aptitude Test : 18 th  July, 2024 (communication will be shared with all the eligible candidates who registered correctly)
• Group Discussion: 22 nd July, 2024 (only for those shortlisted post the aptitude test)
• Interviews: 30 th  July, 2024 (only for those shortlisted post the Group Discussion)

Application Process:

• Click on the link to commence application
• Please type the below in the search bar: 2025 | Bengaluru | Graduate Campus Hiring Program | Summer Analyst  
• Please apply to your preferred division and location (Bangalore and Hyderabad) after going through the 12 available links and register with your email address. *Select preferred divisions: “Compliance”, “CPM”, “FICC and Equities”, “HCM”, “Investment Banking” and “Operations”
• Once you have registered, to commence your application process, click "Apply"
• Complete the application by providing at the requisition details and click "Submit"

Please note if you apply for more then 4 requisitions, your application will be auto rejected 

Disclaimer:

• Candidates with incomplete or inaccurate registration will not be eligible for the program and will not be invited for further steps in the program. Kindly refer to the detailed FAQ document  for step by step instructions on the application process.
• Please note the indicated location preference submitted as part of your application is not a guarantee of your work location. The final decision of location will be taken by the firm.
• Registration to the program does not guarantee selection or offer extension. Goldman Sachs will be evaluating your candidacy on several factors, and we will reach out to you if you meet our criteria at each stage of the program. The decision of the company will be final and binding.

Learn more about where you can apply for this program.

• Controllers
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More From Forbes

Phd vs. mba: which is more valuable for an entrepreneur.

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I’m going to say it before you even think it. Yes, with both a PhD and MBA, I’m overeducated. People marvel (or snark, depending): “You have both a PhD and an MBA? You must really like school.” The fact of the matter is, I like learning and sometimes that involves school, but mostly it involves learning by doing.

For those of you unfamiliar with what it really takes to get a PhD, a PhD in the life sciences is basically a long, poorly paid apprenticeship. After you are done with your one and a half years of classes, you work in unpaid practicums, or for minimum wage as a research assistant, for four years. As a graduate research assistant, the annual stipend from the National Institutes of Health is currently $22,920 -- and you are not working a cushy 40 hours a week. Try more like 60 to 70. So, it’s a factual statement to say a PhD is essentially a glorified way to work for minimum wage for years. The notion that you are chillaxing reading books and pontificating in an ivory tower should be put to rest.

People want to know: which was most helpful in starting my company? They seem truly disappointed when I say “both!” They want to know: vanilla or chocolate? Pick one! But, truly both have been essential to pymetrics, in large part because of the nature of the company. To give a bit of background: I am CEO and co-founder of  pymetrics , a neuroscience-based recruiting platform that matches best-fit candidates with compatible careers. We are a life sciences technology, so it would be hard to do without the decade that my co-founder and I both put into learning the technology through a PhD and then a postdoc (more poorly paid work). It is not something you can learn in a 6 week class. There are some very hard skills that you learn by doing over and over again: experimental methods, data analysis, assessment, etc.

However, my MBA is equally valuable to the success of our company. When I told my fellow PhD brethren that I was contemplating an MBA, the disdain was palpable (and often audible).  “What a waste of time… an MBA is a BS degree.” (And they did not mean bachelor of science .) Well, it is expensive, but to say that an MBA is a waste of time is truly short-sighted.

For the bankers and consultants out there, an MBA might not be the transformative and completely foreign experience it was for me. Five years of either probably gives you a solid foundation in the business world. However, for the rest of us non-bankers and consultants (and in my program, that was about a third of the students), I would say it was a tremendous learning experience. If you had never set foot in corporate America, like myself, it was invaluable. Where else do you learn accounting, marketing, basic finance, operations, etc. in such a short period of time? For those scientists out there who scoff at an MBA, I would say that they don’t realize what they are missing. And often that is to their detriment, because a business is contingent on having basic business skills which, unfortunately, are not covered in the 1.5 years of classes or the 4 years of poorly-paid research work of a PhD program.

Aside from skills like pricing and building a financial model, the other aspects of an MBA that were truly essential were two-fold. One was realizing that business, unlike science, is tolerating and making decisions in the face of (often significant) ambiguity. Science is precise and exact. In fact, if you make a claim that cannot be 100% substantiated by scientific evidence, you are seen as a poor scientist. And, in all fairness, that should be the case in science because it is the endeavor of building a body of knowledge that (hopefully) we can deem as truth. All those scientific laws out there – relativity, thermodynamics - would be pretty awful if they only worked in 70% of cases. In science, you seek knowledge and truth, and the closer you can get to that, the better. And, as a result, the time scale of science is very very very very slow.  Did I mention it was slow? Very slow.

The world of business does not and cannot operate that way. In business, is all about making decisions with imperfect information.  Things need to happen today so one cannot wait for perfect (or close to perfect) information. As many wise business people say, perfect is the enemy of good. So as a scientist turned entrepreneur, I had to become comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. However, to this day I think my scientist self gets the better of me at times, because it is truly hard to engage in the act of aggrandizing and outright fabricating (often in the name of ‘outlining the vision’) the way that I sometimes see other business people do.

The other thing that was a very valuable learning experience for me is that while we sell a science / technology product, business development and sales are all about the personal relationship. While you need to have a product that works and does what you say it does in order to sell it, the converse is not true: a working product will not sell itself without the personal relationship. Discovering this was a learning experience for me – and somewhat of a pleasant one, because I have always valued relationships. There is so much psychology to business development – understanding people’s motivations, understanding what is driving them to try our and buy your product – that it really does not come down to just having a technology product that works.

Ultimately, relationships are what drive the business forward because, as a startup, people are taking a gamble on you. The people that vouch for you – whether it be investors or clients or users – do so not necessarily because they’ve technically vetted your product. They support you because you have inspired trust and faith in them. Again, this is not how the scientific process works.

I see my work as the culmination of the two very different parts of my background mashed together. My scientific knowledge gave me the insight to see how I could apply neuroscience concepts to a problem that was made evident to me in business school: recruiting and retaining quality talent. Without both parts of my experience, pymetrics would not have come to fruition.

This is not to say that everyone must immediately rush out and get as many degrees as possible in the hopes of divining their life’s mission and purpose along the way. The bottom line is this: if you pursue the things that you love, life often finds a way to show you how you can contribute the passions that drive you to a bigger cause.

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• Master’s vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Master's vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Published on November 27, 2020 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on May 10, 2024.

The two most common types of graduate degrees are master’s and doctoral degrees:

• A master’s is a 1–2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers.
• A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3–7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research.

A master’s is also the necessary first step to a PhD. In the US, the master’s is built into PhD programs, while in most other countries, a separate master’s degree is required before applying for PhDs.

Master’s are far more common than PhDs. In the US, 24 million people have master’s or professional degrees, whereas only 4.5 million have doctorates.

Table of contents

Master’s vs phd at a glance, which is right for you, length of time required, career prospects, costs and salaries, application process, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about master's and phd degrees.

The table below shows the key differences between the two.

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A PhD is right for you if:

• Your goal is to become a professor at a university or some other type of professional researcher.
• You love research and are passionate about discovering the answer to a particular question.
• You are willing to spend years pursuing your research even if you have to put up with a lot of dead ends and roadblocks.

A master’s degree is the better choice if any of the following apply:

• You want to continue studies in your field, but you’re not committed to a career as a professional researcher.
• You want to develop professional skills for a specific career.
• You are willing to pay a higher upfront cost if it means finishing with your degree (and thus being able to work) much faster.
• You want the option to study part-time while working.

The length of time required to complete a PhD or master’s degree varies. Unsurprisingly, PhDs take much longer, usually between 3–7 years. Master’s degrees are usually only 1–2 years.

Length of a master’s

Master’s degrees are usually 2 years, although 1-year master’s degrees also exist, mainly in the UK.

Most of the degree consists of classes and coursework, although many master’s programs include an intensive, semester-long master’s thesis or capstone project in which students bring together all they’ve learned to produce an original piece of work.

Length of a PhD

In the US, a PhD usually takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. The first 2 years are spent on coursework. Students, even those who choose to leave without finishing the program, usually receive a master’s degree at this point.

The next 3–5 years are spent preparing a dissertation —a lengthy piece of writing based on independent research, which aims to make a significant original contribution to one’s field.

Master’s degrees tend to prepare you for a career outside of academia, while PhDs are designed to lead to a career in research.

Careers for master’s graduates

There are two types of master’s degrees: terminal and research-intensive. The career prospects are different for each.

Terminal master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for careers outside of academia. Some degrees, known as professional degrees, specifically prepare students for particular professions; these include the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.

Other master’s degrees, usually Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Sciences (MS or MSc) degrees, do not necessarily lead to a specific career, but are intended to be a final degree. Examples include an MS in Communications or MS in Data Analytics.

In research-intensive master’s programs, students take coursework intended to prepare them for writing an original piece of research known as the master’s thesis . Such programs are usually intended to prepare for further study in a doctoral program.

Careers for PhD graduates

As research degrees, PhDs are usually intended to lead to an academic career. A PhD can be thought of like an apprenticeship, where students learn from professional researchers (academics) how to produce their own research.

Most students aspire to become a university professor upon the completion of their degree. However, careers in academia are highly competitive, and the skills learned in a doctoral program often lend themselves well to other types of careers.

Some graduates who find they prefer teaching to producing research go on to be teachers at liberal arts colleges or even secondary schools. Others work in research-intensive careers in the government, private sector, or at think tanks.

Below are a few examples of specific fields and non-academic careers that are common destinations of graduates of those fields.

• Computer Science
• Lab Sciences

Many government jobs, including economists at a country’s central bank, are research-intensive and require a PhD. Think tanks also hire economists to carry out independent research.

In the private sector, economic consulting and technology firms frequently hire PhDs to solve real-world problems that require complex mathematical modeling.

Graduate students from the humanities are sometimes hired by museums, who can make use of their research and writing skills to curate exhibits and run public outreach.

Humanities PhDs are often well-suited to research and grant-writing roles at nonprofits. Since so much of research is funded by grants, PhD students often gain a lot of experience applying for them, which is a useful skill in the nonprofit sector.

There are a wide range of non-academic research jobs for lab scientists with doctorates in subjects like chemistry, biology, ecology and physics.

Many PhD graduates are hired by pharmaceutical companies that need to perform research to create and test their products. Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also hire lab scientists to work on research projects.

Job prospects after graduation vary widely based on the field. In fields like management, computer science, statistics, and economics, there’s little underemployment—even graduates from less well-known programs can easily find jobs that pay well and use the skills they’ve gained from the PhD.

However, in other fields, particularly in the humanities, many PhD graduates have difficulty in the job market. Unfortunately, there are far more PhD graduates than assistant professor roles, so many instead take on part-time and low-paid roles as adjunct instructors. Even non-academic careers can sometimes be difficult for PhDs to move into, as they may be seen as “overqualified”  or as lacking in relevant professional experience.

Because career options post-PhD vary so much, you should take the time to figure out what the career prospects are in your field. Doctoral programs often have detailed “placement” records online in which they list the career outcomes of their graduates immediately upon leaving the program. If you can’t find these records, contact the program and ask for them—placement information should play an important role in your choice of PhD program.

Although PhDs take far longer to complete, students often receive a living stipend in exchange for being a teaching or research assistant. Master’s degrees are shorter but less likely to be funded.

Both master’s degrees and PhDs lead to increased salaries upon graduation. While PhDs usually earn a bit more than those with a master’s degree, in some fields, the wages are identical, meaning that no financial benefit is gained from going on to a PhD.

Cost of a master’s

The upfront cost of a master’s degree is usually higher than a doctoral degree due to the lower amount of financial aid available. However, increased salaries also arrive faster than with a doctoral degree, because people graduate much earlier from a master’s program.

Some master’s students do receive stipends for their degrees, usually as compensation for being a teaching or research assistant. In addition, many people complete master’s degrees part time while working full-time, which allows them to fund their living costs as well as tuition.

The cost varies significantly by school and program. Public schools are usually cheaper than private ones. Some master’s degrees, such as MBAs, are notoriously expensive, but also result in much higher wages afterwards that make up for the high cost.

The master’s wage premium , or the extra amount that someone with a master’s degree makes than someone with just a high school diploma, is 23% on average. Many universities provide detailed statistics on the career and salary outcomes of their students. If they do not have this online, you should feel free to contact an administrator of the program and ask.

Cost of a PhD

PhDs, particularly outside the humanities, are usually (though not always) funded, meaning that tuition fees are fully waived and students receive a small living stipend. During the last 3–5 years of a PhD, after finishing their coursework (and sometimes before), students are usually expected to work as graduate instructors or research assistants in exchange for the stipend.

Sometimes students can apply for a fellowship (such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program in the United States) that relieves them of any obligations to be a teaching or research assistant. Doctoral programs in the US tend to be better funded than in the rest of the world.

Sometimes, PhD degrees can be completed part-time, but this is rare. Students are usually expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to their research and work as teaching or research assistants.

The main cost of doctoral programs comes in the form of opportunity cost—all the years that students could be working a regular, full-time job, which usually pays much better than a graduate school stipend.

The average wage premium for PhDs is 26%, which is not much higher than the master’s degree premium.

In the US, the application process is similar for master’s and PhD programs. Both will generally ask for:

• At least one application essay, often called a personal statement or statement of purpose .
• Letters of recommendation .
• A resume or CV .
• Transcripts.
• Writing samples.

Applications for both types of programs also often require a standardized test. PhDs usually require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tries to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative, critical thinking , and analytical writing skills. Many master’s programs require this test as well.

Applying for a master’s

Master’s degrees programs will often ask you to respond to specific essay prompts that may ask you to reflect upon not just your academic background, but also your personal character and future career ambitions.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School requires Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) applicants write two essays, one about a recent time they demonstrated leadership and the second about their personal values.

Who you should ask for your letters of recommendation varies by program. If you are applying to a research-intensive master’s program, then you should choose former professors or research supervisors. For other programs, particularly business school, current work supervisors may be a better choice.

Some professional master’s programs require a specific test. For example, to apply to law school, you must take the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. For business school, you must take either the GRE or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Applying for a PhD

When applying for a PhD, your resume should focus more on your research background—you should especially emphasize any publications you’ve authored or presentations that you’ve given.

Similarly, your statement of purpose should discuss research that you’ve participated in, whether as an assistant or the lead author. You should detail what exactly you did in projects you’ve contributed to, whether that’s conducting a literature review, coding regressions, or writing an entire article.

Your letters of recommendations should be from former professors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and potential as a researcher. A good rule of thumb is to avoid asking for recommendations from anyone who does not themselves have a PhD.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

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Applying for PhD with a 3.2 GPA - Do I even stand a chance? [duplicate]

I just read an incredibly disheartening post on reddit about Grad School admissions in the Biological sciences. The post basically makes it sound like I have no chance of getting into a good PhD program.

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a Degree in Biochemistry in 2012. While in school I worked as an undergraduate researcher for 3.5 years. Post graduation I've been working in Biotech Research for close to 3 years now.

I graduated Berkeley with somewhere in the range of a 3.2-3.3 GPA. The average GPA for my major at Cal is a 2.8 . Does the rigor of my undergraduate institution matter? Berkeley's grade deflation is pretty notorious but will that matter?

From what I read in the post it sounds like most schools won't even look at my application. I'm starting to wonder if its worth it for me to apply at all.

I've attached a link to the thread on reddit. Your honest opinions would be much appreciated.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GradSchool/comments/25gj24/a_somewhat_notgentle_guide_to_getting_into_grad/

• graduate-admissions

• I feel like this post you're flagging doesn't answer my question about how or if my undergraduate institution will play a role in my prospects. –  Cole2790 Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 16:41
• Depends on what program you're applying for. If you're going for a program at Harvard, then you're probably competing against loads of other candidates from Stanford, MIT, etc. who have 4.0s. If you're applying to a lower tier university, then you might have a better chance. –  Michael Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 16:55
• I see what you mean. I have a ton of research experience and I have industry experience so I think I'm a unique candidate who has proven that my GPA is not reflective of my ability to succeed in research. I just don't know if my application will get weeded out based off of GPA before anyone gets a chance to see that. –  Cole2790 Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 18:14
• 1 From the accepted answer to henning's linked question: When admissions committees consider the GPA they are considering a number of factors including the grades, the strength of the school and major (emph mine). –  Kimball Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 18:54
• 1 I honestly suspect the only true answer to your question is "no one can say for sure". If you apply and get rejected from everywhere, well then there you go, you've got your answer and you can continue on to Plan B. And if you get in, the probability is then 1 because you got in and it doesn't matter what your a priori odds were. I don't think anyone can say your chance is 0, so then effectively all that is left is: is it worth it to you to try to apply and see what happens? Apply broadly, to top R1 programs and those not so top (but that you'd still be honored to attend), and who knows! –  BrianH Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 22:05

It depends. Different schools, programs, and faculty have different ways of looking at applicants. Based on my limited experience, a 3.30 GPA from an R1 will likely count for more than a 3.30 from a less reputable institution. However, if you are applying to top-tier programs, you may be competing with students who have higher GPAs, also from R1s.

The reddit link that you posted is from one single professor at one institution. Without knowing the specific institution, program, and/or faculty member you are applying to, it is impossible to say what will be weighed, as there are not standardized admission formulas.

Some faculty are looking for students who match their research agenda and have research experience (i.e., they are proficient enough at research so they won't suck the faculty member's time). Others may prioritize GPA, and some might place more emphasis on quantitative GRE scores.

The link that you posted and the link from @henning both have good advice for tailoring applications to fit the department, institution, or faculty member.

If you are uncertain about applying, it might not hurt to contact a faculty member you are interested in working with to ask if they would consider your application. Even better, you could find a common contact/reference (maybe your undergrad advisor/professor/? knows someone in the Ph.D. department you want to apply to?) who can introduce you.

You might also want to check out college/graduate school/institution GPA policies to see what the minimum GPA for doctoral study is at your prospective institutions. If you have to maintain a 3.0 as a doc student, some faculty may question your ability to succeed at a more rigorous level.

To summarize: Ask the faculty member you are interested in working with what they consider when selecting doctoral applicants.

• Thanks SB for you well thought out answer. Do you think I could get into an R1 institution at all? I know schools like MIT, Berkeley, and Harvard are a long shot for me but I would be equally happy at places like UW Madison, or University of Washington Seattle. Basically I know I want to go to graduate school the only thing that holds me back is fear that schools will look at me as a mediocre candidate due to my GPA and chuck my app in trash. –  Cole2790 Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 18:02
• No chance at MIT, berkeley, harvard, etc. –  Rüdiger Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 19:02
• 1 @Cole2790 I was a graduate student in a biological science at UW Madison. Your GPA would definitely be on the low side in my program and might bar you from consideration as an at-large candidate, though it isn't completely disqualifying. Note that at schools like UW, some specific programs are top 5 or top 3 and rank above those more famous names. A better path might be to take a research job in an academic lab (this will mean a big pay cut), letting your PI know that you are interested in grad school in the future. –  Bryan Krause ♦ Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 19:21
• @Cole2790 I can't speak for Biology in particular, but I know people with lower GPAs who have been admitted to R1 PhD programs. –  SB Ph.D. Commented Apr 7, 2017 at 23:14
• My husband had a shitty GPA and great letters. He applied to like 10 places for chemical/bio science/engineering and only got into the worst-ranked one and the best-ranked one. I think the explanation is that if you are an unusual candidate, you have to apply to a bunch of places and hope that at one you are the right kind of unusual! –  Dawn Commented Apr 8, 2017 at 2:53

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What is the size of the program? How many students are in the program? We have approximately 360 MBA students and 50 LGO students per year. All first-year students are divided into cohorts of approximately 60-70 students and take their core semester courses as a group. 

Where can I learn more about the demographics of the MBA class? We have a really diverse class. Check out the MBA Class Profile to learn more about the academic and professional backgrounds of our current students.

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Admissions Process

What are your admissions criteria and what do you look for in a candidate? Our goal is to create a vibrant learning environment rich in diverse ideas and life experiences. We evaluate academic potential and personal achievements through various application components. We welcome applicants from all over the world and all areas of study who demonstrate the ability to maximize the incredible opportunities here, academically and beyond.

We are on a quest to find individuals whose presence will enhance the experience of their fellow students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities, drive, and determination to put their stamp on the world. We value independence, authenticity, and fearless creativity—the true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems and anticipate unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity, respect, and passion. We seek applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence, personal achievement, and strong self-motivation to make an impact and to inspire, regardless of their position within an organization.

How does your Admissions process work? After each application deadline, our professionally trained Admissions Committee reviews all applications. Based on our initial assessment, a subset of applicants are invited to interview with us.

Who makes up the Admissions Committee? Our Admissions Committee is comprised of professional staff members within the MIT community. The Admissions Committee will review your application and a member of the committee will conduct your interview. Current students are not involved in the evaluation process.

Are some parts of the application weighted more than others? Our Admissions Committee will carefully consider all application materials you submit. No single component is more or less important than another.

Does MIT let applicants apply as a couple? Each person must submit a separate application and is considered individually.

Does MIT Sloan have rolling admissions? MIT Sloan does not have rolling admissions. We review applications in three rounds, each with its own deadline . We begin our review process immediately following each deadline.

Are there advantages to applying in Round 1? The advantage of applying in Round 1 and Round 2 is that there are more available seats in the class. However, we do admit candidates in Round 3 and you should apply only when you have fully completed your application to the best of your ability.

Can I apply in multiple application rounds? You may only apply once per year. LGO applicants must apply in the LGO round and are automatically considered for both LGO and MBA; if not accepted, LGO applicants may not apply to another MBA round in the same year.

Do you offer waivers for the application fee?

We offer fee waivers to the following applicants:

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if any of the following apply:

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• MIT Media Lab Open House Travel Grant Recipients
• MIT OME Laureates and Leaders
• MIT OME The Standard
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• Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology (HST) Summer Institute

Fellowship Programs

• APSA Diversity Fellowship Program (APSA DFP)
• Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems Research Experience for Undergraduates (EBICS REU)
• Gates Millenium Scholars Program
• Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP)
• Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
• Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)
• McNair Scholars Program
• Mellon Mays Minority Undergraduate Fellowship Program (MMUF)
• Morehouse College Dr. John H. Hopps Jr. Defense Research Scholars Program Hopps (HOPPS)
• National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP)
• Questbridge
• Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI)
• Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement Program (RISE)
• The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM)
• University of Baltimore Maryland County Meyerhoff Scholars Program
• Woods Hole Partnership Education Program

Events and Conferences

• ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing
• American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)
• California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education
• Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM (ERN)
• FIU McNair Scholars Research Conference
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• Ivy Plus Puerto Rico
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• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Spelman College Research Day
• The National GEM Consortium

In addition to the list above, attendees of some recruitment events and conferences where MIT Sloan is present may qualify for an application fee waiver. If you are in attendance at one of these events, you will be notified at the conclusion of the event and the payment section of your application will reflect the waiver automatically.

Please note that we cannot grant retroactive fee waivers if the application fee has already been paid online. If you are submitting a request, please wait to hear back from us.

Do you compare international applicants to one another?  No. We consider all applications individually in accordance with our evaluation standards.

How does the waitlist work at MIT Sloan? If you are waitlisted in a round and accept a place on the waitlist, you will automatically be considered for the next round and will receive an updated decision in that round.

Do you offer deferrals? Deferral requests are approved on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply during the year in which they hope to matriculate. If you are a college senior, check out our deferred program – MBA Early Admission .

What is the format of the interview? If you are invited to interview, you will meet one-on-one with a member of the Admissions Committee. We conduct behavioral interviews in which we’ll ask you to provide specific examples of your personal and professional behavior, such as how you persuade others, work as part of a team, and solve problems. Your interview will last about 30 minutes. All interviews will be conducted virtually.

What are you looking for when interviewing candidates? Our goal with the interview is to get to know you better! We look forward to hearing specific examples of how you have built relationships and demonstrated leadership. This will help understand the strengths you’ll bring to the MIT Sloan community. Additionally, we look for professional presentation and communication, as well as English language proficiency.

When are the interviews for each round? Round 1 interviews take place in late October through early December; Round 2 interviews typically occur in February and March; and Round 3 interviews take place in May.

Transcripts/GPA

Do I need to mail in copies of my transcripts? As part of the application, you are required to scan and upload a legible copy of your transcript(s) from all colleges and universities you attended or are currently attending. If your transcript(s) are not in English, you will need to upload the original and a certified translation. If admitted, you will receive further instructions on submitting your official signed and sealed transcript from all schools attended. Any discrepancies between the scanned transcripts and official transcripts may result in a rejection or a withdrawal of our offer of admission. Please do not mail transcripts to our office.

If my transcript is not in English, should I get it translated? Yes! You are required to upload both the original transcript and a certified translation. We accept translations issued by an institution or professional translating service, such as World Education Services (WES).

Should I include non-degree coursework in my application?  Yes! If you earned special certifications or took professional development courses in your spare time, please tell us about them. Feel free to submit academic evidence not already on your transcripts, such as professional certifications CFA, CPA, ACCA, among others; non-degree coursework such as MITx MicroMasters, CORe, edX, MBA Math, or any other non-degree coursework you completed. All of this information will assist the Admissions Committee in the evaluation process.

If I did my undergraduate studies outside of the United States, should I convert my GPA? You do not need to convert your GPA for the online application. Simply enter the grading system used by your college or university. We are familiar with various grading systems and can evaluate them on our end. 

My university does not provide a cumulative GPA. What should I do? If your university does not provide a cumulative GPA, please calculate your GPA to the best of your ability, and include an explanation for how you calculated it in the text box provided. Please include all courses that counted towards your degree and factor in the number of credits and grade for each class. Please note that the system does not accept letter grades or integers less than 1.

My university does not provide class rank. What should I do? Many schools do not provide a class ranking system so you may leave this blank on your application.

How relevant is my undergraduate GPA to the Admissions Committee? We want to see your undergraduate GPA, but we understand this is just one component of your application, and will review it alongside any other coursework you’ve completed. We do not have a minimum GPA required for admission.

Test Scores

Do you require GMAT/GRE scores? Standardized tests, specifically the GMAT (Focus Edition and 10 th Edition) and GRE are a critical component of the application and play an important role in our holistic evaluation process. The MIT Sloan Admissions Committee expects that you will submit a GMAT (Focus Edition and 10 th Edition) or GRE score to be reviewed as part of your application. Both the remote and in-person versions of these exams are accepted with no preference. Test scores should be valid by the application deadline. If your current situation prevents you from being able to submit a test score, you may request a test waiver explaining the situation; the Admissions Committee will take your request under advisement and let you know if the waiver has been approved. If the waiver is approved, and you are later admitted, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to offer conditional admission such as but not limited to receiving a certain score on the GMAT (Focus Edition) or GRE or taking a supplemental class. The test waiver request form is not intended to be a Statement of Academic Readiness and should focus only on the circumstances surrounding your inability to take a GMAT or GRE.

Do you require GMAT/GRE AWA scores? The Admissions Committee is interested in assessing the writing abilities of anyone who is admitted to MIT Sloan’s MBA program. For anyone who submits a GMAT (Focus Edition) or is granted a test waiver, the Admissions Committee may require that you take the GMAC Business Writing Assessment . If you took the GMAT (10 th Edition) or the GRE and have a valid AWA score, that will satisfy this requirement. If the Admissions Committee requires you to take the GMAT Business Writing Assessment, we will contact you after interview invitations are sent.

What version of the GMAT/GRE will you accept? We will accept all versions of the GMAT (Focus Edition and 10 th Edition) or GRE, including the in-person and online versions

What is MIT Sloan’s code for the GMAT? If you are applying to the MIT Sloan MBA Program, you can share your GMAT (Focus Edition and 10 th Edition) score with us by entering the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - MIT Sloan School of Management.

Can you confirm receipt of my GMAT score? We cannot confirm receipt of your GMAT (Focus Edition and 10 th Edition) score. Please check with ETS to confirm that you have designated MIT Sloan to receive your score.

Where can I get more information on the GMAT? Visit MBA.com for more information on the GMAT (Focus Edition and 10 th Edition), including sample questions and information on test registration. 

Do I need to submit a separate writing assessment if I took the GMAT Focus edition or was granted a test waiver? The Admissions Committee may require that you take the GMAC Business Writing Assessment if you submit GMAT Focus Edition or are granted a test waiver. If the Admissions Committee requires you to take the GMAT Business Writing Assessment, we will contact you after interview invitations are sent.

How will the GMAC Business Writing Assessment be evaluated? The score will be evaluated as one component and data set of your overall application. Our Admissions Committee will carefully consider all application materials you submit. No single component is more or less important than another.

Will you accept my GRE score in place of a GMAT score? 
 Yes! MIT Sloan will accept your GRE score in lieu of a GMAT score. Our code for the GRE is 3791. We have no preference for which exam you take.

Do you require a minimum acceptable GMAT/GRE score? No. MIT Sloan does not require a minimum test score on either test. Visit our class profile page to view the average GMAT (10th Edition) score of our students.

Where can I get more information on the GRE? 
 Visit GRE.com for more information on the GRE, as well as test registration information.

Which do you prefer, GMAT or GRE? We view scores from both tests equally. We have no preference.

Can I submit an EA score in place of a GMAT or GRE score? No. The MBA program will not accept an EA score in lieu of the GMAT or GRE.

If I have taken both the GMAT and the GRE, should I submit both scores? You are welcome to submit both exams or choose one. Again, we have no preference for which test scores you submit.

What if I took the GMAT or the GRE several times? Will you accept several scores? If you took the exam several times feel free to submit multiple scores.

Should I submit a test score with a higher overall score, but a lower quant score or a test score with a lower overall score, but a higher quant score? You should submit both. Our application allows you to enter multiple scores.

What is the last date on which I can take the GMAT? If you intend to take the GMAT (Focus Edition) and submit the score with your application, you may take the GMAT (Focus Edition) anytime up until our application deadline and submit your unofficial score in the application.

Should I send you my official GMAT/GRE score report now? Or, do I send it after I’m admitted? We want to see your official GMAT/GRE test score by the application deadline. However, we understand that sometimes it takes up to two weeks for test centers to release official scores. So, it’s okay if we receive your scores shortly after our application deadline.

If my score is not in the middle 80% for MIT, does the fact that I performed well in my undergraduate quantitative classes help? Is this something the Admissions Committee will consider when reviewing my GMAT score? We will consider all parts of your application. If you did not score high on the GMAT/GRE, we will look  for evidence of academic success, as demonstrated on your transcripts and quantitative professional experience.

How much of a disadvantage is a low GMAT/GRE score? We accept candidates with a wide range of test scores. If your GMAT/GRE is on the lower side, we will consider your other strengths, as demonstrated in your application. For example, we'll look for strong academic work and quantitative work experience.

Do I need a TOEFL/IELTS  score to apply to the MBA Program? No. This is not required to apply to the MBA program. 

Since a TOEFL score is not required, how do you measure English speaking ability? We assess English language ability during our interviews.

Work Experience and Background

Do I need work experience to apply to the MBA Program? 
 Our students have an average of five years of work experience when they join the MBA program. Having work experience helps you leverage the extensive opportunities at MIT Sloan. Students who already have a framework of experience and who understand workplace issues, generally get more out of the program and can often contribute more to classroom discussions and team projects. Use your own judgment in choosing the best time for you to pursue an MBA. If you are a college senior and do not have any full-time work experience, you might consider our deferred program—  MBA Early Admission .

Does internship experience count as full-time work experience? We will certainly consider your internship experience, but it does not count as full-time employment.

Does PhD research count as work experience? Yes! We will consider the research you conducted to earn your PhD as work experience.

If you’ve been out of the workforce or absent from work for a period of time, will that affect your chances of being admitted? Not necessarily. Make sure you address any gaps in employment in your application. Please explain why you weren’t working and let us know what you were doing during that time.

How do you measure the quality of work experience in such a diverse range of experiences? We have a competency model we use to evaluate candidates. We are looking for candidates to demonstrate evidence of these competencies, and they can come from any type of experience.

Are there specific types of work experience and industries that you look for in potential candidates? Would lack of work experience in a major organization count against me even if I succeeded in an independent venture? We do not prefer any specific work or industry experience. Instead, we want to see that you've been successful at whatever it is you've chosen to do prior to applying to the MBA program. Experiences at small organizations, start-ups, and big corporations can all provide distinct, valuable, and rich experiences.

If I already have an advanced degree (MBA, PhD, etc.) may I still apply? 
 Of course! If you hold a previous advanced degree, you are eligible to apply. You should, however, detail on your application why you are pursuing an MBA degree at this time. We consider those with advanced degrees the same as other applicants. Advanced degrees are additional evidence of academic success, but we do not consider them over undergraduate transcripts.

Do I need an undergraduate degree in a specific major to apply? Because of MIT’s quantitative strengths, does MIT Sloan prefer students who have a strong quantitative background? We welcome applicants with all types of undergraduate concentrations, including the humanities, the social and physical sciences, business, and engineering. View our Class Profile to see the academic background of our current students. We seek candidates who are strong in both verbal and quantitative abilities.

Is there any academic preparation or prerequisites I need before applying or enrolling? Should I take some college-level finance or accounting courses before applying to the MIT Sloan MBA program, if I have no experience in those fields? The only prerequisite you must have is a bachelor’s degree. However, sometimes we give certain candidates conditional acceptance and require them to take a course(s) in microeconomics, calculus, or financial accounting prior to starting their MBA studies. If you feel as though your undergraduate background is lacking in quantitative strength, or you want to bolster your quant ability, you might consider completing a college-level microeconomics or a calculus course before you apply to our MBA Program.

Your MBA application asks for my calculus grade in college. I took a series of college calculus classe s , so which grade should I report on the application? That’s simple. Just report your Calculus I grade. If you took calculus in high school for Advanced Placement credit, please write "AP" as the grade.

I took an economics course in college, but not microeconomics. Can I report this grade on the MBA application which asks if I took microeconomics? Only report a grade if the class was titled “Microeconomics”.

I have a three-year bachelor's degree from a college or university outside of the United States. Am I eligible to apply? Yes. Candidates with a three-year bachelor’s degree from outside of the United States may apply.

Can you tell me my chances given my background? We do not pre-screen application materials (including resumes) to determine eligibility. The evaluation process is holistic, meaning we must receive and review your complete and submitted application in order to evaluate your candidacy. Take a look at our Class Profile to learn more about our MBA students’ backgrounds and experiences.

How important are extracurricular activities to the Admissions Committee? Is it okay if I include some in my application that are work-related? We’re interested in learning about what is important to you and how you spend your time, whether it’s related to work or not. Please feel free to include details of your relevant extracurricular activities and hobbies on your resume and/or in your video.

Cover Letter, Video, and Recommendation

Should I include only professional experience in my cover letter...or is it okay to also include some personal interests to paint a more complete picture of myself? Please include whatever best highlights who you are. If that’s a mix of professional and personal examples, then go for it!

In my cover letter, should all of the content and stories come from within the past three years alone? Try to stick to recent examples in your cover letter. If you can limit your examples to those within the past three years, that would be great.

Should I focus on past achievements or future goals in my cover letter? We won’t evaluate you on why you want an MBA or what you intend to do with it afterward, so concentrate on your past achievements. In our experience, past performance is the best predictor of future performance. We look forward to learning more about your experiences and achievements! 

You want me to introduce myself to my future classmates in my video question 1. What is the Admissions Committee looking for in this video? We’re simply hoping to get to know you better. Just be authentic. Introduce yourself to your future classmates as if you are meeting them for the first time. Make sure you record your video in a single take (no editing), with you speaking directly into the camera. And remember, it should last no more than one minute (60 seconds). Keep the focus on you, so please avoid using background music and subtitles. We’re looking forward to seeing and hearing the real you.  

How do you collect letters of recommendation? MBA applicants may only submit one professional letter of recommendation. Your letter of recommendation must be submitted electronically through our online application. We do not accept recommendation letters via email or mail. For more information, please visit the How to Apply section here . 

May I submit an additional letter of recommendation? Applicants to the MBA program are required to submit only one letter of recommendation. If you know more than one person willing to sing your professional praises, consider listing them as one of your two professional references instead. 

Is it okay if I translate my recommendation letter because my boss does not speak English? If your recommendation letter is not in English, please use an official translator. Do not translate it yourself.

Does MIT Sloan accept recommendations from either current MIT Sloan students or alumni? We do not recommend using MIT Sloan students or alumni as your official recommenders unless they can speak to your professional abilities and achievements (e.g., your direct supervisor is an MIT Sloan alum).     

What is the Admissions Committee looking for in a recommendation letter? We prefer a recommendation letter from a professional contact who knows your work well. Please select an individual qualified to speak about your professional achievements and potential, ideally a manager or supervisor. We’re also interested to know how your performance compares to that of other well-qualified colleagues in similar roles at work.

What if I own my own business or work for a family business? Who should I choose as a recommender? We do not suggest using family members as a recommender. Choose someone in a supervisory role who is not related to you—someone who knows you best and can speak to your leadership development. You might consider choosing a client, a mentor, or a co-founder as a recommender.

What if I cannot get a recommendation from my current employer or supervisor because I don’t want to risk losing my job? What if my supervisor changes frequently? If you are unable to get a recommendation from your current employer, try to find someone who can speak to your accomplishments in a professional setting. This might be a past employer, a trusted mentor, or a senior colleague.

Why must I include two additional professional references? If, after reading your application materials, we have additional questions about your background and/or experiences, we might contact your professional references. So please make sure the references you choose are able to speak in detail about your professional strengths and accomplishments. 

What should I do if my additional reference contact(s) do not speak English? Please identify two additional references regardless of their English language ability.  If we need to contact your non-English speaking references, we will employ a translator.

Organizational Chart

Why are you asking for an organizational chart? How will you use it in the evaluation process? Our goal is to learn about you and your professional background. Your employer’s organizational chart will help us to better understand the role you play within your organization, who you report to, who reports to you, and the impact you might have on your department or company.

Click here to view a sample organizational chart.

I don’t have any direct reports. Will the organizational chart put me at a disadvantage? No! Managing others is not a requirement and not expected at this stage in your career. The organizational chart is not intended for us to count the number of direct reports you have, but rather to give us a clearer picture of the role you play within your organization and with whom you interact. 

I am currently serving in the military but previously held a civilian job. Which job should I include in my organizational chart? We recognize that applicants serving in the military are in a unique situation and might want to showcase both their military and civilian professional paths. Military applicants who are currently serving may submit two organizational charts: one outlining their previous civilian job and one representing the role they currently serve in the military.

My organization’s structure is confidential. Do I still have to submit an organizational chart? We recognize that some organizations' internal structures are classified or confidential. In this scenario, do your best to help us visualize your place within the organization without giving away classified details. You can redact names or titles or display only a certain level of your organization. Whatever you can share will be helpful.

If I work in consulting, should I submit an organizational chart of the overall firm or of a recent project team I worked on? If you work in consulting, we prefer that you submit a chart displaying the structure of a recent project you were staffed on rather than the overall consulting firm. Highlight the role you played on that team. 

What if I’m a solo entrepreneur or external contractor? What is the best way to display my chart when I am an organization of one? If you are a solo entrepreneur or contractor, try this: place yourself at the center of the chart, then make branches representing the various constituents and stakeholders you interact with (for example, clients, suppliers, investors, board of directors). 

Reapplication

What constitutes a reapplicant? Any applicant who has applied to our MBA program before.

I previously applied to the MBA Early program and was rejected. Does this hurt my chances of getting admitted to the MBA program? No! If you were not successful in gaining admission to our deferred admissions program, MBA Early, you are encouraged to reapply directly to the MBA program after gaining a few years of work experience.

You will not be considered a reapplicant if you previously applied to MBA Early.

When I reapply, will the Admissions Committee review both my current and past applications? Yes. If you reapply, the Admissions Committee will review both your current and prior applications in full. Carefully consider the content of your new application. Make sure you update us with what has changed since you last applied, but please don’t repeat everything included in your past application. Give us the new highlights.

If I am reapplying, must I provide a new letter of recommendation if my workplace has not changed? Yes, please submit a new letter of recommendation. This is an opportunity to share with us new, updated information about you. Use it!

What is the most common mistake reapplicants make? The most common mistake reapplicants make is submitting the same application materials they submitted the last time. If you are reapplying, make sure you examine your past application to see how you could do a better job of presenting your strengths this time.

How can reapplicants explain how their candidacy has evolved since they last applied? Ideally, you should use every part of your application to highlight how your candidacy has changed from your prior application. You will also provide a summary or highlight what’s new in 200 words or less. We’re ready to learn about what you’ve been up to!

What percentage of reapplicants are accepted?  This percentage varies year-to-year but typically the acceptance rate for reapplicants is a few percentage points higher than our average.

Do you evaluate a reapplicant’s submission differently than a first-time application? Not really. In a reapplication, we look for all of the same characteristics we do in a first-time applicant.  This includes examples of your professional and academic accomplishments, your ability to lead and influence others, and your ability to collaborate as part of a community. But keep in mind, as a reapplicant, you will give us twice as much information to draw on (last year’s application and this year’s application) as we consider you.

Should I highlight the strongest experiences in my reapplication, even if it means retelling a story? The most important thing you can do is be clear on what you’ve been doing since the last time you applied, so be sure to highlight your new accomplishments and experiences.

Do you have any advice for a reapplicant who was invited to interview the prior year and was rejected? Is it fair to assume that I did not do well in the interview? We have to make many difficult decisions after interviewing candidates. If you were rejected after interviewing, do not assume it was necessarily due to your interview performance. We recommend reflecting on how you can strengthen any of the materials you submitted in your application in addition to the responses you shared during your interview.

Financial Aid

What types of financial aid are available from MIT? We understand that pursuing an MBA is a significant financial investment. Our Admissions Committee automatically considers all admits for merit-based fellowships. There is no additional application process required and admits will be notified of any merit-based fellowship at the time of admission. Additionally, the majority of MBA students use loans to finance their education. These come from two government programs, from MIT directly, or through an alternative lending source. Some students receive funding through on-campus teaching and research assistantships. You may apply for these after the completion of your first semester. You can find more information  here .

How are applicants evaluated for fellowships? The Admissions Committee reviews admits and awards merit-based fellowships to exceptional students who have shown academic excellence, professional achievements, and potential to enhance the MIT Sloan community.

When are applicants notified if they have been awarded a fellowship? We notify fellowship recipients of their awards at the time of admission. There are times when additional funds do become available after decisions have been released and we are able to notify recipients at that time. 

What financial resources are available outside MIT? If you do not receive a merit-based fellowship, there are plenty of funding opportunities outside MIT and MIT Sloan. If you are applying, begin researching sources of financial aid beyond MIT as early as possible. Visit here for more information.

What are the first steps in the financial aid application process for U.S. applicants? 
 The first step is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is required of all U.S. citizens and permanent residents who wish to apply for federal student loans. To expedite the processing of your federal loan application s , we recommend that you complete the FAFSA as early as possible. The FAFSA School Code for MIT is 002178. Please visit the U.S. Department of Education homepage for more information on the FAFSA, or write to:

FAFSA Information Center P.O. Box 84, 
Washington, DC, 20044 
 Or call FAFSA at: 1-800-433-3243

All other aspects of the financial aid application process do not begin until students have been formally admitted into the program.

Are there benefits to applying in a certain round over another in terms of financial aid and fellowship availability? Applicants in each round have equal access to fellowships and financial aid.

Are there fellowships for international students? Yes! All of our general fellowships are open to both domestic and international students. Learn more about fellowship opportunities here . 

Does MIT Sloan make provisions for loans for international students without U.S. cosigners? International students are eligible for loans without U.S. co-signers.

Can my spouse get a visa if I’m a student at MIT Sloan? We’re happy to support your spouse in obtaining a dependent visa. However, we are not able to provide work visas. Visit here for more information on visa categories.

Do fellowships cover tuition and living expenses? Fellowships are applied to tuition only. Visit here for more information.

What support systems exist for admits who need financial aid? The MIT Sloan Student Funding Office will share additional information about financial aid options and timelines if you are admitted. As an AdMIT, you will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a member of the Student Funding Team to discuss your specific situation and learn more about options that are available to you.

MBA Program Common Questions

What is the difference between the MBA degree and the Master of Science in Management? Students may choose to receive either an SM in Management or an MBA degree. Students who wish to receive the SM in Management degree must complete a thesis in addition to completing the MBA curriculum. To graduate with an MBA degree, writing a thesis is optional.

What subjects/areas of study are offered at MIT Sloan? The MBA curriculum is designed to give you the flexibility to tailor your education to your career goals. There is a one-semester core and then you have three semesters to shape the curriculum to match your interests.  MIT Sloan offers seven certificates: Finance,  Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Enterprise Management, Sustainability, Healthcare, Digital Product Management, and Business Analytics.  A list of courses offered at MIT Sloan is available here:  MIT Course Catalog . Explore the curriculum to better understand the program.

What are the degree requirements for the MIT Sloan MBA program?
 All degree candidates enrolled in the MBA program complete a required one-semester core curriculum in addition to 144 units of electives. While enrolled in the MBA program, students may take up to three non-MIT Sloan graduate level MIT or Harvard subjects approved by the school, towards completion of degree requirements (there is no credit limit to these three subjects.) Most MIT Sloan subjects range from three units to 12 units based on an approximation of weekly class hours, Lab or thesis units, and outside preparation time. Second-year students are given the option of writing a thesis.

Are there other dual degree programs? Yes, MIT Sloan offers three dual degree programs: Leaders for Global Operations–a 24-month program with the MIT School of Engineering; a three-year program with the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning; and a three-year program with the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. In keeping up with our commitment to innovation and academic adventure, these programs provide the extensive theoretical and practical training that is the hallmark of an MIT Sloan education.   Learn more here .

How many students are in the MIT Sloan/Harvard Kennedy School dual-degree program? The number of students in the HKS dual degree program varies year over year.

What are the required core classes? The MBA core curriculum consists of six required fixed courses and 1 required elective course.

What are the benefits of MIT Sloan’s one-semester core? MIT Sloan’s one-semester core allows you more flexibility, earlier in your curriculum, when choosing your coursework. Completing the six required core courses in the first semester means students can start customizing their degree as early as the spring of their first year.

What teaching methods are used in the one-semester core? It varies and is left up to the professors: For example, Organization Processes is more case-based, whereas Data Models and Decisions is more lecture, problem sets, and exams.

What is the teaching style for professors at MIT Sloan?
 MIT Sloan faculty employ a variety of teaching methods including lectures, case studies, team projects, writing, problem sets, presentations, company visits, guest speakers, and other theoretical and applied teaching methods. The teaching method used in a class is the choice of the individual professor and is chosen to best facilitate learning for that subject matter.

Can I waive management subjects? Can I transfer credits from previous MIT Sloan coursework? We do not accept transfer credits. Any MIT classes taken pre-matriculation cannot be counted toward your degree at MIT Sloan.

Does MIT Sloan offer a specialization within the MBA degree? MIT Sloan offers seven certificates: Finance, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Enterprise Management, Sustainability, Healthcare, Digital Product Management, and Business Analytics.  Learn more here . ​​​​

What is the average class size? D uring the first semester, referred to as the core, you will be assigned to a cohort of approximately 60-70 students with whom you will take all your classes with. Core classes typically have smaller discussion sections in which you have the opportunity to talk about conceptual issues and work on specific problem sets. Beginning in the second semester of the first year, elective classes typically have 25 to 60 students (although some have as many as 90 students), and seminars may have fewer students.

How many students on average are in the elective courses? How difficult/easy is it to select the courses you want to take? Elective courses vary in size. On average the size is 50 students per class. There is a bidding process to register for electives. Second-year students get preference in the bidding process, so the most challenging time to get the classes you want is during the 2nd semester of your first year.

Are students allowed to take classes in other Masters programs? MBA students may take up to three electives either from other schools at MIT or Harvard University.

Can students cross-register at other schools? MIT Sloan students can cross-register at a number of the Harvard graduate schools and also take classes within other departments MIT. Of course, we also offer exchange programs, where you would be taking a full course load.

Is there a part-time program? There is no part-time or evening option for the MBA program. There is an  Executive Management MBA program  for working, experienced business leaders that meets primarily on weekends.

Does MIT Sloan offer a PhD program? Does MIT Sloan offer programs for executives? Yes, MIT Sloan offers a  PhD Program , an  Executive MBA , the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA , and a series of  non-degree programs  for executives.

Program Components

What is unique about MIT Sloan? MIT Sloan is a unique place. Our one-semester core allows students the flexibility to customize their education to meet their career goals. MIT Sloan’s hands-on Action Learning Labs give students the opportunity to apply the theory learned in the classroom to helping organizations solve business challenges. MIT Sloan’s small class size and tightly knit community appeal to applicants and students alike.

Are there opportunities to be a Teaching or Research Assistant? Yes, TA and RA positions are available starting in your second semester as an MBA student.  They not only help cover some of your expenses but also provide you with outstanding exposure to MIT Sloan’s educational and research programs.

Can students work full-time or part-time while attending classes at MIT Sloan? The MIT Sloan MBA curriculum is demanding and much of your experience will hinge on collaboration and working with your peers. This makes working during your time at MIT Sloan challenging. We understand that our student's financial backgrounds vary and there are a variety of resources available to help students navigate the MIT Sloan experience. 

How is MIT Sloan differentiating its program and offerings to prepare its students for an international business environment? We have an incredibly diverse population of students who study here, so everything you do will have a global focus. In addition, we are partners with leading academic and business institutions around the globe to give our students unique access. 

How are students connected to the entrepreneurial ecosystem? Are current students given the opportunity to interact with former students that have succeeded as entrepreneurs? There are many different ways to get support for entrepreneurial endeavors.  The Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship  is the hub of support for students interested in starting companies and who want to participate in the  $100K business competition . The center provides opportunities for mentorship and advice from both peers and experienced entrepreneurs who can answer specific questions about your startups. MIT Sloan also has a large alumni network where alums help advise current students.

What is the presence of the Forte Foundation at MIT Sloan? How many Forte Fellows are there per year, and how are Fellows chosen? MIT Sloan takes part in Forte events and initiatives; we are a founding sponsor. We award between 10-15 fellowships each year. We select recipients based on many factors including their leadership experience, the strength of their application, the diversity they bring to the class, and their involvement with Forte.

Can you elaborate on the opportunities to work on-site with clients? Our  Action Learning Labs  allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real world problems and participate in experiential learning. Action Learning works with small startups, nonprofits, NGOs, and established corporations located in Boston, across the USA, and around the globe. See what our students say about their experience!

Student Life and Culture

How many students attend the MIT Sloan MBA program? MIT Sloan has approximately 410 MBA students per class year (360 MBA and 50 LGO students) for a total of approximately 800 MBA students.

What student clubs exist at MIT Sloan? What if I want to start a new club? The Student Life Office supports MIT Sloan students' enthusiasm and interest in a wide range of activities and topics by helping them lead and participate in clubs of all kinds. Currently, there are 80+ Sloan student-led clubs active on campus, with membership numbers ranging from 12 to 400+. Club leaders organize hundreds of events per year, including speaker series, recruiting prep sessions, social events, and  large-scale conferences . MIT Sloan students have access to  SloanGroups,  a tool for engaging with and organizing within the MIT Sloan community. Student club leaders use the platform to effectively manage their club membership base, communicate out to their contacts, and manage their events. If there is not already a student organization at MIT Sloan that suits your interests, you are encouraged to explore the more than 500 clubs organized under the MIT Association of Student Activities, which serves the entire campus .

Are there any intramural teams within the MBA community? MIT’s athletic complex encompasses 10 buildings and 26 acres of playing fields. Many MBA students participate in intramural sports across campus, as well as against other MBA programs in the Northeast and nationally.

Can you tell me about life at MIT? How many students live on campus? Many MIT Sloan students choose to live off campus. The  MIT Campus Housing Office  is an excellent resource for locating options. Housing may be found close to the campus and near the public transportation system. On-campus housing is also available. Demand exceeds supply, so a lottery system is used to allocate both the single student and married student housing units.

How would you define the culture of MIT Sloan, and what kind of support programs and activities are available for strengthening relationships among students? The student body as a whole is very collaborative. You will work on assigned teams starting in your first semester. You will come to know everyone in your class, and be together for academic, team, and social events! There are many opportunities to collaborate across programs through classes, clubs, conferences, and different centers on campus. 

Do MBA students collaborate with students from other parts of the university? Absolutely, you will see students from other degree programs in your classes (about 1/3 of our courses are cross-listed with other Schools at MIT). As an MBA student, you are eligible to participate in all MIT clubs and activities , such as the  $100K competition .

How many students have spouses or partners? Are there support programs for them? Many students come to Sloan with their Significant Other (“SO”). SOs are welcomed and integrated into the community. 

How would you describe the ability to interact with faculty while on campus? You will get to know professors not only inside the classroom but outside the classroom as well.  All MIT Sloan faculty are easily accessible.  The professors are very open, and students feel comfortable approaching them in their office hours and asking about career advice, project ideas, etc.  MIT Sloan faculty serve as mentors and advisors to student teams, and often can provide networking contacts during job searches.

Career Development

What support is offered by the Career Development Office? MIT Sloan students want both high-tech and personalized career support. The strategic resources we provide to support your success include:

• Guidance of experienced MBA Career Advisors focused on your specific goals
• YOUR CDO , a collaborative hub that promotes MIT Sloan career events, resources, and contacts; and connects you with the MIT career ecosystem
• Innovative AI technology that supports your career preparation with 24/7 feedback on your resume, interview skills, and LinkedIn profile
• Peer support, including the MBA Core Fellows, second-year students who serve as resources for career education and the internship search
• Alumni Connections through the MIT Sloan Industry Advisors program , featuring alumni who provide guidance for those exploring career paths in emerging industries
• Support for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion , with team members focused on affinity/diversity recruiting, career-related programming and resources, and data
• Strategic and Collaborative Business Development to advance MIT Sloan’s recruiting relationships within core industries, growth industries, and the alumni network

Career guidance is a critical part of your MBA experience. MBA Career Advisors are your guides as you navigate your next career step at MIT Sloan. They focus solely on students in the MBA program as they curate educational experiences to help you succeed in the MBA market. They also work closely with our Employer Relations and Recruiting Team to share the latest developments in the employment market, highlight opportunities in popular industries, and relay networking and job opportunities to you.

How does the Career Development Office help me prepare for the job search? In June, after your admission, you will get access to  Career Foundations , a self-paced online career education program curated for MIT Sloan MBAs. You’ll focus on the themes of Knowing Yourself, Understanding the Market, and Creating Alignment. The Summer Career Checklist will guide you through key career tasks to complete before you begin the program.

In September, we kick off  Career Core , a course to help you understand the opportunities available to you as an MIT Sloan student, and how to effectively position yourself for them. We engage MBA Core Fellows to participate in class sessions, allowing you to hear directly from Sloanies who have been in your shoes. We also partner with MIT Sloan faculty from Communication and Organizational Processes to lead sessions on managerial and professional competencies – sessions our alumni have identified as offering some of the most important tools for professional success in the years ahead. As you advance in your role as ‘CEO of your career,’ our goal is to guide you in understanding how your unique talents and contributions can help you leave your unique fingerprint on the future of business. Whether you are just beginning your career or are making a career transition, our team of MBA Career Advisors can help you create a customized plan for activating your talents for personal and professional success.

What types of opportunities do MIT Sloan MBAs pursue? What jobs did they accept, and what were their salaries?

MIT Sloan students accepted full-time and internship opportunities with 290 companies.  In 2023, our top industries were Consulting (33.7%), Tech (24.1%), Finance (19.9%), and Healthcare/Pharma/Biotech (5.8%). The average base salary was $168,095 the median base salary was $170,000, and the range of base salary was $62,000-$270,000. Check out our Employment Report for more information.

What if I’m not sure what I want to do? About 85% of MBA students are career changers. MIT Sloan provides unparalleled opportunities to explore new opportunities and try out new areas of interest, an important step in identifying the kind of work you want to do. If you are undecided about your career path, we encourage you to complete the Career Foundations course, actively participate in Career Core, and schedule an advising session with an MBA Career Advisor through Career Central.  If you are unclear about your strengths and interests or the type of organization where you can have the greatest impact, we offer Career Leader and the Clifton Strengths assessments. Speak with an MBA Career Advisor to learn more about how these tools can help you focus your job search. Career conversations happen everywhere at MIT Sloan: make sure to connect with MBA Core Fellows, faculty, and alumni who can share valuable experiences and insights.

What kinds of events does the CDO organize? To help you prepare for the next step in your career, the MBA Career Advising Team organizes Career Core and many other career programs, including ‘How to Create Your Own Internship’ and ‘Negotiating Your Employment Offer’, as well as career programs for affinity groups, including an ‘Immigration Update’ with a US Immigration Attorney for international students. To support you in activating your career plan, the Employer Relations and Recruiting Team work with top employers to organize events that help you connect with employers, including Company Presentations, Coffee Chats/Office Hours, Industry Events, Networking Nights (for full-time and internship positions), and the MIT Sloan Career Fair in April. How do I learn about career events and activities at MIT Sloan? Career activity is everywhere at MIT Sloan. To bring it all together in one place, the CDO created  YOUR CDO , a collaborative hub that connects you with career advice, events, clubs, resources, and job postings, customized for your program and industry interests. YOUR CDO highlights events and activities from Career Central , the system you will use to sign up for CDO events and advising appointments, as well as to apply for jobs.  YOUR CDO  also connects you to your peer and alumni network, through the Summer and Full-time Employment Directories, Alumni Directories, MBA Core Fellows Profiles, and MIT Sloan Industry Advisor Profiles. Your MBA Career Advisors also serve as guides to career activities and opportunities throughout your two years at MIT Sloan.  

How can I connect with MIT Sloan alumni in my industries of interest? MIT Sloan alumni play an important role in the career ecosystem at MIT Sloan. Starting in the fall, you will have access to the MIT Sloan Industry Advisors , a select group of alumni who provide in-depth industry expertise and guidance to students exploring specialized career paths in emerging fields and industries. With over 40 advisors across 17 industries, this team brings impressive industry experience and work histories that include leading companies like Amazon, Apple, Lululemon, Nike, and Tesla. Alumni often engage as speakers at industry events and recruiting representatives for their companies. You can also connect with alumni through club events, the summer and full-time employment directories, or the alumni directories. If you have any questions about how to incorporate alumni into your career exploration or job search, your CDO MBA Career Advisors are happy to be your partners in planning your outreach.

What is MIT Sloan’s policy on Grade Non-Disclosure? MIT Sloan does not have a grade non-disclosure policy. Students own their grades and are free to disclose or not disclose their grades at their discretion. 

Leaders for Global Operations

What is the Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program? LGO is a two-year, dual-degree program in which students receive an MBA from MIT Sloan and an SM from one of seven engineering departments within the MIT School of Engineering. The program is a partnership between MIT and more than 24 partner companies. LGO students are part of and participate fully in the MIT Sloan MBA program. The LGO program, which starts in June each year, includes a 6-month internship at an LGO partner company. On average, the fellowship covers at least 50% of tuition; all students receive a generous fellowship to attend the program. Please visit the LGO website for more information.

What's the process for considering applicants for the LGO program? You must apply to LGO through MIT Sloan. If you are not admitted into the LGO program, your application is automatically considered for MBA admissions. You can learn more about applying to LGO here.

What is the typical background of an applicant to the LGO program? Students come from a broad range of backgrounds. LGO students must have an undergraduate or graduate degree in a STEM field, at least two years of full-time work experience (three or more years preferred), and possess a strong commitment to working in operations, high-tech, or product design and development. It is not required to have an engineering background or to have worked as an engineer. 

How is the LGO course load different from the typical MBA? LGO students must fulfill the requirements of both the MBA program and their engineering department, so LGO students take fewer Sloan electives. Students begin the program in early June and take classes through the summer. All LGO students participate in a 6-month internship at one of our partner companies.

Is it required to have experience specifically in operations to be considered for admittance? Experience in operations is not a requirement for admission. We admit students with a variety of professional backgrounds.

What are the science requirements for admittance into the LGO program? Will an undergraduate in business be considered? We thoroughly review all applications that are submitted regardless of undergraduate degree. A STEM degree is strongly preferred, and candidates with non-STEM degrees will need to demonstrate substantial engineering and science coursework. 

What is the difference between LGO and the MBA when it comes to the management and finance courses taught in the two programs? LGO students are MBA students. They take the full MBA core curriculum in the fall with their MBA classmates; they are on the same teams and in the same classes as other MBA students. In addition to their MBA requirements, LGO students also take engineering courses to fulfill their SM degree.

How do post-MBA employment opportunities differ for LGO candidates and regular MBA candidates? With both business knowledge and technical skills, LGO students are highly sought after by both partner and non-partner companies. Over 95% of LGO students have accepted positions by graduation each year. Learn more about LGO career opportunities here .

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PHD in Engineering or an MBA?

So I am getting my Masters of Science in EE at the end of this year. Would it be more beneficial to get a PHD in Engineering, or go for an MBA? I love the technical side of things, but I would like the possibility to get farther up the food chain, or even start my own business.

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Best 5 MBA Reddit Posts and If a MBA Is Worth It

If you're debating an MBA, Reddit is an easy place to turn to. This article details the top posts about the value of an MBA.

Sep 10, 2021

A Master's of Business Administration (MBA) can potentially open up a lot of opportunities for graduates. But it can be challenging to determine if the MBA is worth it for you and your particular career plans. 

To help you determine the right path for you, we've compiled a list of five posts from MBA Reddit from people who are on the other side.

Is an MBA worth it? Reddit users weigh in

Reddit can be an excellent place to share knowledge and learn from others. For those who are interested in learning if an MBA is right for them, we found posts in the r/mba and r/personalfinance subreddits that have a lot of answers and things to think about.

1. Determine your reasons

There are only two good reasons to consider an MBA, according to user h2ohhhyeah. In a  massive post  detailing their journey, along with good and bad reasons to get the graduate degree, the first reason they suggested is if you want to pivot your career fast. 

"The beauty of an MBA is that the first day you set foot on campus, you get to choose your ‘new persona.’ And it’s totally acceptable in the eyes of employers," says the post. So if you're in the engineering field and want to transition to becoming a financial professional, an MBA can help you do that without needing to start at the bottom and spend years working toward your goal.

The other reason is if your company requires it to become a vice president or C-suite executive.

H2ohhhyeah does not recommend spending the money on an MBA if you're hoping it will help you figure out what you want to do with your life, you want to network or increase your salary, you're hoping it will impress others, or you simply want to learn more about business.

So think about your reasons for going back to school to get an MBA and consider whether they're good enough to merit the investment.

Also, one person's opinion about whether a reason is good or bad can help you put things into perspective. But ultimately, you get to decide for yourself whether a reason is a good or a bad one.

2. Think about the skill sets you want to develop

Depending on your strengths and weaknesses, an MBA may or may not be the right move. In  one post  where a Redditor asked the same question, "Is an MBA worth it?" Some commenters provided some excellent advice. 

Although there are some specialized MBAs, the graduate program often requires that you focus on a broad range of skill sets. According to user AVK83, "you'll need to understand:

• How to market your product or service
• Economic factors that impact your industry
• Accounting methods/rules/results that determine how investible your company is
• What options you have to finance future projects
• Human networking company > employee or employee > employee and the leadership structure that guides it
• Long and short term strategic planning"

If you're hoping to focus on just one or two areas, look into certification programs that may meet your needs and save some money.

3. Run the numbers

Some believe that getting an MBA to increase your salary is a bad idea because it's not guaranteed. But the fact is that professionals with an MBA do earn more on average than professionals without one.

So with both of those facts in mind, consider running the numbers for your situation. In  this Reddit post , user andyiam asked if an MBA is worth it if their salary is already relatively high. 

The cost of the program they were considering was $98,500, and in the best-case scenario for average salaries in their field, they'd get a pay bump of $25,000 per year.

In this case, the degree would pay for itself in just under four years, but remember, that's the best case. On average, their salary might increase by only a few thousand dollars a year, which means the MBA wouldn't pay for itself by the time they retire. 

Do your research on how an MBA might impact your salary in your field and compare it to the cost of the program. Also, remember that while average salary numbers can help you make an informed decision, they're not guaranteed.

4. Consider an online program

Online degree programs often get a bad rap, but with the right university, an online MBA can be a less expensive way to achieve your goal. 

In a  post  by user NotLostJustWanderin, they shared their experience doing an online MBA program. They made sure to choose an accredited program from a school with a good reputation, and the online nature of the program gave them the flexibility they needed to earn their degree in two-and-a-half years while still working full-time.

The result? They were able to nab a new job that paid $54,000 more than they were earning before they started the program.

To make up for the lack of networking that can happen in an online setting, they put together a spreadsheet of all the other students in the program, along with contact information, work history, current jobs and select connections, which they've used since graduating.

Not all online programs are created equal, though, so make sure you do your due diligence to make sure that the program is solid and well-respected in the business community.

5. Look for assistance to reduce your costs

The cost of an MBA can be a major roadblock for some, but it's possible to get your degree without paying full price. In one  post , user redditkxk says their employer offers $10,000 per year in tuition assistance for an MBA program and asked other users about what their employers offer.

Answers range, but many said their employers offer 100% coverage, though some had requirements. For example, you may need to be in a management position or agree to stay with the company for a set period after you graduate. 

Also, keep in mind that the IRS won't tax the employee on up to $5,250 in educational benefits received from an employer. Any amount above that will be taxed as income. 

Juno can help you find the most affordable possible rates on private student loans. We negotiate on behalf of borrowers with partner lenders to help each medical student qualify for the best rates they can given their financial situation. 

Join Juno today to find out more about your options for affordable private student loans to help fund your degree. 

Ben Luthi is a personal finance and travel writer based in Salt Lake City, UT. He loves helping people better understand their finances. When he's not traveling, Ben enjoys spending time with his kids, hiking, and watching films. His work has been featured in U.S. News & World Report, The New York Times, MarketWatch, Fox Business, and many other publications.

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