Part-Time MBA Admissions

What type of applicant does BU look for? The admission committee looks at many factors when reviewing an application, some of which include:

• A record of academic excellence — so we can be assured that you will thrive in our dynamic learning environment
• Evidence of managerial and leadership potential — to indicate the value you will bring to future employers
• Diversity of thought — to ensure that you will be challenged by people who have different fields of reference within your teams and in the classroom

We are committed to enrolling qualitatively excellent incoming classes that represent global, ethnic, and demographic diversity. It is our policy to encourage prospective students to consider our management programs regardless of race, color, religious creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, eligible veteran status or any other category protected by law.

How do I begin an application? We ask all interested applicants to fill out our online application and follow our admission procedures.

When is the deadline to apply? We have several deadlines throughout the year. Please see our deadlines page for additional information.

Where do I send my official application components (i.e official transcripts)? You should first upload your documents with your application or email them to mbaappdocs@bu.edu. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official documents. Official documents can be mailed to: Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office, Suite 115 595 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02215

Who should write my recommendation? While it is your choice to decide who to ask to write your letter of recommendation, we suggest recommendations come from an employer or someone you have worked with in a professional setting.

How long will I have to wait for my admission decision? If your application is submitted in its entirety by the required deadline, we aim to release the decision to you in four to six weeks. This precludes our doctoral programs. For the anticipated decision response dates, please visit our application deadlines page.

What is the reapplication policy? The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. In order to reapply you must follow the reapplication procedure as outlined on our website.

What is the process for applying to one of Questrom’s joint degree programs? Aside from the MBA+ MS in Digital Technology, which is housed solely within Questrom, admission to all other MBA+ Joint Degrees requires separate applications to both Questrom and the appropriate BU school or college associated with the joint degree. Candidates should refer to the application deadlines and admission decision dates for both schools to determine the best time to submit their application to each program. For the MBA+ JD (non-accelerated), students who are already enrolled in the School of Law may apply to Questrom’s MBA program as a joint degree student. Students often apply before or during their first year of law school to begin the MBA program in their second year. In addition, students who are already enrolled in the School of Medicine can apply for the MBA+ MD at various points during their time as a medical student. Those interested in the MBA+JD (3 year accelerated) should apply to the Part-Time MBA program starting in the Fall. While this is a full-time dual degree, the MBA portion is completed with the Part-Time MBA. Please contact the Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office at mba@bu.eduwith any questions. When you’re ready to apply, use our online application form for both degrees. You may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time. Review our admissions checklist above to stay on top of required materials, and be sure to keep an eye on deadlines, too. Feel free to contact us with any questions along the way. We want the admissions process to be as simple and transparent as possible. Reach out to the Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office at 617-353-2670 or mba@bu.edu.

Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE? No. We are not requiring a GMAT or GRE score for candidates who apply to Part-Time MBA for 2024 entry. Please note that the Questrom MBA is a rigorous program that requires both academic and quantitative aptitude. The admissions committee will look for evidence of this through other areas of your application, such as undergraduate performance and any other coursework taken. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence to demonstrate this aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application. The admissions committee may, in rare cases, still ask you to submit a GMAT or GRE score to aid in evaluating your candidacy for the Part-Time MBA program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed.

Are official documents, such as transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores, required? To expedite the admissions process, we ask that you upload unofficial documents at the time of your application submission. Enrolled candidates are required to submit official copies of all documents.

Is work experience required? We do not have a minimum work experience requirement applicants must meet in order to be admitted. With few exceptions, accepted students have at least two years of full-time, post-undergraduate professional experience. The admissions committee takes internships and cooperative education assignments into account, but those experiences are usually considered supplementary. To see the averages of our current classes, please visit the class profile pages.

Do I need to interview? Interviews are by invitation only. Upon receiving your application, we will determine whether an interview will be necessary. If you are invited to interview, you must complete your interview to be considered for admission. We do not offer informational interviews, but instead strongly encourage you to attend one of our information sessions instead.

Do I need to come to campus for my interview?  Evaluative admissions interviews are conducted in-person and via Zoom. If you are asked to complete an admissions interview, we will send you all of the details that you will need to register and conduct this conversation on campus or virtually.

Who should write my recommendation? While it is your choice to decide who to ask to write your letter of recommendation, we suggest recommendations come from an employer or someone you have worked with in a professional setting.

Do I need to complete a video essay? In order to get to know you on a more personal level, applicants to our full-time and part-time MBA programs are required to complete either three short video essays OR one written essay during the application process.  Because everyone expresses themselves in different ways, the choice is yours.  For more information on what the admissions committee is looking for in your essay(s), as well as directions on how to complete them, please click here.

Are there any prerequisite courses? Do I need an undergraduate degree in business or a professional business background? There are no prerequisites for our Part-Time MBA program. The admissions committee looks for good quantitative skills, leadership and analytical ability, and excellent verbal expression. You can demonstrate these competencies through a variety of undergraduate majors and professional experiences. A large percentage of our MBA students do not have an undergraduate business background.

Do I need a four-year degree? We require that applicants hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process. 

Diplomas, the Higher National Diploma (H.N.D.), certificates, memberships or associate memberships in some professional organizations, and some bachelor’s and technical degrees are not considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree for the purpose of gaining admission to the Graduate School.

For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission.  Regardless of program length, if you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact mba@bu.edu before starting the application process.

Do I need a TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score? Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two years of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver. Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission (through their transcript/accompanying documents or a link to the institution’s website). 

Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-Bachelor’s degree position in the US are eligible for an automatic waiver. If you do not meet this criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language to mba@bu.edu prior to the submission of your application.  The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis. If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for 2 years.

We are currently accepting Duolingo scores in addition to TOEFL and IELTS. To access the Duolingo test, go to https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient, and email questromappdocs@bu.edu with your name and the date you have taken the Duolingo test. What is the minimum TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores you accept? TOEFL: Minimum scores of 600 on the PBT or 90 on the IBT are recommended.  BU’s TOEFL code is 3087, and the department code is 02. IELTS: Competitive applicants typically score a minimum of 6.5 on each band. PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here. Duolingo: A minimum score of 110 is recommended.

Do I need to complete all essays? Yes, essay questions and requirements vary by program. Please see the online application for more information about the requirements for your program.

When are classes offered? 

Classes are typically offered Monday through Thursday evenings. Depending on your schedule, you can expect to attend class at least one night a week, from 6:30-9:15 PM.

Can I take MBA courses at Boston University via distance learning? Do you
have online courses?

While we know how important it is to have an in-person format, we understand the convenience and flexibility of online coursework. Most of our core courses are offered both in-person and online. Questrom also offers an Online MBA program
for those interested in pursuing their MBA entirely online. More information about this program can be found here.

When does the Part-Time MBA program begin? 

We have a fall entry term beginning in August, as well as spring entry term beginning in January. Those starting in the fall have the unique option of choosing between paths to complete a part-time MBA: either cohort or flex. Those enrolling in January will be flex only.

What is the difference between the cohort and the flex options?

Students in the cohort track share their first year of core coursework with the same small core group of students, allowing them to build a sense of community, teamwork, and camaraderie.  Students in this track are required to follow a set curriculum during the first year of the program. After the first year, cohort students have the opportunity to pick their pace, allowing them to continue their studies at their own speed for the remainder of the program. The flex track is great for those who wish to set the pace from the beginning of the program.  Students in the flex track take the same core courses as those in the cohort – and still experience a great sense of community – but have the flexibility to speed the pace up or slow it down based on their other commitments. Most flex students still choose to take two courses at a time for at least part of the program. Courses are available year-round.

Do cohorted students need to take courses in the summer? 

Yes, cohorted students follow a set pace and track for the first year in the program.

How long does it take to complete the Part-Time MBA, and how many credits are required to graduate?

The Part-Time MBA is a 55 credit program and takes approximately three to four years to complete, depending on how many classes you choose to take each semester. Please see our curriculum for more information. All Part-Time MBA students have up to six years to complete the degree and may choose to take a temporary leave of absence during the program, but for no longer than two consecutive years.

If someone is taking two classes at a time, do they find the workload to be manageable?

Most students choose to take two courses at a time during at least part of the program. When the two courses are coordinated, your assignments are timed to reduce stress, and you can work as part of the same team in more than one
course, taking advantage of the relationships that you’ve already established.

Are the Health Sector MBA & Social Impact MBA programs open to Part-Time MBA students?

Yes, both the Health Sector MBA & the Social Impact MBA programs are available to students in our Part-Time MBA program. You can complete either of these programs through our flex track or cohort track.

Can I take classes at another Boston University graduate school?

Yes. Part-Time MBA students may cross register for elective courses offered at other Boston University Schools and Colleges.

Can I switch between programs? Between the Part-Time MBA and Full-Time MBA program? Health Sector MBA & Social Impact MBA?

This depends on where you are within the process: Application in Progress: If you have started, but not yet submitted an application, you may not change programs without losing all of your inputted data. In this case, please submit the application you have started and follow the “application submitted” steps below. Application Submitted: Once you have submitted your application, please contact the Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office (mba@bu.edu) with a written request to change your application to the program for which you’d like to be considered. The Admission Committee will consider your request and will notify you of the outcome. Please note, you may only be considered for one MBA program per entry term. Enrolled student: Once you have enrolled in a program, changing programs is handled on a case by case basis. Students wishing to switch between programs should work with their advisor in the Graduate Academic & Career Development Office.

Are there study abroad opportunities for Part-Time MBA students?

Yes, Questrom offers many opportunities for global immersion experiences, including Global Immersion Courses which are one to two week intensive electives conducted abroad by BU faculty. Recent experiences include trips to Asia, Europe, Israel and South Africa.

What career services are available for Part-Time MBA students and alumni?

Part-Time MBA students have a dedicated career coach who will work with them 1:1 on their specific career goals. In addition, they will have access to volumes of data and information on resumes, cover letters, interviewing, networking, and salary negotiations. Students will also have access to the Feld Center for Career and Alumni Engagement to connect with strategic industry and alumni partners. The Feld Center hosts numerous events, workshops, panels, and professional development seminars.

Is the faculty the same in the Part-Time program as in the Full-Time MBA program?

One of the benefits of our Part-Time MBA program is that our part-time MBA students share electives with our full-time MBA students, allowing for the opportunity to not only build a broader network but also to learn from the same faculty.

Can I transfer into the MBA program?

 While we do not have a formal transfer application process, students currently enrolled in other MBA programs are welcome to apply through the standard application process.

Can I transfer credits from classes I have previously taken?

Pending approval, we accept transfer credit for the full-time and part-time MBA programs. In order to transfer credit, you must meet the requirements outlined in our MBA transfer of credit policy. To determine whether or not a course will transfer into the MBA program at Boston University, you will need to email mba@bu.edu, and include the course syllabus, course description, and transcript. For more information on the transfer of credit process, please review our policy here, or contact the Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office at mba@bu.edu.

Can I waive out of a core class if I have a strong academic background in that area?

Candidates applying to the Part-Time MBA program at the Questrom School of Business may be eligible for course waivers. To learn more and review eligibility requirements, please visit our course waiver policy page.

Candidates applying to the Part-Time MBA program at the Questrom School of Business may request to be considered for Advanced Standing Course Waivers of required core classes based on: (1) previous completion of undergraduate or graduate coursework, as outlined below, or (2) demonstration of competency. In order to be considered for Advanced Standing, applicants must complete the course waiver section when completing their application and those who are approved will be notified prior to the start of the program.

If the candidate chooses to accept Advanced Standing, they will have the approved class waived, receive a notation on their transcript of receiving a waiver, and therefore reduce the overall credits required for graduation. Ethical Leadership and Leadership Communications courses may not receive advanced standing waivers. Students pursuing the accelerated core track are not eligible for core course waivers.

1. Waiver By Undergraduate Coursework

Students may waive a core Part-Time MBA course if they completed a minimum of two courses with an average GPA of 3.0 or greater in the core course area from an educational institution holding U.S. Regional or AACSB Accreditation.
Students may receive advanced standing for up to four core Part-Time MBA courses.
Exceptions to the above policy are for candidates waiving QM717: Data Analysis for Managerial Decision Making or AC711: Financial Reporting and Control.

QM717: Data Analysis for Managerial Decision Making

• Students may waive QM 717: Data Analysis for Managerial Decision Making with only one undergraduate or graduate level statistics class, however in order to do so, the course must have covered multiple regression, a grade of B or better must have been earned, and the student must have majored in engineering or math (undergraduate only).

AC711: Financial Reporting and Control

• Students may waive AC 711: Financial Reporting and Control only if they have passed Intermediate Accounting 1 (or equivalent) with at least a B+ from an educational institution holding U.S. Regional or AACSB Accreditation.

2. Waiver By Competency for Select Courses

Students may waive AC711 as a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant.

With evidence of having passed the CPA exam or copy of a CPA or CA license, students may waive out of AC711 Financial Reporting and Control. For more information on this process, please contact us at mba@bu.edu.

Students may Waive FE722 with a Chartered Financial Analyst^®
Designation 

With evidence of a CFA^® charter or having passed three levels of the CFA exams, students may waive out of FE722 Financial Management.

I’m eligible for a course waiver. Can I still participate in the cohort option?

Yes. Part-Time MBA students can participate in the cohort option, even if they are eligible for course waivers.

Can international students study part-time? 

Usually not. If your reason for entering the United States is to enroll in the full-time MBA program, you will be eligible for a University-sponsored student visa that entitles you to full-time study only. International students who are looking to study in our part-time program must have a visa that allows them to do so, such as an employer-sponsored working visa.

Can I take classes before applying? 

In most instances, a student must be matriculated in the Boston University Questrom School of Business in order take courses at Questrom. Those interested in taking one or more courses without matriculating need to meet certain, specific criteria in order to register as a guest student. There are four categories of eligible guest registrants:

1. Current graduate students of other schools or colleges within Boston University.
2. Current MBA students registered at another AACSB accredited institution.
3. MBA alumnus/a from Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Program or another AACSB accredited MBA program.
4. Graduate students at Consortium institutions (Boston College, Brandeis University, Tufts University, and Hebrew College).

If you satisfy any of these requirements, you can contact the MBA Center at (617) 353-2673 for more information about guest student registration.

Do you still offer a North Campus location? 

No. The faculty and administration of Boston University Questrom School of Business completed a review of the North Campus location of the Part-Time MBA program, prompted by the completion of our lease agreement as of spring 2015. After careful consideration, we decided to close the North Campus as of May 2015. As such, we are no longer enrolling any new students at the North Campus.

What is the cost of tuition for the Part-Time MBA program? Please click here for current tuition. The program length is 55 credits.

How do I apply for Financial Aid? The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. The maximum loan eligibility is $20,500 per academic year. Learn more about financing your MBA at our tuition section.

Are scholarship opportunities available? Yes, Boston University Questrom School of Business offers merit-based scholarships for select Part-Time MBA students. A separate application for scholarship consideration is not needed, and the admission committee considers all admitted Part-Time MBA candidates for scholarship during the admission process.* *Due to Boston University’s tuition remission benefits, BU employees will not be considered for scholarships to the Part-Time MBA program.

The Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid team is here to support you during the admission process. Please feel free to email us at mba@bu.edu or to call us at (617) 353-2670.