Admissions

Ready to take the next step? Here you’ll find everything you need to complete your application to Questrom’s MS in Management Studies Program.

Apply to Questrom

The Questrom Master in Management Studies degree program attracts students who are drawn to the business side of making an impact on society and the world. They have a sharp intellect, a bias toward action, and confidence developing technical and people skills. Sound like you? The MiM could be your perfect fit. We consider the whole applicant. Here are some things we look for:

  • Current undergraduate senior or graduate of a non-business management bachelor’s program within the past two years
  • Academic performance in analytic or technical coursework
  • Leadership experience in student or professional organizations
  • Work, volunteer, internship or business project experiences
  • Strong communication skills and desire to learn how to work effectively in teams
  • Passion for hands on learning and a dedication to learn what it takes to deliver excellent project outcomes

Helpful Links

We know the application process can take a lot of time and effort. If you have any questions, feel free to email or call us at (617) 353-2670.

Ready to apply? Start here. Once your application is complete, you’ll be considered for an interview with one of the core MiM faculty and staff members. Your completed application should include a resume, responses to four video essays and unofficial undergraduate transcripts. GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Be sure to look over our admissions checklist for all the details you’ll need. 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 msms@bu.edu.

The Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. We welcome your re-application. Each re-applicant is required to submit a new application form and fee ($125); an essay discussing updates or changes since the time of the previous application, as well as reasons for re-applying; an updated resume; university-level transcripts (if the re-applicant has taken new coursework since the time of their first application); and updated GMAT or GRE results (if applicable).

The Master in Management Studies (MiM) is a hands-on program that attracts a wide variety of students with non-business degrees. While the MiM program curriculum contains quantitative components, we do not require the GMAT or GRE as part of the application. The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, meaning that we consider academic performance, writing and communication, leadership and involvement, and many other factors in our evaluation. You will not be penalized in the application review process if you choose to not submit a GMAT/GRE test score.

  • Things to consider:
    • Students are welcome to submit test scores to strengthen their applications, and test scores submitted will be considered in the admission decision process.
    • For students with a low grade point average, a test score can provide admissions officers with additional information about their potential to succeed in the classroom. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence in your previous coursework that demonstrates your true academic 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 MiM program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed. The GMAT/GRE tests are optional for applications to the MiM program.  However, if you do choose to submit a GMAT/GRE please upload an unofficial copy of your score report with your online application.  To learn more about the optional GMAT/GRE, please click here or our FAQ page.

The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office will waive the application fee for current BU employees, as well as for those who attended select admissions events and off-site fairs. In addition, we will waive the application fee for those who are members or alumni of the following programs:

The US Military
Education Pioneers
Historically Black Colleges

The Peace Corps
Teach for America
Hispanic Serving Institutions

AmeriCorps
City Year Corps
Management Leadership for Tomorrow MBA Fellows

Instructions: To take advantage of this waiver, please fill out the Application Fee Waiver Form once your application has been started. Your CAS ID can be found at the top right of the online application. Once we process your fee waiver request, you’ll receive a follow-up email with additional instructions on how to submit your application. DO NOT click “submit and pay for programs” prior to receiving these instructions. We are unable to offer application fee refunds.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, your application fee waiver may take a few business days to process. As such, we encourage you to submit your application fee waiver request as soon as you have started your application. If you wait until the application deadline to submit your waiver request, you will still be considered “on time” for that deadline as long as you submit your application within 48 hours of receiving your waiver code. You must submit your waiver request before you submit your application in order for the fee waiver to be applied.

Please note: If you have been approved for an application fee waiver and are applying to one of our dual degree programs, the application fee waiver will be applied to your Questrom application only.  You will still need to pay the required application fee for the other school at BU to which you are applying.

Admissions Deadlines

After submitting a complete application for admission, candidates can expect to receive an admissions decision within 6-8 weeks.

first date to submit an applicationApplication Deadline
August 2024Round I:  November 1, 2024
Round 2: January 10, 2025
Round 3: February 14, 2025
Round 4: April 9, 2025
Round 5: May 7, 2025*

*This date is only for domestic students or international students with a current, active F-1 visa.

Admissions Checklist

Remember: You may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time. The Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. Once you’ve applied, we’ll begin the review process.

Below, you’ll find our Master in Management Studies admissions checklist. Bookmark the unique link below to return here later.

We’re here to help.

We know the application process can take a lot of time and effort. If you have any questions, please email or call us at (617) 353-2670.

Online Application Form

When you’re ready to apply, start with our online application form.

Application Fee ($125) Credit/Debit cards only

Online only at time of application submission.

Resume

Current resume, as required in the “Experiences” section of the online application. Upload in the “Supporting Information” section of the online application.

University-Level Transcripts

Transcripts for any coursework completed, including study abroad and post graduate work, in the “Academic History” portion of the application.

The Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions Committee conducts a rigorous and holistic review of each application. Students admitted to our graduate degree programs must provide proof of an earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent international credential. Boston University does not require official transcripts with the submission of an application. Should a student decide to enroll at Boston University Questrom School of Business, official transcripts must be submitted and verified prior to the point of matriculation.

Mail paper copy to:
Boston University Questrom School of Business
595 Commonwealth Av

(Optional) GMAT or GRE Results

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 MiM program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed. 

The GMAT/GRE tests are optional for applications to the MiM program.  However, if you do choose to submit a GMAT/GRE please upload an unofficial copy of your score report with your online application.  To learn more about the optional GMAT/GRE, please click here or our FAQs.

The Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions Committee conducts a rigorous and holistic review of each application. Students admitted to our graduate degree programs must provide proof of an earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent international credential. Boston University does not require official transcripts with the submission of an application. Should a student decide to enroll at Boston University Questrom School of Business, official transcripts must be submitted and verified prior to the point of matriculation.

Video Essay

We know that you are more than what’s on paper. During the online application process, all Master in Management Studies candidates are asked to submit four video essays, which allow us to get to know you on a more personal level.

Within the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application, you will find your personalized link to the video essay website. Clicking this link will bring you to the Kira Talent website, our partner for the video essay process. When you register, you must use the same email address that you used to create your admission application account. Upon creating your account with Kira Talent, you can begin your video essays. You’ll need to use an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone. You’ll have 30 seconds to prepare, and then 60 seconds to record your answers. You can practice an unlimited number of times with Kira Talent’s example questions, but once you start the formal video essay questions, you are only allowed one opportunity. This allows the committee to see your candid responses. We want your video essay recording process to be as easy as possible. As such, we encourage you to dress in business casual attire – no need for a suit. The admission committee will review your response as part of the application process, and are interested in your presence, personality, and fit with our community. We recommend trying out a few of the sample Kira questions prior to recording your formal video essay.

Written Essay

Applicants to the MiM program will be required to answer three, short-answer questions. Your answers should be no more than 250 words, and should help explain your decision to pursue a Master in Management Studies program. The prompts will be displayed in the “Program Materials” section under the “Questions” tab within your application.  Your responses are to be recorded directly in the application.

Optional Essay

If you have any additional information to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee, you may address it in an optional essay of no more than 250 words. Acceptable topics for the optional essay include gaps in post-college work experience, choice of recommenders, and concerns about academic/test performance. If you plan to retake any admissions tests (GMAT or GRE; TOEFL, IELTS or PTE), please provide the date of your scheduled test here. To upload an optional essay, please scroll to the “Essay” section and click “Add Document.”

Questions?

If you have questions about the video essay process, please send us an email at msms@bu.edu or call us at 617-353-2670. If you need technical assistance with the Kira Talent system, please contact them directly at support@kiratalent.com

GMAT Code

Master in Management Studies: P42-5K-30

GRE Code

Master in Management Studies: 3087

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 MiM program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed. The Master in Management Studies (MiM) is a hands-on program that attracts a wide variety of students with non-business degrees. While the MiM program curriculum contains quantitative components, we do not require the GMAT or GRE as part of the application. The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, meaning that we consider academic performance, writing and communication, leadership and involvement, and many other factors in our evaluation. You will not be penalized in the application review process if you choose to not submit a GMAT/GRE test score.

  • Things to consider:
    • Students are welcome to submit test scores to strengthen their applications, and test scores submitted will be considered in the admission decision process.
    • For students with a low grade point average, a test score can provide admissions officers with additional information about their potential to succeed in the classroom. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence in your previous coursework that demonstrates your true academic aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application.

English Language Proficiency

Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least three years of a bachelor’s or masters degree or combination thereof 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. Appropriate documentation includes a transcript coversheet, an official statement from the university, or a link to the institution’s website that specifies that the mode of instruction is English. 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 msms@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 two 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.

  • TOEFL: BU’s TOEFL code is 3087. Minimum Scores of 600 on the PBT or 90 on the iBT are recommended.
  • 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 120 is recommended.

*If granted a TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver, the admissions committee may, in rare cases, still ask you to submit a TOEFL, IETLS, or PTE score to aid in evaluating your candidacy for the program. If we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed.

Undergraduate Degrees:

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. If you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact msms@bu.edu before starting the application process.

Permanent Residents:

Permanent residents should submit a copy (front and back) of their permanent resident card.

Payment:

Boston University no longer accepts wire transfer payments for application fees. In order to pay your application fee, please do so with a debit or credit card when submitting your application.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The following tuition, fees, and other expenses have been established at Boston University Questrom School of Business for the 2024-2025 academic year. These numbers are expected to be updated to reflect the 2025-2026 academic year in late March of 2025.

Graduate Financial Aid Office

Our team is here to help you finance your education. From scholarships and loans to benefits and eligibility, we can help you explore your financing options and find the plan that works for you.

Cost
Tuition*$66,670
Fees*$1,106
Total Tuition and Fees$67,776
Housing & Food (Estimated)$15,450
Books (Estimated)$1,574
Personal (Estimated)$3,292
Transportation (Estimated)$1,120
Health Insurance**$3,280
Loan Origination Fee (Estimated)$208
Total Estimated Expenses$92,700

*Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. 
***Health insurance has not been set for the 2024-2025 academic year. Health insurance is subject to change for 2024-2025 academic year. Full-time and students who are enrolled in at least 9 credits are required by Massachusetts law to carry health insurance. Students covered under another health plan that meets Massachusetts requirements may waive participation in the Boston University Plan. Students with coverage from insurance carriers outside the United States or coverage by non-US National Health Service programs may not waive participation. Charged in the fall semester for the academic year.
Looking to see tuition rates in another currency? To convert the US dollar amounts into other currencies, such as Euros, Great Britain Pounds, Chinese RMB, and Indian Rupees, and see current exchange rates, click here.

Application Tips

Have questions about the application process for Questrom’s MiM program? We have answers. Whether you’re curious about the essay portion of the application or what we look for on your resume, you’re in the right place. These videos have all the answers you need to make sure you send in a competitive application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of applicant does BU look for? The admission committee looks for three primary factors when they review an application:

  • A record of academic excellence in analytical coursework — so we can be assured that you will thrive in our dynamic and rigorous program
  • Commitment to ethics — to ensure that you will maintain the high level of integrity expected of all students in the Questrom School of Business
  • Evidence of student and community involvement — to indicate the value you will bring to future classmates

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.


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 questromappdocs@bu.edu. If you choose to enroll, 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 595 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02215
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 view our application deadlines.
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 tests are required for admission? Applicants to the Master in Management Studies Degree Program are NOT required to submit scores from the GMAT or GRE as a part of the admissions process.  The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, meaning that we consider academic performance, writing and communication, leadership and involvement, and many other factors in our evaluation. You will not be penalized in the application review process if you choose to not submit a GMAT/GRE test score.

When thinking about whether or not to submit a GMAT/GRE test score, please consider the following:

For students with a low grade point average, a test score can provide admissions officers with additional information about their potential to succeed in the classroom. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence in your previous coursework that demonstrates your true academic aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application.

May I Submit test scores if I would like to? Students who believe their GMAT or GRE scores represent a strong, positive component of their academic portfolio may still submit them as a part of their application to the Master in Management Studies Program.  Students who submit test scores as a part of their application will be considered in the admission decision process.

Are official documents, such as transcripts, required? To expedite the admissions process we ask that you upload unofficial documents at the time of your application submission. Candidates that enroll in the program are required to submit official copies of all documents.

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 Masters 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).  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 msms@bu.edu&nbspprior 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: A student’s overall score must be a minimum of 6.5. 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 a video essay? All candidates to our MiM program need to respond to four video essay questions as part of their applications. Please use the hyperlink found in the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application to complete the video essay process.

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 msms@bu.edu before starting the application process.


Is this program STEM designated? The Master in Management Studies program at the Questrom School of Business is currently designated by US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM-eligible degree program. International students in F-1 student status may be able to apply for a 24-month extension of their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization. More information about STEM OPT eligibility is available from the BU International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).

If my undergraduate degree is not in a science, technology, engineering or math field, can I apply to the program? Yes, if you have successfully completed some analytical coursework and are able to satisfy the University’s other requirements for admission.

Can this program be completed part-time? No, students may only enroll in the program on a full-time basis.

Is work experience required in order to apply to the Masters program? No, the program was designed to meet the educational needs of both recent college graduates and practitioners. In fact, those individuals who have earned academic degrees quite recently are well positioned to succeed in this program.

How do I apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid? Admitted candidates to the Master in Management Studies Program are considered for merit-based scholarships. You do not need to submit any additional information to be eligible for a merit-based award. Notification about scholarship is included in the acceptance packet. The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Learn more about our financial aid offerings.

Do you offer financial aid to international students? Yes, all applicants to the Master in Management Studies Program are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships provided that their applications are submitted by the admission deadlines.  A separate application is not required. In addition, international students can finance their graduate education with private education loans provided they apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a U.S.-based address.

The graduate admission team is here to support you during the admission process. Please feel free to email us at msms@bu.edu or to call us at (617) 353-2670.

Liberal Arts Admissions Program

If you are currently attending or graduating from any of the following institutions, you are eligible for our MiM liberal arts admissions program!

  • Amherst College
  • Bard College
  • Barnard College
  • Bates College
  • Bowdoin College
  • Bucknell College
  • Colby College
  • Connecticut College
  • Dickinson College
  • Haverford College
  • Holy Cross College
  • Lafayette College,
  • Macalaster College
  • Middlebury College
  • Mount Holyoke
  • Olin College of Engineering
  • Smith College
  • Stonehill College
  • Swarthmore College
  • Union College
  • Utica College
  • Wellesley College
  • Wesleyan College
  • Wesleyan University
  • Wheaton College
  • Williams College
  • Priority application review for those students who choose to apply to either program
  • An application fee waiver (a $125 value)
  • Priority consideration for merit scholarships
  • Discounted First Deposit Rate

For more information about the Liberal Arts Admissions Program, please complete this form. Visit our admissions checklist for more information about how to apply to the MiM program.

Upcoming MS in Management Studies Admissions Events