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Richard T. Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences
John Wellington, Dean
Zoher E. Shipchandler, Associate Dean and Interim MBA Program Director
260-481-6498 ~ Fax: 260-481-6879
www.ipfw.edu/bms/mba ~ Neff Hall 366
e-mail: mba@ipfw.edu

Admission

The Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences seeks candidates whose analytical abilities, leadership, interpersonal skills, and personal motivation indicate a strong potential to excel in a business career. Candidates are required to hold a four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized institution.

The MBA Policy Committee considers a number of characteristics essential for success in the program and evaluates a candidate for admission based on these characteristics. An ability to excel in the MBA program is indicated by a high GMAT score, past academic achievements (undergraduate GPA), and recommendations that speak to the candidate’s intellectual capacity. In addition, the committee considers several individual factors to be of equal importance. Motivation and leadership, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills, are highly valued in a professional manager. Successful candidates have these proven characteristics, which are revealed in past work experience, a self-evaluation essay, and recommendation letters. The committee carefully weighs all of these factors in making an admission recommendation to the Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences.

Admission decisions are valid for 12 months from the semester of acceptance indicated in the applicant’s admission letter. Successful applicants who have not completed any degree-applicable courses within that period must reapply for admission.

Educational Objective Statement (Essay)

Applicants must provide an essay of  300–400 words indicating your experiences and achievements that reflect maturity, initiative, and administrative skills. In addition, specify your educational objectives as you contemplate beginning studies for the MBA program.

Graduate Management Admission Test

All applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of the admission process with the exception of (1) all master’s or higher degree holders (including Ph.D., J.D., and M.D.) with a GPA of 3.5 or higher or (2) all bachelor’s degree holders from an AACSB accredited business program with a GPA of 3.25 or  higher.. The GMAT is an aptitude test and does not unduly benefit individuals with previous business education or experience.

The computerized GMAT is available by appointment throughout the year. (Additional information regarding test sites, registration, and content is contained at the official GMAT Web site www.mba.com.) An official GMAT score report must be submitted as part of the application for admission. GMAT test scores remain valid for five years from the date of the test. Only the most recent GMAT test score will be considered in determining admission.

Transcripts

Applicants must have official transcripts sent directly to the MBA office from every college or university they have attended. Unofficial records or transcripts that have been issued to applicants cannot be accepted.

Recommendations

Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation; the recommendation forms are included in the application packet. Recommendations should be obtained only from individuals qualified to evaluate an applicant’s academic or on-the-job performance and attest to his or her ability to pursue a graduate degree. Suggested recommenders are employee supervisors or college professors.

Language Competency

Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit the results with their admission application. A minimum score of 250 on the computer-based test or 600 on the paper-based test is required. As an alternative to the TOEFL, the school will consider a minimum score of 80 earned on the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency. Either test may be waived if the applicant has satisfactorily completed at least one year of full-time college-level work at a recognized college or university in the United States.

Conditional Admission

Applicants may be granted conditional admission at the discretion of the director and/or MBA Policy Committee. Specific requirements of conditional admission will be addressed in the applicant’s letter of admission.

Deadlines

Applicants may apply for admission for fall or spring semesters, or for summer sessions. Completed applications and all required supporting materials should be received by the following dates to assure timely admission decisions.

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