MBA Program
Admissions Criteria
To be considered as a qualified applicant, students must have completed a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university. All applicants are also required to meet one of the following criteria:
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Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above in the last 90 quarter hours (60 semester hours) towards a baccalaureate degree (or towards a graduate degree program; i.e. Masters or higher),
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OR submit a GMAT score of 500 or above (exam date within the past five years).
International applicants must also achieve TOEFL scores of at least 540 (paper) or 207 (computer) or 76 (Internet)
Application Procedures
Applications submitted to the MBA program by March 1 will be given review priority. While applications are accepted throughout the year, applications will only be reviewed after the March 1 priority date. To apply to the SOU MBA program, each applicant is required to fulfill admission requirements for SOU and the MBA program.
Admission to SOU
Submit to the SOU Office of Admissions (1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520):
- Completed SOU Application for Graduate Study with application fee.
- Official transcripts from ALL universities or colleges attended for credit. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the SOU Office of Admissions.
Admission to the MBA Program
Submit to the MBA Program Office (School of Business, Southern Oregon University, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520):
- A completed Application for the Master in Business Administration
- Two evaluation forms
- Statement of purpose (maximum 400 words)
- Professional resume
- GMAT test scores (500 or above), taken no more than five years previously. (Note: GMAT scores are only required for those who do not meet the GPA admissions criteria.)
- For international students, a TOEFL score of at least 540 (paper), 207(computer), or 76 (internet).
Evaluation Forms
Applicants should select two individuals to complete and submit evaluation forms on their behalf. The evaluators should be qualified to describe the applicant’s ability to succeed in this program based on their observations of the applicant's previous professional or academic work. Candidates are advised to consider requesting evaluations from people who know them in a variety of roles. Evaluations must be delivered in a sealed envelope directly from the evaluator to the MBA program office.
Statement of Purpose
Applicants are required to provide a maximum 400-word personal statement detailing their qualifications and motivation for participating in this degree program. This statement provides the selection committee with information on applicant's writing skills and the fit between an individual’s career goals and what this program can offer.
Professional Resume
Applicants must submit a professional resume to provide a detailed and comprehensive view of their career history.
International Applicants
International participants in the MBA program bring a welcome diversity in experience and perspective. International applicants must meet all University and program requirements for admission. In addition, it is expected that international candidates demonstrate a command of English that exceeds the minimum standards set by the University, as the program’s courses are too demanding to accommodate remedial work in English. A TOEFL score of at least 540 (paper), 207 (computer), or 76 (Internet) is required for graduate study at SOU.
For more information, refer to the international student application form on the SOU website or contact the University Admissions office.
Candidate Selection
The MBA Selection Committee, comprised of SOU administrators and faculty members, will review each application packet. Candidates are evaluated based on the overall quality of the information provided in the application packet. A limited number of students are accepted annually. Once the program is full, additional qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list for admission the following fall term. Applicants who do not meet one of the admissions criteria may be considered for conditional admission (see Conditional Admission below).
Applicants are notified in writing regarding admission status. For information on the status of an application, applicants should contact the MBA program coordinator.
Admission Status
Full Admission
Applicants may receive full admission to the MBA program if a complete application packet is submitted, all admission requirements have been met, a favorable recommendation has been granted by the MBA Selection Committee, and approval has been received from the school dean. Individuals who have been granted full admission to the SOU MBA program will be mailed a letter of acceptance. Once accepted, applicants will be required to sign and return an Admission Acknowledgment form to indicate their intention to accept admission to the MBA program.
Conditional Admission
Applicants may receive conditional admission to the SOU MBA program if they submit a complete application packet and show promise of success in graduate study, but have not yet met some of the admissions requirements (Bachelor's degree award still pending, GMAT or TOEFL scores not yet received.) To be considered for conditional admission, applicants must request consideration for review by the MBA Selection Committee. If the applicant is granted a favorable recommendation, completes an interview with the MBA Selection Committee, and admission slots are available, conditional admission may be granted. Students offered conditional admission must meet the specific requirements stated at the time of admission set forth by the MBA Selection Committee to remain in the MBA Graduate Program. Applicants granted conditional admission will receive a letter granting conditional admission and will be required to sign and return an Admission Acknowledgment form to indicate their intention to accept conditional admission to the MBA program.
Applicants granted conditional admission status must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above for all MBA courses upon completion of their second term. Any applicant not maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above upon completion of their second term will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Denial
Applicants will be denied admission to the MBA program if an application packet is incomplete or does not meet the criteria or level of quality required by the MBA Selection Committee. Applicants denied admission will receive a denial letter.
