For admission to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, some universities prefer applicants with a business background or may require foundation coursework. However, many online MBA programs accept students whose bachelor’s degree is in a non-business field. For those hoping to pursue an MBA degree online, here is a list of online MBA programs that do not require a bachelor’s degree in business.
Online MBA Schools Not Requiring a Business Bachelor’s Degree
1. Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global, formerly known as Kaplan University, is an online public, nonprofit university within the distinguished Purdue University system. Its total enrollment is approximately 36,000, and the university offers more than 175 academic programs, including an online Master’s degree in Business Administration.
Purdue Global does not require a bachelor’s degree in business for admission to its online MBA program. Instead, applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applicants below the 2.5 GPA threshold may still be considered if they can show other strong evidence of academic potential. Purdue Global does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission.
2. Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a public university in Corvallis, Oregon. It has more than 36,000 students from all 50 US states and more than 100 countries. Through its 11 colleges, it offers nearly 200 degree programs.
Oregon State’s online and hybrid MBA program accepts students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. The current program is 45 to 60 quarter credits, depending on the student’s background and chosen path, and offers tracks such as business analytics, corporate finance, cybersecurity management, human resources management, marketing, organizational leadership, supply chain and logistics management, and wine business management. Oregon State’s current graduate admissions information lists the GMAT as optional for College of Business applicants rather than a universal requirement.
3. University of Florida
Founded in 1853, the University of Florida (UF) is a public university in Gainesville, Florida. It offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and more than 200 graduate degree options through its academic colleges and schools.
At UF, applicants for the online MBA program need a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution or the international equivalent, along with at least two years of significant, full-time, post-undergraduate work experience. GMAT and GRE scores are not required for the UF online MBA, though applicants may submit test scores if they believe the scores will strengthen their application.
4. University of Delaware
Beginning its journey in 1743, the University of Delaware (UD) is a Newark-based public university with a broad catalog of undergraduate and graduate programs.
To be considered for admission to UD’s online MBA program, applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any academic field from an accredited institution. The current online MBA admission requirements list a minimum GPA of 3.0, a $75 application fee, an unofficial transcript, essay prompts, a resume or CV, and two letters of recommendation. GMAT and GRE scores are optional, and at least two years of work experience is preferred rather than listed as an absolute requirement.
5. University of Maryland
As the University System of Maryland’s flagship institution, the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) currently enrolls more than 41,000 students. The College Park-based university was originally established in 1856 as Maryland Agricultural College. It currently offers more than 300 academic programs through 12 colleges and schools.
The Robert H. Smith School of Business, which offers UMD’s online MBA program, does not list a bachelor’s degree in business as an admission requirement. Current guidance states that competitive candidates generally have strong quantitative skills and at least three years of full-time work experience after completing their undergraduate degree. GMAT and GRE scores are not required for the online MBA application.
6. George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university, with more than 40,000 students from all 50 states and 130 countries. The university’s roots go back to 1949, and it became an independent university in 1972. Today, it offers 78 undergraduate degrees and 141 master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
At George Mason, the online MBA program has a history of enrolling students from different professional and academic backgrounds, including anthropology, psychology, music, and law. The program requires at least two years of professional work experience and consists of 48 credit hours. GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment scores are optional, and applicants are not penalized for applying without test scores.
7. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University, or NC State University, is a Raleigh-based public university that was established in 1887. It enrolls more than 39,000 students and belongs to the University of North Carolina system.
NC State’s Jenkins Professional Online MBA does not list a bachelor’s degree in business as an admission requirement. Applicants need at least two years of full-time, post-baccalaureate professional employment, although waivers may be considered in special circumstances. GMAT and GRE scores are optional, and students must complete a basic statistics course with a grade of C or higher before beginning MBA coursework. The online MBA can be completed in as little as 21 months or in up to six years, and it includes two required in-person residencies.
8. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) was chartered in 1869 and is a public university in Lincoln, Nebraska. The university offers a wide variety of academic programs in both on-campus and online delivery modes.
At UNL, the MBA@Nebraska admission requirements do not include a business bachelor’s degree. Applicants are asked to submit official transcripts, a current resume, three references, and a statement of purpose. A 3.0 GPA is recommended, and three years of accumulated professional work experience is strongly encouraged. GMAT and GRE scores are optional and are not required for admission.
9. Ball State University
Ball State University is a public university primarily based in Muncie, Indiana. Established in 1918, it now enrolls about 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Ball State is another option for applicants who do not have a bachelor’s degree in business. Applicants should meet Ball State’s graduate admission requirements and the MBA program’s application requirements. GMAT or GRE scores are generally part of the process unless the applicant qualifies for a waiver. Current waiver examples include having a master’s degree or higher, completing a Miller College graduate certificate with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, or holding an undergraduate degree from an AACSB-accredited college of business with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who want a business foundation can consider Ball State’s 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, whose credits may apply toward the MBA.
10. Fayetteville State University
Founded in 1867, Fayetteville State University (FSU) is a member of the University of North Carolina system and is recognized as North Carolina’s second-oldest public university and first public historically Black college and university.
If you are looking to apply for FSU’s online MBA program, you do not need a bachelor’s degree in business, but you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or a graduate GPA of 3.0. They must also meet the program’s GMAT or GRE-predicted GMAT requirement of at least 400 or qualify for a GMAT waiver. FSU’s current minimum admission requirements do not list prior work experience as a requirement. Students without a business background may need to complete foundation coursework before or during the program.
We hope that this article on online MBA programs that do not require a bachelor’s degree in business was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Business Programs for International Students!
