Admissions Requirements

Enrollment Requirements

The Carson College of Business MBA at Washington State University is proud of our land grant mission to provide a quality education to those willing and able to participate successfully in our programs. Through more than 30 years of online learning, we understand that no one measure defines a candidate’s ability to succeed in our program and, as such, we embrace a whole-person evaluation of your past performance and future promise. Our wholistic review includes a complete application, a history of academic performance, a complete resume or curriculum vitae, exam scores for some students, at least one letter of recommendation, and a thoughtful statement of purpose.

Application

A completed application is the first step to starting your MBA. Our enrollment advisors will support you every step of the way, answering your questions and providing support throughout this important process.

Transcripts

Before an application is reviewed for admission, applicants must provide official transcripts or unofficial transcripts and a receipt showing that official transcripts have been ordered from each college or university attended. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution or the international equivalent at the time of application. Alternatively, you may communicate an expected conferral date that takes place prior to your desired MBA enrollment term. All official transcripts must be received prior to the completion of your first course. Most successful candidates have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, however, the age of GPA and the level and rigor of degree will be considered in the evaluation. Candidates with professional degrees (i.e. MD, PharmD, DVM, and others) who may not have completed a bachelor’s degree are also encouraged to apply.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Please submit a comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae that includes months and years of employment so we can best assess your preparedness for the program and ensure that the program's features will support your success.

One Letter of Recommendation

Please submit one letter of recommendation from a person intimately familiar with your professional experiences, preferably an immediate supervisor. Be sure to select an individual capable of detailing why you will be successful in the MBA program.

Statement of Purpose

In no more than 500 words, demonstrate how your professional and academic experiences have prepared you for success as an MBA student. Be sure to let us know why the Carson College of Business at Washington State University is right for you. Please share your professional goals and how a Carson College MBA will help you achieve those goals. In addition, if you are seeking a GMAT waiver, please include that request in your essay along with supporting information as to why a waiver should be considered.

GMAT/GRE Score Report

The GMAT is required for admission but may be waived for individuals exceeding the minimum MBA admission requirements by meeting one of the below criteria.

• Previously earned a graduate or professional degree with a 3.00 GPA or higher
• Five-plus years of progressive work experience and a 3.00 GPA or higher
• STEM degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics with a 3.00 GPA or higher (no work experience required)
• Business degree from an AACSB-accredited institution with a 3.00 GPA or higher (no work experience required)
• Ten-plus years progressive work experience and a 2.79 GPA or higher

If you would like to be considered for the GMAT/GRE waiver, please contact an enrollment advisor. The GMAT waiver request should be included in your statement of purpose.

Online MBA Business Foundation Course Requirements

Your success is our number one priority. For students without a bachelor’s degree from an AACSB-accredited institution or any equivalent courses, five-week online foundation courses are offered to cover these basics. Please consult with your enrollment advisor to determine if this requirement applies to your journey.

MBA Online Foundation Courses

Introduction to Financial and Managerial Accounting (Acctg 550) – 3 credits
Data Analysis for Managers (BA 500) – 2 credits
Foundations in Marketing (BA 501) – 2 credits
Foundations in Operations Management (BA 502) – 2 credits
Foundations of Business Law (BA 503) – 2 credits
Foundations in Finance (BA 504) – 2 credits
Managerial Economics (Econs 555) – 3 credits
Note: WSU may accept transfer credits from qualified institutions.

International Students

All international transcripts should be sent to World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) for evaluation.

Please submit all required materials in addition to the following:

• International transcript evaluation
• English proficiency exam from one of the following accepted sources:
  • TOEFL (minimum score 580 PBT, or 93 iBT) – School Code 4705
  • Pearson Test of English (minimum score 62) – School Code 8Z2-GT-38
  • IELTS (minimum score 7.5)
  • MELAB (minimum score 90)
  • Duolingo (minimum score 120)