University of Colorado Colorado Springs: College of Business

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

How to Apply

We're glad you've decided to apply for admission to the MBA program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. This page will help you complete all the steps necessary for application. Be sure to download one of the checklists below to get started. Our Application FAQ page may answer questions you have after reviewing the checklist. And if your questions aren't answered here, please contact us by email or at 719-255-3408 or 1-800-990-UCCS x3408.

Application Credentials Checklists:

Domestic Applicant Checklist (Campus & Distance)
International Applicant Checklist (Campus & Distance)

What do I need to know before I apply?

To apply, you will need a 4-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution. Your undergraduate degree does not have to be in business, although many of your classmates will have an undergraduate business degree. You will need to be proficient in spoken and written English language to be successful in our program. Many of our classes use spreadsheets heavily and you'll be expected to have a strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Do I have to take an entrance exam?

In most cases, yes. We require an entrance exam because that is usually a good predictor of student success in our program. In addition, the exam helps us build a good student peer group because you'll be taking classes only with other students who want a high quality, rigorous degree program.

We accept two entrance exams: the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We prefer the GMAT over the GRE, but your application will receive equal consideration no matter which exam scores you submit. Once you take an exam, send your scores to The University of Colorado Colorado Springs. You do not need to send your scores simultaneouly with your application.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The GMAT is the entrance exam commonly used by AACSB-accredited business schools as one predictor of academic performance in an MBA program. The average total test score for students admitted to our program is 550. Once you take the exam, have your official scores sent to The University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Program code: PS4-4-f-02

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

We now also accept scores from the GRE for consideration. If you choose to take the GRE, you only need to take the general exam; subject exams are not needed. The average GRE score of students admitted to our program is 150 on each section (verbal & quantitative). Once you take the exam, have your official scores sent to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. You will need two codes to ensure the test scores will come to the MBA department.

School code: 4874

Department code: 4201

Exam Waivers

If you have already earned an advanced degree (e.g. master's or higher), you may petition for a waiver of the GMAT requirement. The GMAT Waiver Petition must be completed and submitted with the application materials.

Portfolio Application

If you have significant (10+ years) professional business and management experience and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 you may be eligible for an alternative application process, and your exam requirement may be waived. Contact the MBA office for details on this process.

How will I know if I've been accepted into the MBA program?

Complete MBA applications are considered on an ongoing basis for all three semesters. We will review your application once you have submitted all forms and credentials. A committee made up of the graduate faculty reviews all applications and makes the admissions decision based on:

Your cumulative undergraduate GPA
Your official GMAT or GRE scores
Supporting credentials such as work experience and letters of recommendation

You will be notified in writing of the admission decision, typically within 30 days of completing your application.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester:
June 1st

Spring Semester:
November 1st

Summer Semester:
April 1st

It's best to begin your application process 2-4 months before the deadlines listed above. This allows sufficient time for you to take the GMAT or GRE, for your transcripts to arrive and for the Admission Committee to give your application a thorough review.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs: College of Business

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

How to Apply

Application Deadlines

Learn more:

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