Apply to the MBA Program

How to Apply to the Manderson MBA

Online Application

To get started, visit the online Graduate Application Center. This site shares helpful application information. Please note it takes roughly 24-48 hours for the system to process your application to allow you to return and “Manage Supporting Documents.”

Students may apply to up to two graduate programs at one time. You must apply to each program separately (for example, JD/MBA, Master of Science in Marketing or Master of Science in Civil Engineering).

Application Fee

$65 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
$80 for international students

Waivers may be requested for the following:

1. Veterans and current members of the US military
2. Students who have completed a Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
3. Current UA undergraduate students with a GPA >/= 3.0 who are applying to a graduate program in the same field (this does not apply to the MBA program)
4. Applicants who have previously enrolled in Graduate School at UA

Official GMAT or GRE Scores

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is preferred, but the MBA along with most Manderson programs will accept either the GMAT or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants should take either exam, then request that scores be submitted electronically to The University of Alabama, which may be done immediately following the completion of the exam. We accept only official score reports from GMAC, ETS or Pearson VUE that are less than five years old. Official scores must be received before we can evaluate your application.

To determine which one is best for you, The Princeton Review offers a GMAT versus GRE comparison. Another general source for prepping for a test is Go Grad’s Exam Prep.

2016 Average GMAT 674 (range of 600+)
2016 Average GRE 306 (minimum 300)

Official Undergraduate Transcripts

For each institution of higher education (including community colleges) at which you have completed 15 or more credit hours, the Graduate School office requires an official transcript (either electronic or paper).

Please note that you do not need to submit University of Alabama transcripts, but we do request that you upload unofficial copes to the system.

• 2018 Average GPA: 3.6

Additional transcripts information can be found here.

Supporting Documents

Statement of Purpose Essay

What is a Statement of Purpose? Also called the statement of intent, this required Supporting Document is where you share your story of why an MBA from Alabama is the best fit for you. It is ideally 2-3 pages (1.5 or double-spaced) on the following:

• What led to your decision to pursue a Manderson MBA?
• Your potential contributions to Manderson & assets you will bring to the class
• Areas of improvement
• Your concentration(s) interests
• Potential career aspirations

Resume

A professional resume should be uploaded. The resume should showcase as much as possible about you as a candidate. This can include information such as volunteer roles, summer jobs, campus involvement, full-time jobs/internships, etc.

Recommendation Letters

All applicants are required to upload contact information for 3 references (Name, Email, Title). This can be either academic (A professor in your major or relevant coursework) or past/current supervisors, mentors or advisors that you have had. Note on the submission process: Your recommenders will receive an email notification on instructions on how to upload their letters only after you click the submit button on your application.

International Applicant Requirements:

Visit the Graduate School website for detailed requirements. A test of English proficiency is required (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE). Once admitted, we’ll need several other items noted on the graduate school site.

Merit-based Awards

All candidates for admission are evaluated for all available awards, with award decisions being made after admission has been determined. Award letters are typically presented with admissions decisions, and some awards come closer to the fall based on available funds remaining. No additional forms or applications are required to be considered for our merit-based awards, except NMBAA below. Awards are made in the forms of scholarships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships.

Scholarships

Scholarships range based on merit. Our goal is for 50% of students to receive some scholarship. Most of our awards require no additional application. We are proud to be a Collegiate Partner of the National Black MBA Association. With our partnership, we commit $25,000 in scholarship funds to qualified NBMBAA members.
Learn about our NBMBAA scholarship & apply here.

Graduate Assistantships (GAs)

GAs are typically awarded to top students. The assistantship offer consists of payment of half tuition for the fall/spring academic year, as well as a stipend of approximately $7,000.00 (payable over ten months, beginning in August). Depending on your placement, student health insurance benefits and course fees may also be covered as part of this assistantship package. In return, you will be expected to work 10 hours per week, on a research/project assignment within the business school. Students with assistantships are placed in positions with professors or the Manderson office or one of our centers, like the Small Business Development Center, the Center for Business and Economic Research, or similar areas. Your specific assignment will be made closer to the beginning of the school year.

Fellowships

The graduate school awards a select amount of fellowships to the most highly qualified candidates. Manderson will nominate those who most closely fit the criteria.

See our Investment tab for additional tuition information.