M.B.A. Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
When may I apply to the MBA Program?
Applications are accepted as early as January of the year you wish to begin the MBA program. The priority deadline is May 1 and the final deadline is July 1.
What prerequisite courses are required for admission?
The Milgard School of Business MBA Program does not have prerequisite course requirements for admissions. It is highly recommend that all applicants that apply to the program have a basic knowledge of financial accounting, economics, statistics and marketing.
Is the GMAT required?
A competitive GMAT score within the past five years is required for admission and is used as one of the measures to identify an applicant's potential performance in graduate management education. Visit the GMAT website for complete GMAT information, locations and test dates. However, GRE scores are accepted only if the applicant has already taken the GRE at the time of application. The GMAT or GRE Requirement is waived for students who possess a terminal degree from an accredited institution. Examples of terminal degrees include the Ph.D., MD, JD, PharmD, Ed.D., and other degrees deemed equivalent to these by the admissions committee. All decisions made by the admissions committee with respect to granting of a waiver of the GMAT requirement are final.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in business to be admitted to the Milgard School of Business MBA Program?
No. Professionals who hold a bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline are encouraged to apply.
What is the applicant average GMAT score?
You can view the GMAT averages for incoming MBA classes since 2005 in our class profile.
The application requires two professional references. Do they both need to be from a supervisor?
Please request a professional reference from a current or previous supervisor. But, we don’t require that both references be from a supervisor. You are welcome to ask a colleague who you work with on a regular basis and could speak to your abilities. Please do not request personal or academic references.
May I waive the English Proficiency Requirements?
A satisfactory command of the English language is required for admission to the University of Washington Graduate School. Any non-U.S. citizens (including permanent residents) are required to show proof of English proficiency as outlined in Graduate School Memorandum #8.
Academic
May students enter each quarter?
Applicants are accepted for autumn quarter only. Autumn quarter begins in mid-September for incoming MBAs. We do not admit students for winter or spring quarters.
How often do classes meet?
Classes meet primarily on weekday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:50 p.m., Monday through Thursday, during the academic quarters. Summer and September classes often require full days and Saturdays.
May I transfer graduate-level courses completed at other institutions to the Milgard School of Business MBA degree?
You may petition to transfer up to 12 quarter credits or 8 semester credits of graduate business coursework from an accredited academic institution to the elective portion of the degree, once admitted to the program. See the Transfer and Waiver Policy for further details.
How long will it take to complete the MBA?
Estimate two years attending year round including summers. Completion may be extended to three or more years.
How long do I have to complete my master's degree?
The Graduate School allows students a maximum of six years to complete a master's degree.
May I take MBA courses before being admitted to the Milgard School of Business Program?
The University of Washington permits non-degree seeking students to enroll as graduate nonmatriculated (GNM) student to take graduate courses. A maximum of 12 GNM credits may be applied to a master's degree program if admitted. Please contact the MBA adviser if you would like information regarding application deadlines and requirements.
Milgard School of Business' MBA Program policy permits nonmatriculated students to take up to 12 credits. Courses are taken on a space available basis after meeting admission requirements, course prerequisites and with instructor approval. Admission as a Graduate Nonmatriculated student does not confer priority for later admission into the UW Tacoma MBA program to pursue a MBA degree. Applicants must re-apply and compete as a degree seeking student.
Before applying as a GNM student, contact the MBA adviser about the process and requirements.
Is a degree from UW Tacoma a University of Washington degree?
Yes. The University of Washington is a three-campus university with campuses in Tacoma, Bothell and Seattle. At the Milgard School of Business, you will receive an MBA degree from the University of Washington completed at the University of Washington Tacoma.
What are some UW Tacoma MBA Program benefits?
Milgard School of Business MBAs have opportunities to enhance their education by participating in various activities and events. Examples are the MBA Mentoring Program designed to informally connect second year MBA students with Milgard Business Advisory Board members, the quarterly MBA Executive Speaker Series, and the quarterly social hour with current and alumni MBAs, faculty and staff. MBA Alumni can stay in touch with each other and the Milgard School of Business MBA Program though a Milgard MBA Alumni group on LinkedIn.
Milgard School of Business events include the annual Business Leadership Awards, the annual Financial Reporting Conference, and activities and events from the Center for Leadership and Social Responsibility.
Financial support
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition rates are set each year by the UW Board of Regents and are governed by state legislation.
Does the Milgard School of Business offer any financial support?
MBAs may apply for a merit-based scholarship as a prospective or continuing UW Tacoma MBA student.
I work for the state of Washington. May I use my tuition exemption for the Milgard School of Business MBA Program?
Tuition exemption is a privilege extended to employees of the state of Washington and is provided only on a space-available basis. Eligible employees can receive a tuition exemption for up to 6 credits each quarter. While tuition exempt students are welcome to apply, access to classes will not be determined until the third day of the quarter. If a tuition exempt student is admitted, he/she will be given the opportunity to pay tuition.
Enrollment
My work often requires that I be out of town for extended periods. May I take a quarter off when needed?
A requirement of the UW Graduate School is that all matriculated graduate students must maintain continuous enrollment (excluding summers) in order to maintain their graduate student status. On special occasions, an exception to this rule may be granted by petition (Graduate On-Leave Status). If you take a quarter off without going on leave, you must re-apply for admission. The MBA curriculum is structured for summertime class attendance in order to complete the program in two years. You are encouraged to carefully consider the required time commitment when applying to the program.
I am an international student. May I apply to the Milgard School of Business MBA Program?
The Milgard School of Business MBA is a part-time program designed to serve the educational needs of South Puget Sound residents. The UW Tacoma campus does not offer support services (such as housing, specialized academic assistance, and English as a Second Language courses) for non-residents. International applicants are encouraged to apply to the UW Seattle MBA Programs that can support international students in full-time programs.
Please refer to the FAQ for UW Tacoma graduate admission for answers to general graduate student questions asked by prospective MBA and graduate students.
