Criteria for How to Get a Masters Degree in Business

A master's degree in business, especially an MBA, boosts your resume and hones your professional know-how. But it can also be pricey and personally draining. Before enrolling, carefully consider criteria for obtaining a master's degree in business.

Application

Application criteria for a master's degree in business includes essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores, resumes and often personal interviews.

Time Frame

A master's degree in business requires a year or two of full-time study. If you enroll in dual degree program, such as an MBA/JD, plan on four years.

Financial Aid

Business programs offer a variety of loan and fellowship programs. Financial aid criteria is either need based or merit based.

Curriculum

For a master's degree in business, you'll generally take courses in business strategy, business operation finance, accounting and marketing in addition to economics, statistics and leadership.

Expert Insight

According to the Harvard Business School website, only you can determine when the time is right for your master's degree in business. Some applicants wait until they gain four or five years of experience, and others apply directly from college.

References

• Harvard Business School: Admissions and Financial Aid
• The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania: MBA Program
• Stanford Graduate School of Business: Admission Criteria

Resources

• BusinessSchoolAdmission.com: MBA Application Deadlines