MBA Program – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I apply?

All applications for graduate school at UNO start with the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS). Once your application, filing fee, official transcripts, and GMAT have been received by OGS, your application is forwarded to the program you specified on your application. All questions regarding your application (including residency), filing fee and transcripts should be addressed to the Office of Graduate Studies.

University of Nebraska at Omaha
Office of Graduate Studies
6001 Dodge St, EAB 203
Omaha, NE 68182-0209

402-554-2341 (phone)
402-554-3143 (fax)
graduate@unomaha.edu

Steps to Apply

• Complete the on-line application at http://apply.unomaha.edu A non-refundable application fee of $45.00 (U.S. dollars) is required for all new applicants to UNO Graduate Studies, including undergraduates within the University of Nebraska, and students who has been previously admitted as graduate students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska at Kearney or the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

• Request one official transcript from EACH college or university (except UNO) attended be sent to the UNO Office of Graduate Studies (click here for the Transcript Request Form). Hand carried, faxed or student submitted credentials are not acceptable.

• Some programs require additional information such as standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, or other supplemental information. It is important for applicants to review the program(s) requirements and contact the program(s) of interest for additional admission requirements.

• To be considered for admission in any given semester, all transcripts and supporting documentation must be submitted by the department deadlines. Please consult with the individual departments for exact deadline dates. It is generally to the applicant’s advantage to apply well before the published deadline, particularly if the applicant wishes to be considered for fellowships, assistantships or other forms of financial aid. Applicants are solely responsible for making certain their materials have been received by the appropriate offices.

• Notification of acceptance by a department/school Graduate Program Committee or faculty member is advisory only. Admission is granted solely by the Dean for Graduate Studies.

What are the specific admission requirements of the MBA program?

In addition to your application, your official GMAT scores and a current resume must be received prior to the application deadline.

Deadline Dates: FALL – July 1, SPRING – November 1, SUMMER – April 1

GMAT - For information on taking the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), please visit www.mba.com. Minimum GMAT score of 500 with a minimum 20th percentile for both verbal and quantitative portions as well as a minimum Jr/Sr GPA of 2.85 are required for unconditional admission.

Resume – is uploaded along with your application.

Do I have to start the program in the Fall?

No, students are admitted to the program in each semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer).

Are there any scholarships available?

Yes, in addition to general graduate scholarships which can be found at http://www.unomaha.edu/graduate/scholarships.php, there are two MBA specific scholarships - the Securities America scholarship for $3,000.00 and the Union Pacific Scholarship – amount varies.

Is the program part time or full time?

Officially, the MBA program is considered part time. The program is designed for working professionals who wish to advance their educational opportunities while maintaining their employment. Most of our classes are held in the evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. One class (3 credit hours) is one night a week. You can take one class or up to four classes in a semester as we offer classes Monday through Thursday evenings.

For financial aid purposes, full time is considered 9 hours and anything less is considered part time.

Are there any on-line classes?

The MBA program is not currently available in an on-line format, but a few classes are offered in a distance format.

When are classes held?

Most of our classes are held in the evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. One class (3 credit hours) meets one night each week. You can take one class or up to four classes in a semester as we offer classes Monday through Thursday evenings.

How long will it take me to complete the program?

That is up to you. If you took two (2) classes each semester including summers, you could finish the program in two years. You have ten years from the date of your admission into the program to complete your program.

What are the prerequisites, if any?

The prerequisite (foundation) courses are:
• Accounting – BSAD8110 or one year of Principles of Accounting at the undergraduate level (ACCT 2010 and ACCT 2020).
• Economics – BSAD 8180 or Micro and Macro economics at the undergraduate level (ECON 2200 and ECON 2220).
• Statistics – BSAD 3160, Managerial Statistics for Business or one semester of statistics.
• College Algebra (MATH 1310 and Math 1320 (or their equivalents)
• English Composition (ENG 1150) is required course for all international students entering the MBA program who are required to take the TOEFL.


Students must complete the prerequisite courses listed above either as an undergraduate student or in the early part of the graduate program. These courses cannot be used to meet the 36 semester-hour requirement for the MBA degree. Courses successfully completed with a minimum grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in an undergraduate program are considered as sufficient preparation. Otherwise, the student must complete the foundation requirements with a minimum grade of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale).

If I have foundation course work to complete can I do it before I’m admitted to the program?

Yes, you can. Prior to admission into the MBA program you can apply for non-degree status to complete the classes. Non-degree students presenting documents confirming that they have a 3.00 minimum Junior/Senior GPA may enroll in BSAD 8110 and 8180, which satisfy foundation requirements in Accounting and Economics, respectively. If you did not complete the foundation courses in your undergraduate program, you must complete the foundation requirements with a minimum grade of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale).

What if I don’t receive a score of 500 or better on the GMAT?

If you do not receive a score of 500 or better on the GMAT with a minimum 20th percentile for both the verbal and quantitative portions, your file will be reviewed by the faculty committee (Graduate Program Council) who oversees the MBA Program. Applicants are required to submit a written statement/letter that (a) highlights unique personal qualities/life experience that distinguish you from other candidates; and (b) addresses deficiencies in your GMAT or GPA; as well as three (3) letters of recommendation on official letterhead from individuals who can evaluate your professional and/or academic achievements. These documents need to reach us by the Fall (July 1) and Spring (November 1) deadline dates. Candidates being considered for admission on this basis will receive notification of the outcome by August 1 and December 1 for the Fall and Spring semesters, respectively. There is no guarantee admission will be granted simple because the indicated scores have been achieved. If you are admitted under this process, you will be granted provisional admission and you must get a minimum grade of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in your first four (4) MBA classes.

Does the program offer concentrations?

Yes, currently the MBA Program offers concentrations in the areas listed below. A concentration shall include at least nine (9) credit hours. Completion of the concentration requires students to file a Plan of Study and complete courses from at least two academic departments. • International Business
• Electronic Business
• Human Resource Management
• Healthcare Management
• Sustainability
• Collaboration Science
• Investment Science
• Risk Management
Please see the full list of MBA electives available on our website for further details regarding approved courses in each concentration.

What is the process for applying to be a graduate assistant?

Submit the completed CBA Graduate Assistantship Application to the Director of the MBA Program. The form is available in the web at http://cba.unomaha.edu/mba/forms/Grad_Assistant_App.pdf As graduate assistantships become available in various areas of the College of Business Administration, your application is forwarded to the appropriate department. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted by the department to schedule an interview.

Do I have to take classes each semester?

No. If you need to take a semester off, please notify the director of the MBA program via email. As a result of taking off a semester, you will not be able to register with the “graduate” group when you return, you will have to wait for “open registration”.

Can I take an MBA class without being admitted to the program?

Only BSAD 8110 and BSAD 8180 are available to graduate non-degree students to satisfy foundation course work without being admitted to the program.

Can I use my LSAT or GRE scores in place of the GMAT?

If you have completed your JD degree and the LSAT was required for admission, the LSAT can be used in place of the GMAT. If the GRE was required for admission and you have completed another master’s program, the GRE may be used.

If the College Algebra requirement is not satisfied, can I enroll in MATH 1320 prior to taking the Math Placement Exam?

No. You must contact the UNO Testing Center to schedule a placement exam. If you want to test out of MATH 1320, you will need to take the Calculus Readiness Exam (CRE) – Part 1 only and test into Math 1930 (Calculus for the Mgr Life & Social Sciences) to satisfy the MATH 1320 requirement. Contact the UNO Testing Center at http://testing.unomaha.edu/ for additional details.

Are there any student groups for MBA students?

Yes, if you are looking to increase your involvement with your fellow MBA students, faculty and University of Nebraska-Omaha Alums, you can join the UNO MBA Association (MBAA). Visit their website at www.unombaa.com A complete list of CBA clubs and organizations, is available on the CBA webpage at http://cba.unomaha.edu/ under “Student Resources – Organizations”.