Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the MBA Program's FAQ page. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please call us at (610) 660-1690 or contact us by email.

Can I be waived from the GMAT?

What is your average GMAT?

What is your average cumulative undergraduate GPA?

What is the cost of a course?

Is work experience required for admission?

Can I take MBA courses without applying?

If I took the GMAT seven years ago, will it still be accepted?

Whom should I ask for a recommendation?

Does the MBA program offer fellowships?

How long does it take to complete the MBA?

When do classes meet?

Do I have to go to another school to take my prerequisite courses?

Who has to take the TOEFL?

What is the minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score required for admission?

I am an accepted international student, but have not received my I-20. Whom do I contact?

Can I take courses at either the Philadelphia campus or the Ursinus College campus?

What internship and job opportunities are available to graduate business students?

Does the Haub School of Business offer any joint-degree programs?

Is an interview required for admission?

What is the difference between the MBA and E-MBA? Which should I pursue?

It is inconvenient for me to travel to the Philadelphia campus. Can I take MBA classes through Saint Joseph's University elsewhere?

I have a question about my bill. Whom do I contact?

I tried to register for a particular course, and I'm told I have a pre-requisite error. What should I do?

What services are available for students with disabilities?

I would like to be a full-time student. Is career advising available to me?

When do you admit new students?

When is New Student Orientation?

Can I be waived from the GMAT? No, the Associate to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is the accrediting body for the Haub School of Business, requires all applicants to take the GMAT. Note: We cannot exempt students on account of work experience or undergraduate GPA.

What is your average GMAT? Among students accepted into the MBA program in 2008, the average GMAT score is 550. Please note, however, that while the GMAT is only one component of a student's application, prospective students are advised to score as high as possible on this exam.

What is your average cumulative undergraduate GPA? Among students accepted into the MBA program in 2008, the average undergraduate GPA was 3.32/4.00.

What is the cost of a course? Currently, tuition is $785 per credit or $2,355 per 3-credit course.

Is work experience required for admission? A variety of factors will influence your decision of when to apply for graduate study. MBA students at Saint Joseph's University possess, on average, four (4) years of professional work experience before entering the program. However, the Admissions Committee does NOT require that applicants possess a specific amount of experience. Each year, the Admissions Committee admits a small number of qualified students directly from their undergraduate institution. Please note that, in all cases, a business resume is required to complete your MBA application.

Can I take MBA courses without applying? No, all students must apply to (and be accepted into) the program in order to pursue coursework.

If I took the GMAT seven years ago, will it still be accepted? Yes, but individuals who took the GMAT more than seven years ago must retake the exam.

Whom should I ask for a recommendation? The Admissions Committee requires applicants to submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Generally, students submit recommendations from their managers. In any case, recommenders should have direct knowledge of your leadership abilities, and should be able to affirm your competence for graduate study. Please note: the Admissions Committee requires that all recommendations be submitted on official letterhead.

Does the MBA program offer fellowships? Yes, the MBA program offers a limited number of Graduate Assistantships to highly-qualified full-time students. Generally, students who are offered an assistantship conduct research for a specific academic department. In the Graduate Business Office, assistants work 16 hours/week, receive tuition credits for eight (8) courses/year (3 Fall; 3 Spring; 2 Summer), and receive a living stipend totaling $4,000/annum. Thus, the value of a Graduate Assistantship is approximately $22,000. Compensation (and time requirements) vary by department. Requirements for renewal vary according to department guidelines.

How long does it take to complete the MBA? The length of time required to complete the MBA depends on two factors: (a) the number of Foundation Courses waived due to prior undergraduate coursework; and (b) whether you pursue studies full- or part-time. A full-time student with the maximum number of courses waived (up to 6 courses or 18 credits) can complete the degree in just over one year. Conversely, a student who must complete all foundation courses (and who takes one class/semester) may take 4-5 years to complete the degree. In all cases, students must satisfy the requirements of the MBA in five (5) years after completing their first 4000-level course.

When do classes meet? During the Fall and Spring semesters, which are 15-weeks in length, classes begin at 6:30 PM and end at 9:10 PM and meet weekly. During the Summer I and Summer II terms, which are 6-weeks in length, classes begin at 6:30 PM and end at 9:50 PM and meet twice weekly.

Do I have to go to another school to take my prerequisite courses? No, students can take their prerequisite courses (or Foundation Courses) at Saint Joseph 's University with other graduate business students.

Who has to take the TOEFL? The sole determining factor of whether you do/do not have to take the TOEFL is the language of instruction of your undergraduate degree. Residency status and/or citizenship do not supersede this requirement. In some instances, an applicant who received his/her undergraduate degree from a non-English speaking university also possesses an advanced degree from an English-speaking university. These students are waived from the TOEFL.

What is the minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score required for admission? The Haub School of Business requires that applicants achieve a 550 for the written test, 213 for the computerized test, or 80 on the internet-based test.

I am an accepted international student, but have not received my I-20. Whom do I contact? I-20s are issued through Graduate Admissions. Please call +1 610-660-1382 or email Graduate Admissions .

Can I take courses at either the Philadelphia campus or the Ursinus College campus? Yes, Saint Joseph 's University MBA program allows students the convenience of taking courses at both area locations. Courses at both locations are administered and staffed by Saint Joseph 's University. Degrees earned are awarded by Saint Joseph 's University.

What internship and job opportunities are available to graduate business students? Many businesses in the Philadelphia area seek to fill temporary, full, and part-time positions with graduate business students at Saint Joseph's University. Students can also visit the Career Development Center for additional opportunities.

I have a question about my bill. Whom do I contact? All billing questions should be directed to the Student Services Center at 610-660-2000.

I tried to register for a particular course, and I'm told I have a pre-requisite error. What should I do? First, review the course description and check the pre-requisites for the class. If you confident that you have satisfied these requirements, contact the Graduate Business Office at 610-660-1690. Please note: All students wishing to register for MBA 6005 Global Business Strategy will encounter a pre-requisite error. To enroll in this class, you must contact the Graduate Business Office at 610-660-1690.

Does the Haub School of Business offer any joint-degree programs? Students enrolled in the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)'s D.O. Program may jointly pursue an M.B.A. at Saint Joseph 's University. Students must apply and be fully accepted into each program. Interested PCOM students should contact Dr. Robert Cuzzolino, Vice President for Graduate Programs and Academic Planning, PCOM.

Is an interview required for admission? An interview is not required for admission, and is not a part of the application process. However, we invite all interested students to visit our Main Campus and speak with an Advisor or Graduate Assistant to learn about how Saint Joseph 's MBA can benefit you personally and professionally. Students can schedule appointments via the website.

What is the difference between the MBA and E-MBA? Which should I pursue? The Executive-MBA is an accelerated graduate business degree designed for mid- to high-level executives. For more information on the E-MBA program, contact Patricia Rafferty at 610-660-1318 or via email.

It is inconvenient for me to travel to the Philadelphia campus. Can I take MBA classes through Saint Joseph's University elsewhere? MBA students at Saint Joseph's University can pursue the entire degree at two (2) distinct locations: our Main Campus on City Line Avenue; and Ursinus College in Collegeville , PA. Classes at Ursinus College are the same as those on our Main Campus and are taught by the same faculty. MBA students are not restricted to one campus or the other. You may pursue your degree at one or both of these campuses.

What services are available for students with disabilities? Saint Joseph's University makes every effort to accommodate students with special needs. For more information on the services available, visit the Office for Students with Learning/Physical Disabilities.

I would like to be a full-time student. Is career advising available to me? The Career Development Center (CDC) provides services to undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni. Career Fairs at Saint Joseph's University are open to all groups. In addition, Saint Joseph 's students have privileged access to the career services at other Jesuit institutions in the United States . Visit the CDC at http://www.sju.edu/careers/ .

When do you admit new students? The MBA Program offers rolling admission to successful applicants. Students can begin coursework during the spring, summer, or fall semesters. Application deadlines for these terms are listed on our website.

When is New Student Orientation? New Student Orientation is held twice annually for incoming MBA students: January and August. Please note that there is no orientation for students beginning in the summer term. Newly-accepted students will be contacted regarding the date and times of these sessions.

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