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 or GRE exams?
The Associate to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is the accrediting body for the Haub School of Business, requires most applicants to take the GMAT or the GRE. Unfortunately we cannot exempt students on account of work experience or undergraduate GPA. It is possible, however, than we can waive the GMAT or GRE requirement on a case by case basis if an applicant already has a Master's Degree that required one of these exams from an accredited college or university.
What is your average GMAT or GRE score?
Among students most recently accepted into the Professional MBA Program, the average GMAT score is 580. Our accepted applicants average a 1200 combined score on GRE exams administered before August 2011. Once we have a good sample size of GRE exams administered after the August 2011 revision, we will post an average score for those tests as well. Please note, however, that while the GMAT or GRE score 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 most recently accepted into the MBA program, the average undergraduate GPA was a 3.30 on a 4.00 scale.
What is the cost of a course?
Tuition for the 2012-13 academic year is $892 per credit or $2676 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, 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 be accepted into the program in order to pursue coursework.
If I took the GMAT or GRE seven years ago; will it still be accepted?
No. GMAT and GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the date of 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 supervisors or professors. 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 and/or signed if not submitted through the automated online application.
Does the MBA program offer fellowships?
Yes, the Haub School of Business 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, for example, 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/academic year. Thus, the value of a Graduate Assistantship is approximately $25,000. 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 can complete the degree in as little as 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 5 years after completing their first Gateway or Core 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. Online class chat session times will vary in length and frequency.
Do I have to go to another school to take my prerequisite courses?
No, students can take their Foundation Courses at Saint Joseph 's University with other graduate business students. We strongly recommend that students complete all of their coursework through Saint Joseph's University.
Who has to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE?
The sole determining factor of whether you have to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE 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, IELTS, or PTE requirement.
What are the minimum TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores required for admission?
Students required to complete a language exam have a choice of one of the above named examinations. The Haub School of Business requires that applicants earn a minimum grade of 80 on the TOEFL IBT, 6.5 overall on the IELTS, 60 on the PTE, or 550 on the written TOEFL exam. The computerized TOEFL has been discontinued and is no longer accepted.
For how long will my TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score be valid?
Language exams are valid for two years from the date of the exam. If your score is older you must retake the exam.
I am an accepted international student, but have not received my I-20. Whom do I contact?
I-20s are issued through the Center for International Programs. Please contact Meryl Halpern, International Student Advisor, at mhalpern@sju.edu.
Can I take courses at either the Philadelphia campus or the Collegeville 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.
Can I take online MBA courses?
Yes. Students who have accepted to the Online campus are eligible to register for online courses when semester registration opens. They are also able to take campus-based courses. Non-online students who wish to take online courses may do so on a first-come, first-come space available basis. Please check your email for announcements about online course availability and information regarding registration.
I am a campus-based student. Can I switch to the Online Professional MBA?
Yes. We are able to move campus-based students to the Online MBA on a first-come, first-serve space available basis. Please contact Dr. Janine Guerra, Associate Director, at jguerra@sju.edu for further information.
Will my degree be different if I graduate from the online campus?
No. The Online Professional MBA Program is merely a different method of delivering coursework. The admissions process and criteria is the same for both the online and campus based programs. All courses are taught by Saint Joseph's professors, most of whom also teach campus-based courses. The curriculum is the same for both methods as well. In addition, neither your diploma nor your transcript will contain any references to your online or physical campus.
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: Most students wishing to register for MGT 795 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 dual-degree programs?
Students who have completed or are currently studying toward a Master's Degree in the Haub School of Business may be able to apply shared credits toward another SJU Graduate Business Program. Please contact the Graduate Business Office at 610-660-1690 or sjumba@sju.edu for further information. Students enrolled in the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)'s DO Program may jointly pursue an MBA 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 EMBA program, contact Chris Anderson at chris.anderson@sju.edu.
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 as well as online. Classes at all campuses are the same as those on our Main Campus and are taught by the same faculty. MBA students are not restricted to one physical campus or the other. Please above for restrictions on online courses.
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. There are also special Online orientation sessions conducted virtually for new online students.