Frequently Asked Questions
Why a Masters Program?
The Masters Programs are not an end in themselves, but the beginning to new opportunities. They are designed to give you the ability to develop your career to its fullest potential, at an accelerated pace. What will you get out of it? Is it worth the investment of your time, effort and money?
According to Business Week, the Wall Street Journal and a majority of corporations worldwide, the answer is a resounding “yes.” This is true whether you are an undergraduate thinking about a career in business or an executive seeking upward mobility and career options.
Why the David Eccles School of Business?
At the David Eccles School of Business, we are committed to providing a graduate education that is unparalleled in terms of our faculty’s commitment to teaching; the entrepreneurial design of our curriculum; the close-knit community and teamwork we foster among our students, faculty, and staff; and a culture where creativity is valued and integrity is expected. Our graduates are:
· Entrepreneurial thinkers
· Innovators
· Able to work from an integrative perspective
· Skilled at working in teams
· Ethical
· Global-minded
· Results-driven
Graduates of our programs gain the experience and education to launch startup ventures, apply independent thinking to complex business challenges and succeed in the corporate environment.
Admissions Requirements
1. What are your admission process requirements?
Our admissions process is designed to consider applicants in a holistic manner. We deliberate on relevant work experience, your resume, statement of intent and letters of recommendation in tandem with GMAT scores and the undergraduate grade point average (“GPA”). If you are an international student you will need to attain a TOEFL score of at least 600 to be considered.
2. What should my GMAT score and my GPA be in order to be admitted?
The GMAT is a required test for admission into our programs. We do not standardize a score to be considered, however, it is necessary for applicants to present a competitive GMAT score. Average GMAT scores differs for the various masters programs. Below are the average scores from the past admissions season.
Day MBA – 600
MAcc – 640
MS Finance – 650
The average GPA is about 3.4. That said, we are constantly improving our program and increasing standards. As a result, our GMAT and GPA scores should increase slightly every year. Consequently, what may have been an acceptable score last semester may not be an acceptable score in future semesters. It should be noted that applicants can balance a lower GPA with a good GMAT score, a strong undergraduate education and other factors such as work experience and a good personal statement. Admission into graduate programs at the University of Utah requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 Prospective applicants with a lower GPA should contact the David Eccles School of Business for additional information.
3. What is involved in applying to your program?
Candidates need to submit two applications:
University Graduate Admissions Application (http://www.sa.utah.edu/admiss/appdownload/index.htm). Prospective students must apply directly to the University of Utah. This application is due in the Admissions Office a minimum of thirty days before the academic departmental deadlines. If a candidate submits this application after this time, it will be received in the David Eccles School of Business after the deadline listed below and will be processed as a late application. Applications submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office after April 1st are subject to an additional processing fee.
David Eccles School of Business Application –
(https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=uou-gmba) Prospective students must apply directly to the David Eccles School of Business. Applications received by the first deadlines will be given a clear "Admit" decision or the applicant will be notified that their application is being held for a decision with the second round. Priority scholarship consideration will be given to applications received by the first deadlines. Applications submitted after the posted deadlines will be considered based on available seats in the program.
4. Do I need to request transcripts from my undergraduate school?
Yes. The University Graduate Admissions Application requires transcripts to be submitted. You will need to request official transcripts from all the schools you have attended. Students who obtained their undergraduate degree from the University of Utah are exempt from this requirement.
5. The David Eccles School of Business application requires two letters of support from past or present employers, supervisors, professional colleagues or faculty. Generally, references are helpful when deciding admissions and scholarships. Please refrain from using family or friends as references.
6. How long does it take before I find out if I have been admitted?
Applications received by the admissions deadlines receive a corresponding decision date which is posted on the website. A decision date for applications received after the deadlines cannot be guaranteed. Generally, a decision will be rendered within 4-6 weeks of receiving the application materials. This includes transcripts and reference letters. Remember to notify your reference about deadlines.
7. How can I improve my chances of acceptance to the Program?
Prepare for the GMAT examination. A good score on this examination is absolutely crucial. We strongly encourage students to study at least six to eight weeks (2-4 hours a day) preparing for the GMAT. The key is taking the GMAT seriously.
Give attention to the essays. Essays are used to assess an applicant’s critical thinking and writing skills and to access the appropriateness of the degree sought to the achievement of the stated goals.
8. How do I find out if I have been admitted?
Decisions are communicated via written letter. We will send you a letter stating that you have been admitted and tell you what your next steps should be. If you are not admitted, we will send you a letter stating that you have been denied admission and why you were not admitted.
9. What weight does the David Eccles School of Business place on work experience?
Work experience will be considered along with your GMAT score and grade point average, as well as your personal statement. The preferred amount of work experience varies between masters programs.
10. What is your policy on transfer students?
A maximum of two classes (6 credits) can be transferred into the DESB Masters Program upon approval of the Director. The University where the course(s) were taken and the grade received will be considered in making this determination.
You are encouraged to use this checklist (http://www.business.utah.edu/humis/docs/organization_956_1169078343.pdf) to monitor your progress in the application process. Please note that all your application materials (program and university application, personal statement and GMAT and TOEFL, if necessary) are due by:
|
Program |
Application Deadline |
Admission decisions posted |
|
Day MBA |
First Deadline: Jan 15, 2008 |
March 1, 2008 |
|
MAcc / MS Finance / MStat |
First Deadline: March 1, 2008 |
April 1, 2008 |
Applications received after the second deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis for all programs and granted admission on a rolling basis.
12. As an international student, can I waive the TOEFL? Is the TSE (Test of Spoken English) accepted?
No. The TOEFL cannot be waived and the TSE is not accepted. However, if an international student has graduated from a US university and/or has been in the US for more than 5 years, the TOEFL exam is not required. Please contact Graduate Admissions for more information.
13. How many students typically apply and how many are accepted into the Programs?
We accept about 50% - 60% of the applications that we receive. About 90% of those accepted, enroll in the programs.
14. Can I request an application fee waiver?
Employees of the University are eligible for an application fee waiver. Please contact graduate admissions for more details or a refund if you have already paid your fee.
15. If I am unable to obtain my original undergraduate transcript, what should I do? Do you ever waive them?
The only exception allowed is for international students with justifying circumstances. If you are unable to provide transcripts, we request you to take your originals to the graduate admissions office, where the paperwork will be verified and official copies will be taken.
16. Does the Program offer conditional or provisional acceptances?
Only in very rare circumstances and only with the written approval of the Director.
Degree Requirements
1. How many
credits/semesters does it take to graduate from the various programs?
Day MBA – 62 credits
MAcc and MS Finance – 32 credits
MStat – 39.5 credits
MBA/JD – 119.5 credits (8 semesters)
MBA/MHA – 5-6 semesters
MBA/Arch – 9 semesters
2. Can I specialize in a particular subject area?
About 50% of the classes in our MBA program are electives. You can take classes in any areas that you may be interested in. About 35% of the MAcc and MS Finance are electives. We do not have any official areas of emphases that appear on the degree certificate.
3. What times are your classes offered and do you have summer classes?
During the Fall and Spring semesters, most of our classes are taught Monday through Thursday. (class times)
4. How long will it take me to finish your program?
The MAcc and MS Finance are one-year programs. The MBA typically takes 2 years (4 semesters). It depends on how many classes you take each semester.
5. What is the cost of the programs?
Please visit student tuition to get the figures for the current and upcoming academic year (http://www.acs.utah.edu/tuition/ia-tuit.html)
1. Where can I obtain information on scholarships and financial aid?
For School of Business Scholarships and Assistantships please visit: http://www.business.utah.edu/display.php?pageId=2545.
For financial aid information regarding the University of Utah, please view the following web site: http://web.utah.edu/newstudents/finaid_scholarships.htm
2. How do I qualify for in-state tuition?
You must be a resident of Utah. For more information on how to obtain residency, please visit: http://www.sa.utah.edu/admiss/regents.htm
3. What kind of housing is available?
For on-campus housing, you can either call 801-587-2002 or visit their web site at: http://www.housing.utah.edu/. For off-campus housing, you look through classifieds in the Salt Lake City Weekly, The Salt Lake Tribune or www.ksl.com.
