How to Get an MBA Degree

If you have your undergraduate degree and are eager to advance your career, it may be time to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Regardless of what your background is in, an MBA degree can be an excellent way to diversify your knowledge and gain valuable skills that can be applicable across a wide range of industries. Plus, if you’re interested in making a career pivot, earning an MBA could empower you to explore new job opportunities.

How do you get an MBA, then? While each business school’s requirements may differ, below are some general steps to follow in order to earn this prestigious degree.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

No matter which business school you apply to, holding a bachelor’s degree can help you get into an MBA program. The good news is that, depending on the school, an undergraduate degree is not necessarily a prerequisite, nor does it need to be in a business-related field. Students across many academic disciplines pursue an MBA as a means of diversifying their skills and exploring new career opportunities.

Depending on the MBA program for which you’re applying, you may need to submit an academic transcript of your undergraduate studies as well.

Gain Work Experience

Most business schools also require that MBA applicants have some work experience in their respective fields (or in a business-related field) before being admitted into an MBA program. However, the amount and type of experience required can vary greatly by program.

Certain business schools, including the Questrom School of Business at Boston University (BU), do not have any work experience requirements in place — though most students accepted to the Online MBA  program have an average of 10-13 years of work experience. Likewise, the Admissions Committee takes into account full-time postgraduate internships when evaluating your candidacy for admission.

Consider the GMAT or GRE

Additionally, some business schools require applicants to submit either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). These are standardized tests designed to test a person’s knowledge and related skills prior to admission to a graduate degree program. The GMAT is most commonly required for MBA programs because it tests specifically for skills and comprehension related to business, but requirements can vary from one school to the next. Every business school will take into consideration factors such as test scores, past GPA, and work experience.

Boston University does not require applicants to submit GRE or GMAT scores in order to be considered for admission to the Online MBA program — but some may wish to submit scores to enhance their applications.

Choose a Program

Another central aspect of preparing for an MBA program is to decide on the specific program that’s right for you. There are numerous considerations to keep in mind when selecting an MBA program, including the program format that will best suit your schedule and needs.

Many MBA programs are offered both part-time and full-time. A part-time program may be better suited for working professionals and may or may not take longer to complete, depending on the pace at which you progress through the curriculum. Enrolling full-time will require more of your undivided attention to schoolwork in a concentrated period of time, but it will also mean graduating on a faster timeline.

For many working professionals, online MBA programs are an ideal option because they offer the flexibility needed to work around busy schedules and life obligations (such as working a full-time job, raising a family, or both). Online courses may be offered synchronously (in real time), asynchronously, or some combination of both.

When deciding on an MBA program, it’s also essential to consider any support services or other resources that may be offered by the school. Ideally, you’ll want to select a program that can provide a community that supports student success — with access to academic advisors, top-notch faculty, online job boards, online and on-campus libraries, and more. .

Gather the Necessary Documents

As you prepare to submit your application for an MBA program, give yourself plenty of time to gather all required supplemental documents. Each program will have its own specific admissions requirements, but examples of common documents you might need to submit include:

• Academic transcripts from your undergraduate program
• Your online application form and applicable fee
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• A personal essay or personal statement
• A copy of your resume or CV
• Relevant test scores (e.g., GRE and/or GMAT)
• Proof of English proficiency (if you are a non-native English speaker)

Because letters of recommendation and transcripts can take some time to procure, it’s important to be aware of application deadlines and give yourself time to gather and submit everything by the due date.

You can learn more about BU’s specific Online MBA admissions and documentation requirements here.

Submit Your Application

Once you’ve gathered everything necessary to submit with your application, the only task that remains is submitting it by the deadline. For example, if you want to start classes at BU in the Fall 2025 semester, you’ll need to have your application in by one of the admissions deadlines.. For more tips and information about the entire application process at BU, you can check out our Online MBA admissions page. The “Application Tips” include helpful  videos on topics such as writing your resume, securing letters of recommendation, and completing the optional Kira Talent assessment.

Learn More About BU’s Degree Programs

Now that you have a better idea of how to get an MBA, all that’s left to do is to find the program that’s right for you and start filling out your formal application. If you’re still looking for an MBA program that meets your needs and is flexible enough to work with your busy schedule, be sure to check out Boston University’s Online MBA, along with our Part-Time MBA and Full-Time MBA programs.

These degree programs may be completed in as little as two years, depending on the pace that’s ideal for you, as well as offer a career-focused curriculum designed to prepare you for the realities and challenges of today’s professional landscape. Plus, our straightforward admissions process makes applying quick and easy. Get in touch to learn more, or start your online application today.