Admissions

Application Form

When you’re ready to apply, start with our online application form. You may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time. Review our admissions checklist to stay on top of required materials, and keep an eye on our deadlines, too. Feel free to contact us with any questions along the way. We want the admissions process to be as simple and transparent as possible. Reach out to the Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office at (617) 353-2670 or mba@bu.edu.

Re-applicants

The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. We welcome your re-application. Each re-applicant is required to submit a new application form and fee ($125); an essay discussing updates or changes since the time of the previous application, as well as reasons for re-applying; an updated resume; a new letter of recommendation; official university-level transcripts (if the re-applicant has taken new coursework since the time of their first application); and updated GMAT or GRE results (if applicable).

Admissions Interviews 

The Questrom admissions committee interviews a significant number of applicants for our portfolio of graduate programs. The interview is an evaluative component of the application process and is conducted by a member of the admissions team. We offer interviews on an invitation-only basis once the application has been submitted to the Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office. Throughout the year, invitational interviews will be offered on-campus, virtually, and in select off-campus locations.

(Optional) GMAT/GRE

The Professional Evening MBA is a rigorous program that requires both academic and quantitative aptitude. We are not requiring a GMAT or GRE score for candidates who apply to the Professional Evening MBA for 2023/2024 entry. The admissions committee will look for evidence of academic and quantitative aptitude through other areas of your application, such as undergraduate performance and any other coursework taken. You will not be penalized in the application review process if you choose not to submit a GMAT/GRE test score. Things to consider: · Students are welcome to submit test scores to strengthen their applications, and test scores submitted will be considered in the admission decision process. · For students with a low grade point average, a test score can provide admissions officers with additional information about their potential to succeed in the classroom. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence in your previous coursework that demonstrates your true academic and quantitative aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application. · The admissions committee may, in rare cases, still ask you to submit a GMAT or GRE score to aid in evaluating your candidacy for the Professional Evening MBA program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed.

Application Fee Waiver

The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office will waive the application fee for current BU employees, as well as for those who attended select admissions events. In addition, we will waive the application fee for those who are members or alumni of the following programs:

For those interested in Questrom’s Professional Evening MBA starting in 2023, apply for our application deadline in January 2023 and receive an application fee waiver.
Please note: To receive this application fee waiver, you must fill out the application fee waiver request form below. Application fee waiver requests must be approved prior to submitting your application. If you submit an application and pay the application fee, we will not be able to process a refund. To receive this application fee waiver, you must submit your application between December 12, 2022 and January 27, 2023.

Instructions: To take advantage of this waiver, please fill out this form once your application has been started. Your CAS ID can be found at the top right of the online application. Once we process your fee waiver request, you’ll receive a follow-up email with additional instructions on how to submit your application. DO NOT click “submit and pay for programs” prior to receiving these instructions. We are unable to offer application fee refunds.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, your application fee waiver may take a few business days to process. As such, we encourage you to submit your application fee waiver request as soon as you have started your application. If you wait until the application deadline to submit your waiver request, you will still be considered “on time” for that deadline as long as you submit your application within 48 hours of receiving your waiver code.You must submit your waiver request before you submit your application in order for the fee waiver to be applied. Please note: If you have been approved for an application fee waiver and are applying to one of our dual degree programs, the application fee waiver will be applied to your Questrom application only.  You will still need to pay the required application fee for the other school at BU to which you are applying.

Fee Waiver Request Form

*The admissions committee may, in rare cases, still ask you to submit a GMAT or GRE score to aid in evaluating your candidacy for the Professional Evening MBA program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed. Please note: due to the evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19, our ability to process mailed application materials may be significantly delayed. Because of this, please plan to also send electronic copies of all necessary documents to mbaappdocs@bu.edu. The Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions Committee conducts a rigorous and holistic review of each application. Students admitted to our graduate degree programs must provide proof of an earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent international credential. Boston University does not require official transcripts with the submission of an application. Should a student decide to enroll at Boston University Questrom School of Business, official transcripts must be submitted and verified prior to the point of matriculation. We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution.

Essays

In order to get to know you on a more personal level, applicants to our full-time and part-time MBA programs are required to complete either three short video essays OR one written essay during the application process. Because everyone expresses themselves in different ways, the choice is yours.

Video Essays

If you’re someone who feels they can better express themselves and their reasons for applying to the Questrom School of Business through a video, we encourage you to complete the video essays. Within the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application, you will find your personalized link to the video essay website. Clicking this link will bring you to the Kira Talent website, our partner for the video essay process. When you register, you must use the same email address that you used to create your admission application account.

Upon creating your account with Kira Talent, you can begin your video essays. You’ll need to use an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone. We will first ask you a question that all candidates will receive. You’ll have thirty seconds to prepare, and then 60 seconds to record your answer. This will then repeat for two additional random short-answer questions.

You can practice an unlimited number of times with Kira Talent’s provided example questions, but once you start the formal video essay questions, you are only allowed one opportunity. This allows the committee to see your candid responses. The formal process should only take you about five minutes to complete, and can be done on your own time. If you have any questions about your video interview once you’ve registered, please contact support@kiratalent.com.

Preparing for your video essay: We want your recording process to be as easy as possible. As such, we encourage you to dress in business casual attire – no need for a suit. The admission committee will review your responses as part of the application process, and are interested in your presence, personality, and fit with our community. We recommend trying out a few of the sample Kira questions prior to recording your formal video essay responses.

Written Essay

If you’re someone who feels they can better express themselves and their reasons for applying to the Questrom School of Business in writing, we encourage you to complete the written essay. Within the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application, you will scroll down to “Essay” and click “Add Document” to upload your written essay.

Your written essay should be no more than 750 words, and should explain to the admissions committee why you’d like to earn your degree from the Questrom School of Business specifically. It should also address reasons why you believe you would be a good fit for whichever program you have chosen to apply to (Full-Time MBA, Professional Evening MBA, Health Sector MBA, Social Impact MBA, dual degree, MS in Management Studies, etc.).

Optional Essay

If you have any additional information to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee, you may address it in an optional essay of no more than 250 words. Acceptable topics for the optional essay include gaps in post-college work experience, choice of recommenders, and concerns about academic/test performance. If you plan to retake any admissions tests (GMAT or GRE; TOEFL, IELTS or PTE), please provide the date of your scheduled test here. To upload an optional essay, please scroll to the “Essay” section and click “Add Document.”

Questions?

If you have questions about the video or written essay process, please send us an email at mba@bu.edu or call us at 617-353-2670. If you need technical assistance with the Kira Talent system, please contact them directly at support@kiratalent.com.

(Optional) GMAT/GRE & GMAT/GRE Codes

The Professional Evening MBA is a rigorous program that requires both academic and quantitative aptitude. We are not requiring a GMAT or GRE score for candidates who apply to the Professional Evening MBA for 2022/2023 entry. The admissions committee will look for evidence of academic and quantitative aptitude through other areas of your application, such as undergraduate performance and any other coursework taken. You will not be penalized in the application review process if you choose not to submit a GMAT/GRE test score. Things to consider:

• Students are welcome to submit test scores to strengthen their applications, and test scores submitted will be considered in the admission decision process.

• For students with a low grade point average, a test score can provide admissions officers with additional information about their potential to succeed in the classroom. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence in your previous coursework that demonstrates your true academic and quantitative aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application.

• The admissions committee may, in rare cases, still ask you to submit a GMAT or GRE score to aid in evaluating your candidacy for the Professional Evening MBA program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed.

GRE/GMAT Codes

GMAT Codes

• Professional Evening MBA: P42-5k-93
• Health Sector MBA (part-time): P42-5k-93
• Social Impact MBA (part-time): P42-5k-93

GRE Code

• Professional Evening MBA: 3087

Information for International Students

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:

Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two years of a bachelor’s or master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver. Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission. Appropriate documentation includes a transcript coversheet, an official statement from the university, or a link to the institution’s website that specifies that the mode of instruction is English. Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-bachelor’s degree position in the US are eligible for an automatic waiver. If you do not meet this criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language to mba@bu.edu prior to the submission of your application. The Admissions Committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis. If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for two years. We are currently accepting Duolingo scores in addition to TOEFL and IELTS. To access the Duolingo test, go to https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.  Select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient, and email questromappdocs@bu.edu with your name and the date you have taken the Duolingo test.

• TOEFL: BU’s TOEFL code is 3087, department code is 02. Minimum Scores of 600 on the PBT or 90 on the iBT are recommended.
• IELTS: Competitive applicants typically score a minimum of 6.5 on each band.
• PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here.
• Duolingo: A minimum score of 110 is recommended.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES:

We require that applicants hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process. For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission. Regardless of program length, if you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact mba@bu.edu before starting the application process.

PERMANENT RESIDENTS:

Permanent residents should submit a copy (front and back) of their permanent resident card. International students who are looking to study in the Professional Evening MBA program must have a visa that allows them to do so, such as an employer-sponsored working visa.

PAYMENT:

Boston University no longer accepts wire transfer payments for application fees. In order to pay your application fee, please do so with a debit or credit card when submitting your application..

This tuition assumes 16 credits over the course of the 2022-2023 academic year.

Massachusetts law requires all students who carry at least 75 percent of the full-time curriculum to have medical insurance. Students who cannot demonstrate coverage under a qualifying medical insurance plan are required to purchase the University’s student health insurance plan. The cost of BU Medical Insurance for the 2022-2023 academic year is $3,235

Scholarship Opportunities

For those starting the Professional Evening MBA (PEMBA) program, we are happy to announce that we now offer merit-based scholarships to select candidates. Keep scrolling to learn more about our scholarships and other outlets BU offers to help students finance their MBA.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Boston University Questrom School of Business now offers merit-based scholarships for select Professional Evening MBA students. Scholarships are awarded based on a number of factors, including academic performance, professional work experience, leadership and overall profile. Scholarships typically range between $5,000 and $10,000 and are given as one-time, non-renewable awards to be applied toward tuition only.

Awards will be dispersed evenly between the first two semesters (fall and spring only). A separate application for scholarship consideration is not needed, and the Admissions Committee considers all admitted Professional Evening MBA candidates for scholarship during the admission process. Due to Boston University’s tuition remission benefits, BU employees will not be considered for scholarships to the PEMBA program.

Federal Financial Aid

We strongly recommend that all U.S. citizens and permanent residents apply for federal student loans before pursuing other loan options.  Student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) to qualify for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Interest begins accruing at the time of the loan disbursement. Students can elect to pay the interest while in school or have it capitalized into a repayment schedule that starts six months after you leave school. The Standard Repayment term extends up to 10 years, with deferments available during unemployment, economic hardship, or continued education. Loan funds are issued in two disbursements each year, typically timed to coincide with the start of each semester. Please note the following:

• Students are eligible to borrow up to $20,500 per academic year
• Students must remain enrolled at least half-time (6 or more credits).
• Interest rate on the UNSUB loan is currently 6.54% fixed.

HOW TO APPLY – FALL 2022/SPRING 2023

1. Obtain a FSA ID. Students will need a FSA ID to complete and electronically sign the FAFSA.
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (2022-2023 FAFSA) Boston University’s FAFSA school code is 002130.
3. Complete the 2022-2023 Federal Unsubsidized Loan Application. First time BU applicants may be asked to provide their SSN through secure email.
4. Submit the Master Promissory Note (MPN)* and Entrance Counseling for your loan (first time BU borrowers only)

*Be sure to complete the first option given, “MPN for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans”. The Graduate PLUS MPN is specifically for the Graduate PLUS Loan and not the unsubsidized loan.

*For students starting their program in Fall 2024, you must complete the 23-24 FAFSA which will be available October 1, 2022. You must also complete the 2023-2024 Federal Unsubsidized Direct loan application which will also be available October 2022.

Questions regarding federal loan funding can be sent to questromfa@bu.edu

Private Loans

For students who need financing beyond what is available through the federal student loan programs or choose not to borrow a federal loan, we offer a list of recommended loans and lenders here. A co-signer with a strong credit history will increase your chances of being approved for an alternative/supplemental loan.

Private Scholarships

The scholarship search engines below can help you to find the scholarships that are most applicable to your strengths, interests, and skills:

• The College Board
• FastWeb​
• Federal Student Aid​
• ​Fin Aid! Guide to Financial Aid
• Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)​
• Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance​
• The Wily Network​– support services for youth with foster care experience​

In addition, Questrom Financial Aid updates the list below as we are made aware of scholarships that may be applicable to some or all of our students. This list is not comprehensive but can also be a good place to start your search:

• Golden Key Scholarships– Golden Key offers unique scholarships, awards and grants to members, alumni and advisors all over the world.
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program – The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program is available to students who are studying accounting, business administration, finance, or criminal justice. Students must also express an interest in fraud examination or a similar anti-fraud profession in order to be eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours.
• FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship Program – The FINCAD women in Finance Scholarship Program offers an annual award of $10,000 to support a woman student of graduate study in the field of finance, particularly relating to the use of derivatives in capital markets and/or financial risk management. The scholarship is open to women of any age and citizenship.
• Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship – The GFOA’s Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship of $9,000 is available for award to an upper-division undergraduate or graduate student of public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, political science, economics, or business administration (with a specific focus on government or nonprofit management)

Tuition Reimbursement

Companies often provide financial assistance to employees pursuing education to advance their careers. You may want to contact your employer to determine whether you are eligible for tuition reimbursement benefits. Tuition reimbursement will be included in the determination of your federal financial need.

Payment Plans

Boston University has partnered with Nelnet Campus Commerce to offer payment plan options for part-time students. Fall and Spring plans are available to students who are part-time during those semesters. Please visit Student Accounting Services for more detailed information on our payment plans.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans and military personnel are eligible for educational assistance. If you are interested in taking advantage of this assistance, please contact 1-888-GI-BILL (1-888-442-4551) and speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor or visit the GI Bill website.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Boston University is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, an agreement with the Veterans Administration (VA) to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Individuals with active duty service since September 11, 2001, may be eligible for this benefit and can apply online at United States Department of Veterans Affairs. As a 2014-2015 academic year participant in the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP), Boston University will provide 20 students with Yellow Ribbon scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis. The University will contribute up to $2,600 per student per semester (fall, spring, and summer) that will be matched by the Veterans Administration. Please click here for more information.

What type of applicant does BU look for? The admission committee looks at many factors when reviewing an application, some of which include:

• A record of academic excellence — so we can be assured that you will thrive in our dynamic learning environment
• Evidence of managerial and leadership potential — to indicate the value you will bring to future employers
• Diversity of thought — to ensure that you will be challenged by people who have different fields of reference within your teams and in the classroom

We are committed to enrolling qualitatively excellent incoming classes that represent global, ethnic, and demographic diversity. It is our policy to encourage prospective students to consider our management programs regardless of race, color, religious creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, eligible veteran status or any other category protected by law.

How do I begin an application? We ask all interested applicants to fill out our online application and follow our admission procedures.

When is the deadline to apply? We have several deadlines throughout the year. Please see our deadlines page for additional information.

Where do I send my official application components (i.e official transcripts)? You should first upload your documents with your application or email them to mbaappdocs@bu.edu. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official documents. Official documents can be mailed to: Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office, Suite 115 595 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02215

Who should write my recommendation? While it is your choice to decide who to ask to write your letter of recommendation, we suggest recommendations come from an employer or someone you have worked with in a professional setting.

How long will I have to wait for my admission decision? If your application is submitted in its entirety by the required deadline, we aim to release the decision to you in four to six weeks. This precludes our doctoral programs. For the anticipated decision response dates, please visit our application deadlines page.

What is the reapplication policy? The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. In order to reapply you must follow the reapplication procedure as outlined on our website.

What is the process for applying to one of Questrom’s joint degree programs? Aside from the MBA+ MS in Digital Technology, which is housed solely within Questrom, admission to all other MBA+ Joint Degrees requires separate applications to both Questrom and the appropriate BU school or college associated with the joint degree. Candidates should refer to the application deadlines and admission decision dates for both schools to determine the best time to submit their application to each program. For the MBA+ JD (non-accelerated), students who are already enrolled in the School of Law may apply to Questrom’s MBA program as a joint degree student. Students often apply before or during their first year of law school to begin the MBA program in their second year. In addition, students who are already enrolled in the School of Medicine can apply for the MBA+ MD at various points during their time as a medical student. Those interested in the MBA+JD (3 year accelerated) should apply to the Professional Evening MBA program starting in the Fall. While this is a full-time dual degree, the MBA portion is completed with the Professional Evening MBA. Please contact the Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office at mba@bu.eduwith any questions. When you’re ready to apply, use our online application form for both degrees. You may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time. Review our admissions checklist above to stay on top of required materials, and be sure to keep an eye on deadlines, too. Feel free to contact us with any questions along the way. We want the admissions process to be as simple and transparent as possible. Reach out to the Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office at 617-353-2670 or mba@bu.edu.

Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE? No. We are not requiring a GMAT or GRE score for candidates who apply to Professional Evening MBA for 2023 entry. Please note that the Questrom MBA is a rigorous program that requires both academic and quantitative aptitude. The admissions committee will look for evidence of this through other areas of your application, such as undergraduate performance and any other coursework taken. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence to demonstrate this aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application. The admissions committee may, in rare cases, still ask you to submit a GMAT or GRE score to aid in evaluating your candidacy for the Professional Evening MBA program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed.

Are official documents, such as transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores, required? To expedite the admissions process, we ask that you upload unofficial documents at the time of your application submission. Enrolled candidates are required to submit official copies of all documents.

Is work experience required? We do not have a minimum work experience requirement applicants must meet in order to be admitted. With few exceptions, accepted students have at least two years of full-time, post-undergraduate professional experience. The admissions committee takes internships and cooperative education assignments into account, but those experiences are usually considered supplementary. To see the averages of our current classes, please visit the class profile pages.

Do I need to interview? Interviews are by invitation only. Upon receiving your application, we will determine whether an interview will be necessary. If you are invited to interview, you must complete your interview to be considered for admission. We do not offer informational interviews, but instead strongly encourage you to attend one of our information sessions instead.

Do I need to come to campus for my interview?  Evaluative admissions interviews are conducted in-person and via Zoom. If you are asked to complete an admissions interview, we will send you all of the details that you will need to register and conduct this conversation on campus or virtually.

Who should write my recommendation? While it is your choice to decide who to ask to write your letter of recommendation, we suggest recommendations come from an employer or someone you have worked with in a professional setting.

Do I need to complete a video essay? In order to get to know you on a more personal level, applicants to our full-time and part-time MBA programs are required to complete either three short video essays OR one written essay during the application process.  Because everyone expresses themselves in different ways, the choice is yours.  For more information on what the admissions committee is looking for in your essay(s), as well as directions on how to complete them, please click here.

Are there any prerequisite courses? Do I need an undergraduate degree in business or a professional business background? There are no prerequisites for our Professional Evening MBA program. The admissions committee looks for good quantitative skills, leadership and analytical ability, and excellent verbal expression. You can demonstrate these competencies through a variety of undergraduate majors and professional experiences. A large percentage of our MBA students do not have an undergraduate business background.

Do I need a four-year degree? We require that applicants hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent.  If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process.  For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission.  Regardless of program length, if you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact mba@bu.edu before starting the application process.

Do I need a TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score? Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two years of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver.  Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission (through their transcript/accompanying documents or a link to the institution’s website). 

Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-Bachelor’s degree position in the US are eligible for an automatic waiver. If you do not meet this criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language to mba@bu.edu prior to the submission of your application.  The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis. If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for 2 years.

We are currently accepting Duolingo scores in addition to TOEFL and IELTS. To access the Duolingo test, go to https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient, and email questromappdocs@bu.edu with your name and the date you have taken the Duolingo test. What is the minimum TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores you accept? TOEFL: Minimum scores of 600 on the PBT or 90 on the IBT are recommended.  BU’s TOEFL code is 3087, and the department code is 02. IELTS: Competitive applicants typically score a minimum of 6.5 on each band. PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here. Duolingo: A minimum score of 110 is recommended. Do I need to complete all essays? Yes, essay questions and requirements vary by program. Please see the online application for more information about the requirements for your program.

When are classes offered? Classes are typically offered Monday through Thursday evenings. Depending on your schedule, you can expect to attend class at least one night a week, from 6:30-9:15 PM.

Can I take MBA courses at Boston University via distance learning? Do you have online courses? While we know how important it is to have an in-person format, we understand the convenience and flexibility of online coursework. Most of our core courses are offered both in-person and online. Questrom also offers an Online MBA program for those interested in pursuing their MBA entirely online. More information about this program can be found here.

When does the Professional Evening MBA program begin? We have a fall entry term beginning in August, as well as spring entry term beginning in January. Those starting in the fall have the unique option of choosing between paths to complete a part-time MBA: either cohort or flex. Those enrolling in January will be flex only.

What is the difference between the cohort and the flex options? Students in the cohort track share their first year of core coursework with the same small core group of students, allowing them to build a sense of community, teamwork, and camaraderie.  Students in this track are required to follow a set curriculum during the first year of the program. After the first year, cohort students have the opportunity to pick their pace, allowing them to continue their studies at their own speed for the remainder of the program. The flex track is great for those who wish to set the pace from the beginning of the program.  Students in the flex track take the same core courses as those in the cohort – and still experience a great sense of community – but have the flexibility to speed the pace up or slow it down based on their other commitments. Most flex students still choose to take two courses at a time for at least part of the program. Courses are available year-round.

Do cohorted students need to take courses in the summer? Yes, cohorted students follow a set pace and track for the first year in the program.

How long does it take to complete the Professional Evening MBA, and how many credits are required to graduate? The Professional Evening MBA is a 55 credit program and takes approximately three to four years to complete, depending on how many classes you choose to take each semester. Please see our curriculum maps for more information. All PEMBA students have up to six years to complete the degree. PEMBA students may choose to take a temporary leave of absence during the program, but for no longer than two consecutive years.

If someone is taking two classes at a time, do they find the workload to be manageable? Most students choose to take two courses at a time during at least part of the program. When the two courses are coordinated, your assignments are timed to reduce stress, and you can work as part of the same team in more than one course, taking advantage of the relationships that you’ve already established.

Are the Health Sector MBA & Social Impact MBA programs open to Professional Evening MBA students? Yes, both the Health Sector MBA & the Social Impact MBA programs are available to students in our Professional Evening MBA program. You can complete either of these programs through our flex track or cohort track.

Can I take classes at another Boston University graduate school? Yes. Professional Evening MBA students may cross register for elective courses offered at other Boston University Schools and Colleges.

Can I switch between programs? Between the Professional Evening MBA and Full-Time MBA program? Health Sector MBA & Social Impact MBA? This depends on where you are within the process:
Application in Progress: If you have started, but not yet submitted an application, you may not change programs without losing all of your inputted data. In this case, please submit the application you have started and follow the “application submitted” steps below.
Application Submitted: Once you have submitted your application, please contact the Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office (mba@bu.edu) with a written request to change your application to the program for which you’d like to be considered. The Admission Committee will consider your request and will notify you of the outcome. Please note, you may only be considered for one MBA program per entry term.
Enrolled student: Once you have enrolled in a program, changing programs is handled on a case by case basis. Students wishing to switch between programs should work with their advisor in the Graduate Academic & Career Development Office.

Are there study abroad opportunities for Professional Evening MBA students? Yes, Questrom offers many opportunities for global immersion experiences, including Global Immersion Courses which are one to two week intensive electives conducted abroad by BU faculty. Recent experiences include trips to Asia, Europe, Israel and South Africa.

What career services are available for Professional Evening MBA students and alumni? Professional Evening MBA students have a dedicated career coach who will work with them 1:1 on their specific career goals. In addition, they will have access to volumes of data and information on resumes, cover letters, interviewing, networking, and salary negotiations. Students will also have access to the Feld Center for Industry Alliances to connect with strategic industry and alumni partners. The Feld Center hosts numerous events, workshops, panels, and professional development seminars.

Is the faculty the same in the Professional Evening MBA program as in the Full-Time MBA program? One of the benefits of our Professional Evening MBA program is that our part-time MBA students share electives with our full-time MBA students, allowing for the opportunity to not only build a broader network, but also to learn from the same faculty.

Can I transfer into the MBA program? While we do not have a formal transfer application process, students currently enrolled in other MBA programs are welcome to apply through the standard application process.

Can I transfer credits from classes I have previously taken?

Can I waive out of a core class if I have a strong academic background in that area?

1. Waiver By Undergraduate Coursework

2. Waiver By Competency for Select Courses

Students may waive AC711 as a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant. With evidence of having passed the CPA exam or copy of a CPA or CA license, students may waive out of AC711 Financial Reporting and Control. For more information on this process, please contact us at mba@bu.edu. Students may Waive FE722 with a Chartered Financial Analyst^® Designation With evidence of a CFA^® charter or having passed three levels of the CFA exams, students may waive out of FE722 Financial Management. I’m eligible for a course waiver. Can I still participate in the cohort option? Yes. Professional Evening MBA students can participate in the cohort option, even if they are eligible for course waivers. Can international students study part-time? Usually not. If your reason for entering the United States is to enroll in the full-time MBA program, you will be eligible for a University-sponsored student visa that entitles you to full-time study only. International students who are looking to study in our part-time program must have a visa that allows them to do so, such as an employer-sponsored working visa. Can I take classes before applying? In most instances, a student must be matriculated in the Boston University Questrom School of Business in order take courses at Questrom. Those interested in taking one or more courses without matriculating need to meet certain, specific criteria in order to register as a guest student. There are four categories of eligible guest registrants:

1. Current graduate students of other schools or colleges within Boston University.
2. Current MBA students registered at another AACSB accredited institution.
3. MBA alumnus/a from Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Program or another AACSB accredited MBA program.
4. Graduate students at Consortium institutions (Boston College, Brandeis University, Tufts University, and Hebrew College).

If you satisfy any of these requirements, you can contact the Graduate Academic & Career Development Center at (617) 353-2673 for more information about guest student registration.

Do you still offer a North Campus location? No. The faculty and administration of Boston University Questrom School of Business completed a review of the North Campus location of the Professional Evening MBA program, prompted by the completion of our lease agreement as of spring 2015. After careful consideration, we decided to close the North Campus as of May 2015. As such, we are no longer enrolling any new students at the North Campus.

What is the cost of tuition for the Professional Evening MBA program? Please click here for current tuition. The program length is 55 credits.

How do I apply for Financial Aid? The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. The maximum loan eligibility is $20,500 per academic year. Learn more about financing your MBA at our tuition section.

Are scholarship opportunities available? Yes, Boston University Questrom School of Business offers merit-based scholarships for select Professional Evening MBA students. A separate application for scholarship consideration is not needed, and the admission committee considers all admitted Professional Evening MBA candidates for scholarship during the admission process.* *Due to Boston University’s tuition remission benefits, BU employees will not be considered for scholarships to the Professional Evening MBA program.

The Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid team is here to support you during the admission process. Please feel free to email us at mba@bu.edu or to call us at (617) 353-2670.