FAQs
Admissions Process/Requirements
Are interviews required for the MBA program?
Interviews are required only at the request of the Admissions Committee for flex MBA applicants. Interviews are required for qualified traditional full-time MBA applicants.
Is work experience required for the MBA program?
Two years of full-time work experience is STRONGLY recommended.
What undergraduate major is required or recommended?
We do not give preference in admission based on undergraduate major.
What are the prerequisite courses for the MBA program?
All students are expected to have completed one 3-credit course each in calculus and statistics with a ‘B’ or better at an accredited college or university. The statistics course can not be more than 4 years old. There is no time limit on the calculus course. These courses are not pre-requisites for admission to Rutgers Business School. If you are admitted, included in your orientation fee will be the Zoologic Business Essential On-Line Modules. Calculus and Statistics are two of the modules and a passing score of 80 or better will waive you from the pre-requisite, but you will receive no academic credit toward your degree. The other modules are Math Boot Camp; Finance I & II; Economics; and Accounting.
Do all of the application materials need to be in before the deadline?
We strongly recommend that all required documents be submitted prior to deadline. However, we will continue to accept additional applications and supporting documents on a rolling basis as long as space permits. If you have not yet taken the GMAT and it is required for the program you are applying to, get your other credentials submitted first.
Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
Generally both letters of recommendation should come from either current or recent employers. If you are self-employed, other possibilities may include clients or vendors.
Can I defer my admission?
You may defer admission for up to one year. To request a deferment, you must submit a written request along with your $300 tuition deposit within 30 days of the date of admission.
I applied two years ago and want to reapply. Do you still have my credentials?
Applications and supporting credentials are kept for 12 months and then destroyed. To reapply after one year from the initial term of entry sought, you must complete a new application and resubmit all required credentials.
Does RBS offer Graduate or Teaching Assistantships?
No, but some graduate jobs will be available to qualified students.
Do international applicants have to have transcripts and grades formally evaluated?
MBA applicants with only international degrees must have their educational credentials evaluated for both equivalency to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree and individual course evaluations and GPA, using an NACE accredited credentialing agency. For a list of NACE agencies go to: naces.org/members.htm
If an applicant received an advanced degree from the US, their undergraduate transcript does not have to be evaluated by an accredited credentialing agency.
Are international students eligible to receive academic scholarships or financial aid?
Financial aid is not available to international students through Rutgers University. MBA students may, however, apply for a private loan with a U.S. co-signer. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid. Check directly with the lender for other restrictions/qualifications for a pre-approval.
We do not have academic scholarships available for international students, however, F-1 students may apply for an on-campus job, for up to 20 hours per week. RBS will be offering qualified candidates hourly positions at RBS.
Are transfer students accepted to the MBA program?
You must apply as a new applicant. Please refer to the advanced standing webpage.
GMAT, GPA and TOEFL
What is your minimum GMAT, GRE, GPA, and TOEFL?
Applicants should refer to the class profile for current averages but are reminded that these are NOT minimum requirements. Many students are admitted with higher and lower scores and GPAs. The minimum TOEFL score we accept is 100 IBT.
Should I retake my GMAT, GRE, or TOEFL?
The Admissions Committee carefully reviews all items a candidate submits in support of the application. If, in the case of an otherwise strong candidate, the test score is below those of the students we can admit for that semester, the Committee may recommend that the candidate retake the test. Candidates who retake the test will be reconsidered for the original term of entry or for up to one year from the term of the original application.
If I take the GMAT or GRE more than once, which score do you use?
You may retake the GMAT or GRE without penalty, and we will use your highest score.
Will you accept a GMAT or GRE score that is more than 5 years old?
No. We will only use scores from tests taken no longer than 5 years prior to the date of enrollment in Rutgers Business School: Graduate Programs.
Do you ever waive the GMAT or GRE?
The GMAT or GRE is not required for holders of a Ph.D., MD, JD and PharmD. For the flex MBA program we will waive the GMAT or GRE based on 12 or more years of work experience on a case by case basis. The MA in Taxation program and the MA in Governmental Accounting program do not require a GMAT or GRE.
Can I waive the TOEFL exam?
In general, the TOEFL is required from all applicants whose first language is not English. However, if you have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in the U.S. the TOEFL is waived.
Applicants who have not completed a prior U.S. degree, but have been employed in the U.S. for a minimum of three years, may be waived on the basis of a satisfactory score on the verbal portion of the GMAT or GRE.
Advanced Standing for the MBA program
Can I transfer credit for courses completed at another university or otherwise qualify for advanced standing?
RBS advanced standing policy differs for traditional full-time and flex MBA candidates. For more information, please click here. The maximum number of transfer credits we will accept is 12 for flex MBA students only. For traditional full-time students, we will accept 6 credits or 12 if student went to another AACSB MBA program. The courses must be no more than 5 years old from the time they were taken and the grade of B or better, from an AACSB accredited school.
How can I find out if my undergraduate school is AACSB accredited? (Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business)
Go to: aacsb.edu for a listing of accredited institutions.
MBA Course Offerings at Satellite Campuses
Can I complete my MBA at Jersey City or Madison?
No. Only the core and foundation courses are available at the satellite locations. The electives must be completed at either Newark or New Brunswick.
Where are the satellite campuses located?
- Jersey City - Harborside 4A, corner of Washington Street and Christopher Columbus
- Madison - Brothers College Building at Drew University (36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940)
Additional Topics
What is the difference between the Traditional Full Time and Flex MBA programs?
The Traditional Full Time MBA program begins with a cohort of students taking the core classes together. They prepare for a possible summer internship and have full access to Career Management services. The program is highly ranked and students take part in a more closely knit MBA community with student clubs and activities. Students must enter the Traditional Full Time program in the fall. The Traditional Full Time program is 21 months.
The Flex MBA program is geared for the working professional. Students can complete the Flex MBA at their own pace (up to 15 credits per semester). There is no summer internship option. Students have the flexibility to begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer and can take classes at our satellite locations in Jersey City or Madison.
Is the curriculum the same for the Traditional Full-Time and Flex MBA programs?
Yes, the curriculum is identical for the traditional full-time and flex MBA programs. However, the flex program has two additional specialized concentrations; Accounting as well as Marketing Research Insights and Analytics.
Can I switch from the Flex MBA program to the Traditional Full-Time MBA program?
Rutgers Business School does not permit students to switch to the Traditional Full-Time program once they are enrolled in the Flex program. Please carefully consider which program is best suited to your goals prior to applying.
Can I apply to multiple programs at RBS?
No, but you can switch your application if you change your mind.
Do you have on-line courses?
We have several core courses available on-line and we will be adding more.
As a Traditional Full-Time MBA student, will I be able to work part-time?
The first semester of the program is very demanding, and students should not plan to work during this term. Some students may find it possible to work limited hours during the second semester.
Do you have weekend courses in the MBA program?
Some courses are available on Saturdays, but most of our courses are held Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 in Newark and 6:40 – 9:40 in New Brunswick. The traditional full-time core courses and many electives are held during the day.
How long does it take to complete the MBA program as a Flex student? As a Traditional Full-Time student?
On average, flex students complete the program within 3 ½ to 4 years. Students in the flex program taking a full load can finish in 20 months. Depending on the number of courses you are able to take each term or if you have Advanced Standing credit, you may be able to finish in less time or it may take you longer. The program must be completed within eight years of the first term of enrollment.
The traditional full-time program is designed to be completed in two years with a summer internship between the 1st and 2nd year. It is possible to complete it sooner if you were an undergraduate business major and receive 6 credits of Advanced Standing and do not seek an internship.
What are the laptop computer requirements for Traditional Full-Time MBA students?
While not required, it is recommended that traditional full-time MBA students purchase a laptop computer.
How do I get to the Rutgers Business School locations?
If I commute by train, how can I get to campus from Newark Penn Station or the Broad Street Station?
Take the subway (light rail) in Penn Station to Atlantic Street or Broad Street by the Bears Stadium then cross Broad Street. From the Broad Street train station, walk 2-3 blocks to 1 Washington Park.
If I am currently on a visa, but live and pay taxes in New Jersey, can I be considered an in-state resident?
New Jersey residency regulations do not recognize temporary work visas as evidence of residency. For a complete description of residency policy go to: admissions.rutgers.edu/costs/tuitionandfees/njtuitioneligibility.aspx. If you become a permanent resident during your studies, you will be granted in-state tuition the following semester if you are a NJ resident.
Can I enroll in day classes as a Flex MBA Student?
Yes, except for the traditional full-time MBA core courses designed for the traditional full-time MBA program in Newark.
As a Rutgers graduate, do I need to have my transcripts sent to the Admissions Office?
Yes, contact transcripts.rutgers.edu and fill out a transcript request form.
