Application Checklist

1. Application fee (non-refundable) of $70

Checks and money orders should be made payable to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Do not send cash. This can also be paid online via a credit card.

The application fee is waived for all military and veteran applicants. If you fall into this category, please e-mail Tishawn Hatchett at tishawnb@business.rutgers.edu PRIOR to submitting your application and send her a copy of your DD 214 form or a copy of your military ID card. Do NOT include your social security number when e-mailing the form. Please block it out prior to sending.

2. Official Transcripts

To expedite the review process, applicants should upload unofficial transcripts to the online application or via email to the admission office. Upon being accepted and committing to the program, applicants must mail in an official transcript for each undergraduate and graduate institution attended prior to the start of the term. These transcripts must demonstrate degree conferral.  

*Official transcript(s) and degree conferral(s) will be verified. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission at any time prior to or after enrolling if there is any discrepancy between the self-reported and official transcript(s).

For Rutgers graduates, please note that even though you are applying to Rutgers as an alumnus, you still need to contact the Registrar's office and request your official transcript be mailed to our office upon admission to the program.

Applicants holding international transcripts are required to submit an educational evaluation from a NACES member (https://www.naces.org/) such as WES, ECE, or Spantran. 

Mailing Address for Submitting Transcripts:
Rutgers Business School - Newark and New Brunswick
Office of Graduate Admissions
1 Washington Park, 6th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102

3. GMAT/GRE Test Results

GMAT/GRE is optional, but preferred. Please note that there are a limited number of scholarships awarded to the most outstanding applicants to the program, and preference will be given to students who submit their GMAT/GRE scores as part of their application package.

4. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS, or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)

You must submit the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic test if English is not the official language in your country. Applicants from countries with more than one official language, including English, (Pakistan, India, Hong Kong, etc.) are not exempt from taking the exam. This requirement can be waived for applicants who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree in the U.S. or another English-only speaking country (England, Australia, etc.). This requirement can also be waived if you have three (3) or more years of full-time work experience in the United States.

1. TOEFL Code: B355
2. IELTS: Please contact IELTS and have your score sent to our office (address listed below).
3. PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language proficiency test designed to measure reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, as they are used in an academic setting. Rutgers Business School requires a minimum score of 68 on PTE Academic.

5. You must provide 3 letters of recommendation

The recommendations, one of which should be a professional reference (current or previous job supervisor or manager), can either be submitted electronically through the online application (preferred method) or mailed to the RBS Admissions office directly by the recommender on company letterhead. The recommendation format in the online application consists of a standardized form that the recommender can complete in 10 to 20 minutes.

The online application contains a link to the recommendation form which the applicant will send electronically to the recommender. The recommender will be able to access the recommendation form via the link. Upon completion, the recommender will then use a link contained in the recommendation form to electronically send the form to the RBS Admissions office. If the recommender decides to write a "free form recommendation" it needs to be mailed directly to the RBS Admissions office (not to the applicant).

6. Submit your current resume

This can be done through the online application.

*You affirm that your job experience, including any and all positions held with current or previous employers, is true and accurate, understanding that any discrepancy or inaccuracy will allow the Admissions Committee to withdraw an offer of admission at any time prior to or after enrolling in the program.  The Admissions Committee may require additional documentation and proof regarding any aspects of a candidate’s resume at any time prior to or after enrolling in the program.

7. Essay

You must write an essay on each of the three (3) topics below:

1. In your own words, define digital marketing and explain how it fits into your career goals. What do you hope to gain from the MSDM program and how will it benefit your professional path?
2. Describe your greatest professional or academic achievement and how you added value to your organization or your college.
3. What particular challenges do students face in online learning environments? Explain your preparation strategy to become a successful online student by detailing at least three steps you will take to manage these challenges.

Additional/Optional Essay #4 - provide any additional information not addressed elsewhere in your application materials which will help the Admissions Committee learn more about your candidacy. Please address any employment gaps, academic concerns, strengths or weaknesses. Note that there are a limited number of scholarships awarded to the most outstanding applicants to the program, and preference will be given to students who submit an optional fourth essay as part of their application package.

8. International Applicants

Additional requirements apply to international applicants. Please note that F1 visas are not granted for this online program.