Full-Time MBA Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Full-Time MBA program and the Part-Time MBA program?

The 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 Full-Time MBA program in the fall. The Full-Time MBA program is 21 months.

The Part-Time MBA program is geared for the working professional. Students can complete the MBA at their own pace (up to 11 credits per semester). Part-time students do not participate in the summer internship program and they have access to the Office of Career Management once they reach 24 credits. 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 Morristown.

More details can be found on the MBA Programs Comparison page.

Is the curriculum the same for the Full-Time and Part-Time MBA programs?

No, the full-time MBA program is a 60 credit curriculum while the part-time MBA program is 49 credits.

When and how often do classes meet?

Classes meet once a week for three (3) hours.

As a full-time student, can I take evening courses in Newark and New Brunswick?

The first year in the Full-Time MBA program is very structured. During the second year there is more flexibility in regard to taking day or evening classes, including evening classes on the New Brunswick campus.

What is the profile of a typical Full-Time MBA student?

The Full-Time MBA student profile has a 640 GMAT score, a 3.3 GPA, and an average of 5 years of full-time work experience.

What are my career management options as a Full-Time MBA student?

The MBA Office of Career Management (OCM) provides an intensive first-semester experience for students enrolled in the Full-Time MBA Program to help them become competitive MBA candidates for the summer internship search.

Can I take classes in Morristown or Jersey City?

No. The courses offered at the satellite locations are for the Part-Time MBA program only.

Are interviews required during the admission process?

Interviews are required for qualified Full-Time MBA applicants.

Is work experience required?

Two years of full-time work experience is STRONGLY recommended for the Full-Time MBA program.

What are the prerequisite courses for the MBA program?

All students are expected to have calculus and statistics proficiency. For Full-Time MBA and MBA PA students, all are required to attend a calculus and statistics workshop that will take place during orientation prior to the start of classes. Applicants admitted to the Full-Time MBA, the Part-Time MBA, and the MBA in Professional Accounting programs will also receive access to the SS&C On-Line Learning Modules that they can use as an introduction or refresher to the course material. These online modules include: Calculus, Statistics, Math Boot Camp, Finance I & II, Economics, and Accounting.

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.

Are transfer students accepted to the MBA program?

You must apply as a new applicant. Students attending another AACSB accredited MBA program can transfer up to 6 credits into the RBS Full-Time MBA program.

Do you have on-line courses?

We have several core and elective courses available on-line. Full-Time students cannot take their core courses online, but they can register for any online elective courses.

How long does it take to complete the MBA program as a Full-Time student?

The Full-Time MBA program is a 21 month program with a summer internship between the 1st and 2nd year.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. RBS does offer merit-based scholarships to applicants of the Full-Time MBA program. Typically the level of award offered is based on a combination of an applicant's GMAT or GRE score, their undergraduate GPA, and the amount of full-time work experience he/she has.

Can I switch from the Full-Time MBA program to the Part-Time program?

You may apply to the part-time MBA program but note that the program will accept up to 6 credits of your completed courses from the full-time MBA program. Please carefully consider which program is best suited to your goals prior to applying.

University Policy for Students on COVID Vaccinations

Read the university policy on COVID-19 Immunization Record Requirement for Students. 

 

Rutgers STEM MBA Frequently Asked Questions

What is a STEM MBA?

High-quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) MBA programs include extensive portions devoted to technology and math. Over 50% of the courses for our entire curriculum require advanced mathematics or deal directly with the management of technology.

Does the STEM designation only apply to certain concentrations?

No. You may pursue any concentration as a STEM degree. To qualify, 50% of your total required degree credits must be in STEM-designated courses. This requirement is easy to meet in concentrations such as Supply Chain Management, Finance, Pharmaceutical Management, and Analytics and Information Management. For other concentrations, consult with an academic advisor to plan your curriculum to meet the criteria for a STEM degree.

Does the STEM designation only apply to the Full-Time MBA?

No. Rutgers STEM MBA applies to the Full-time and Part-time Rutgers Business School MBA programs. Students in the Full-time and Part-time program can pursue a STEM degree. 

What do I need to do to qualify for the benefits of a STEM MBA?

Take at least 50% of your course credits from the list of STEM-designated courses. The majority of the credits in the core curriculum (including what we call “Foundation” courses) are non-STEM. Therefore, you should work with your academic advisor and faculty from the appropriate academic department to design a plan of study that emphasizes STEM electives in your concentration.

How does the STEM MBA affect international students?

Under current federal policy, international students (e.g., those on F-1 student visas) are eligible to work in the US in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after two full-time semesters in residence. CPT allows international students to have paid internships in the US. After graduation, these students are eligible for Optional Professional Training (OPT). For a non-STEM degree, OPT can last for one year, enabling the student to learn a job in a US-based company before going abroad or getting an H-1B visa. For a STEM degree, OPT is extended an additional 24 months (if properly designed by the employer), so international students who receive the Rutgers MBA can work in the US for up to 3 years.

Have admissions procedures or standards changed for the Rutgers MBA?

The move to a STEM designation does not bring any significant changes to the standards for admission to our MBA programs.

Is the STEM MBA a dual degree?

No. The STEM MBA is one degree with the option to pursue more than one concentration.

Is the STEM designation available to recent alumni?

The STEM designation was approved for RBS MBA programs in 2020. Therefore, both international and domestic students who graduated in May 2020 are eligible to receive the STEM designation as long as their coursework met the criteria for a STEM degree. International alumnus currently under OPT who meet this requirement are eligible for extended OPT. Graduates who earned their degrees before May 2020 are ineligible to receive the STEM designation. Contact Marc Limata in the Full-Time MBA Office or Julia Conroy in the Part-Time MBA Office if you would like to request a review of your transcript.

Why might I want to attend Rutgers and not pursue the STEM-designated curriculum?

Although this designation is valuable, it may not align with your career goals. The STEM curriculum heavily emphasizes the use of math, science, and technology in business. Some career paths require other skillsets that you might want to focus on, which might not qualify you for a STEM-designated degree. You should design a course plan that helps you to achieve your career goals.

How can I find out more information about the STEM MBA?

Contact Rutgers Business School’s Office of Graduate Admissions: admit@business.rutgers.edu or call 973-353-1234.

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